Senate Democrats held a closed-door meeting to discuss the future of President Joe Biden's candidacy, following concerns about his ability to win the upcoming election. While many senators expressed worries about Biden's performance, none publicly called for him to drop out of the race. The party is facing a dilemma as Biden remains adamant about continuing his reelection bid despite criticism.
During the meeting, senators avoided questions and emphasized the shared goal of defeating former President Donald Trump. However, they refrained from commenting on Biden's future as the Democratic candidate. Some senators acknowledged the need for a more forceful campaign from Biden to convince voters of his capabilities.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer reiterated his support for Biden, deflecting questions about the president's fitness to run. The reluctance of senators to discuss the issue publicly highlights the internal divisions within the party regarding Biden's candidacy.
While some senators, such as Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, voiced support for Biden, others, like Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, criticized their colleagues for doubting the president. The private nature of the discussions reflects the senators' desire to have confidential conversations about the matter.
In the House, Democrats also met privately to discuss Biden's candidacy, with few members publicly calling for him to step down. Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley was one of the rare voices advocating for Biden to withdraw from the race, citing concerns about his electability.
The uncertainty surrounding Biden's candidacy underscores the challenges facing the Democratic Party as they navigate the upcoming election. With the focus on defeating Trump, Democrats are grappling with internal debates over the viability of Biden as their nominee.