In a dramatic development on Sunday, several senior House Democrats urged President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid during a private call convened by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The call, which lasted nearly two hours, saw a significant number of prominent Democrats expressing doubts about Biden’s viability as a candidate.
Key Democrats Voice Concerns
Among those forcefully advocating for Biden to step aside were Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), and Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.). Other members, including Reps. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), voiced their concerns about Biden’s path to November, indicating a broader sense of unease within the party.
Public and Private Pressures Mount
The call’s revelations come as the Democratic Party prepares to return to Washington, where lawmakers will face tough questions about their party’s standard-bearer. Aaron Fritschner, Beyer’s spokesperson, took to social media to clarify Beyer’s stance, emphasizing that he supports Biden, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
The additional calls for Biden to step aside follow his interview last week with ABC News, which failed to alleviate concerns among rank-and-file lawmakers about his continued viability in the race. Members have been urging Biden to schedule more unscripted events and town halls to demonstrate his vitality and energy.
Senate Democrats Join the Chorus
The sentiment is not confined to the House. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) is reportedly leading a discussion among Senate Democrats about Biden’s path forward. This meeting will take place once the Senate returns to Washington on Monday. Publicly, five House Democrats have urged Biden to stand down, while many others have expressed their concerns in private.
Jeffries has been largely silent about Biden’s future since the debate. However, he posted a cryptic Bible verse on social media on Sunday morning: “Do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go,” possibly hinting at the internal party turmoil.
Reaction to Biden’s Defiant Interview
Democratic dissatisfaction has been brewing since Biden’s defiant statement during the ABC News interview that only “the Lord almighty” could force him out of the presidential race. Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) voiced this frustration on MSNBC, stressing the need for a pragmatic decision: “We have to win this election. This isn’t a decision for Lord almighty. This is a real-world decision for real-world people in politics who care about our country.”
Conclusion
The coming days will be critical as Congress returns to session. Lawmakers will undoubtedly continue these discussions, seeking a path forward that ensures the best chance for a Democratic victory in 2024.
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