“In my conversation with President Biden, I directly conveyed the extensive insights, heartfelt views and conclusions about the way forward that our caucus shared in our recent meetings,” Jeffries wrote.
No, it wasn’t a clear call for Biden to step down, and it’s unclear at this point whether Jeffries did so directly in his meeting with the president, but the fact that he made no “we’ll protect you” statements of support is telling.
And the letter’s conclusion couldn’t have been more perfunctory: “As House Democrats have done throughout this Congress, we will continue to work in the best interests of ordinary Americans. Thank you for your continued leadership on behalf of the communities we are privileged to represent.”
As congressional Democrats have begun publicly calling for the president to step down, the message is that Biden should prepare for more Democrats to follow suit, and that time is running out to stop the bleeding.
This came as Biden’s campaign was still praising Biden’s performance at an hour-long press conference Thursday night. Jeffries also revealed that there was a private meeting that night between the president and the man Democrats consider to be the next speaker. The meeting came at Jeffries’ request.
Jeffries noted that in recent days, House Democrats have engaged in frank, calm and comprehensive discussions “about the future of our country at a time when freedom, democracy and the economic well-being of ordinary Americans are at stake.”
After Biden’s disastrous defeat in last month’s debate, which cast doubt on his ability to win the presidential election in November, everyone will understand that this comment is a signal that Biden is jeopardizing not only his own re-election prospects but those of other Democrats as well.
They would all share votes with Biden in the House, which the Democrats are on the brink of taking back. Their nightmare would be to find themselves not only still in the minority next year, but with both the White House and Congress in the hands of Donald Trump and his MAGA extremists.
Biden has portrayed the extraordinary intraparty battle he now finds himself in as one pitting him against Washington “elites” — insiders and critics who have underestimated him for decades.
But members of Congress, especially those from battleground districts where control of Congress will be decided, survive by carefully listening to what they hear locally. From meetings with community leaders to casual conversations with people they meet at Walmart, they trust their instincts about their constituents far more than polls or Washington political strategists.
For now, the backbone of Biden’s support in Congress has been the Congressional Black Caucus, whose ranking members are almost all from safe districts, but the letter from Jeffries, who many hope will be the first Black American to hold the speaker’s gavel, raises questions about whether even that barrier is crumbling.
“Heartfelt perspectives and conclusions.” These were kind words, to be sure, but they carried a sharp message.
