ELECTION 2024 WASHINGTON — The mood on Capitol Hill turned uncertain Tuesday as Democrats wrestled over President Joe Biden's reelection bid and the extraordinary question before them — whether to stand behind his candidacy or push the president to bow out amid concerns over his ability to lead them to victory. House and Senate Democrats met privately with tensions running high. The conversation was "dour" and "sad" in the House, lawmakers said, as they discussed their party leader who refuses to step aside and implored them in a sharply worded letter to refocus from him to the threat posed by Republican Donald Trump.
In the Senate, where Biden spent a storied career, they said even less. Late in the day, a seventh House Democrat, Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, publicly said Biden should not run for reelection.
"I realize this is hard, but we have done hard things in pursuit of democracy since the founding of this nation," she said in a statement. "It is time to do so again." What could become a time for Democrats to bolster their president, who remains the favorite performance and public appearances, instead fell deeper into crisis over real fears they could lose the White House and Congress.
Earlier, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said members had "an opportunity to express themselves in a candid and comprehensive fashion" at a closed-door session and the discussions would continue. Biden's supporters emerged as the most vocal, and at least one .
