Even as party leaders, leading progressives, and other elected Democrats support President Biden’s recently launched 2024 campaign, a few prominent Democratic lawmakers have decided against endorsing him.
Why it matters: According to polls, the majority of Democratic voters do not want the 80-year-old president to run for reelection, but they might reluctantly back him if he is the party’s nominee.
What they’re saying: Only four of the many House and Senate Democrats who were contacted or questioned by Axios declined to support Biden.
Sen. Joe Manchin (W.Va.), who is up for re-election in a state former President Trump won by 40 points in 2020: “I have no comments on any of this. I wish everybody the best whatever they want to do.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (N.Y.), a member of the progressive “Squad”: “He’s rolled out and I think he’s presented a strong case and we’ll see how the race goes on.”
Rep. Cori Bush (Mo.), another “Squad” member: “Right now, my mind isn’t on that. I saw that he announced his re-election. But the problems I have in my district, that has taken precedence over everything at this point.”
Rep. Dean Phillips (Minn.), who called last year for a “new generation” of leadership: “I’m impressed by the Biden presidency. … I just believe American democracy is made stronger by competition. Coronations are antithetical to democracy, and competition always results in the best possible candidate.”
