Staff Reports
In the latest episode of the Democratic soap opera, Congressional Democrats have started showing serious jitters over President Biden sticking around for another round in the Oval Office. The not-so-subtle hints began trickling out on Wednesday, with top party officials awkwardly suggesting that there’s still time for the 81-year-old Biden to hang up his presidential aspirations.
The saga turned interesting with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dropping a cryptic note on MSNBC. When asked if she backs Biden leading the Democratic ticket, she artfully dodged, stating it’s up to the president to decide if he will run. How’s that for a ringing endorsement? She added with dramatic flair that they’re all encouraging him to hurry up and decide because, well, time’s running short.
Report: Congressional #Democrats suggest #Biden could change his mind about running for reelectionhttps://t.co/haGoL0lPou
— Politics (@Politics15419) July 11, 2024
In an attempt to rally the troops, Biden penned a letter to Congressional Democrats on Monday, asserting his unwavering commitment to the race and calling for unity to trounce former President Donald Trump. He warned that any hesitation or lack of clarity only benefits Trump and harms the Democrats. Sounds like someone’s feeling the heat.
When grilled about whether she wants Biden to stay in the race, Pelosi’s enthusiasm was palpable—which meant it was utterly absent. She graciously pivoted to the president doing whatever he decides because clearly, nothing says “we’ve got your back” like a hearty shrug and a “whatever he decides, we’re fine with it.” Other Democrats seem to be playing the same tune, using carefully chosen words to hint that perhaps Biden might reconsider his candidacy.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine lauded Biden for always making patriotic choices and hinted he trusted Biden would do the right thing again. Meanwhile, Senator Mark Kelly reminded everyone that Biden secured millions of votes across all 50 states and territories. He clinched the nomination fair and square. But alas, with more than a dozen Democratic senators expressing varying degrees of panic, it’s a wonder how firm that support really is.
Senator Michael Bennet stepped into the spotlight, sounding the loudest alarm bells. Bennet foresees a possible Trump landslide victory if Biden stays in the race, a scenario that could give the Republicans full control of Washington. Bennet pointed out Biden’s slip in the polls, trailing Trump nationally and in key swing states, an uphill climb made steeper by his woeful debate performance.
In a brave move, Rep. Richie Torres called for Democrats to face the cold, hard numbers and reconsider their strategy, stressing that choosing a path without understanding its consequences is a recipe for disaster. Meanwhile, former primary challenger Rep. Dean Phillips expressed his disappointment with the party’s lack of foresight, nodding to private laments from fellow lawmakers who now wish they had taken his campaign more seriously.
Adding to the crescendo, Rep. Pat Ryan of New York—one of the so-called “Frontline” Democrats—publicly urged Biden to step aside for the good of the country and pass the baton to a new generation. Ryan labeled Trump an existential threat and declared it their duty to put forward the strongest candidate against him. After all, Biden’s days as a spry, young candidate aren’t exactly yesterday.
The Democratic party’s internal turbulence and inability to decisively rally behind their candidate contrast sharply with the solidarity seen among Republicans. As the Democrats continue their hand-wringing, it’s clear they’re less confident in Biden’s ability to square off against Trump than they’d like to admit.
