President Joe Biden's recent disclosure to Democratic governors that he plans to avoid scheduling events after 8 p.m. to get more sleep has stirred frustration and concern among party leaders. The 81-year-old president made the remarks during a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, aiming to reassure over 20 state leaders of his ability to effectively govern and secure a win against former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November election. However, his comments left several governors in the room dissatisfied, according to sources briefed on the discussion.
The New York Times first reported Biden's intention to prioritize sleep, a move that was meant to demonstrate his awareness of the demands of the presidency and his health. Yet, this statement has raised eyebrows and generated skepticism about his capability to endure the rigors of another four-year term. CNN reported that the frustration among governors is partly due to the contrast between their show of loyalty and enthusiasm for Biden and the private doubts many harbor about his fitness for office.
The White House and Biden's campaign team have not provided immediate comments on the president's remarks. However, the broader context of the meeting underscores a growing unease within the Democratic Party. Panicked by the prospect of running alongside a potentially weakened nominee, congressional Democrats have been increasingly vocal, albeit privately, about their concerns.
The tension between Democratic governors and members of Congress highlights a significant divide within the party. While governors demonstrated public support for Biden by descending on Washington and pledging their loyalty, many congressional Democrats feel this only complicates efforts to nudge Biden aside. These lawmakers fear that Biden's perceived vulnerabilities could drag down their own electoral prospects.
According to insiders, the majority of congressional Democrats believe there is no viable path to retaining control of the House and Senate if Biden remains the nominee. Recent polls suggest that large majorities of Americans view Biden as too old for the job, a sentiment that threatens to undermine the party's chances in the upcoming elections. As one operative working on congressional Democratic races explained, "Most House Democrats are outrunning Biden in their internal surveys, but they know they can't overcome his drag if he's losing their seats by 15 points rather than mid-single digits."
The frustration is further compounded by the personal political ambitions of some Democratic governors. Few of these governors face reelection this year, but many are eyeing the presidency in 2028. The path to the White House for these governors becomes more complicated if Vice President Kamala Harris ascends to the presidency and seeks reelection. As one House Democrat texted, "Sink Kamala so she's not the nominee in both '24 and '28."
Despite these undercurrents, not all governors are cynical about Biden's leadership. Some genuinely do not want to see Trump return to the White House. Nevertheless, skepticism remains high among many state leaders about Biden's ability to defeat Trump. One governor emerged from the West Wing convinced that Biden is in deep denial, arguing that the president believes his polling has not worsened significantly and that more sleep and increased campaigning will improve his prospects.
Governors Janet Mills of Maine and Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico reportedly expressed their alarm to Biden, noting that their blue-leaning states are now in jeopardy. This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety within the party as the election looms closer.
The political calculus for governors and congressional Democrats differs markedly. While governors may be looking toward future presidential runs, congressional Democrats are focused on the immediate challenge of retaining their seats. This dynamic has created a rift, with some seeing Harris as a potentially better alternative to Biden, despite her own challenges.
For now, the governors' public support has provided Biden with a temporary lift. However, as polling continues to show troubling trends for the president, the calls for a change at the top of the ticket are likely to grow louder. One connected House Democrat remarked, "Polling will get a little worse and people are going to lose their minds even more."
