Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer still supports President Joe Biden, despite reportedly signaling to Democrat donors that he is open to replacing Biden at the top of the 2024 ticket.
## Schumer Backs Biden, Despite Concerns About Mental Acuity
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has reaffirmed his support for President Joe Biden, despite reports that he has been listening to concerns from Democrat donors about Biden's mental acuity and possible retirement.
Schumer Backs Biden, Despite Concerns About Mental Acuity
Axios, citing three sources, reported that Schumer has been exploring ideas and suggestions from donors about replacing Biden as the party's nominee to best defeat former President Donald Trump in 2024. However, in a statement to Fox News on Wednesday, Schumer reiterated his commitment to Biden.
"As I have made clear repeatedly publicly and privately, I support President Biden and remain committed to ensuring Donald Trump is defeated in November," he said.
Schumer Backs Biden, Despite Concerns About Mental Acuity
Schumer's commitment to Biden comes despite a concerning debate performance by the president late last month and growing concerns among some Democrats about his mental sharpness. Schumer's main priority remains defeating Trump and retaining the Democrat majority in the Senate, the outlet reported.
After a Senate Democrats' policy lunch on Tuesday, Schumer reportedly invited senior Biden campaign officials to brief members and address any concerns directly. This move reflects Schumer's hesitancy to support Biden despite publicly voicing his backing.
Schumer Backs Biden, Despite Concerns About Mental Acuity
"I'm with Joe Biden," Schumer said at a New York press conference on July 2. "I'm for Joe," he reiterated while walking into the Senate on Monday.
Schumer's signal to donors comes as prominent Democrat leaders privately and publicly question Biden's viability as the party's face.
Schumer Backs Biden, Despite Concerns About Mental Acuity
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., hinted that Biden's decision to seek re-election is still uncertain, despite the president's repeated statements that he intends to run.
"It's up to the president to decide if he is going to run," Pelosi told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Wednesday. "We are all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short."
Schumer Backs Biden, Despite Concerns About Mental Acuity
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., echoed Pelosi's comments, stating that Biden will ultimately decide his future, but internal debate will subside at some point.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., also released a statement, urging Biden to "seriously consider" his political future, despite his public declarations to continue seeking re-election.
Schumer Backs Biden, Despite Concerns About Mental Acuity
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and others suggest that Biden still has a decision to make. However, many Democrats refrain from stating whether Biden should remain the nominee, suggesting that conversations about his candidacy are necessary but should conclude soon.
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., warned of a potential Republican victory in November and emphasized the need for discussions surrounding Biden's nomination.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., also encouraged conversations about Biden's candidacy, stating that it is necessary to hear from a broader range of voices to determine the best path forward.
Biden addressed members of Congress and skeptics of his re-election bid in a letter on Monday, stating that he is "firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump."
Despite Biden's attempts to ease concerns within his party, eight House Democrats have officially called on Biden to step down as the nominee.
