Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said he still supports Joe Biden after he reportedly indicated to Democratic donors he was open to running an alternative candidate to Biden as the top 2024 presidential candidate.
AxiosCiting three sources, the Times reported that since Biden’s debate performance late last month, Schumer has been listening to donors’ ideas and suggestions that the best way for the party to move forward and debate former President Trump is to remove Biden from the running.
In a statement to Fox News on Wednesday following the Axios report, Schumer reaffirmed his support for Biden.
“As I have repeatedly made clear both publicly and privately, I support President Biden and remain committed to defeating Donald Trump in November,” he said.
Schumer plans to strip Trump of immunity following Supreme Court ruling
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, R-New York, consults with communications director Alex Nguyen during a Senate Democrats’ press conference on Tuesday at the U.S. Capitol. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images)
The outlet revealed that Schumer’s iconic flip phone was lighting up with donors before and after Biden’s jaw-dropping debate performance.
According to the outlet, despite Senator Schumer’s 20-year friendship with Biden, the senator’s main concern is defeating former President Trump and keeping Democrats in the Senate.
After Senate Democrats’ regular policy lunch on Tuesday, Schumer reportedly invited Biden campaign officials to brief lawmakers on the situation and directly address their concerns.
Schumer’s reluctance to endorse a Democratic presidential nominee comes after he publicly stated his support for Biden’s candidacy.
“I support Joe Biden,” he said at a press conference in New York on July 2. “I support Joe.” It can be repeatedly conveyed On the way walking into the Senate on Monday.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). (Anna Moneymaker/Bill Clark/Lee Vogel)
As Schumer sends this message to donors, key Democratic leaders are privately and publicly questioning Biden’s suitability as the face of the party.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) suggested no decision has been made yet about whether Biden will seek reelection, even though he has already said multiple times that he will continue to run.
“It’s up to the president whether he runs or not, and time is running out and we’re all urging the president to make a decision,” House Speaker Pelosi said Wednesday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “The president is loved and respected and the public wants him to make a decision.”
Asked about Biden already announcing his intention to run, Pelosi again suggested there was still a decision to be made.
“I want him to do whatever he decides to do. That’s the way it is. Whatever he decides to do, we’ll follow it,” Pelosi said.
‘Obama brothers’ attack Biden as rumors of long-standing tensions linger: ‘It’s painful to watch’
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) echoed Pelosi’s comments.
“He’s going to continue to make his case to the American people and the decision is his. He’s going to have advisers and allies who will give him the guidance that he’s looking for, but ultimately I think it’s his decision. I think this kind of internal bickering will end at some point. The question is when,” Blumenthal told reporters on Thursday.
President Biden spoke at his campaign office in Philadelphia on Sunday. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Senator)
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) also issued a statement saying Biden needed to “seriously consider” his political future as president. Public Declaration He will still seek reelection.
“At this critical moment for our country, President Biden must seriously consider how best to preserve his incredible legacy and preserve it for the future,” Murray said in a statement Monday.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, also suggested Biden still has a decision to make.
“I think we’re having an important national conversation.” Hollen “I am confident that the president will make the best decision for the country,” he said.
President Biden speaks at a campaign event in Atlanta on March 9, 2024. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)
Many other Democrats have not said whether the president should remain the nominee, but have suggested they should discuss remaining a candidate after Biden has already said he will not withdraw.
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colorado, said there was still a debate to be had around Biden. Democratic candidateThey warned that a red wave could occur in November.
“I think Donald Trump is going to win this election, probably in a landslide victory, and take the House and the Senate,” Bennet told CNN on Tuesday. “We should be having that discussion. I don’t think the White House has done anything since that disastrous debate to indicate that they have a plan to win this election.”
Biden dismissed reports that Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) had asked to meet with other Democrats about his candidacy. (Getty Images)
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) also encouraged discussion about Biden’s candidacy.
“With so much riding on the next election, now is the time to discuss the strongest path forward,” the Democrat wrote on X. “As these conversations continue, I believe it is incumbent on the President to more aggressively reach out to the American people and listen directly to a broader range of voices about how we can best prevent Trump’s lawlessness from returning to the White House.”
Click here to get the FOX News app
“I am firmly committed to staying in this race, fighting to the end, and defeating Donald Trump,” Biden said in a letter Monday to members of Congress and those skeptical of his reelection.
Despite Biden’s attempts to ease concerns within his party, eight House Democrats have formally called on Biden to withdraw as the nominee.
Fox News’ Aubrey Spady contributed to this report.
Get the latest 2024 election campaign updates, exclusive interviews and more on Fox News Digital’s Election Hub.
