President Biden at an NAACP convention in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 16, 2024. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images.
Democratic members of Congress tell Axios they believe President Biden's candidacy is nearing its endgame, with even some Biden loyalists beginning to yield.
Why it matters: Top Democrats, including some of Biden's own aides, believe the president is softening his opposition to stepping aside and could do so as soon as this weekend, Axios' Mike Allen and Jim Vandehei reported.
- Still, Biden has only ever said publicly that he is not dropping out, and a senior Biden aide also told Axios: "In recent days, the president has become more committed to staying in the race."
- Biden campaign principal deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks told reporters on Thursday the president "is not wavering on anything."
What we're hearing: "I think it's over," said one senior House Democrat, who, like others quoted in this story, was granted anonymity to speak candidly about internal party dynamics.
- "A change at the top of the ticket has taken on an aura of inevitability," said Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.).
- Another House Democrat went a step further, suggesting Biden announce his withdrawal on Thursday night to "steal the thunder from Trump's RNC acceptance speech."
- "That kind of bold, badass move by POTUS would make him a folk hero," the lawmaker said.
Between the lines: Several lawmakers said they expect more members of Congress to call for Biden to drop out – at least one as soon as Friday – if he does not step aside.
Driving the news: Biden's private talks with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have all become public in the last 24 hours.
- In each of those conversations, the congressional leaders reportedly warned Biden that his staying in the race could have damaging electoral consequences to Democrats further down the ballot.
- It also emerged on Thursday that Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the high-profile ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, wrote to Biden earlier this month urging him to rethink his reelection bid.
- Raskin's fellow ex-Jan. 6 committee member, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), publicly called for Biden to withdraw from the race on Wednesday.
The intrigue: Even some Biden loyalists appear to be losing heart. "I don't believe President Biden should step aside, but it appears that opinion is being overruled," Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) told Axios.
- She added: "I will continue to work enthusiastically alongside the Democratic ticket to prevent ... Trump and Vance from instituting a national abortion ban."
- Biden has received public support from dozens of House and Senate Democrats, while roughly 20 have called for him to drop out.
Yes, but: Other staunch Biden backers projected confidence that he can hang on.
- Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) said "a couple of loud voices have been dominating the conversation," but Biden "has made up his mind. He's made a decision. And, so, the more we belabor this conversation the more we're doing ourselves a disservice."
- "I think we have a nominee ... and I've supported them and continue to support them strongly," said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.).
What to watch: If Biden does exit the race, Brown told Axios that choosing anyone but Harris would be "disrespectful" to Black women.
- "I don't like doing hypotheticals, but ... if the president should change his mind, not only would I want to see it, she is the next in line to be the presumptive nominee," Brown said.
- "I think that is getting lost in conversation. ... She is prepared to run and be ready on day one."
Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images