According to multiple well-connected Democratic sources, President Joe Biden’s support from elected party leaders is crumbling.
As one person who has been defending Biden publicly since his debate performance said Wednesday, “Biden is going to see the whole house of cards come down soon.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer went to see Biden in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on Saturday. Shortly after the meeting, Schumer’s office put out a statement, saying only, “I sat with President Biden this afternoon in Delaware; we had a good meeting.”
The meeting didn’t get much attention as it happened shortly before the assassination attempt later that day on former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania.
A knowledgeable source close to both men tells me Schumer had a blunt conversation with Biden, making the case it would be best if Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.
President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer greet guests during a celebration for Jewish American Heritage Month at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on May 20, 2024.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images, FILE
When asked about this, Schumer’s spokesperson declined to comment on specifics of the meeting, saying only that “Leader Schumer conveyed the views of his caucus.”
Later, the leader’s spokesperson added: “Unless ABC’s source is Chuck Schumer or President Joe Biden the reporting is idle speculation. Leader Schumer conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden on Saturday.”
A source familiar with the matter tells ABC News that House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has expressed similar views directly to Biden, suggesting he should drop out of the race.
In this March 1, 2023, file photo, President Joe Biden is greeted by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as he takes the stage to speak during the annual House Democrats Issues Conference, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images, FILE
Asked about that, a spokesperson for Jeffries told ABC News, “The letter sent by Leader Hakeem Jeffries to his House Democratic colleagues speaks for itself. It was a private conversation that will remain private.”
In that letter, dated July 12, Jeffries told House Democrats, “In my conversation with President Biden, I directly expressed the full breadth of insight, heartfelt perspectives and conclusions about the path forward that the Caucus has shared in our recent time together.”
Jeffries in the letter did not address whether he urged Biden to drop out of the race or to stay in.
“The President told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families,” said White House spokesperson Andrew Bates.
Biden continues to have strong support from some influential and powerful figures in the Democratic Party, including the Congressional Black Caucus and progressive leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Recently, sources have come forward to reveal that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has privately advised President Joe Biden to consider stepping aside in the 2024 election. This revelation has sparked speculation and debate among political analysts and pundits about the future of the Democratic Party and the potential implications of Biden not seeking re-election.
According to reports, Schumer expressed concerns about Biden’s age and health, as well as his ability to effectively lead the country for another four years. The sources also indicated that Schumer believes it may be in the best interest of the party for Biden to make way for a younger, more dynamic candidate who can energize the base and appeal to a broader range of voters.
While Biden has not publicly commented on Schumer’s advice, the news has raised questions about his intentions for the next presidential election. Some believe that Biden, who will be 82 years old in 2024, may decide to step aside in favor of a new candidate who can carry on his legacy and build upon his administration’s accomplishments.
On the other hand, there are those who argue that Biden should run for re-election and continue to lead the country through what promises to be a challenging and pivotal time. They point to his experience, leadership skills, and commitment to advancing progressive policies as reasons why he should seek a second term in office.
Regardless of whether Biden ultimately decides to run for re-election in 2024, Schumer’s advice has sparked a larger conversation about the future of the Democratic Party and the need for new leadership. As the party looks ahead to the next election cycle, it will be important for Democrats to come together and unite behind a candidate who can inspire voters, mobilize support, and lead the country in a positive direction.
In the coming months and years, it will be interesting to see how this advice from Schumer influences Biden’s decision-making process and shapes the landscape of the 2024 election. As the political landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future of the Democratic Party is uncertain, but full of potential for change and growth.
