Senior House lawmaker discreetly encourages Biden to consider fellow Democrats' views amid electability worries
In a letter, Raskin expressed that it's perfectly acceptable to take a well-deserved bow to the crowd's overflowing appreciation when your arm feels exhausted.
TroibNews 
Earlier this month, Representative Jamie Raskin sent a private letter to President Joe Biden, prompting him to engage with his Democratic colleagues as he contemplates his participation in the presidential race.
Raskin, who serves as the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee and was involved in managing Donald Trump's impeachment, did not join some Democrats in requesting Biden to withdraw from the race, according to the letter dated July 6.
In the letter spanning four pages, Raskin commended Biden's achievements and expressed his deep respect and unity, stating that he wrote with “boundless admiration, affection and solidarity.” However, Raskin concluded with a notable analogy linking Biden to Pedro Martínez, a Boston Red Sox pitcher whose prolonged appearance in a crucial playoff game is famously considered to have cost the team a World Series opportunity in 2003.
“There is no shame in taking a well deserved bow to the overflowing appreciation of the crowd when your arm is tired out, and there is real danger for the team in ignoring the statistics,” Raskin penned, according to POLITICO which obtained the letter.
“Your situation is tricky because you are both our star pitcher and our Manager. But in democracy, as you have shown us more than any prior113 president, you are not a Manager acting all alone; you are the co-manager along with our great team and our great people. Caucus with the team, Mr. President. Hear them out. You will make the right decision,” Raskin advised.
This letter adds to a trail of disclosures about internal pressures facing Biden, suggesting a mix of private dialogues and public entreaties within the party for him to reconsider his candidacy.
Concerns about Biden leading the Democratic ticket in November have been voiced by notable figures including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, all of whom have communicated their worries directly to Biden. Moreover, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), soon likely to join the Senate, joined other Congressional Democrats in publicly urging Biden to step down.
Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) also indicated to POLITICO that concerns about Biden's candidacy would likely become more public over the coming days, highlighting widespread apprehension within the Democratic Party about Biden's potential defeat to Trump in the upcoming elections, a scenario which could negatively impact other Democratic candidates.
On Thursday, Raskin confirmed having sent the letter, first reported by The New York Times, and emphasized the necessity of a strategic internal discussion to "decisively win the election," a crucial factor for America's future, according to his statement. He reaffirmed that his views, as well as his admiration and concerns for the country and Biden, remain consistent since drafting the letter over the July Fourth weekend.
Despite these pressures and Biden's deteriorating public approval, some Democratic insiders who favor his withdrawal believe that Biden and his senior advisors are beginning to acknowledge their concerns, according to three individuals privy to ongoing confidential discussions, as reported by POLITICO.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
Raskin, who serves as the leading Democrat on the House Oversight Committee and was involved in managing Donald Trump's impeachment, did not join some Democrats in requesting Biden to withdraw from the race, according to the letter dated July 6.
In the letter spanning four pages, Raskin commended Biden's achievements and expressed his deep respect and unity, stating that he wrote with “boundless admiration, affection and solidarity.” However, Raskin concluded with a notable analogy linking Biden to Pedro Martínez, a Boston Red Sox pitcher whose prolonged appearance in a crucial playoff game is famously considered to have cost the team a World Series opportunity in 2003.
“There is no shame in taking a well deserved bow to the overflowing appreciation of the crowd when your arm is tired out, and there is real danger for the team in ignoring the statistics,” Raskin penned, according to POLITICO which obtained the letter.
“Your situation is tricky because you are both our star pitcher and our Manager. But in democracy, as you have shown us more than any prior113 president, you are not a Manager acting all alone; you are the co-manager along with our great team and our great people. Caucus with the team, Mr. President. Hear them out. You will make the right decision,” Raskin advised.
This letter adds to a trail of disclosures about internal pressures facing Biden, suggesting a mix of private dialogues and public entreaties within the party for him to reconsider his candidacy.
Concerns about Biden leading the Democratic ticket in November have been voiced by notable figures including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, all of whom have communicated their worries directly to Biden. Moreover, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), soon likely to join the Senate, joined other Congressional Democrats in publicly urging Biden to step down.
Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) also indicated to POLITICO that concerns about Biden's candidacy would likely become more public over the coming days, highlighting widespread apprehension within the Democratic Party about Biden's potential defeat to Trump in the upcoming elections, a scenario which could negatively impact other Democratic candidates.
On Thursday, Raskin confirmed having sent the letter, first reported by The New York Times, and emphasized the necessity of a strategic internal discussion to "decisively win the election," a crucial factor for America's future, according to his statement. He reaffirmed that his views, as well as his admiration and concerns for the country and Biden, remain consistent since drafting the letter over the July Fourth weekend.
Despite these pressures and Biden's deteriorating public approval, some Democratic insiders who favor his withdrawal believe that Biden and his senior advisors are beginning to acknowledge their concerns, according to three individuals privy to ongoing confidential discussions, as reported by POLITICO.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
