‘Political suicide mission’: Congressional Black Caucus member Rep. Ritchie Torres switches tack on Biden

New York Democrat Rep. Ritchie Torres, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement Wednesday that “there must be a serious reckoning with the down-ballot effect of whomever we nominate,” a marked reversal from his approach just days ago.

Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in a statement Wednesday that “There must be a serious reckoning with the down-ballot effect of whomever we nominate,” a marked reversal from his approach just days ago. On Monday, Torres said that the intra-party controversy was “self-destructive” worrying that it could weaken Biden’s candidacy, should he remain the nominee. Now Torres has gone public in becoming much more explicit about Biden’s candidacy, saying to CNN: “If we are going on a political suicide mission, then we should at least be honest about it.” This remark comes after a call between Biden and members of the CBC Monday evening that attempted to solidify the president’s support among this key bloc of Democrats. Many prominent members of the CBC have staunchly supported Biden as questions swirl around his candidacy. Torres, who represents much of the Bronx, seems not to be sold on Biden remaining at the top of the ticket, instead focusing on polling as an indicator for viability. “What matters is not how we feel but what the numbers tell us,” he said. “An unsentimental analysis of the cold hard numbers — which have no personal feelings or political loyalties — should inform what we decide and whom we nominate.”