Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) urged President Biden to “carefully evaluate” his candidacy, as concerns remain about his ability to win the election, even though his team insists he will not back down.
In a statement obtained by NBC News, Healey said Biden saved democracy by winning the 2020 election and that it was “the most important election of our lifetimes.”
Healey was one of several Democratic governors who met with the president Wednesday evening to discuss the future of the party after he derailed the nation with a dull debate a week ago.
Several governors have issued statements endorsing Biden and his candidacy. Healey’s statement was less clear.
“The best path forward right now is for the president to make a decision. I urge him to spend the next few days listening to the American people and carefully evaluating what is our best hope for defeating Donald Trump,” Healey said.
The Massachusetts governor said he would do “everything I can to defeat Donald Trump” no matter what Biden chooses.
Healey’s Massachusetts colleague, Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., became the third House Democrat to publicly call on Biden to drop out of the race on Wednesday.
Gov. Healey’s comments contrast with those of other governors at the meeting and make her the first Democratic governor to suggest that the president should consider stepping down to give someone else a chance to beat former President Trump.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said those in the room would “stand with him” and “have his back.” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) echoed her colleagues online, saying Biden “is our candidate. He’s out to win, and I’m supporting him.”
According to the New York Times, Biden told governors during the meeting that they should sleep more and work less, including not holding meetings or events after 8 p.m.
Biden’s debate performance has raised concerns among Democrats not only about his ability to beat Trump in the polls this fall, but also about whether the 81-year-old can serve as president again.
