Friend,
I woke up the morning after the 2016 election to find my teenage daughters in tears. Their fear about the future left an immediate and indelible mark on me, and that morning at the breakfast table I promised them I would do something.
And in 2019, with the support and encouragement of you and thousands of others, I became the first Democrat to win Minnesota’s Third Congressional District since Dwight Eisenhower was President.
Six years later, and now in my third term, we find ourselves facing yet another election of historic consequence - and I’m afraid we may be sleepwalking into a horrifying repeat of 2016.
That’s why, after many months of hearing the same concerns from countless residents of our community, I decided to raise my voice and make the case to like-minded Americans that we must engage in a conversation to ensure Democrats nominate the candidate most likely to win.
While 45% of Democrats believe President Biden is that candidate, a majority of Democrats do not, including 83% of those under 30 years old. Furthermore, only 29% of Independent voters approve of him, he is polling behind Trump in some of the battleground states most likely to decide the election, and his net approval ratings are at historic lows - ahead of only Jimmy Carter, who lost in a historic landslide in 1980, and only .7 points above Trump. (Sources: Newsweek, NYT, Newsweek, 538)
Now don’t get me wrong, President Biden is a remarkable man who saved America, has presided over a remarkably resilient economy, and signed into law some of the most consequential legislation of our lifetimes. I voted for it all, and believe him to be a man of great empathy and integrity.
But, the cold, hard truth is that we’re facing a nail-biter against one of the most destructive and unpopular former presidents in American history, a man who inspired an insurrection, has been indicted multiple times, and poses a real threat to our country’s future.
That’s why I’m calling on Cornel West and other potential third-party candidates to cease their efforts or enter the Democratic primary. We simply cannot afford to lose 3-10% of voters who would otherwise support the Democratic nominee in 2024.
And that’s why I’m also calling for President Biden to pass the torch and open the stage to remarkable, next generation candidates who are principled, prepared, and ready to propel us into a prosperous future.
There’s still time to do so, and just imagine a next generation ticket to energize Democrats and Independents, help win the key battlegrounds, and perhaps elect our first female President when reproductive rights are under attack!
While I’m not well positioned to run in 2024, there are many compelling candidates Democrats could elevate if, and only if, President Biden cements his legacy and passes the torch.
I recognize there are few political rewards for speaking the uncomfortable truth. That’s why some have told me to sit down and shut up, all while a majority of Americans are celebrating that someone is finally saying the quiet part out loud.
I respect that you also might disagree with my assessment, but I promise to always be honest with you and do everything I can to prevent another morning like November 9, 2016 - no matter the risk to me or my position.
And if President Biden becomes the nominee once again, I ask that you join me in doing everything we can to ensure his re-election.
Best,
