Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), a prominent supporter of President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, abruptly canceled his scheduled appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” this Sunday morning. This cancellation comes amid growing speculation about Biden’s capacity to continue his presidential run and the increasing calls for his withdrawal from the race.
The “Face the Nation” Twitter account had announced that Clyburn, described as “one of the president’s top allies,” was set to discuss whether Biden should “stay the course” and what the implications would be if he did not. However, just 20 minutes after the initial announcement, a follow-up post noted Clyburn’s cancellation, expressing hope to hear from him soon.
Clyburn’s cancellation raises questions about whether he needed more time to align his talking points or if the campaign is strategizing its next moves carefully. His appearance was highly anticipated, especially considering his crucial role in Biden’s political journey. Clyburn’s endorsement was pivotal in Biden securing a victory in South Carolina during the 2020 Democratic primary, which subsequently led to Biden winning the nomination and the presidency.
Biden’s campaign has recently faced mounting scrutiny following a poor debate performance, which critics attribute to his declining health. Questions about Biden’s ability to serve another term have become more pressing, making Clyburn’s insights particularly valuable. During a recent appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Clyburn attributed Biden’s debate struggles to “preparation overload” and his well-known stutter, while downplaying concerns about his overall fitness.
Additionally, on MSNBC, Clyburn reiterated his support for Biden but also expressed readiness to back Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden decides to withdraw from the race. This dual stance underscores the delicate position Clyburn and other Biden allies find themselves in as they navigate the growing uncertainties surrounding the president’s re-election campaign.
The cancellation of Clyburn’s interview on “Face the Nation” leaves many unanswered questions and highlights the increasing challenges faced by Biden’s campaign. The situation underscores the critical need for transparency and decisive leadership as the Democratic Party approaches the 2024 election.