Democratic senators are growing increasingly skeptical about President Joe Biden’s ability to lead the party to victory in the upcoming presidential election.
Just two weeks after a poor debate showing against former President Trump, anxiety is mounting on Capitol Hill.
Many fear Biden’s shaky performance could have negative consequences for down-ballot Democrats.
Already, 14 elected Democrats have publicly urged Biden to withdraw from the race.
In an effort to address the crisis, Biden’s campaign advisors, Mike Donilon and Steve Ricchetti, along with campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon, held a last-minute meeting with Democratic senators.
However, the private meeting left lawmakers with more questions than answers.
Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut expressed mixed feelings, stating, “Some of my concerns are allayed, some others have been deepened.”
Blumenthal emphasized the need for more data and analytics to demonstrate a clear path to success.
“More important than my concerns are the questions that have been raised by the American people,” he said, urging Biden to take a stronger stance against Trump and highlight the threat he believes Trump poses to American democracy.
Two senators disclosed to PunchBowl News that the meeting became heated, with lawmakers expressing frustration about defending Biden’s performance to their constituents.
Despite attempts by Biden’s team to show how he could defeat Trump, the presentation lacked sufficient data to convince the senators.
Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio, speaking at a fundraiser earlier in the week, described a sense of nervousness about the top of the Democratic ticket.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi echoed these sentiments on MSNBC, stating that Biden needs to decide if he still wants to be the nominee.
List of Democrats Urging Biden to Withdraw
Several Democrats have openly called for Biden to step down:
– Lloyd Doggett, Texas
– Raúl Grijalva, Arizona
– Seth Moulton, Massachusetts
– Mike Quigley, Illinois
– Angie Craig, Minnesota
– Adam Smith, Washington
– Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey
– Pat Ryan, New York
– Earl Blumenauer, Oregon
– Sen. Peter Welch, Vermont
– Brad Schneider, Illinois
– Ed Case, Hawaii
– Greg Stanton, Arizona
Despite the growing calls for him to withdraw, Biden sent a letter to all Democrats on Capitol Hill, affirming his intention to stay in the race.
Pelosi suggested that Biden focus on his upcoming solo press conference at the 2024 NATO Summit before making any decisions.
Senator Blumenthal highlighted the significance of the press conference, calling it a potential turning point.
He stressed that Biden needs to take the fight to Trump personally.
Continued Uncertainty
Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado shared his doubts about Biden’s chances against Trump, predicting that the current trajectory would lead to a Trump victory and losses in both the Senate and the House.
Upon exiting the meeting, Bennet provided little reassurance, simply describing the meeting as “good.”
Support and Criticism
Only Senator Peter Welch of Vermont has called for Biden to withdraw from the race, while others, like Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, remain optimistic about Biden’s campaign.
Hassan acknowledged Biden’s poor debate performance but emphasized the need to focus on Trump’s presidency.
Looking Ahead
Biden is expected to deliver remarks at the NATO Summit, which could be pivotal for his campaign.
As the political landscape continues to shift, Democrats remain divided on the best path forward.
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