Jul 12, 2024 - 22:01
By npr.org

Amid growing calls for Biden to pull out, congressional Democrats remain split

Multiple senior House Democrats told House Democratic leaders on Sunday that President Biden should step aside as the party's presidential nominee, according to several sources familiar with the discussion who were granted anonymity to discuss the details of a private conversation.

Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary committee, Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the top Democrat on House Armed Services panel, Rep. Mark Takano of California, the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs panel, and Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, the ranking member of the House Administration panel, told leaders on a virtual meeting that Democrats should seek a change at the top of the ticket.

The virtual meeting was an opportunity for top Democrats in the House to convene before lawmakers return to Capitol Hill on Monday. Top leaders have generally avoided taking a position on Biden's future as members grapple with a president and a party at a crucial crossroads.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-NY, told NPR after the debate he backed the president remaining the nominee and believed Democrats could win back control of the House with him at the top of the ticket. But in recent days top Hill Democrats have not made public comments.

One House Democrat who was granted anonymity to speak candidly about internal party discussions said worries mounted after reports from Biden’s meeting with governors last week that he may not do events past 8 p.m. The member added that Democrats don’t have much time for Biden to leave if he ultimately choses to do so but time is running out for a graceful exit.