On the Biden issue, many Democrats are saying more with less.
No journalist can read a politician's mind, but the writing is sometimes on the wall.
A respected journalist once criticized me for a news article I had written.
I misrepresented someone's statement as their belief.
My colleague corrected me.
My friend advised, "Although we are aware of what others say, we cannot determine their beliefs."
I changed the copy.
No journalist is clairvoyant.
Sometimes, we in the Capitol press corps can accurately predict what lawmakers are thinking.
What Members of Congress reveal to us is not the whole story.
Often, silence can be louder than the soundbites.
This week, Congressional Democrats were pursued by reporters on House hill and Senate dell to ascertain their stance regarding President Biden.
The President’s cheerleaders were easy to find.
""Joe Biden is the way to go," said Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Md., as he entered a meeting of the House Democratic Caucus."
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn, stated that in 2024, he believes the person who defeated former President Trump in 2020 will once again kick Trump's ass.
Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., declared, "We are riding with Biden."
If the President stays in the race, there is concern about a down ballot hemorrhage for Democrats.
Call it "bleedin’ with Biden."
A few who harbored grave concerns delivered brief, but pointed comments.
Rep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill., stated that the President must resign because he is unable to succeed in the election.
In a statement, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., urged Mr. Biden to resign.
Sherill stated that she requested him to declare that he wouldn't seek reelection and assist in leading us through the process of selecting a new nominee.
D-N.Y. Rep. Pat Ryan requested a swap out at the top.
Many Democrats are hesitant to express their true feelings openly.
Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker and a Democrat from California, greeted a large group of reporters outside the Democratic National Committee on a hot Tuesday morning.
"Good morning. Good morning," said Pelosi.
"Should the President step aside?" asked a reporter.
There was silence from Pelosi.
Reporters sought Sen. Elizabeth Warren's, D-Mass., input on President Biden.
"Do you support Biden?" asked ABC’s Rachel Scott.
Warren and an aide hurriedly slid past the press assemblage.
Warren darted into the committee backroom and said, "I'm in Finance."
Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, stated, "I don't have much to say about it."
Really? Nothing about the standard-bearer for your party?
At least nothing – in the open.
During the weekly Senate Democratic luncheon, Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, both stated that they would not disclose what occurs at private caucus meetings.
"Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., stated that "we have a ways to go, but we won't negotiate in public.""
The first Senate Democrat to urge the president to resign was Welch.
Aishah Hasnie reported that some lawmakers refused to verbally acknowledge reporters asking about President Biden and instead stared at them.
Some Democrats have retreated from publicly commenting on the President's viability due to consternation, but have been frank behind closed doors.
Rep. Susan Wild, D-Penn., who represents a swing district, stated in a confidential conversation with other members of House Democratic leadership that she shares the same concerns as Americans nationwide about President Biden's electability at the top of the ticket.
On Sunday, the ranking member of the House Ethics Committee, Wild, participated in a conference call with other top Democrats.
One lawmaker most journalists wanted to speak with this week was wild. When the House conducts roll call votes, Fox deploys a "no doubles" defense. In baseball, "no doubles" defense is where the first baseman and third baseman creep closer to the line to prevent "doubles." We do the same on Capitol Hill. There are two exits near the main exterior House steps. So one crew watches the main exit. Another cheats a little bit toward the Senate side where some members who wish to be elusive try to escape.
We caught up with Wild as she departed through the more obscure exit heading toward the Senate. When asked about her reservations about President Biden, she was circumspect.
"My statement speaks for itself," said Wild.
Yesterday, on the call, did you voice some of those concerns?
"My statement is my statement is my statement," insisted Wild.
Did you query if there are concerns among swing district Democrats like yourself?
Wild stated that you could phrase the question in numerous ways.
"That's a different question," I observed.
"Wild stated, "I won't say anything more. I made a statement and that's it.""
Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., participated in a conference call on Sunday as the top House Democrat on the Joint Economic Committee. According to Punchbowl News, Beyer shared with his colleagues that Biden is "very fragile" and has difficulty putting together coherent thoughts.
On Sunday evening, Beyer's office released a statement indicating that he supported President Biden.
On Monday at the Capitol, I met with Beyer and Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., while they were walking down a corridor near the floor. I apologized to Courtney, stating that I had some questions for Beyer, just like every other journalist in Washington.
As we walked through a tunnel toward the Cannon House Office Building, Beyer was gracious in responding to my questions. However, like Wild, Beyer was guarded.
"Could you please provide more context for your comments from yesterday? Your statement yesterday has been reported to not align with what was said," I asked Beyer.
"I am highly committed to Joe Biden, and it seems likely that he will be our candidate. I will do everything in my power to help him get elected, as stated in my support," said Beyer.
Did you verify the accuracy of what was reported?
"Beyer stated that he did not want to classify the reporting in a specific manner, but he wanted to clarify his stance regarding the statement he released yesterday."
In his first public appearance since the debate, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., argued against former President Trump.
On Tuesday afternoon, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., stated that Donald Trump cannot win and that the Democrats are united.
It appeared that Democrats were presenting more compelling objections to ex-President Trump than supporting current President Biden.
However, Aguilar left open wiggle room.
"Right now, President Biden is the nominee," said Aguilar.
Right now.
The discussions about President Biden are now being held in hushed tones. Keep an eye out for subtle changes in language from Aguilar and others.
During an MSNBC appearance, Pelosi stated that the President's decision to run for re-election is ultimately up to him.
Meantime, Jeffries gave his members some breathing room.
Jeffries stated that it is our duty, as representatives of the American people, to discuss a course of action that benefits the nation.
Democrats need to return to the Capitol after the July 4 recess to assess their political temperature. They have been subjected to days of intense media scrutiny in Congress, and they now need a break from the constant barrage of reporters. With Congress on recess next week, Republicans can hold their convention in Milwaukee. During the break, Democrats can use the opportunity to make individual statements about the President, perhaps appearing on local radio and TV stations.
No one has said any of this. There was nothing verbal.
In this unusual circumstance, everyone is aware of their thoughts.
politics
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