How Democratic kingmaker Clyburn has selected his messages of support for Biden

Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) was President Joe Biden‘s key to winning the Democratic nomination in 2020, but as the president has faced mounting calls to step aside from the 2024 campaign, the influential South Carolina Democrat has offered a variety of statements.

Clyburn was scheduled to appear on CBS News’s Face the Nation on Sunday, but his staff informed the show on Friday that he would have to cancel his appearance, according to the network. The appearance would have capped off a week of statements from the longtime congressman about the future of Biden’s candidacy that created headlines.

Here is how Clyburn’s support for Biden has evolved over the last week.

Supporting Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden steps aside

Clyburn has been supportive of Biden continuing his candidacy, but on Tuesday, he began to float a future Democratic ticket without the president. Speaking on MSNBC, Clyburn put his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris if Biden chose to step aside, saying the Democratic Party should not block her.

“This party should not, in any way, do anything to work around Ms. Harris,” Clyburn said on Tuesday. “We should do everything we can to bolster her whether she’s in second place or at the top of the ticket.”

‘Mini primary’ for potential Biden replacement

Clyburn added more fuel to thoughts about a post Biden ticket, when he entertained a “mini primary” before the Democratic National Convention if Biden were to step aside.

“You can actually fashion the process that’s already in place to make it a mini primary, and I would support that absolutely,” Clyburn said on Wednesday. “We can’t close that down, and we should open up everything for the general election.”

Clyburn later clarified he was speaking hypothetically and was standing behind Biden as calls for him to step aside continued to ring.

Reaffirming support for Biden

After CBS News announced on Friday that Clyburn had canceled his appearance for the coming Sunday, the congressman publicly reaffirmed his support for Biden in a post on X.

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“15 million new jobs. 21 million Americans are now insured under the ACA. The cost of insulin is capped at $35/month for seniors on Medicare. That’s just a fraction of what [Joe Biden] has been able to deliver. There is no one better suited to continue this country’s progress than him,” Clyburn said.

The president has faced mounting concerns over his age and mental acuity since last month’s debate in Atlanta. Biden has attempted to quiet concerns with campaign events and an interview on ABC News on Friday, but the chorus of those calling for him to step aside remains vocal.