Scoop: Leaks complicate Democrats' sensitive Biden talks
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Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
Leaks from House Democrats' private meetings about President Biden's candidacy are adding extra chaos to the combustible atmosphere on Capitol Hill.
Why it matters: The paranoia and sensitivity around leaks has gotten to a point where one top Democrat profusely apologized to colleagues for their office inadvertently leaking a colleague's comments in a Sunday ranking members meeting that was the subject of prolific leaks.
- "I want to inform you that ... my office was involved in one of the leaks that occurred during the ranking member meeting," the lawmaker wrote to their fellow Democratic committee leaders in a note obtained by Axios.
- "I feel incumbent to be forthright with you," the ranking member continued. "I realize that I am responsible for setting the tone in my office. I take full responsibility for the harm that was done ... Full stop."
Driving the news: After the porous ranking members meeting, stringent steps were taken for House Democrats' full caucus meeting on Tuesday morning to avoid lawmakers' comments being leaked out – at least in real time.
- "Cell phones will not be permitted. Secure cell phone storage for Members will be provided on site," read an email to House Democrats announcing the time and location of the meeting.
- Democratic leadership also "strongly" admonished leaking at the meeting, according to a lawmaker who was present.
- Coming out of the meeting, many lawmakers were loath to weigh in on what was said for fear of being branded as leakers.
What they're saying: "Trust is key, so it's a big issue," Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) told Axios.
- "It's important to be able to think things through with folks privately. There's nothing wrong with that," he added.
- Lawmakers "just don't want our colleagues stealing our words before we're ready to share them when and how appropriate," said another House Democrat.
What we're hearing: One senior House Democrat told Axios that leaks have "created a situation where most members are communicating directly with one of the top leaders rather than in a group."
- Another House Democrat said they have heard from colleagues who say they are "not speaking up anymore" in group settings for fear of their comments leaking.
- Some text chains between members have also fallen "completely silent," the lawmaker added.
The bottom line: That "doesn't mean people aren't still going to speak up," the lawmaker cautioned, adding that many members are still "working behind the scenes."
