Private conversations revealed: Chuck Schumer advised Biden to step aside in the 2024 presidential race
The former senator, Chuck Schumer, disclosed his significant behind-the-scenes role in persuading President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race last year.
After Biden’s disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump in June , influential members of the Democratic Party, including Schumer, began discussing the future of his campaign.
“If you run and lose to Trump, lose the Senate, and fail to regain the House, fifty years of outstanding, beautiful work will go to waste,” Schumer told Biden in a private conversation at the president’s Rehoboth Beach house, according to The New York Times. “Even worse, you would go down in American history as one of the most controversial figures.” “If I were you,” Schumer told the president, “I wouldn’t run, and I strongly urge you not to.”
“Call the White House”
In private, however, Schumer urged donors and allies to remain discreet about their concerns regarding Biden’s age and ability to complete the campaign, according to The Times.
“Do not go public,” Schumer advised. “That will make him defensive. Let the dust settle. But if possible, contact anyone you know in the campaign. Call the White House.” These were among his most pressing suggestions to the former president.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) also worked to dissuade Biden from running, supporting the idea of endorsing a younger candidate, such as Vice President Kamala Harris.
Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden talking.
Biden’s health in question?
In the months following Biden’s announcement of his withdrawal from the race, media outlets such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal revealed that advisers close to the president had long been concerned about his health and energy levels.
According to a December report by The Times, “He appears older and slower with each passing day. Aides maintain that he remains sharp in the Situation Room, negotiating ceasefires in Lebanon or handling the chaos in Syria. However, it’s difficult to imagine he seriously considered undertaking the world’s most demanding job for another four years.