Staff Reports
Joe Biden can thank Rep. Jim Clyburn for his nomination in 2020, but now it looks like Clyburn is struggling to stick to the same script. The veteran Democratic congressman from South Carolina has been all over the place with statements on Biden’s 2024 campaign, making one wonder if he’s trying to be mysterious or can’t make up his mind.
Clyburn was supposed to appear on Sunday on CBS News’s Face the Nation. Instead, he backed out at the last minute, leaving everyone wondering what was going on. This cancellation was the grand finale of a week filled with head-scratching statements about Biden’s future in the race. For Democrats trying to figure out their 2024 strategy, Clyburn’s mixed signals aren’t helping.
How Democratic kingmaker Clyburn has selected his messages of support for Biden https://t.co/7pGGJsnE5w
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) July 8, 2024
The first of Clyburn’s mixed messages came when he started pushing the idea of Kamala Harris headlining the Democratic ticket if Biden steps aside. He suggested on MSNBC that the Democratic Party should rally around Harris, whether she’s second fiddle or the main act. Given Harris’ stellar track record (or lack thereof), it’s hard to imagine the left is thrilled with that prospect.
If the floating of Harris wasn’t enough, Clyburn spiced things up mid-week by suggesting a “mini primary” to find Biden’s replacement should he decide to bow out. Who wouldn’t love watching the Democrats jostle for position in a new primary to keep things spicy? Clyburn claimed he fully supports Biden but painted a hypothetical scenario where the Democrats must prepare for a post-Biden era. After these comments, Clyburn tried to control damage by saying he was standing by Biden, yet the cat was already partially out of the bag.
Adding to the clown fiesta, after canceling his CBS appearance, Clyburn took to social media to praise Biden’s accomplishments. He rattled off a list of supposed wins, like job creation and healthcare improvements, attempting to shore up what’s left of Biden’s shaky support. Nice try, but it’s hard to whitewash the mounting concerns about Biden’s age and mental sharpness, which have been particularly loud since his last wobbly debate performance in Atlanta.
Despite Biden’s attempts to reassure everyone with campaign stops and media appearances, the calls for him to step aside are getting louder. And with friends like Clyburn, who needs enemies?
