During a recent call led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, several House Democratic ranking members voiced their concerns about President Joe Biden's performance and his potential candidacy for the 2024 election. The call, held to assess the aftermath of Biden's lackluster debate performance, revealed deep apprehension among lawmakers regarding the impact on the Democratic ticket and the party's chances of regaining the House majority.
While Jeffries did not disclose his stance on Biden's reelection bid, sources indicate that a significant number of ranking members expressed reservations about Biden continuing as the Democratic nominee. Notable representatives, including Mark Takano, Adam Smith, Jim Himes, Joe Morelle, Jerry Nadler, and Susan Wild, were among those who opposed Biden's candidacy.
Five lawmakers, namely Reps. Lloyd Doggett, Seth Moulton, Raúl Grijalva, Angie Craig, and Mike Quigley, have publicly called for Biden to withdraw from the race. On the other hand, Reps. Maxine Waters and Bobby Scott voiced their support for Biden during the call.
Concerns were raised about the potential loss of the House majority if Biden remains the candidate, with suggestions that Vice President Kamala Harris should be considered as an alternative nominee. The discussions during the call were described as intense and critical by a senior Democratic aide.
While some members of the Congressional Black Caucus defended Biden, emphasizing the loyalty of Black voters, others within the party are deliberating on the best path forward. The full Democratic caucus is set to convene on Tuesday to address the matter, with Jeffries allowing members to express their opinions freely.
As the debate over Biden's candidacy intensifies within the party, many Democrats are awaiting Jeffries' public stance on the issue. Biden, on the other hand, continued his campaign activities in Pennsylvania, reaffirming his commitment to the Democratic Party despite the internal discussions.
With Tuesday's caucus meeting expected to be pivotal, the fate of Biden's candidacy hangs in the balance as House Democrats navigate the challenging dynamics surrounding the upcoming election.
