President Joe Biden is resolute in his decision to run for re-election in 2024, a stance he made clear during a meeting with Democratic governors at the White House on Wednesday evening. This gathering, which included over 20 governors, was part of Biden’s broader effort to quell growing concerns within his party about his candidacy following a lackluster debate performance.
California Governor Gavin Newsom emerged from the meeting with a strong message of support for Biden. “I heard three words from the President – he’s all in. And so am I. Joe Biden’s had our back. Now it’s time to have his,” Newsom stated. This sentiment was echoed by other governors who attended the meeting, emphasizing their collective commitment to Biden’s campaign.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also expressed her unwavering support for Biden, highlighting the high stakes of the upcoming election. “All of us said we pledged our support to him because the stakes could not be higher,” Hochul told reporters. She warned of the dangers of a potential return to power by former President Donald Trump, describing it as a risk of “descending back” into “monarchy and tyranny.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who attended the meeting alongside Hochul and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, described the discussion as “candid.” Moore acknowledged the concerns raised by the public following Biden’s debate performance but remained optimistic about the path to victory. “We know that as we’re standing right here, we’re behind,” Moore said. “But we also know that that path to be able to make sure that we can pull ahead in November is real, and it’s going to take all of us in order to make it happen.”
Walz, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, reiterated his support for Biden, emphasizing the importance of unity within the party. “The governors have his back, and we’re working together just to make very, very clear on that; a path to victory in November is the number one priority and that’s the number one priority of the president,” Walz stated.
The meeting was a response to increasing calls from some Democratic quarters for Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Governors like Illinois’ J.B. Pritzker, Michigan’s Gretchen Whitmer, and California’s Newsom have been mentioned as potential replacements if Biden were to step aside. However, the consensus from the meeting was clear: Biden is committed to running, and the governors are committed to supporting him.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers was notably absent from the meeting, though his spokesperson clarified that Evers remains a staunch supporter of Biden. “He supports President Biden – his comments in support of the president over the last week speak for themselves, and he looks forward to campaigning with the President on Friday,” Evers’ spokesperson Britt Cudaback said.
Following the meeting, the Biden campaign released a statement summarizing the discussions. The statement highlighted Biden’s determination to defeat Trump and the importance of electing Democrats across the board. “Tonight President Biden and Vice President Harris met with Democratic governors from across the country at the White House to discuss their continued partnership in this reelection campaign. The president reiterated his determination to defeat the existential threat of Donald Trump at the ballot box in November and sought the advice and expertise of Democratic governors,” the campaign stated.
The meeting also focused on the broader strategy of electing more Democratic governors and securing majorities in Congress and statehouses. “All participants reiterated their shared commitment to do everything possible to make sure President Biden and Vice President Harris beat Donald Trump in November,” the statement continued.
This gathering followed a call on Monday where Democratic governors discussed Biden’s debate performance. While some framed it as a general meeting, it was clear that the debate was a significant topic of discussion. The governors’ support for Biden was evident, with many emphasizing the positive impact of the Biden-Harris administration’s accomplishments on their states.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who was among those who attended the meeting, underscored the proactive support from Democratic governors. “Democratic governors are some of the President and Vice President’s most proactive and vocal supporters because they’ve seen how the Biden-Harris Administration’s accomplishments are directly benefiting their residents,” a Democratic official stated.
As Biden continues to face scrutiny and calls for better communication, the support from Democratic governors is a crucial element of his campaign strategy. The meeting at the White House was a clear demonstration of the party’s commitment to rallying behind Biden and ensuring a unified front heading into the 2024 election.
Source: NBC News, ABC News
