Representative Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) cautioned that Democrats might face defeat in November if the party doesn’t quickly rally behind a single presidential candidate. However, he left open the possibility of supporting a new nominee if President Biden decides to step aside.
During a CNN “State of the Union” interview with Jake Tapper, Clyburn reiterated his support for Biden, stating he backs the president “until he changes his mind” about being the party’s candidate.
Jim Clyburn, a long-time ally, emphasized his continued support
“If you go to the convention, have an open process in the convention, It will come out the same way it came out in 1968, 1972, and 1980,” Clyburn remarked.
He cited historical examples where contested conventions resulted in serious losses for the party, noting that in 1980, Democrats lost an incumbent president, and in 1972, they won only Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. He also referenced 1968 when Lyndon Johnson exited the race over the Vietnam War issue.
Despite acknowledging fellow Democrats’ concerns about Biden’s candidacy, Clyburn, a long-time ally, emphasized his continued support. “I support Joe Biden. He is still in this race. He will be the nominee if he stays in the race,” Clyburn said, urging Democrats to unite behind Biden.
Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) joined others in urging Biden to reconsider his candidacy, expressing doubts about his ability to defeat former President Trump. However, Biden and his campaign have remained steadfast, with campaign battleground states director Dan Kanninen asserting in a memo post-Republican National Convention that Biden is the presumptive nominee with no alternative plans.
As the presidential race remains tight, recent polls show Trump holding a 2.5 percent lead over Biden nationally, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average.
