I don't! imo this kind of statement is very calculated. I wouldn't say it's a sign that Clyburn wants or expects Biden to step aside but I do think it is a sign that it is being considered and he's giving the party notice that Harris would be the replacement and he expects no funny business.
Right, but the only part of the quote that's circulating is "'I will support' Harris if Biden 'were to step aside,'" which people are, in fact, using to suggest that it's a sign that Clyburn wants or expects Biden to step aside
Also important is how Mitchell phrased the question. If he hadn't said "I will support her", the story becomes him opening the door for others. Instead, we get this cycle out of it. Easy to read it as a deeply cynical approach to asking the Q.
The soundbyte media mill will churn full statements into scandalous asides no matter what. If you already presume your statement will be taken out of context, why not give an answer that is specific and direct, for the inevitable clarifying second statement later?
If nothing else consider: He knows the risk of not addressing the question everyone’s asking, is being called complicit in ignoring what can no longer be ignored.
100%. Clyburn is the reason Biden became the nominee in the first place, so if he was dead-set against him stepping aside, one would expect him to say so pretty plainly.
