Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) reportedly experienced an emotional breakdown during a meeting with President Joe Biden, where they discussed the alarming prospect of a significant defeat for the Democratic ticket in the upcoming November elections.
At the age of 74, Schumer met with Biden at the White House on July 13, just two days after President-elect Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. During this meeting, Schumer conveyed the harsh realities confronting the Democratic Party, asserting to the then-81-year-old Biden that the possibility of securing a second term was no longer viable.
According to a report by the New York Times, Schumer became visibly emotional while sharing details of the meeting with his aides. Although the discussion concluded without a definitive plan from Biden, Schumer expressed to his close associates that he believed he had made an impact on the President.
Before their meeting ended, Schumer cautioned Biden that he risked being remembered as one of the most unfavorable figures in American history if he continued to support a failing campaign that could facilitate Trump’s return to power. Schumer indicated that even if Biden had only a 50% chance of winning, he would still encourage him to persist. “Fifty-fifty, to do this, to stay here; it’s worth it,” he stated. “But, Mr. President, you’re not receiving accurate information regarding the chances of success.”
Biden subsequently admitted that he had not recently consulted with his pollsters about the current state of the race.
Mr. Schumer remarked, “I have had discussions with them. My estimation is that you have approximately a 5 percent chance. None of your pollsters contradict my assessment.”
In recent weeks, President Biden has publicly indicated that he might have secured victory had he remained in the race. He interrupted Schumer on two occasions to inquire, “Do you genuinely believe Kamala can win?” The Senate leader expressed uncertainty but opined that the vice president had a significantly better chance than Biden.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates addressed the situation on Friday, asserting, “The president was thoroughly briefed on campaign polling and the evaluations from his pollsters. Both internal and public data indicated a competitive race.”
As they made their way to Schumer’s awaiting vehicle, Biden placed a hand on his shoulder and remarked, “You possess more courage than anyone I have ever encountered,” adding that he would require “a week” to reach a final decision.
Weeks prior, prominent Democrats convened to observe Biden’s debate against Trump and were left astonished by the president’s disastrous performance. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was among those urging his colleagues to maintain composure as a visibly struggling Biden faltered through his responses.
While in California for a fundraising event, Schumer was queried by donors regarding his assessment of Biden’s performance. He responded to them with a noncommittal, “We’ll have to see.”
