- House Democrats have not reached a consensus on what to do about Biden.
- Many described the meeting in somber tones, reflecting lingering party divisions.
- Despite the debate, it appears more Democrats will unite around the president.
House Democrats repeatedly referred to their meeting Tuesday morning as a “family chat.” From the sounds of it, the discussion was akin to a tense Thanksgiving, when the dreaded topic of politics comes up and chaos erupts over turkey.
In a closed-door meeting, representatives debated what to do about Biden but were unable to close the gap between party factions. Many ignored reporters’ questions as they exited the meeting, but those who did speak painted a picture of division and sadness.
When asked if Democrats were on the same page, Rep. Steve Cohen described a dire situation: “We don’t even have the same page.”
A person briefed on the meeting said the general mood was “sad and frustrated,” Politico reported. A representative who supports the president took the sadness further, saying the event “felt like a funeral.”
Another representative, when told about the funeral comment, called the comparison “an insult to funerals.” Semaphore reported.
“Caucus morale is at an all-time low,” they continued.
Despite the somber mood, the funeral was lively and boisterous. Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, one of six House Democrats who called on Biden to step down, told The New York Times there was a “vibrant debate.”
Biden supporters filed out of the room and reiterated their support for the president. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, a key ally, repeated one phrase nine times as reporters peppered him with questions: “We stand with Biden.”
Despite deep divisions and doubts, it appears that more Democrats are coming to the president’s side, albeit reluctantly. Just before the party-wide talks, House Democrats in still-undecided districts held a smaller meeting. The mood? “Real tears,” Axios reported.
One representative simply called the meeting “intense,” while another predicted — and lamented — that Biden would remain in the race.
In a late-night conversation Monday, a House Democrat worried about Biden’s reelection bid told Axios that their colleagues were “losing everywhere” and were “becoming resigned that Biden holds all the cards here.”
Senate Democrats discussed Biden’s fate over lunch Tuesday. It seemed like the whole of Washington, D.C., was waiting to see what would come out of the family meal.
Correction: July 9, 2024 — An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the Massachusetts representative. His name is Seth Moulton, not South Moulton.
