Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) said Wednesday that President Biden is “working to” make a decision that is best for the country about staying in the presidential race.
“Joe Biden has always put the country first. He did what’s best for America,” said Hickenlooper, who sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Reuters in telephone interview. “I think he’ll continue to do that.”
“He’s working towards it,” he added.
The senator did not explicitly call for Biden to resign, but said there was growing evidence that would support such a decision — if the president chose that path for himself.
“That’s his decision, but certainly there are more and more indications that this would be in the best interests of the country, I think,” Hickenlooper told Reuters when asked about Biden’s potential departure.
The interview comes amid renewed calls for Biden to withdraw and let another candidate, likely Vice President Harris, run against former President Trump in his place.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and leading candidate for California’s Senate seat in November, became the highest-ranking House Democrat to publicly call on Biden to “ pass the torch” on Wednesday.
Reports then emerged that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.) privately expressed concerns to Biden about his chances of winning this fall.
Hickenlooper praised the president and highlighted the “sadness and anguish” that Democrats feel at this time.
“I don’t think many people realize how well-liked Joe Biden is and the sadness and anguish people feel that he might not be the nominee. Even people who feel he shouldn’t be the candidate feel a great sense of loss.” he said.
“He was one of the greatest presidents, perhaps the greatest president of my lifetime,” he added.
Hickenlooper said, however, that he is hearing from constituents — not elites or donors, as Biden and his team have suggested — that they want Biden to step aside.
“When there is so much unease and so much dissatisfaction,” he said, “it is difficult for anyone to unite the party.”
“He’s still loved,” he continued. “It’s just not the same landscape as it was four years ago.”
The Hill has reached out to Hickenlooper for further comment.
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