Official Democratic Party strategy announcements or media reports

Schumer Urged Biden to Drop Out in July 2024 at Rehoboth Beach, Citing Kamala Harris as Better Candidate

Jan 17, 2025, 04:55 PM

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer urged President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race during a 45-minute conversation on July 13, 2024, at Biden's Rehoboth Beach house, according to reports from The New York Times and other sources. Schumer warned Biden that continuing his campaign could result in a loss to Donald Trump and potentially harm the Democratic Party's chances of retaining the Senate and regaining the House. Schumer emphasized the risk to Biden's legacy, stating that a loss would erase 50 years of his work and label him as one of the 'darkest figures' in American history. He also informed Biden that his pollsters estimated he had about a 5 percent chance of winning. Schumer's urging was reportedly influenced by former President Barack Obama, who suggested that Schumer deliver the message due to lingering tensions between Biden and Obama from the 2016 election. When asked about Vice President Kamala Harris, Schumer indicated she would have a better chance of winning.