Fulop jabs Sherrill over Biden support – New Jersey Globe

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop pushed back on a call by a potential opponent in next year’s gubernatorial primary, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), that President Joe Biden drop out of the presidential race.

“I just don’t think this press release is helpful,” Fulop told Sherrill in a social media post.  “The voters voted for him in a primary and he is the same person he was three weeks ago when you — and others — were praising him. A bad debate or Washington pundits commenting are not reasons to walk away from him.”

Citing her concern that public concern about Biden’s age could result in Donald Trump regaining the presidency, Sherrill yesterday urged him to step aside.

Fulop, an announced candidate for governor, said Democrats should be stepping up to help Biden win.

“He is one of the most successful presidents in modern history and he deserves a second term,” he said.  “We should all be digging in and working harder on his behalf – not creating chaos.”

But a prominent local progressive grassroots group, SOMA Action, called Sherrill’s decision to intervene in the national debate over Biden’s candidacy “courageous.”

“While we respect President Biden’s service to our country, we believe it’s time for new leadership,” said Jessica James, the president of the South Orange-Maplewood group. “Congresswoman Sherrill has courageously voiced concerns that many of us share. She acknowledged the potential political consequences of her stance but emphasized the importance of standing by one’s principles, even when it means going against one’s own political party.”

James said Sherrill’s statement “demonstrates integrity and the willingness to prioritize national interests over political expediency, country over party.”

“We applaud Mikie Sherrill and encourage more Democrats to speak clearly and candidly about our party’s prospects in this election,” she said.