Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader, has arranged a virtual meeting with senior House Democrats to talk about President Biden’s future plans. The meeting is set to take place on Sunday and will involve the ranking members of congressional committees who hold important positions within the party. This meeting comes at a time of concern among Democrats in Congress following President Biden’s lackluster performance in the recent presidential debate.
House Democrats have not gathered as a group since the debate, leading to increased worries about President Biden’s ability to win the election and the potential impact on the party’s chances of regaining control of the House and Senate. Representative Jeffries has been actively listening to his colleagues throughout the week, refraining from pressuring them to support the president while also advising against making hasty public statements as President Biden and his team evaluate their next steps.
However, there are signs of division within the Democratic Party. Four House representatives, including Lloyd Doggett, Raúl Grijalva, Seth Moulton, and Mike Quigley, have already called for President Biden to withdraw from the race. Other members have expressed serious doubts about his chances of winning. Representative Quigley, for example, admitted that he struggled with the decision to urge the president to step down but ultimately believed that staying in the race would lead to a bleak outcome for both the White House and Congress.
In addition to the House Democrats’ concerns, Senator Mark Warner from Virginia is reportedly working to organize a meeting with Democratic senators to discuss similar issues surrounding President Biden’s candidacy. This effort reflects the growing unease within the party about the path forward and the need to address these challenges collectively.
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that Democrats are grappling with difficult decisions regarding President Biden’s candidacy and the potential implications for the upcoming election. The upcoming virtual meeting led by Representative Jeffries will provide a crucial platform for House Democrats to voice their concerns, share their perspectives, and collectively determine the best course of action moving forward. The unity and cohesion of the party will be essential in navigating these uncertain times and working towards a successful outcome in the upcoming election.