Rep. Mark Veasey (D-Texas) is urging vulnerable Democrats to break with President Biden if necessary to win reelection.
In an interview with CNNVeasey said vulnerable Democrats need to “do whatever it takes” to win reelection, even if it means distancing themselves from Biden.
“My concern is the concern that everybody has,” Veasey said. “What I said to my colleagues this morning, particularly those on the front lines, is that they need to do whatever it takes to get back and get re-elected, and if they need to distance themselves, then so be it.”
Seven House Democrats have publicly called on Biden to end his reelection campaign following his poor performance in last month’s debate with former President Trump.
Veasey is the first member of the Congressional Black Caucus to show declining support for the president among key constituencies.
So far, the vast majority of the caucus has remained staunch supporters of the president.
The group met virtually with Biden on Monday at the invitation of the caucus’ chairman, Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nevada.
Senior caucus leaders, from Horsford to former chairwoman Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) to Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), have repeatedly voiced their support for Biden and Vice President Harris.
Support from CBC members will be crucial if Biden hopes to win over black voters in November, as the coalition played a key role in sending Biden to the White House in 2020.
This year, both he and former President Trump are hoping to win over black voters.
