Staff Reports
In a display of unity and unwavering support for President Joe Biden, Democrat governors rallied behind him following concerns about his ability to remain the party’s presidential nominee after a lackluster debate performance. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, and others assured the public of their commitment to Biden’s candidacy after engaging in discussions with him and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Newsom boldly declared President Biden’s determination by stating, “He’s all in, and so am I.” Whitmer echoed this sentiment, affirming her support for Biden as the Democratic nominee who is “in it to win it.” The solidarity among Democrat governors extended to North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, who emphasized the urgency of defeating what he deemed an “existential threat” in Donald Trump.
Despite acknowledging feedback and concerns over Biden’s debate performance, Democrat governors remained steadfast in their endorsement of the President. They highlighted the progress achieved under the current administration and expressed optimism for the future under Biden’s leadership. These statements of support come in the face of mounting pressure on Biden’s candidacy, with some party members publicly calling for his withdrawal from the race.
Democrat Governors Issue Messages of Support for Biden: it’s ‘Time to Have His’ Back and obviously time to face reality and accept that the Democrat Party would rather reinstall a Vegetable than install a Female Black-Jamaican-Indian-American President. https://t.co/EnwMRV2Iqn
— Steve Kerwin (@stevenkerwin) July 4, 2024
While Biden’s debate performance raised doubts among some Democrats, key figures like former President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continued to back him. However, voices urging Biden to step aside, such as Rep. Lloyd Doggett and Raul Grijalva, have added to the internal tensions within the party. In response to the growing uncertainty, Biden and Harris reaffirmed their commitment to staying in the race until the very end during a campaign call aimed at calming nerves within the party ranks.
