Polis will be on Biden call with fellow Democratic governors – Colorado Public Radio
CPR has confirmed that Gov. Jared Polis will take part in a callWednesday evening betweenPresident Joe Biden and several Democratic governors.
The call was scheduled after growing concerns about Biden's age following last week's debate performance.
It comes as Biden has seen the first cracks in support amongst congressional Democrats.
Colorado's delegation has thus far stuck by the president. However on Wednesday one Colorado Democratic National Committee member called on Biden to withdraw his candidacy for a second term.
Former Colorado State Rep. Joe Salazar said that after last week's presidential debate he heard a lot of concerns from Coloradans about Bidens prospects this November.
"Im asking that for the good of the country that he steps down and that were able to move forward with another candidate," Salazar said. "Because frankly, with the opponent being a lying treasonous multi felon, we should be wiping him off the board. This shouldnt be a close race."
A meeting at the Jerome Hotel in Aspen the Friday morning after the debate showed some of the earliest signs of eroding support for Biden, the New York Times reported, and itincluded some 50 Democratic donors.. When asked to raise their hands if they believed the president should bow out of the race, nearly everyone in the room did so.
Meanwhile, Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will appear on Colorados presidential election ballots this November, adding another element to the presidential race in this state. The Libertarian Party of Colorado announced Wednesday that its members had agreed to form a partnership with the RFK campaign.
Democrats in Congress are torn between backing Biden for president and sounding the alarm.
The Democratic president hasvowed to stay in the raceagainst Republican Donald Trump despite the halting and uneven debate delivery that threw a spotlight on questions about Biden's age and capacity to be president. But as Democrats make the case that thestakes of the election are momentous challenging no less than the foundations of American democracy they're wrestling with what to do about the 81-year-old who's supposed to be leading the charge for their party.
Here's how Democrats are handling the debate aftermath:
Prominent congressional Democrats have moved in recent days to open concern not just over Bidens performance during the90-minute debate last weekbut also the level of transparency his team has shown about his mental fitness. Theyve tiptoed toward embracing the idea Biden should withdraw.
One Biden ally, Rep. James Clyburn, on CNN Wednesday openly discussed holding a mini-primary in the run-up to the Democratic National Convention in mid-August.
After the debate last week, Clyburn, who is 83 years old, had initially urged fellow Democrats to stay the course with Biden and chill out, but by Wednesday his tone had changed.
I saw what I saw last Thursday night, and it is concerning, Clyburn said.
In recent days, comments from Clyburn and other senior Democrats including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have provided signposts for a political party in crisis. Still, it was not clear whether their concerns were reaching Biden, who told aides on a Democratic National Committee callthat no one is pushing me out.
Clyburn, a senior South Carolina lawmaker who is a former top party leader in the House, also had a lengthy call with Biden on Wednesday.
Pelosi, in an interview Tuesday on MSNBC, still emphasized that the president is on top of his game, in terms of knowing the issues and what is at stake.
But she also called on both Biden and Trump, whos 78, to face tests for their health and mental acuity.
I think it is a legitimate question to say is this an episode or is this a condition. So when people ask that question, its legitimate of both candidates, said Pelosi, D-Calif., whos 84.
Minutes after Pelosi's comments on Tuesday, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, of Texas,became the first sitting Democratin Congress to call for Biden to withdraw from the race.
Recognizing that, unlike Trump, President Bidens first commitment has always been to our country, not himself, I am hopeful that he will make the painful and difficult decision to withdraw. I respectfully call on him to do so, said Doggett, who's 77.
Pelosi also nudged Biden to prove to the American people that hes ready for another four years in office by going out and taking tough interviews something he has rarely done in recent years. Biden will sit for an interview with ABC, his first since the debate, later in the week.
Everybody is asking one question within the Democratic Party ... which is how do we defeat Donald Trump and how are we going to defeat the threat of authoritarianism, Rep. Jamie Raskin, a prominent Democrat from Maryland, said on MSNBC late Tuesday.
Lawmakers are also concerned Bidens weaknesses could tamp down potential voters enthusiasm, creating a ripple effect thathurts Democratsas they try to maintain a narrow Senate majority and take back control of the House. Down-ballot Democrats are already confident they can outperform Biden in swing races, but if large numbers of voters reject Biden, it could impact them.
