Commanding Biden lead puts pressure on Democrats to endorse

[DonViejo]

BY ALEXANDER BOLTON - 06/02/19 08:00 AM EDT

Former Vice President Joe Biden’s commanding lead in the polls is putting pressure on Democratic lawmakers to endorse him, even though the first primary contest is eight months away.

Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), one of Biden’s surrogates on Capitol Hill, has touched base with colleagues about endorsing Biden, who is certain to come under attack from more liberal rivals in the run-up to the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), who has also endorsed Biden, is arguing that the former Delaware senator can win the pivotal battleground of neighboring Pennsylvania, highlighting what many Democrats see as his greatest asset: electability.

But many lawmakers are holding back, especially in the Senate, where Democrats are worried about offending colleagues who are also seeking the party’s nomination. Right now there are seven senators competing with Biden for the nomination, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

more
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/446440-commanding-biden-lead-puts-pressure-on-democrats-to-endorse

[Renew Deal]

1. It makes sense to wait until after NH

Unless you live in IA and NH. There are just too many candidates right now

[Demit]

2. "Lawmakers who make early endorsements are more likely to receive

strong consideration for Cabinet positions." Interesting point brought up by the Hill writer. Could a potential quid pro quo be part of the subtle pressure being brought to bear by Coons when he "touches base" with his fellow senators?

I think it's a little shabby for sitting senators to be publicly pressuring colleagues to endorse their favored candidate. Especially this early in the process.

[KPN]

3. Nah. This has always been and always will be normal course of political campaigns for

chief executive positions at every major level. Just because an endorser may be interested in being considered for a cabinet level position does not make it quid pro quo.

[Demit]

4. I believe The Hill is looking at it from the POV of those dangling the possibility

as an inducement to endorse. Of course "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" is part of politics. But this early, in the beginning of a primary campaign—where many of the candidates are Senate colleagues, members of their own party—is very unseemly.

[KPN]

5. I don't know. It seems more like The Hill being The Hill.

Controversy sells so why not gin some up.

[Demit]

7. What controversy are they ginning up?

I mean, you said yourself it's normal for an endorser to be interested in a cabinet position. So what part of what The Hill wrote is controversial, in your view?

[KPN]

8. "quid pro quo"

[Demit]

10. That phrase was not in The Hill article, though.

I guess you didn't read it. The phrase was mine—actually, I said "potential" quid pro quo—and I was speculating, based on examples of how those who endorse early tend to be rewarded, on whether that was in play in the senators' efforts to get early endorsements from other senators for Biden.

[Tiggeroshii]

9. It's a gamble though. If they endorse him and he doesnt get the nomination

Then there will be no consideration...

Bob Casey is a bold man to do it as early as he did. Sounds like more of an act of principle than trying to take advantage...

[Demit]

11. That would be the first time I ever heard Bob Casey described as bold.

Bob Casey is my senator, and I will love him forever for ridding us of Rick Santorum, but he is cautious as the day is long. Casey is entrenched in Pennsylvania politics, which I suspect was a factor in his being so visible in joining with PA movers & shakers in rallying around Biden.

[comradebillyboy]

6. I am shocked that none of the 2020 candidates has sought my endorsment.

I am open to accepting a cabinet post or an ambassadorship.