Congressional Democrats are holding a series of meetings this week to discuss President Biden's future after concerns about his mental state intensified following his performance in a recent debate.
A reckoning is looming for Democrats, who are set to meet this week to discuss President Biden's future in light of growing concerns about his mental state.
The concerns stem from Biden's poor performance in a recent debate, which raised questions about his ability to serve as president. Congressional Democrats are particularly apprehensive about the impact his electability could have on their own chances of holding the Senate and flipping the House.
Biden's Future: Democrats Face Reckoning as Concerns Rise
Over the past week, Democratic lawmakers have largely avoided commenting on Biden's performance, but the pressure is mounting as they return to Washington this week. A senior House Democratic leadership source said those close to the president "did not serve him well," adding that "this is not sustainable."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said he stands behind the ticket, but it's clear that he and other top Democratic leaders are listening closely to their caucus.
Biden's Future: Democrats Face Reckoning as Concerns Rise
However, it would take a lot for the Democratic Party to unspool itself from Biden. His delegates are only pledged to him now, but the party is scheduled to bind those delegates to Biden in a virtual roll call vote on Aug. 7. As of right now, the party can only replace the nominee after Aug. 7 due to death, resignation, or disability.
Rep. Jim Clyburn, a key Biden ally, described the debate as "strike one" for Biden and said he has "two more swings." However, he acknowledged that this is not a ballgame.
Biden's Future: Democrats Face Reckoning as Concerns Rise
Even House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has discussed the possibility of deploying the 25th Amendment, which allows for the removal of a president who is deemed incapacitated. Rep. Chip Roy, also a Republican, has introduced a resolution regarding the 25th Amendment.
California Democrats are a key group to watch, as they comprise nearly 19% of the House Democratic Caucus. If they begin to move against Biden, it's hard to see how they don't align with Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also from California.
Biden's Future: Democrats Face Reckoning as Concerns Rise
Rep. Ami Bera, a California Democrat, said that if the White House doesn't have a conversation with members of Congress about Biden's viability, "you will probably see a number of folks starting to come out."
Rep. John Garamendi, another California Democrat, said that Biden should continue campaigning, arguing that he has shown "he's perfectly capable."
Biden's Future: Democrats Face Reckoning as Concerns Rise
However, all of this could change when lawmakers return to Washington this week. The coming days will likely bring a reckoning for Democrats as they grapple with the growing concerns about Biden's future.