While several vulnerable Democrats have stopped short of calling for Biden to withdraw, they've also cast the situation in stark terms: If Biden continues, Trump will win.
The truth, I think, is that Biden is going to lose to Trump, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Washington Democrat, told an ABC-affiliated television station. "I know that's difficult, but I think the damage has been done by that debate."
WithBidens family urging him to stayin the race, attention has turned to senior Democratic lawmakers who could potentially persuade the president to withdraw his nomination. So far, top Democratic leaders have mostly stood behind Biden in public statements.
There have not been discussions among senior leadership about anything other than making sure we continue to articulate a compelling vision for the future to the American people related to the issues of importance around the economy, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters Monday in Pittsburgh.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after the debate that it showed voters there was a choice between four more years of progress, or four more years of attacks on our fundamental rights and our democracy.
After days of no direct talk between Biden and congressional leaders, the president late Tuesday and Wednesday held calls with Schumer and Jeffries, as well as Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who's a close ally to the president, according to people briefed on the calls who insisted on anonymity to discuss them.
Many of Biden's allies have chided the news media for beingfixated on Biden's mental capacities, arguing that instead the focus should be put onTrump's record of refusing to acceptthe results of the 2020 election he lost to Biden and repeatedly lying.
Rep. Veronica Escobar, a Texas Democrat who's part of Biden's campaign committee, conceded on Friday the debate wasn't what she hoped for but added, I think there needs to be a real conversation about the things that Donald Trump said. It is beyond vile.
The June 27 debate infused a new dynamic into an election contest that had been marked by few surprises. Voters were familiar with Biden and Trump and had previously decided between the two in 2020.
Still, many House Democrats were caught in a state of uncertainty as they faced a barrage of questions on the morning after the debate. Some chalked it up as little more than a bad night for Biden, but others are watching closely to see how voters react and whether Biden can execute a quick political recovery.
Already, vulnerable House Democratshave been distancing themselvesfrom some of Bidens policies in recent months. That phenomenon became more pronounced after the debate.
Rep. Jared Golden, a moderate Democrat from Maine, argued the outcome of the election was a foregone conclusion.
While I dont plan to vote for him, Donald Trump is going to win, Golden said in a Bangor Daily News op-ed. "And Im OK with that.
Biden told his campaign staffers on Wednesday that he is staying in the election race, one of a series of closed-door conversations he is having to try to reassure Democrats after last weeks disastrous debate led to calls for him to step down.
Biden and Vice President Harris joined a campaign all-staff meeting, a person on the call said, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe the private meeting.
"I'm in this race to the end and we're going to win because when Democrats unite, we will always win," Biden said, according to the source.
Harris, who has been seen a likely contender should Biden withdraw from the race, told staffers, "We will not back down. We will follow our presidents lead," the source said.
Separately, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients held an all-staff call with White House staffers. He also acknowledged the tough times, and said it was important to focus on their work and support each other, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters.
Biden is under pressure from some in his party to withdraw from the presidential race after his hoarse voice and verbal stumbles during his debate with former President Donald Trump left Democratscollectively wringing their hands.
The White House has blamed it on a cold and a "bad night." On Tuesday, Biden told donors that a punishing travel schedule through many time zones was to blame. He had gone to Europe twice in two weeks in June, and also spent time at a Los Angeles fundraiser.
Later on Wednesday, he will meet at the White House with more than 20 Democratic governors.
Biden spent last weekend trying to persuade supporters that he could still do the job and a rally and fundraising events.
This week, he has a steady stream of events that will provide the public additional insight into whether the president can move past the headlines surrounding his debate performance.
He plans to celebrate the Fourth of July with service members and their family on the National Mall. On Friday, he will campaign in Wisconsin and give an interview to ABC News' George Stephanopoulos. And next week, he hosts NATO leaders in Washington, where he will give a solo press conference.
CPR's Caitlin Kim, Alejandro A. Alonso Galva and Ryan Warner, the AP's Stephen Groves, as well as NPR's Tamara Keith and Deepa Shivaram contributed to this story.
