Sources: Schumer Urged Biden to Withdraw from 2024 Election in Private

 

According to multiple well-connected Democratic sources, President Joe Biden's support from elected party leaders is weakening.

One individual who has been defending Biden publicly since his debate performance remarked on Wednesday, "Biden is going to see the whole house of cards come down soon."

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer visited Biden in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, on Saturday. Following the meeting, Schumer's office released a brief statement: "I sat with President Biden this afternoon in Delaware; we had a good meeting."

This meeting went largely unnoticed as it occurred shortly before the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania later that day.

A knowledgeable source close to both men revealed that Schumer had a candid conversation with Biden, suggesting that it would be best if Biden stepped aside from the 2024 presidential race. When asked for details, Schumer's spokesperson declined to comment on specifics, stating only, "Leader Schumer conveyed the views of his caucus."

The spokesperson later added, "Unless ABC's source is Chuck Schumer or President Joe Biden, the reporting is idle speculation. Leader Schumer conveyed the views of his caucus directly to President Biden on Saturday."

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi also spoke with Biden about a week ago, expressing concerns from herself and other Democratic Party members regarding his participation in the race, a source confirmed to ABC News.

Additionally, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has conveyed similar sentiments directly to Biden, suggesting he should drop out of the race, according to a source familiar with the matter. When asked about this, a spokesperson for Jeffries referred to a letter he sent to his House Democratic colleagues, which read, "In my conversation with President Biden, I directly expressed the full breadth of insight, heartfelt perspectives, and conclusions about the path forward that the Caucus has shared in our recent time together."

The letter, dated July 12, did not specify whether Jeffries urged Biden to drop out or stay in the race.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates stated, "The President told both leaders he is the nominee of the party, he plans to win, and looks forward to working with both of them to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families."

Despite the concerns, Biden continues to have strong support from influential figures in the Democratic Party, including the Congressional Black Caucus and progressive leaders like Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.