Several top House Democrats are urging President Joe Biden to reconsider his 2024 campaign, expressing concerns about its impact on the Democratic Party’s election prospects, CNN reported.
During a leadership call organised by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Sunday, these concerns were discussed among ranking members and leaders before members return to Washington this week.
The report quoting sources familiar with the call revealed that apprehensions about Biden’s potential negative impact on the Democratic ticket and the party’s chances of reclaiming the House majority dominated the discussion. Jeffries did not disclose his own stance on Biden’s re-election, leaving the matter open for debate among participants.
The call exposed a notable division among House Democrats, with more lawmakers advocating for Biden to step aside than those supporting his candidacy. Notable figures opposing Biden included Representatives Mark Takano, Adam Smith, Jim Himes, Joe Morelle, Jerry Nadler, and Susan Wild. Conversely, Representatives Maxine Waters and Bobby Scott voiced support for Biden, highlighting internal party divisions.
A primary concern raised during the nearly two-hour call was the risk of losing the chance to secure a House majority if Biden remained the nominee. Several participants expressed a preference for Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the ticket, viewing her as a stronger candidate.
“It was pretty brutal,” a senior Democratic aide told CNN, describing the intense discussions during the private call among House leaders. The aide indicated that no immediate decisions regarding formal demands or actions, such as a White House meeting or a letter to Biden, were expected before the full Democratic caucus convenes on Tuesday. Jeffries reportedly emphasised that members would be allowed to voice their opinions freely and make their own judgements.
Another senior House Democrat revealed that the sentiment within the caucus overwhelmingly supports Biden stepping aside. The member emphasised that while there is respect for Biden’s lengthy career in public service, there is a growing consensus that the party needs a new strategy moving forward.
Tuesday’s scheduled caucus meeting is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for Biden, according to sources within the Democratic Party.
Many Democrats dissatisfied with Biden’s recent debate performance are awaiting Jeffries’ public stance on the matter. So far, Jeffries has maintained a cautious approach, refraining from publicly endorsing any particular course of action as he continues to assess the sentiments within his caucus.
President Biden, meanwhile, appeared confident during a visit to battleground Pennsylvania, affirming his belief in the Democratic Party’s unified support. When questioned by the press, Biden unequivocally asserted that the party continues to stand behind him, CNN reported.
