This story is republished from Associated Press as a part of our commitment to bringing you the best in news coverage that matters to New Mexico.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Donald Trump is getting back on the campaign trail at his flagship Miami golf resort as Democrats face tough calls over President Joe Biden ’s reelection chances.
Ever since his dismal debate performance, Democrats have been wrestling with whether the 81-year-old Biden should continue as the party’s nominee. As anxious congressional Democrats returned to Washington weighing whether to work to revive his campaign or to try to edge him out, Biden Monday stood firm against calls for him to drop out of the race.
Against this backdrop of intense political drama, NATO leaders are converging on Washington starting Tuesday for a summit marking the organization’s 75th year. The main focus of the summit is for NATO leaders to shore up support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia but for Biden the summit has become just as much about demonstrating he is capable of meeting the grinding demands of the presidency for four more years.
The Latest:
Mayors are next up for Biden
The president will keep up his personal outreach to different factions of the Democratic Party Tuesday night.
He’ll hold a virtual meeting with mayors around the country, according to a person familiar with the plans.
Biden plans to give remarks and take questions from the mayors.
It’s a formant similar to that used with members of the Congressional Black Caucus and with campaign donors on Monday.
A seventh House Democrat calls for Biden to step down
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., has called for President Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee, saying in a press release that the “stakes are too high and the threat is too real” for her to remain silent.”
In an interview immediately after the release, the former Navy helicopter pilot told the AP that she made the difficult decision after speaking with voters in her district and hearing out her colleagues during a Tuesday morning caucus session.
“I had committed to people in my district of having the conversations I thought we needed to have. I wanted to hear from my colleagues here in Washington,” she said. “I remain convinced that we need to do everything we can to defeat Trump.”
She added that she would support Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee.
Democrat leadership backs Biden, works to shift focus toward Trump
Following closed-door huddles among House and Senate Democrats Tuesday morning, party leaders have renewed their support of the president.
When questioned by reporters about Biden’s candidacy, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., responded with the same refrain each time: “As I’ve said before, I’m with Joe.”
Rep. Pete Aguilar, chairman of the House Democrats said, “Right now, President Biden is the nominee and we support the Democratic nominee that will beat Donald Trump.”
“Every single member is clear-eyed about the stakes” of the 2024 presidential race, said Aguilar. “Donald Trump cannot be allowed near the Oval Office.”
House Dem leader still in listening mode
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is still in listening mode as his party considers Biden’s political future.
“We had a caucus meeting today that gave members an opportunity to express themselves in a candid and comprehensive fashion, and those discussions will continue throughout the balance of the week,” Jeffries said.
A fighting spirit, but can he win?
A few of the Democrats who have publicly called for the president to step aside came out more resolute than before, but not all.
“The fighting spirit and pride and courage that served the country so well four years ago, that helped Joe Biden win, will bring the ticket down this time,” said Rep. Mike Quigley from Illinois.
“He just has to step down because he can’t win,” Quigley said.
But Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York seemed to reverse course after previously privately expressing that Biden should leave.
“He is going to be our nominee, and we all have to support him,” Nadler said.
‘Not even in the same book’
Democrats had varying views of their nearly two-hour conversation, with some saying the party is unified and others leaving even more disconcerted.
Rep. Steven Cohen of Tennessee had a memorable answer when reporters asked him if the session got the party on the same page.
“We are not even in the same book,” Cohen said.
Others like Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the caucus is united behind Biden as their nominee.
Dems gather for ‘family’ chat
House Democrats convened for a “family” discussion behind closed doors early Tuesday.
Tensions are still high over the 2024 election and President Joe Biden’s candidacy.
No cell phones. No leaks. Just what Caucus Chairman Rep. Pete Aguilar billed as a family chat among lawmakers.
So far, Biden’s supporters have been the most vocal emerging from the more than hour-long chat. But discontent remains behind the scenes.