See the original post here:
Polis will be on Biden call with fellow Democratic governors - Colorado Public Radio
- Senator Mike McGuire to be Honored as Humboldts Democrat of the Year for 2024 - Redheaded Blackbelt - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- New Jersey Democrat George Helmy sworn in as replacement for Menendez in the Senate - The Associated Press - September 14th, 2024 [September 14th, 2024]
- 'Missing' signs at DNC call out Democrat in key Senate race who skipped convention with disputed excuse - Fox News - August 22nd, 2024 [August 22nd, 2024]
- Warner Is Working to Convene Democratic Senators to Talk About Biden's Future - The New York Times - July 6th, 2024 [July 6th, 2024]
- The UK's new prime minister Keir Starmer hoping for a Democrat in the White House, preparing for Trump - The Conversation - July 6th, 2024 [July 6th, 2024]
- Fourth Democratic House member calls on Biden to exit 2024 race after clips of ABC interview released - New York Post - July 6th, 2024 [July 6th, 2024]
- Biden to Democrats calling for him to quit: Im staying in the race - Roll Call - July 6th, 2024 [July 6th, 2024]
- 'I'm terrified': As Biden visits Wisconsin, Democrats worry and wonder if they should replace him - The Washington Post - The Washington Post - July 6th, 2024 [July 6th, 2024]
- The Blue-Collar Democrat Who Wants to Fix the Party's Other Big Problem - The New York Times - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Biden wins crucial support of Democratic governors to continue campaign: Were going to have his back as it happened - The Guardian US - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Democratic congressman says Biden needs to exit the race - NPR - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Ezra Klein on Why the Democrats Are Too Afraid of Replacing Biden - The New Yorker - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Jared Golden unsure whether any Democrat can beat Trump in November - The Washington Post - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Democrats begin to consider Harris at the top of their ticket - The Washington Post - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Jeffries seeks to stem House defections, for now, as Democrats panic over Biden - The Washington Post - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Democrats in Congress Weigh Whether to Stick With Biden - The New York Times - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Rep. Doggett calls on Biden to withdraw. He's the first Democrat in Congress to do so - NPR - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Joe Biden withdrawal: Why Democrats should have an open convention. - Slate - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Another important reason Biden should drop out of the race. - Slate - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Opinion | An open Democratic convention would be must-see TV (and smart politics) - The Washington Post - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- The Biden Scenario That Terrifies Big Democrat Donors and Candidates - The Daily Beast - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Is Joe Biden the Worst Option for Democrats to Beat Trump? - The Intercept - July 4th, 2024 [July 4th, 2024]
- Biden, Democrats react to Trump guilty verdict - CNBC - May 31st, 2024 [May 31st, 2024]
- Ex-GOP Gov. Hogan is popular with some Maryland Democrats, but not enough to put him in the Senate - Yahoo! Voices - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Zellnor Myrie Emerges as 2nd Democrat to Likely Run Against Mayor Adams - The New York Times - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Democrat incumbent and two Republicans vie for Sarpy County District 49 race in NE Legislature Nebraska Examiner - Nebraska Examiner - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania Leans Into Fight Over Campus Antisemitism - The New York Times - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Battling back: Razorbacks rally late, take hard-fought win | Arkansas Democrat Gazette - Arkansas Online - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Cohen due as N.Y. wrapping up its case | Arkansas Democrat Gazette - Arkansas Online - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Conway sticks to plan in victory | Arkansas Democrat Gazette - Arkansas Online - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Freshmen Democrats Work to Turn Biden Impeachment Effort on Its Head - The New York Times - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- OPINION | AT HOME: Dinner party prompts dining room refresh | Arkansas Democrat Gazette - Arkansas Online - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Biden's Israel red line, and the Democratic Party's shift away from Israel - The Washington Post - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- How California Democrats killed a controversial bill without a vote - CalMatters - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Democrat hopes to unseat Kansas House speaker with focus on reproductive rights, Medicaid expansion Kansas ... - Kansas Reflector - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Democratic Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read wants to bring stability to Secretary of State's Office Oregon Capital ... - Oregon Capital Chronicle - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- On the Trail: Democrat Maggie Goodlander jumps into race to succeed Kuster - Concord Monitor - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Scott Perry links the KKK to the Democratic Party - The Philadelphia Inquirer - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Two political consultants plead guilty in Henry Cuellar bribery case - The Texas Tribune - May 11th, 2024 [May 11th, 2024]
