How Black lawmakers are bolstering Biden’s campaign amid growing criticism.
The Political Firewall
After his poor debate performance, President Joe Biden is now counting on one very important political firewall to help him win the election: the leaders of the Congressional Black Caucus.
A Call to Step Down
Monday saw a large increase in congressional Democrats calling for President Biden to step down as the Democratic nominee. Steven Horsford, D-Nev and Congressional Black Caucus Chair, vocally reaffirmed his support for the President.
Critical Timing
Steven Horsford’s support comes at a critical time, especially given that he will have his own upcoming election where public opinion reigns supreme.
Hard Fought Freedoms
Horsford posted on social media, “President Joe Biden is the nominee and has been selected by millions of voters across the country, including voters here in Nevada,” adding that Nevadans “care about a thriving and equitable economy, taking on big corporations to lower costs and protecting the hard fought freedoms, rights and opportunities we’ve earned.”
Time to VOTE
Horsford continued, “They know President Biden and Vice President Harris are fighting for them. Like me, they don’t want to see Donald Trump back in the White House and are ready to work and VOTE to ensure that doesn’t happen.”
Moving Forward
He reminded his supporters, “We’re not going back, we’re moving forward.” The Congressional Black Caucus is set to have a virtual meeting with Biden on Monday night to further their discussions.
Looking Back
Biden would not be where he is today without the support of Black voters. Back in the 2020 primaries, when it seemed his campaign was dead in the water, the Black voters in South Carolina helped get him back on track.
Historic Appointments
This support, in addition to appointing the first ever Black female vice president and the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, has formed the base of the Biden coalition.
They Hold the Key
Now more than ever, the support from Black lawmakers and activists seems to be the key to his second term.
CBC Chairwomen Speak Up
Last Sunday, on a private call between committee leaders, four leading Democrats asked Biden to step down from the presidential race. Two former Chairwomen of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Reps. Maxine Waters and Barbara Lee fiercely defended Biden’s bid while on the call.
Statements of Support
Another CBC member, Rep. Frederica Wilson, also issued a statement of support, saying, “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris defeated Donald Trump in 2020 and they are the Democratic ticket that will do so again this year. Any ‘leader’ calling for President Biden to drop out needs to get their priorities straight and stop undermining this incredible actual leader who has delivered real results for our country.”
Focus Up
Rep. Wilson continued, “What Democrats need to be doing is stop listening to these political pundits and focus on what’s at stake this election: our democracy,” saying, “End of story. I stand with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and so should all Americans.”
Cracks Spreading
The CBC is a well-known, powerful group within the political world, but there have been said to be “little cracks” forming before the upcoming election.
Hard to Imagine
A senior aide shared, “It’s hard to imagine many of them going against an incumbent president that has passed many pieces of major legislation to benefit the Black community and is connected to President Obama.”
We Have Been Here Before
It was Black voters who saved Biden’s first presidential campaign back when then-majority Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina vocally endorsed him before the primary, rallying his Black supporters with him.
Keeping Quiet
Since the disastrous debate, Clyburn, one of the most powerful Black voices in Washington, has not been as vocal about supporting Biden’s bid. He said on MSNBC that he would support Harris if Biden should step aside. Clyburn also suggested that Democrats create a “mini primary” before the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
Biden’s Damage Control
In an attempt to fix his reputation after the debate and gain support from Black voters, Biden called into 2 Black radio shows in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, another controversy emerged when the hosts discovered Biden had received the questions ahead of time.
A Look at the Demographics
It is important to note that there are no Black lawmakers included in the five House Democrats who have publicly demanded for Biden to step down. These Reps. include Reps. Lloyd Doggett of Texas, Raúl Grijalva of Arizona, Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Mike Quigley of Illinois and Angie Craig of Minnesota. There were also no Black lawmakers included in the four Democratic committee leaders who asked Biden to step down on the disaster-control call last Sunday.
Standing Together
Rep. Greg Meeks of New York, who is the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, shared his support, saying, “The president has led, continues to lead, and the leadership that he has provided has brought the world, the democratic world closer together, to make us all safer together than we would be if we were doing this by ourselves. That is what the authoritarians hope — that we would be divided. The leadership of Joe Biden has prevented that from happening.”
21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
The Bible is one of the most discussed and debated books in history, yet many common beliefs about it are more myth than fact. How many of these misconceptions have you heard before? 21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Racism in America isn’t always overt; it often hides in plain sight through subtle actions and attitudes. How many of these subtle racisms have you noticed around you? 21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
The U.S. dances to its own beat, especially when it comes to laws that make the rest of the world do a double-take. Here’s a lineup of things that scream “Only in America,” sticking strictly to what’s written in the law books. Ready for a tour through the American legal landscape that’ll leave you wondering if freedom might just be a bit too free? Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Fotophoto.
