Schumer privately signals being open to alternative to Biden

Schumer privately signals being open to alternative to Biden

The Democratic Senate Majority leader, however, reiterates support for the president.

Joe Biden
US president Joe Biden has faced doubts about his reelection chances after his weak debate performance. (Reuters pic)
WASHINGTON:
Democratic US Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer has privately signalled to donors that he is open to a Democratic presidential candidate other than President Joe Biden, Axios reported on Wednesday.

However, Schumer reiterated support for Biden in a statement late on Wednesday after the Axios report came out.

“As I have made clear repeatedly publicly and privately, I support President Biden and remain committed to ensuring Donald Trump is defeated in November,” Schumer said in a statement shared by his office.

Biden has faced doubts about his reelection chances after a weak and faltering performance in a debate against Republican former president Donald Trump late last month.

Since then, some Democratic members of Congress and high- profile donors have publicly asked him to step aside as the party’s candidate for the Nov 5 election.

Many from Biden’s own party have expressed worries that Biden has not done enough in the ensuing days to convince voters that the debate was an aberration, rather than a true reflection of his abilities.

Biden has said he will stay in the race.

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