House Democrat won't commit to voting for Biden
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Rep. Jared Golden as a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on March 6, 2024. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.
Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) said Wednesday that he will not vote for President Biden unless he is convinced the president is "physically or mentally equipped" for a second term.
Why it matters: It's one of the most devastating statements a Democratic lawmaker has made about the 81-year-old president's age and fitness for office since his calamitous debate against former President Trump.
- It comes as nine House Democrats and a Senate Democrat are calling on Biden to drop his reelection bid, with many swing-district members fearful of his effect on their races if he stays in.
Driving the news: Golden, the chair of the centrist Blue Dog Coalition, told a local radio station that he is "asking the same questions that I know millions and millions of Americans are ... which is what is the physical and mental state of health of the President of the United States."
- "I will not vote for someone if I don't think they are physically or mentally equipped to lead this nation," he said, adding, "I do not know the answer to that question at this time."
- Golden previously made headlines for pushing back on the suggestion by many of his colleagues that Trump represents a distinct threat to democracy, saying he expects Biden to lose and is "OK with that."
- The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Between the lines: Golden represents one of the most Republican-leaning districts of any Democrat – Maine's 2nd congressional district voted for Trump by 7 percentage points in 2020.
- The centrist has long had few reservations about breaking with Biden, telling Axios on Tuesday, "For three and a half years now, I've voted against this administration more than any other Democrat in the House."
- He added, "I'm not scrambling to distance myself from the guy. I've done that ... many people are scrambling to find distance from this who didn't have any to begin with."
The other side: Austin Theriault, Golden's Republican opponent, said in a statement, "Jared Golden continues to dodge the simple question: is he still supporting Joe Biden?"
- Theriault added: "Golden is acutely aware of Biden's inability to do the job. Everyone with eyes and ears saw what Biden was like at the debate."
Go deeper: Behind the Curtain: Dems who could decide Biden fate
Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Maine's Republican U.S. House candidate Austin Theriault.
