As the Democratic Party grapples with the prospect of President Joe Biden seeking re-election, a growing rift has emerged among progressive lawmakers, with some vocal supporters and others staying mum.
Among the most high-profile backers of Biden are Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), both of whom have publicly confirmed their support for the president. Omar went a step further, featuring Biden in one of her own campaign ads, signaling her confidence in his ability to carry the party’s banner.
Other progressive stalwarts, such as Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), have also come out in support of Biden, urging the party to focus on defeating former President Donald Trump, rather than indulging in internal feuds.
However, not all members of the influential “Squad” have publicly endorsed Biden, and some have remained silent. Representatives Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Cori Bush (D-MO), and Maxwell Frost (D-FL), all of whom have expressed dissent over Biden’s handling of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, have yet to make any public statements on the issue.
The chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), sought to reconcile the disparate views within her caucus, acknowledging the diverse perspectives within the party. While neither endorsing nor calling for Biden’s resignation, Jayapal expressed admiration for the president’s accomplishments, alongside those of Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a statement, Jayapal emphasized the importance of presenting a united front against Trump, stating, “As CPC Chair, I am listening carefully to the thoughts of our members from all over the country… as we work to ensure we defeat Donald Trump and win the House and Senate.”
Jayapal told the Associated Press that Biden was expected to meet with members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus this week.
Ahead of Congress’s return to Washington, D.C. this week, Biden penned a letter to Democrats reiterating his determination to remain in the race. “The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. It’s time for it to end,” the president wrote. “We have one job. And that is to beat Donald Trump.”
