House Democrats seem to be firmly supportive of another Biden-Harris ticket, even as President Biden faces calls from some on the left to reconsider his candidacy.
Fox News Digital asked Democratic House members on Capitol Hill about their views on whether Biden should seek a second term, especially in light of a recent column by Washington Post’s David Ignatius, urging the president to withdraw from the race. Ignatius cited Biden’s age as a significant factor in his recommendation.
With the exception of Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, most House Democrats expressed strong support for President Biden’s reelection bid. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Pennsylvania emphatically stated that she believes Biden should run again, emphasizing that he has done an excellent job.
Freshman Democrat Rep. Jonathan Jackson of Illinois encouraged Biden to run for reelection, saying, “Go Joe Biden.” Massachusetts Democrat Rep. Seth Moulton affirmed that Biden is running and highlighted his impressive record. When asked about Biden’s age as a potential issue, Moulton noted that it’s a matter for the American people to decide.
Democrat Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz also expressed her support for the Biden-Harris ticket.
Rep. Dean Phillips, who has been vocal about the need for new blood in the 2024 race, acknowledged that Ignatius’ column reflects the thoughts of many. He emphasized that the Democratic Party values different opinions and welcomes debate to determine what is in the party’s and the country’s best interests.
Phillips praised President Biden’s compassion and competence and stated that he believes Biden has done an excellent job in his first term. He also noted that competition is healthy in politics.
Some Democrats declined to answer the question, including Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, Greg Casar of Texas, and Don Davis of North Carolina.
These statements from lawmakers come at a time when Democrats across the political spectrum are expressing hesitancy about whether Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris represent the strongest Democratic presidential ticket for the 2024 election.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declined to confirm whether she believes Harris is the best running mate for Biden in 2024, adding, “He thinks so, and that’s what matters.” Pelosi joined other left-leaning politicians and pundits in expressing concerns about Biden’s age, gaffes, and Harris’ declining favorability ratings.
In a column, David Ignatius recommended against Biden and Harris seeking reelection, citing Biden’s age and the risk of undoing his accomplishments by running together in 2024. Ignatius highlighted that Biden would be 82 at the start of a potential second term.
