
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has reportedly organized a call with other Democratic governors around the country to talk about the Presidential race and concerns about the candidacy of President Joe Biden.
The story was first reported by CNN's Jake Tapper who says a call took place Monday. Tapper reports that on the call, Democrat governors expressed concern about what's going on with the president but that they know if they come forward publicly with concern, that likely will cause Biden to "dig in more". He also reports that governors were surprised that none of them had heard from Biden after the debate.
CBS News is reporting other Democrats in Congress have started to ask if Vice President Kamala Harris should be the candidate. They are also reporting that Biden plans to meet with Democratic governors on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Walz Administration has confirmed the governor will head to Washington D.C. for a meeting with Biden along with other governors. Speaking to reporters Thursday in southern Minnesota, Walz said they have questions about the path ahead for the president.
"Talk turned a little bit to what was obviously a poor performance in last Thursday's debate," explained Walz about the Monday call with other governors. "And governors asking questions about what is the plan, how are you going to do this, how are you going to message this, and very clearly. Because, especially with yesterday's Supreme Court decision, the threat seems very real that we will have a shift in how our country does business. More towards a supreme executive and one that has unlimited power versus ones where we have Federalism and state governors have a lot of say in how things are done."
WCCO Radio Political analyst Blois Olson says it's not surprising given what's happened since President Biden performed badly in last week's debate according to most observers. "
"Ultimately, they want some reassurances that the campaign isn't going to be a disaster that's going to cost the Democratic Party governor seats, congressional seats and just the mood and momentum of this election," says Olson.
Walz is the head of the Democratic Governor's Association, and he's also a surrogate for the Biden campaign.
"Governors and especially Democratic governors have a lot of questions," Olson explained. "Some of them may be on the ballot, they may be worried about the campaigns, their election. You know, they have an interest in the success of the Democratic nominee and if they're worried about that, they're going to want a place to discuss that. And it sounds like Governor Walls convened that group."
The meeting Wednesday is notable because up until this point, it's mostly been Biden's top aides and advisers who have been reaching out to elected Democrats to reassure them after his debate performance.