Denver, Colorado – Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado made headlines on July 9, 2024, when he became the first Democratic senator to express doubts about President Joe Biden’s chances of winning reelection. Speaking on CNN, Bennet voiced concerns about Biden’s ability to secure another term in office following a lackluster debate performance the previous month.
During his appearance on the news network, Bennet suggested that former President Donald Trump could potentially win the upcoming election, possibly by a landslide, and lead the Republicans to victory in both the Senate and House. He emphasized that his reservations about Biden’s reelection prospects were not driven by polling data or political calculations, but rather by a sense of moral obligation to the future of the country.
Notably, Bennet refrained from explicitly calling on Biden to withdraw from the race. Instead, he warned about the potential consequences of a Republican victory in 2024, describing it as “an American tragedy” if the Democrats were to lose control of the House and Senate. In his view, the stakes of the upcoming election could not be higher, and he urged the White House to address concerns about Biden’s viability as a candidate.
Bennet’s comments echoed growing speculation about Biden’s mental fitness and the overall strength of his campaign, particularly in the aftermath of a contentious CNN debate in June. While some House Democrats have publicly called for Biden to step down, the President has remained resolute in his decision to continue running for reelection. In a letter to congressional Democrats, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to staying in the race and defeating Donald Trump.
In response to Bennet’s remarks, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign emphasized the anticipated closeness of the race and the importance of engaging with voters to secure support for the President’s reelection bid. Despite the challenges ahead, the campaign expressed confidence in Biden’s ability to connect with voters and build momentum leading up to election day.
Prior to Bennet’s public comments, Senators Sherrod Brown and Jon Tester reportedly shared similar doubts about Biden’s chances during a private meeting with Senate Democrats in the Capitol. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer encouraged senators to communicate directly with the White House, indicating a desire for enhanced collaboration between lawmakers and the administration. Following the meeting, several Democratic senators declined to comment to reporters, with Senator Chris Coons characterizing the discussions as constructive.
Overall, Bennet’s remarks and the broader conversations among Democratic senators underscore the uncertainty and complexity surrounding Biden’s reelection prospects and the challenges facing the party in the upcoming election. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the focus remains on how the Biden administration will navigate these obstacles and rally support for the President’s candidacy moving forward.