Biden’s Zoom Call with Lawmakers In Hispanic District Goes Poorly, Host Abruptly Ends Call After Democrat Tells Biden to Drop Out of Race
The Congressional Hispanic Conference formally expressed support for Mr. Biden this week, though not all of its members have agreed to continue to back him.
Caucus Chair Nanette Díaz Barragán of California and Deputy Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat of New York issued a statement Monday night affirming their support for the president’s 2024 bid.
During a Friday conference call Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.) with the CHC directly asked President Biden to end his campaign for a second term — the most direct known request by an elected lawmaker for the 81-year-old to give up his re-election bid.
Levin is not of Hispanic heritage, but was on the call because he represents a district that is more than 25% Hispanic.
The request prompted call organizer Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.) to rapidly end the Zoom meeting, after she had already ignored a request to speak from Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.), the Albritton Journalism Institute reported.
According to sources familiar with the call, Levin’s comments were unexpected and took the President by surprise, leading to a swift and awkward conclusion of the meeting.
Levin’s Bold Statement
“Mr. President, with all due respect, it’s time to step aside and let someone else lead the charge for 2024,” he stated. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among some Democrats who question Biden’s ability to galvanize voters, particularly within key demographics such as Hispanic Americans.
The New York Post reported that Levin’s assertion was met with a mix of stunned silence and murmurs of agreement from other lawmakers on the call. The atmosphere reportedly became tense, prompting the host to end the meeting abruptly to avoid further escalation.
Biden’s Struggles with Hispanic Voters
President Biden’s approval ratings have been slipping, particularly among Hispanic voters, a demographic crucial for the Democratic Party’s electoral success.
A report by Notus highlights that many Hispanic Americans feel disillusioned by the administration’s handling of key issues such as immigration, economic policy, and healthcare.
Political Ramifications
This incident may have broader implications for the Democratic Party as it gears up for the 2024 elections.
The internal discord signals potential challenges in presenting a unified front against a strong Republican opposition. Some political analysts argue that the Democratic Party’s internal conflicts could weaken their electoral prospects, particularly if high-profile lawmakers openly question Biden’s candidacy.
Biden’s leadership is increasingly being viewed as ineffective by his own party members.
This sentiment is likely to embolden Republican candidates who have already been critical of Biden’s policies and leadership style. The abrupt ending of the call highlights the administration’s difficulty in managing dissent within its ranks.
Republican Reactions
Republican leaders have seized on the incident as evidence of a fractured Democratic Party.
RNC spokesperson Emma Vaughn commented, “This is just another example of Biden’s inability to unite his own party, let alone the country. It’s clear that even his allies are losing faith in his leadership.”
The Republican Party has been actively courting Hispanic voters, emphasizing economic opportunity, family values, and border security. The internal Democratic discord may present an opportunity for Republicans to make further inroads with this key voting bloc.
Future Prospects
As President Biden continues to face scrutiny from within his party, the question of his re-election bid remains contentious. Some Democratic strategists believe that Biden should reconsider his candidacy to pave the way for a new generation of leadership. Others argue that rallying behind the sitting president is essential to maintaining continuity and stability.
The abrupt end to the Zoom call with Hispanic lawmakers serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the Biden administration. With the 2024 election looming, the President must navigate internal party dynamics while addressing the pressing concerns of voters.