Tom Williams
- House Democrats didn't reach a consensus on what to do about Biden.
- Many described the meeting in somber terms, illustrating the inter-party divisions that remain.
- Despite the debate, it seems that more Democrats may be coalescing around the president.
House Democrats repeatedly called their Tuesday morning meeting a "family conversation." By the sounds of it, the discussion was akin to a tense Thanksgiving, when the dreaded topic of politics comes up and chaos erupts over turkey.
In a closed-door meeting, representatives deliberated what to do about Biden, but couldn't close the gaping hole between factions of the party. Many ignored reporters' questions as they emerged from the meeting, but those who did comment painted a picture of division and sadness.
When asked whether Democrats were on the same page, Rep. Steve Cohen painted a dire picture: "We're not even in the same book."
One person briefed on the meeting said that the general mood was "sad and frustrated," Politico reported. A representative who supports the president took the sadness a step further, saying that the event "felt like a funeral."
Another representative, when told about the funeral comment, called the comparison "an insult to funerals," Semafor reported.
"The morale of the caucus is at historic lows," they continued.
For all its somberness, the so-called funeral seemed lively and loud. Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, one of six House Democrats to call on Biden to step aside, told The New York Times that there was "vigorous debate."
Biden's supporters walked out of the room and affirmed their support for the president. Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, a crucial ally, repeated one refrain nine times as reporters peppered him with questions: "We are ridin' with Biden."
Despite the deep divisions and doubt, it seems that more Democrats may be coalescing behind the president, however reluctantly. Just before the full-party conversation, swing-district House Democrats held a smaller meeting. The vibe? "Actual tears," Axios reported.
One representative simply called the meeting "intense," while another predicted — and regretted — that Biden would stay in the race.
In a late-night conversation Monday, a House Democrat who's concerned about Biden's reelection bid told Axios that their colleagues are "folding all over the place" and "becoming resigned to Biden holding all the cards here."
Senate Democrats discussed Biden's fate over lunch on Tuesday. It seems all of Washington, DC, is waiting to see what will emerge from that family meal.
Correction: July 9, 2024 — An earlier version of this article misstated the name of the representative from Massachusetts. It's Seth Moulton, not South Moulton.