The Democrats’ divisions over President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign were laid bare Tuesday on Capitol Hill, as a mixture of acquiescence and anxiety permeated segments of the Democratic coalition.
In the morning, a Manhattan Democrat reversed course on his thinking about Biden’s future. Meanwhile, New York Republicans in battleground seats are watching the Democratic divisions play out in real time, with election day less than four months away.
Days after reportedly telling colleagues in a private meeting that Biden should step aside, Rep. Jerry Nadler sought to clarify his position. “[Biden] has said he is going to remain in. He’s our candidate, and we’re all going to support him,” he told reporters, before adding, “At least, I hope we’re all going to support him.”
Nadler joined House Democrats as they huddled behind closed doors. It was their first time together in person since Biden’s poor showing at the CNN debate. In the meeting, lawmakers did not reach consensus on the best path forward for the presidential ticket, and most ducked questions from reporters as they left.
Still, by Tuesday afternoon, other lawmakers joined ranks with Nadler in noting Biden’s intention to stay in the race and seeking to look forward.
In a statement, Rep. Nydia Velazquez said, “Democratic voters have spoken, and President Biden was the overwhelming choice to lead our party. I support Joe Biden, and it is time to focus on reelecting him in November.”
On Monday, Velazquez told Spectrum News she believes Biden can still win, “if people rally behind him.”
At the center of these internal talks has been Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who is now in his second year as the top House Democrat. Rep. Gregory Meeks, a top Jeffries ally, praised the leader’s willingness to listen to colleagues across the Democratic coalition.
“Yeah, it is messy, but that’s what a democracy is supposed to be about,” Meeks said.
Watching the fight play out across the aisle are New York Republicans, including those in competitive seats that could determine control of the U.S. House this fall.
Asked about the potential impact on his race, Rep. Mike Lawler said, “[Biden] was already underwater in my district and in districts across New York, so it’s not a function of making it easier.”
“I frankly think it’s elder abuse, what’s happening,” Lawler said of Biden.
In a statement, Lawler’s Democratic opponent, former Rep. Mondaire Jones, did not say whether he believes Biden should step aside, but said he would vote for Biden “if” he’s the nominee.
He then argued Lawler “would be a reliable vote for Donald Trump’s dangerous legislative agenda.”