Democratic lawmakers hold meetings after Biden debate fallout

Biden has been urged to drop out of race since first presidential debate
House Democrats met Tuesday for an hour amid debate fallout
Some praised Biden as they left meeting; one repeated call to drop out

Updated: Jul 9, 2024 / 06:20 PM CDT

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 4: US President Joe Biden speaks during a 4th of July event on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2024 in Washington, DC. The President is hosting the Independence Day event for members of the military and their families. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

(NewsNation) — House Democrats had their first meeting since President Joe Biden’s debate performance spurred calls for him to drop out of the 2024 election.

The meeting, which took place behind closed doors Tuesday, wrapped up after only one hour.

Democratic Senators met Tuesday afternoon to discuss Biden’s candidacy as well — though that event ran beyond schedule.

“A lot of folks spoke,” Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said after the luncheon. “There is a consistent and uniform belief that Donald Trump is the greatest threat to our democracy, and we need to focus.”

Another Democratic senator, Peter Welch from Vermont, meanwhile said, “We got a ways to go” regarding unity around Biden.

During the first presidential debate in June, Biden stumbled through his words and appeared at times to be confused while facing off against presumed Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump, causing some to question his mental fitness. Trump, meanwhile, also faced criticism for making multiple false statements.

NEW- Senator @ChrisCoons following the Senate Dem meeting discussing President Biden:⁰⁰“A lot of folks spoke. There is a consistent and uniform belief that Donald Trump is the greatest threat to our democracy. And we need to focus.”
— Joe Khalil (@JoeKhalilTV) July 9, 2024

Although Biden and his campaign have maintained he is staying in the race, the number of people urging him to step aside is growing. At the same time, several lawmakers are voicing support for the president as the Democratic nominee.

“Well, he’s a good man. He has good policies, there’s no reason to change,” U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said coming out of Tuesday’s House meeting.

Asked at a news conference about whether he thought Biden could win in November and serve another four-year term, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, said: “I’m with Joe.”

Reactions to Biden running

Other lawmakers stood by Biden as well, including Rep. Kweisi Mfume of Maryland, who flashed reporters a thumbs-up and said “Joe Biden all the way” as he left the meeting.

“I think he is our best hope to make sure Donald Trump does not get into the White House,” said Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan.

However, Illinois Rep. Mike Quigley, who previously said in an interview with MSNBC that Biden needs to step aside to prevent “utter catastrophe,” affirmed his position to reporters.

“The pride and courage that served the country so well four years ago to help Joe Biden win will bring the ticket down this time,” Quigley said.