Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) confirmed on Tuesday he continues to back President Joe Biden despite the continuing calls for him to step aside in the wake of the president’s first debate against former President Donald Trump since the 2020 election.
CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent Manu Raju asked Casey whether he harbors “any concerns” over whether Biden can serve another four years. He declared his continued support for Biden, even as seven Democratic members of the U.S. House have called for Biden to step aside.
“I’ve said so numerous times,” said Casey. He told the cable news outlet, “You heard my remarks over a week ago.”
When asked about Biden’s debate performance one week prior, Casey replied, “I don’t worry about that.”
“Look, he had a bad, he had a bad night and debate,” Casey acknowledged at the time. Still, Casey claimed, “I think people know what’s at stake.”
When Raju pressed Casey, specifically asking if Biden’s performance at the debate concerned the senator, he flatly replied, “No.” Casey ultimately told Raju, “My job is not to be a commentator or an analyst. I’ve got a job to do as United States Senator.”
SHOCKING.
CNN’s @mkraju: "You don't have ANY concerns about [Biden’s] ability to serve four more years?"
Casey: "No."
"I mean, you saw him on the debate stage?"
Casey: "My job is not to be a commentator." pic.twitter.com/h8aAUi3d4i
— Team McCormick (@TeamMcCormickPA) July 9, 2024
Casey’s continued support for the Biden campaign comes as other Pennsylvania Democrats remain silent about their stance on the president’s candidacy. U.S. Representative Susan Wild (D-PA-07) confirmed she was among the Democrats who told House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) that Biden must resign.
Wild confirmed she “expressed the same concerns that Americans across the country are grappling with, about President Biden’s electability at the top of the ticket.” The representative said she will continue having such “important conversations” while balancing the needs of her constituents.
Casey is also standing by Biden as Republican U.S. Senate nominee Dave McCormick works to tie the Democrats together, frequently noting the “close” friendship they claimed to share.
McCormick recently accused Casey of assisting in a Democratic “conspiracy of silence” to protect the public image of the 81-year-old president.
The Republican has also called on White House officials to consider their “responsibility” to invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Biden from office if they determine the president is unable to fulfill his duties.
Referencing the debate, McCormick argued, “If what we saw last night is reflective of what he is like day to day, when they’re sitting with him.”
He added, “Yes, I am saying that is the thing they should be asking themselves right now.”
The Real Clear Polling average for the Pennsylvania race for U.S. Senate continues to show Casey ahead by 4.2 percent; however, the first post-debate poll tracked by the polling aggregate showed Casey was just 1 percent ahead of McCormick.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
