Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado, has publicly voiced concerns about President Joe Biden’s chances of winning reelection in 2024, marking the first time a Democratic senator has done so.
In an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, Bennet cited Biden’s poor performance in last month’s debate as a significant factor in his doubts.
“Donald Trump is on track, I think, to win this election, and maybe win it by a landslide, and take with him the Senate and the House,” Bennet warned. “For me, this isn’t a question about polling. It’s not a question about politics. It’s a moral question about the future of our country.”
Bennet criticized the White House for not demonstrating a clear plan to win the upcoming election, adding to the growing concern among congressional Democrats. These concerns were highlighted during private meetings held by both House and Senate Democrats on Tuesday. However, no consensus emerged on a path forward.
Bennet’s comments reflect the anxieties of many Democratic lawmakers, who fear that Biden’s reelection bid could jeopardize down-ballot races this fall. The senator stopped short of calling on Biden to withdraw from the race but emphasized the high stakes involved in the 2024 election, describing a potential loss of both the House and Senate as “an American tragedy.”
In response to Bennet’s remarks, Biden campaign spokesperson Kevin Munoz acknowledged the challenging nature of the race. “This was always going to be a close race – and the dynamics at play are the ones we’ve long anticipated,” Munoz stated. “Voters continue to be deeply concerned by Donald Trump and his harmful agenda, and the more we engage and reach out to voters, the more they support President Biden.”
Despite Bennet’s public stance, President Biden remains committed to his reelection campaign. In a letter to congressional Democrats, he reaffirmed his determination to stay in the race and defeat Donald Trump.
Senators Sherrod Brown and Jon Tester reportedly shared Bennet’s concerns during the private meeting, according to a source familiar with the discussions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer advised senators to communicate their worries directly to the White House.
