Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) was included with a group of House Democrats who wanted Joe Biden to exit the race. Beyer’s remarks about the president were brutal, too. The Virginia Democrat didn’t outright say it but used many words to describe a president who was too old to do the job. During a private call with House Democratic leadership on Sunday, Beyer's name and remarks were widely reported, and that’s when a little chaos ensued.
Beyer’s name was a shock. Didn’t this man host a fundraiser for the president in Northern Virginia not long ago? And by that, I mean last week? Yes, he did, where he also likened the president to Jesus Christ (via Washington Free Beacon):
Punchbowl News: 🚨FOUR more Senior House Democrats have asked Joe Biden to step aside
— umichvoter 🏳️🌈 (@umichvoter) July 7, 2024
Rep. Jerry Nadler
Rep. Mark Takano
Rep. Don Beyer
Rep. Adam Smith
CORRECTION: Beyer aide says Beyer is with Biden but would support Harris is president stepped aside https://t.co/tIkXfYXvMG
— John Bresnahan (@bresreports) July 7, 2024
Rep. Don Beyer (D., Va.) invoked the crucifixion of Jesus during introductory remarks at a McLean, Va., fundraiser, one of the president’s first appearances since a disastrous debate performance last week. "He died to demonstrate the universality of human suffering—that suffering was not the end," Beyer said of Jesus. "We each endure tragedies in our lives and hardships and suffering."
"But few had to endure more than this man," Beyer said of Biden, according to a White House press pool recording of the event. "Losing his wife, losing his daughter, and losing his son. The vicissitudes of American politics."
"But all through he has been a good, good man. He's resilient, optimistic, indefatigable, and above all courageous," Beyer continued.
Beyer offered the bold comparison as Biden faces growing concern within Democratic party ranks over his mental acuity.
What he reportedly said over the weekend was quite the 180-degree turn:
“He’s clearly very, very fragile. Fragile physically, although his handshake is very firm. Also really has trouble putting two sentences together.”
“I also believe Kamala is in a great position to win in November, probably a much better position than Joe.”
“My perfect world is Joe — in deciding after talking to Leader Jeffries, Majority Leader Schumer, others — steps aside now, let Kamala run as the incumbent, which I think makes her even stronger. With that, I’m a team player. I’ll do whatever the team wants”
Not long after these remarks were reported, Beyer backtracked, saying, “I support President Biden. I support the Biden-Harris ticket, and look forward to helping defeat Donald Trump in November. I was proud to host an event this week in Northern Virginia with the President, and will continue doing all I can to support the Biden-Harris campaign in Virginia and across the country.”
Beyer: I support President Biden. I support the Biden-Harris ticket, and look forward to helping defeat Donald Trump in November. I was proud to host an event this week in Northern Virginia with the President, and will continue doing all I can to support the Biden-Harris campaign…
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) July 7, 2024
Reporters noted this wasn’t his original position:
New: There was some confusion over whether @RepDonBeyer called for Biden to step aside as Democratic nominee during a leadership call.
— John Bresnahan (@bresreports) July 7, 2024
Here are Beyer’s quotes, per me @heatherscope & @JakeSherman sources:
“He’s clearly very very fragile. Fragile physically although his…
Here are some of Beyer’s exact, word-for-word quotes from the call:
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) July 7, 2024
“He’s clearly very, very fragile. Fragile physically, although his handshake is very firm. Also really has trouble putting two sentences together.”
“I also believe Kamala is in a great position to win in… https://t.co/b4nNLkVBz7
This is not what he said on the call. He said the president was fragile and couldn’t put two sentences together. He also said that his preferred scenario was having Biden step down from the presidency and have Harris run as an incumbent. https://t.co/FWBqie9y7S
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) July 7, 2024
Would it shock you if Beyer met Biden’s sweet angel of vengeance, Jill Biden, who might have made a few phone calls when these damning quotes dropped? If we’re going to talk Jesus here, it seems like Beyer got pierced in his side with a spear by the Biden campaign. Virginia is a must-win state for the Biden team. Can’t have Democrats here saying the president is too old, frail, and can’t speak in complete sentences while offering glowing words for Kamala and saying he’ll do whatever the team—i.e. Democratic leadership—wants. It’s a cult, and Beyer was forced to drink the Kool-Aid, or perhaps it was the blood of Kali Ma.
