Schiff has turned on his own party.
Recently, a revealing report from The New York Times shed light on Congressman Adam Schiff’s candid remarks to Democrat donors, hinting at potential electoral setbacks for his party if President Biden remains the presidential nominee. Schiff, a prominent House Democrat and former chair of the House Intelligence Committee, who is now eyeing a Senate seat in California, reportedly expressed concerns during a fundraiser in East Hampton, New York.
According to sources familiar with the event, Schiff conveyed his apprehensions bluntly: “I think if he is our nominee, I think we lose.” He emphasized that retaining Biden at the top of the ticket could jeopardize not only the presidency but also the Democrats’ chances of reclaiming the Senate majority and securing the House. These remarks, made just hours before the attempted assassination against former President Trump, underscored Schiff’s reservations about Biden’s electoral prospects.
The Times also reported that Schiff criticized Biden’s campaign strategy, alleging a reluctance to heed advice from external pollsters and political experts. This critique, according to Schiff, might undermine the effectiveness of Biden’s campaign in appealing to a broad electoral base.
One attendee of the fundraiser shared with the newspaper a sense of disappointment and suggested a strategic shift towards supporting downballot candidates, reflecting a growing belief among donors that Biden faces an uphill battle in the upcoming election.
The backdrop to Schiff’s concerns includes recent scrutiny over Biden’s debate performance and lingering doubts about his ability to effectively challenge Trump. Schiff himself has publicly acknowledged doubts about Biden’s candidacy, citing concerns about the president’s age and his capacity to energetically compete against Trump on the debate stage.
While calls for Biden to withdraw from the race gained traction after a poorly received debate, the recent tragic event involving President Trump has shifted the focus away from such discussions. Nonetheless, Schiff’s remarks indicate a significant unease within Democratic circles about Biden’s viability as the standard-bearer in the forthcoming election.
In conclusion, Schiff’s private remarks reflect broader uncertainties within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s electoral strength and strategic direction. As the election season unfolds, these concerns could influence party dynamics and electoral strategies moving forward.