As lawmakers reconvened on Capitol Hill this week, the Democratic Party faced a crucial juncture following President Biden’s contentious debate performance last month. Concerns about the party’s direction and calls for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race have surfaced. This Tuesday, House Democrats gathered outside the Capitol for a closed-door caucus meeting, described by Rep. Greg Meeks of New York as a “listening session.”
During this meeting, Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Texas reiterated his call for President Biden to step aside, emphasizing the need for a replacement. However, many lawmakers, such as Reps. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, Hank Johnson of Georgia, and Juan Vargas of California voiced their support for the president. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, a long-time ally of President Biden, expressed a positive outlook, stating, “We’re riding with Biden.”
While some House members have urged President Biden to withdraw, others have staunchly supported his reelection bid. Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, who had (according to reports) privately suggested the president should leave the race, publicly affirmed his support, emphasizing Biden’s determination to run. On Monday night, President Biden received further backing from the Congressional Black Caucus after participating in their election-focused call. Even progressive voices, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, have pledged their support. Ocasio-Cortez confirmed that President Biden is resolute in his decision to stay in the race, stating, “The matter is closed. Joe Biden is our nominee.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated his unwavering support for President Biden, declaring, “My position has not changed.” Despite clear endorsements, the House Democratic caucus remained uncertain leading into Tuesday’s meeting.
Inside the Beltway, reporter Jake Sherman reported he spoke with Democrats as they left the meeting, and one congressman said it “felt like a funeral.”
According to Sherman, there is “no consensus on Biden.”
There was a portion of Sherman’s report that was interesting.
Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn) made a very inciteful point.
She said that putting Harris at the top of the ticket would “be setting her up for failure.”
INSIDE THE ROOM — The House Democratic Caucus meeting about President Joe Biden’s political standing is starting to empty out.
One House Democrat supportive of Biden told me it “felt like a funeral.”
There is definitely no consensus on Biden. Lots of talk about how difficult…
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) July 9, 2024
She’s not wrong.
First, Trump has a ton of momentum right now.
Second, the political fallout of abandoning Joe would take weeks to die down.
Third, their whole saving democracy talking point would go out the window.
Fourth, do you really want to send your “top prospect” out into this nightmare?
Fifth, I hate to say it, but it’s a reality that needs to be realized. The way things are going for the Democrats what do you think Judge Merchan is going to do at sentencing in September?
If you don’t think that’s possible, this is what Dems are facing, according to a CNN report.
Downballot effects of a Biden loss are clear for Democrats. The House would likely be gone. GOP has opened up an edge on the generic ballot.
If Biden loses, the chance of Democrats holding the Senate is close to zero because of the map and WV being an easy GOP pickup. pic.twitter.com/8tMK2giqDK
— (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) July 9, 2024
