Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has publicly supported President Joe Biden after he was asked about his age following his contentious debate performance, but he made headlines with comments acknowledging he was concerned about the ongoing debate over the sitting president's place in the race.
Pritzker began discussing the controversy surrounding the president as he spoke with others at an event touting big investments in violence prevention strategies with just a month to go until the Democratic National Convention.
“We're just going to keep fighting. I don't know what to say,” he said. “We're just going to do what we have to do. I don't like where we are.”
A spokesperson for the governor confirmed to NBC Chicago that the governor was speaking about the debate surrounding the presidential election and Biden's status as the Democratic nominee.
Pritzker has repeatedly said he supports Biden for the nomination, even after his performance at a debate in late June.
“Joe Biden is our candidate. I support Joe Biden. I've campaigned for Joe Biden,” he said.
Questions have been swirling around Biden since he was roundly criticized for his performance in a debate with former President Donald Trump in June, with many Democrats, including Rep. Mike Quigley of Illinois, calling on him to step aside and allow another candidate to seek the White House.
“I started speaking out last Tuesday because I'm concerned that time is running out,” Quigley said. “I believe change needs to happen, and it needs to happen before the Democratic Convention.”
Amid those lingering questions, Biden's campaign has continued to schedule events and fundraising calls, and White House officials have commented on lawmakers backing the president.
“President Trump will be focused on continuing to work for the American people and building on the unprecedented track record he has achieved with so many members of Congress who he has been proud to work with, but that is President Trump's focus right now,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said.
After announcing his support for Biden, Pritzker was also asked whether he aligned himself with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has said she has no interest in being the nominee if Biden drops out of office.
“What I can say, and I'm not just talking hypothetically, is that I am fully supportive of Joe Biden,” he said. “Joe Biden will be the Democratic nominee.”
Pritzker has been holding a conference call with governors across the country to shore up support for Biden, and those efforts will continue on Tuesday, when Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who reiterated his support for Biden prior to the call, will join a conference call with Democratic mayors.
“Of the candidates, President Joe Biden is the only one who has beaten President Trump,” he said, “and he has a record that is truly unique and unparalleled.”
While Pritzker is backing Biden's candidacy, he's also been busy building his national profile, speaking at Democratic rallies in Indiana and Ohio this weekend. As for whether he's doing that to endorse Biden or to boost his own profile, Pritzker said ultimately the message matters more than who delivers it.
“Any surrogate traveling around the Midwest or the country is introducing themselves in some way, but the key is what we're doing is talking about why Joe Biden's reelection matters,” he said.
The governor has rejected suggestions from those who have suggested a brokered convention could be held when Democrats meet in Chicago this August.
