Congressional Republicans are known for eluding the press when it comes to discussing controversial statements or actions made by former President Trump. They often provided vague answers or avoided questions altogether. Now, congressional Democrats are facing a similar dilemma regarding President Biden.
While many Democrats publicly support President Biden, privately, some believe he may not be up to the task. Rep. Jim Himes and Rep. Adam Smith have even called on Biden to step down. However, many Democrats find themselves in a political bind, unsure of how to navigate the situation.
When asked about their support for Biden, many Democrats give vague statements or simply say they are “with Joe.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently used this phrase multiple times during a press conference, deflecting questions about his stance on Biden.
Some Democrats, like Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, choose to avoid questions altogether. During a recent meeting at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Whitehouse refused to discuss his thoughts on President Biden or the current state of the party.
It’s evident that many Democrats are hesitant to publicly criticize Biden, especially with the upcoming elections. Some senators chose to avoid walking to the DSCC meeting, opting for cars instead, to evade questions from the press.
Lawmakers are grappling with the delicate issue of President Biden’s health and whether they should call on him to resign. Rep. Mike Levin took a direct approach by telling Biden to withdraw during a conference call with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
With Congress out of session, Democrats have the opportunity to make critical statements or call on Biden to step down without facing immediate scrutiny from the press. This allows them to distance themselves from the issue and communicate their concerns directly to the President.
While some Democrats are choosing to bypass the press on the issue, it remains to be seen how President Biden will respond to calls for him to pass the torch. Lawmakers are navigating this sensitive situation carefully, aware of the implications it may have on their political futures.