- Democrat wins special election for Rep. Brian Higginss seat in New York - The Hill - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries vows to save Mike Johnson from MTG's motion to vacate - Axios - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Fight over Johnsons fate heats to a boil as Democrats vow unprecedented rescue - The Hill - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Democrat Jennifer McCormick gets teacher union endorsement in race for Indiana governor Indiana Capital Chronicle - Indiana Capital Chronicle - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Biden and Democrats Seize on Trumps Interview With Time Magazine - The New York Times - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- Waggett wins Democratic nomination in 50th, setting up rematch with Rep. Cook - Observer-Reporter - May 1st, 2024 [May 1st, 2024]
- RFK Jr. challenges Trump to debate after 'Democrat plant' accusation - Fox News - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Utah Democrats nominate an anti-Biden congressional candidate only because he promises to step aside - Salt Lake Tribune - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Kristi Noem draws backlash after book recounts shooting of dog and goat - The Washington Post - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- California Democrats Keep Being the Victims of Crime - Newsweek - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- How Erin McClelland's treasurer campaign bucked the Democratic party establishment - The Philadelphia Inquirer - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Analysis | Anti-democratic warning signs are blinking in current polling - The Washington Post - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- To be inclusive, Palm Beach County Democrats should stick with Zoom meetings | Opinion - South Florida Sun Sentinel - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Chris Roemer: Progressives are driving the Democratic Party, and destroying America | COMMENTARY - Baltimore Sun - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Ohio Democrat wants to ensure utilities' political spending doesn't wind up on consumers' bills Ohio Capital Journal - Ohio Capital Journal - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Donald Trump is running against Joe Biden. But he keeps bringing up another Democrat: Jimmy Carter - El Paso Inc. - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- 'Now is the time' for cannabis banking reform, key Democrat says - Marijuana Business Daily - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Donald Trump is running against Joe Biden. But he keeps bringing up another Democrat: Jimmy Carter - Bozeman Daily Chronicle - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Lieske: Update on Democrat senator charged with felony burglary Minnesota Senate Republicans - Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- ReCenter Indiana billboard urging Democrats to vote in the Republican primary - WRTV Indianapolis - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Trump calls RFK Jr. a 'Democrat plant,' says voting for him is a 'wasted protest vote' - Washington Times - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- 5-star lists Arkansas basketball as top option | Arkansas Democrat Gazette - Arkansas Online - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- In low-turnout Pa. primary, location and luck may have mattered more than policy - The Morning Call - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Tuesday's special election is set to determine control of the Michigan House Michigan Advance - Michigan Advance - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- With fear of crime on the rise, Democrat US cities introduce harsher policies - Le Monde - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Texas Democrats open to saving U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson from motion to vacate - The Texas Tribune - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Florida GOP operative admits role in 'ghost' candidate scheme that defeated utility-targeted Democrat - South Florida Sun Sentinel - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Democrats Bach, Dziados seek opportunity for fall race to unseat Reschenthaler in Congress - TribLIVE - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- 'Save Democracy' Democrats Look to Win Primaries on Anti-Trump Sentiment - The New York Times - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- Arizona Republicans Thwart Attempts to Repeal 1864 Abortion Ban - The New York Times - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- Calipari officially joins UA - Arkansas Online - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- College Towns Usually Lift Democrats. Is the Picture More Complicated in 2024? - The New York Times - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- Wildcats lose another '24 signee in Cyril | Arkansas Democrat Gazette - Arkansas Online - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- Age, generation and party identification of registered voters - Pew Research Center - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- The Memo: Democratic dissent over Israel grows, deepening Bidens dilemma - The Hill - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- Ted Cruz angles for a bipartisan rebrand - The Texas Tribune - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- ENTERTAINMENT: 'Disney On Ice' skates in to Simmons Bank Arena | Arkansas Democrat Gazette - Arkansas Online - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- A Republican and a Democrat make the case for civility in politics - MPR News - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- Top Democrat says Johnson in good position to remain Speaker if he stages Ukraine vote - The Hill - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- In the Legislature's Civility Caucus, Republicans and Democrats actually like talking to each other Minnesota Reformer - Minnesota Reformer - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]
- Why Democrats aren't winning elections in Arkansas (and how the tide could turn) - Arkansas Times - April 11th, 2024 [April 11th, 2024]