WASHINGTON — Nearly two weeks after President Joe Biden’s debate performance shook some Democrats’ confidence in him, lawmakers in Washington were looking for the path forward Tuesday.
In a Monday, July 8 letter, Biden said he was staying in the race and called on the party to come together.
In Frankfort, where Democrats are far outnumbered by Republicans, party leaders said they're sticking with Biden.
“This is not the time to waver,” said Kentucky Senate Minority Floor Leader Gerald Neal, D-Louisville. “What you do is you pull your troops together and you put your best foot forward. I mean, he has a tremendous record of achievement.”
In the House, Minority Floor Leader Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, Democratic Caucus Chair Cherlynn Stevenson, D-Lexington and Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus Chair George Brown Jr., D-Lexington, said they fully support Biden.
This week, Colmon Elridge, chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party, posted online: “I’ve heard from Black and Brown folks across the country, especially Black women, down right livid at the privilege of some folks who are willing to abandon @JoeBiden, and what it means for the safety and security of our community and democracy itself … Throwing @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris to the side is not an option.”
I’ve heard from Black and Brown folks across the country, especially Black women, down right livid at the privilege of some folks who are willing to abandon @JoeBiden, and what it means for the safety and security of our community and democracy itself. As one woman said to me,… https://t.co/0VA6M83ayj
— colmon (@colmonelridge) July 8, 2024
Neal said he agreed and the party’s focus should be on former President Donald Trump.
“How many ways can you lay yourself out there, not just in one performance, but over and over and over again and not understand that this man is a threat … that is amazing to me,” Neal said. “He is the issue. It's not Biden.”
Last week, Congressman Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, did not pledge outright to support Biden as the nominee but said Democrats were having “difficult conversations,” adding the party was unified in ensuring Trump’s defeat.