On CBS’ “Face the Nation” Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., avoided a direct question about whether he personally pressured President Joe Biden to drop out of the race.
A partial transcript follows:
Robert Costa: Senator, on July 13th, you went to Delaware and met with President Biden. It was a private discussion, and I know you want to keep your discussions with the President private. But it was a very significant meeting in the sense that, historically, you were the leader of the Senate Democrats, the majority leader, meeting with the President and discussing the presidential election. Historically, and I’ll say for the record, did you in any way suggest to the President that he should withdraw from the presidential election on July 13th?
SCHUMER: Well, first of all, let’s look at President Biden’s track record. He’s been one of the greatest presidents in decades, passing a lot of good legislation: an infrastructure bill, an IRA bill, lowering prescription drug prices for the first time, taking on the NRA successfully, helping veterans with incinerators. So he has an amazingly successful track record. And he’s always done what’s right for America. I respect him. I respect his patriotism, the great things he’s done. And we’ve worked together on a lot of it.
Costa: But historically, what was your role and what was your intention in meeting with him on July 13? Because some of Biden’s supporters feel that they have been heard about this whole process. I spoke to your colleague, Senator Chris Coons, the other day, and he said that a lot of people are hurt and angry about how this has unfolded. You went to meet with him and you conveyed your colleague’s opinion based on our reporting. So what exactly happened there? What was your role, if any, in encouraging him to step down or stay?
SCHUMER: As I said, I won’t get into specifics, but President Biden can leave office very proud of all the great things he’s accomplished and how he’s always put America first.
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