As the Democratic National Convention approaches, the Biden campaign is taking proactive steps to ensure delegate loyalty, raising questions about the stability of support within the party. The move comes amid fears of a potential floor revolt against President Biden’s nomination, which could jeopardize his re-election bid.
Key Takeaways:
The Biden campaign has initiated calls to Democratic delegates to gauge loyalty.
Concerns arise over potential delegate rebellion at the upcoming convention.
Biden's team works to secure support amid declining poll numbers and internal dissent.
Biden Campaign Loyalty Efforts
In a bid to secure unwavering support, Biden's aides have begun reaching out to individual delegates slated to attend the convention in Chicago. These calls are not just routine checks but are designed to assess the commitment of delegates to the president. Delegates report that the conversations begin with general questions about their plans and prior experience before shifting focus to their loyalty to Biden.
According to several delegates, the crucial part of the conversation involves questions like, "Do you understand what being a pledged delegate means?" and "Do you have any potential disagreements with the president?" Such direct inquiries have left many delegates surprised and concerned about the campaign's underlying apprehensions.
Fear of a Delegate Rebellion
The campaign's outreach reflects a broader anxiety within Biden’s team. Despite efforts to consolidate support, there are rising concerns about a possible delegate rebellion. Polls indicate growing dissatisfaction among Democratic voters, especially after Biden's faltering performance in recent debates. This dissatisfaction has translated into fears that delegates might push for an alternative candidate at the convention.
One delegate shared their experience of receiving a follow-up call from another campaign aide, reading from the same script, which only added to their worries. The repetitive nature of these calls suggests a concerted effort by the Biden campaign to double-check delegate loyalty and pre-empt any potential defections.
Addressing Internal and External Pressures
Biden’s campaign is not just dealing with internal party pressures but also with external political dynamics. The president’s declining approval ratings and poor debate performances have prompted discussions among Democratic lawmakers and activists about the viability of his candidacy. There are rumors of a letter circulating among delegates, urging the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to consider a secret ballot at the convention, allowing delegates to vote their conscience without public pressure.
Securing Commitments from Key Groups
In response to these challenges, Biden has personally reached out to key Democratic groups, including the Congressional Black Caucus, Democratic governors, and union members, to secure their commitments. These efforts are aimed at shoring up his base and ensuring that there is no significant shift away from his candidacy.
Despite these efforts, a Democratic official familiar with the delegate situation estimated that about a quarter of those pledged to Biden might be wavering. This official described the calls as a "temperature check" rather than a full-fledged loyalty test but acknowledged that the situation underscores the precariousness of Biden’s current position.
Looking Ahead to the Convention
The Democratic National Convention will be a crucial moment for Biden’s campaign. While most delegates are expected to remain loyal, the underlying concerns highlight a significant challenge for the president. The campaign's outreach efforts are a testament to the high stakes involved and the need for a unified front as the election approaches.
The delegates I spoke to expressed a mix of frustration and resignation, with some calling for a more dynamic convention that showcases the party's best talents and offers a real choice to voters. However, they also emphasized their commitment to fulfilling their roles unless officially released from their pledges.
As the convention nears, the Biden campaign’s actions reflect a broader strategy to maintain control and prevent any disruptive surprises. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether these efforts will be enough to secure the president’s nomination and set the stage for a robust campaign against the Republicans in the upcoming election.
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