Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) reiterated his support for President Joe Biden after allegations emerged that he had described the president as “very fragile” during a meeting with senior Democratic lawmakers.
During a virtual meeting with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) on Sunday, prominent Democrats including Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Mark Takano (D-CA), Joe Morelle (D-NY), and Adam Smith (D-WA) reportedly discussed the possibility of Biden stepping aside from the presidential race, according to Punchbowl News co-founder John Bresnahan.
Although Beyer was not one of the lawmakers advocating for Biden’s withdrawal, multiple Capitol Hill reporters indicated that Beyer suggested Vice President Kamala Harris should become the nominee if Biden exits the race. Additionally, he was quoted describing Biden as a “very fragile” individual who struggles with articulation.
He’s clearly very very fragile. Fragile physically although his handshake is very firm. Also really has trouble putting two sentences together,” Beyer reporidely told the other lawmakers.
Beyer allegedly added, “In my perfect world, Joe, after consulting with Leader Jeffries, Majority Leader Schumer, and others, would step aside now and let Kamala run as the incumbent, which I think strengthens her position. But, I’m a team player. I’ll support whatever the team decides.”
In response to these reports, Beyer’s office released a statement where he pledged continued support for the “Biden-Harris campaign” to defeat former President Donald Trump.
“I support President Biden. I support the Biden-Harris ticket, and look forward to helping defeat Donald Trump in November. I was proud to host an event this week in Northern Virginia with the President, and will continue doing all I can to support the Biden-Harris campaign in Virginia and across the country,” Beyer stated.
Following the recent CNN debate, where Biden occasionally struggled with coherent responses and had a raspy voice, media pundits, donors, strategists, and some Democratic lawmakers have urged the president to consider leaving the race.
New: There was some confusion over whether @RepDonBeyer called for Biden to step aside as Democratic nominee during a leadership call.
Here are Beyer’s quotes, per me @heatherscope & @JakeSherman sources:
“He’s clearly very very fragile. Fragile physically although his…
— John Bresnahan (@bresreports) July 7, 2024
