Vulnerable Democrats grapple with running on a ticket with Biden

Democrats running in competitive congressional races are trying to keep the focus on their own campaigns as President Joe Biden, confronted with questions about his future as the party’s nominee, defiantly declares that he isn’t going anywhere.

Vulnerable Democrats were already preparing to distance themselves from the top of the ticket, with Biden struggling in battleground states and districts before his disastrous debate performance last month. But Biden’s performance has made that task more urgent — and potentially more difficult.

A number of House Democrats in competitive races avoided reporters in the Capitol this week, ignoring questions about Biden’s future with phones glued to their ears or staff rushing them away.

“I’m not answering any more questions,” said Rep. Susan Wild of Pennsylvania, who privately expressed concerns about campaigning with Biden on a call with top Democrats Sunday.

Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., who had previously said Biden needed to “step up,” did not break his stride when asked about Biden in a Capitol hallway. (A staffer said he was rushing to a meeting.) Rep. Emilia Sykes also did not acknowledge a question about Biden as the Ohio freshman was leaving the House on Thursday morning.

Of the nine vulnerable House Democrats who did entertain questions about campaigning with Biden, just one — Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of South Texas — answered with an emphatic “yes,” though some others signaled a degree of openness.

But most of those who spoke signaled they are preparing to go it alone.

Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif., said he is not commenting on Biden’s path forward until House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses lawmakers’ concerns with the president.

“I think those of us, like me, in competitive