First member of Congressional Black Caucus goes public with Biden concerns

Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) became the first member of the Congressional Black Caucus to urge President Joe Biden to drop his reelection bid as the 81-year-old deals with shedding support from critical constituencies.

On Friday morning, Veasey issued a joint statement with four other House Democrats representing African American, Hispanic , and progressive groups, all vital components of the Democratic electorate. Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-IL) belongs to the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI)  serves as a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), who also joined the letter, is a progressive leader in the lower chamber.

“It is now time for you to pass the torch to a new generation of Democratic leaders,” the Democrats wrote. Veasey's words come after a fellow Texas colleague, Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), became the first House Democrat to ask Biden to step down on July 2.

The lawmakers urged Biden to relinquish his grasp on a second term. “We believe the most responsible and patriotic thing you can do in this moment is to step aside as our nominee while continuing to lead our party from the White House,” they wrote in a statement.

Coming from the mouths of black , Hispanic, and progressive leaders, all essential to pulling off a Democratic victory this November, the lawmakers’ words sound a chilling warning for the Biden campaign.

Their decision to go public with their call marks a shift in the Democratic Party’s strategy to replace the top of their ticket. One week ago, the Congressional Black Caucus held a private call with the president as Biden attempted to assuage concerns that he will lose the election this November.

"I need you,” Biden told the minority group. Veasey’s open action to pave his path apart from the Biden camp indicates a widening gap between the White House and minority groups. Meanwhile, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), an influential African American leader in the lower chamber who has maintained his staunch support for the Biden candidacy, also said he would “absolutely” support Vice President Kamala Harris as the nominee if the president stepped aside.

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While Veasey has become the first African American to break from his caucus, Garcia is the second member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who has asked Biden to step down. After the president held a virtual call with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus last week, Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) became the first member of the Hispanic group to challenge Biden to drop out.

While Pocan also withdrew his support from Biden on Friday, other critical progressives continue to pledge allegiance to the president. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and multiple members of the hard-left “ Squad ” in the House have expressed their rock-solid support for Biden.