Former GOP Members Express Frustrations and Seek Involvement with Biden's Re-Election Campaign

Recently, a group of ex-Republican members of Congress has voiced their frustrations in an email sent to many other retired G.O.P. colleagues. The email, with the subject line “Join the Republicans for Biden,” pleaded for support and cooperation. It also extended an invitation for the former lawmakers to engage in a virtual meeting with President Biden’s campaign team, marking their initial official contact with the Biden re-election campaign.

Mixed Reactions and Frustrations

While some recipients promptly expressed their willingness to assist, others revealed that the email had prompted a private venting session among Republicans. Despite their public endorsement of Biden in 2020 and the associated political risks of opposing Trump, they conveyed a feeling of being disregarded by the campaign and the administration, with which they did not always see eye to eye.

Former Representative Chris Shays of Connecticut, who had backed Biden in 2020, articulated the conflict faced by many, stating, “A lot of us are wrestling with, how can we support him when he’s gone so far to the left?” He added that he was “unlikely” to extend his support to Biden again.