🤐 Mass. delegates are quietly loyal to Biden
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Massachusetts delegates to the Democratic National Convention next month are by and large sticking with President Joe Biden despite some worries voters have lost faith in the 81-year-old's vitality and ability to beat former President Donald Trump in November.
State of play: DNC delegates elected last month to represent Massachusetts in Chicago Aug. 19 are keeping quiet about Biden's chances but most who spoke to Axios say they'll maintain support for the president.
- But few are offering full-throated defenses of him while party leaders meet to discuss his chances.
What they're saying: "We are losing the plot," Rep. Ayanna Pressley said about the debate over whether Biden should step down, according to Axios' Andrew Solender.
- "Joe Biden is the nominee," Pressley, a Biden ally from the party's left wing, added.
Yes, but, at least one major party player is urging Biden to drop out: Rep. Seth Moulton, who argues younger leaders should take on Trump.
Zoom in: One of the state's youngest delegates, 19-year-old David Seaton from West Newbury, says there are real questions about Biden's ability to run and win.
- "I want him to look at if he is the best candidate and there is a very good chance that he is," Seaton told Axios.
The Bay State's most powerful figure on Capitol Hill, Democratic Minority Whip Katherine Clark, says she's also sticking with Biden.
- Clark's stance hasn't changed since Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with Biden to convey House Democrats' views on the race.
What's next: Unless Biden changes his mind and is convinced to drop out by confidants and senior party leaders, he will be nominated in Chicago with the full support of the pledged Massachusetts delegates.
- But if Biden steps aside, those delegates will have to choose a new nominee.
- "If he does decide to drop out, I think we have a strong bench and I will be looking hard at who our choices are and who can beat Donald Trump," Seaton said.