Biden’s support on Capitol Hill hangs in the balance as Democrats meet in private

WASHINGTON (AP) —

Democrats on Capitol Hill met privately Tuesday at a crucial moment for President Joe Biden and their party, with tensions running high over the extraordinary question of whether to keep standing behind his re-election or push the president to step aside amid concerns over his ability to lead them to victory.

Democratic House members met at party headquarters — no cellphones, no leaks — for what party leaders billed as just a “family” discussion. But one Democrat in the room said the mood was “dour” as lawmakers discussed their party leader, who emphatically refuses to bow out and implored them in a sharply worded letter to refocus from him to the threat posed by Republican Donald Trump.

Biden’s supporters are emerging as the most vocal, and at least one key Democrat reversed course to publicly support the president. But no consensus was in sight as dissent runs strong. Senate Democrats met next, Biden’s political future was the remarkable matter in question.

“We had a caucus meeting today that gave members an opportunity to express themselves in a candid and comprehensive fashion,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, “and those discussions will continue throughout the balance of the week.”

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