Schumer Backs Biden As Democrat Concerns Over Fitness Mount

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has confirmed he’s backing embattled President Joe Biden as the Democrats’ 2024 presidential nominee as questions about Biden’s fitness continue to dog Democrats.

Schumer told reporters on Tuesday that he’s “with Joe,” responding to a question about a potentially contested convention for Democrats.

“As I’ve said before, I’m with Joe,” the majority leader said.

This follows Schumer’s statement to the New York Post on Monday evening; spokesman Angelo Roefaro told the paper, “He’s for Joe.”

Despite Schumer’s support, at least seven House Democrats have called on Biden to step aside as the nominee. The latest Democrat to come out against the president is Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey.

“I am asking that (Biden) declare that he won’t run for reelection and will help lead us through a process toward a new nominee,” Sherrill said in a statement, according to USA Today.

Aside from the public calls for Biden to drop out, some Democrats are reportedly working behind the scenes to push for Biden’s ouster as the nominee. During a private call on Sunday with Democratic lawmakers, Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-NY), Adam Smith (D-WA), Mark Takano (D-CA), and Joe Morelle (D-NY) said they wanted Biden to end his campaign, while other Democrats expressed concerns about Biden’s chances against Trump, The Daily Wire noted.

Nadler has since seemingly flipped. The Democrat told reporters on Tuesday morning that Biden “is going to remain in” the race, adding, “He’s our candidate, and we’re all going to support him.”

Further, when he was asked if he believes Biden is the best candidate to run against former President Donald Trump, Nadler was quiet for a few moments before saying, “Yes, at this point, he’s the best candidate. He’s the only candidate.”

“As the president said, something like 90% of Democrats voted for him in the primaries, he won the nomination,” the congressman added.

Biden has been adamant that he’s staying in the race, even saying during a recent ABC News interview that he would only drop out if the “Lord Almighty” told him to.

In a letter he sent to Congressional Democrats on Monday, the president emphasized his position and urged Democrats to fall in line. “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us,” Biden wrote. “It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”

Zach Jewell contributed to this report 

Related: Jerry Nadler Changes Tune On Biden’s Re-Election Bid: ‘We’re All Going To Support Him’