Reports: Most Democrats in Congress are not publicly calling for Biden to drop out, despite private concerns.

Democrats in Congress had a closed-door meeting to discuss concerns over President Biden’s campaign, but despite private reservations, most lawmakers opted not to publicly call for him to drop out of the race. This decision came after the president sent a letter on Monday insisting on his candidacy and urging party leaders to focus their criticisms on former President Trump.

During the meeting, at least 20 Democratic lawmakers expressed their desire for Biden to step aside. However, post-meeting, many of those who initially opposed Biden’s candidacy retracted their statements, citing the difficulty of replacing him as the nominee so close to the Democratic convention.

Rep. Jerry Nadler, who previously voiced his reservations about Biden’s re-election, later stated that the president would be their nominee, emphasizing his delegate count and popular support. Other Democrats, like Rep. Emanuel Cleaver and Rep. Adriano Espaillat, echoed similar sentiments, expressing their continued support for Biden.

Sen. Michael Bennet raised concerns about Biden’s ability to defeat Trump in the upcoming election, emphasizing the need for the president to reassure the American people of his campaign’s viability. Despite this, most Democrats chose to maintain support for Biden, believing that replacing him would be risky.

While the majority of Democrats decided to stay silent and support Biden, a small group, including Rep. Adam Smith, publicly called for the president to step aside. These dissenting voices underscore the internal conflicts within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s candidacy.

Amidst the discussions, some Democrats began turning their attention to Vice President Kamala Harris as a potential alternative. However, Biden remained steadfast in his commitment to continue his re-election campaign, engaging with various Democratic groups and emphasizing his grassroots efforts.

Despite the internal divisions and concerns within the party, Democrats like Rep. Jasmine Crockett stressed the importance of unity and support for Biden to prevent a second Trump presidency. The fear of the potential consequences of another term under Trump’s leadership served as a unifying factor among many Democratic lawmakers.

Overall, the Democratic Party’s stance on Biden’s candidacy remains complex, with divergent opinions on the best path forward. As the election draws nearer, the party faces the challenge of maintaining cohesion while addressing concerns about Biden’s ability to secure victory in November.