WASHINGTON (AP) — A crack emerged in Black Democratic support for President Joe Biden on Capitol Hill as Rep. Marc Veasey of Texas on Friday became the first Congressional Black Caucus member to call for Biden to end his campaign and make way for a new generation of leadership.
Ending his campaign, Veasey said in a joint statement with three other Democrats, is the “responsible and patriotic thing to do” amid widespread concerns that his age, fitness and debate performance last month threaten the party’s odds in the November election.
“Democrats have a deep and talented bench of younger leaders, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, who you have lifted up, empowered, and prepared for this moment,” the statement from Veasey said, co-signed by Democratic Reps. Jared Huffman of California and Mark Pocan of Wisconsin. “Mr. President, you have always put our country and our values first. We call on you to do it once again, so that we can come together and save the country we love.”
The CBC prides itself on its authority among Democrats and its influence with Biden in particular. So far, only one of its roughly 60 members have joined calls for Biden to drop his reelection bid due to concerns over his age and ability to win.
But the caucus’ broad backing of the president varies widely, ranging from enthusiastic support to outright skepticism. And a small but growing number within the group are publicly expressing doubts about Biden’s candidacy.
Black voters are widely credited with helping Biden clinch the Democratic nomination four years ago and then defeat Republican Donald Trump. Whether Black lawmakers stick with the president now, and how fervently they do so, could be critical in the coming days as pressure builds from the highest levels of the Democratic Party for Biden to end his campaign.
Biden’s approval ratings with Black Americans are down from when he took office, reflecting weakened enthusiasm. Among…
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