President Joe Biden has begun an outreach campaign to key groups of lawmakers, responding to long-standing calls from Democrats for more engagement. This effort follows a meeting on Thursday with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, which came after Biden’s solo press conference.
In the meeting, Jeffries conveyed the diverse views and concerns of the Democratic caucus but did not endorse Biden for re-election. Jeffries was clear in sharing the caucus’s perspective but refrained from publicly supporting Biden’s decision to run.
Biden has since made calls to various Democratic lawmakers, including members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He also planned a virtual meeting with the New Democrat Coalition and the Congressional Progressive Caucus. These efforts follow a period of significant Democratic defections after Biden’s debate performance, which raised doubts about his re-election campaign.
Despite a stronger press conference performance, Biden continues to face opposition within his party. Over a dozen House Democrats and one senator have publicly urged Biden to withdraw from the race. Among them, Rep. Mike Levin of California directly told Biden to step aside during a call with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Biden responded by emphasizing his health and ability to lead.
Many Democrats remain undecided or concerned about Biden’s chances, though over 70 members of Congress have reaffirmed their support. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Jeffries have publicly backed Biden’s bid, while former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has privately expressed concerns.
Biden’s campaign communications director, Michael Tyler, acknowledged the anxiety among lawmakers but said that Biden would continue his outreach efforts. Biden’s remarks on foreign policy and other issues during his press conference showed his capabilities, though verbal slips about President Putin and Vice President Kamala Harris fueled further debate within the party.
