Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is quietly urging President Biden to rethink his re-election campaign. Pelosi is speaking with various House Democrats, from those in competitive districts to seasoned veterans, to slow the push for Biden’s candidacy. Although she hasn’t explicitly called for Biden to exit the race, Pelosi is deeply concerned about his ability to beat former President Trump.
Pelosi’s efforts stem from Biden’s shaky performance during the June 27 debate. Critics, including Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), say Biden’s team is ignoring the issue, hoping it will go away. Pelosi argues that more discussion is needed before finalizing Biden’s candidacy. She encourages front-line lawmakers to prioritize their seats, even if it means publicly asking Biden to step down, while urging safe-seat Democrats to voice concerns directly to the White House.
Despite her private concerns, Pelosi’s spokesperson stated, “Speaker Pelosi fully supports whatever President Biden decides to do. We must turn our attention to why this race is so important: Donald Trump would be a disaster for our country and our democracy.”
Pelosi has a close working relationship with Biden, having collaborated on major legislation during his presidency. Her pragmatic approach and political instincts drive her actions as she aims to ensure the Democratic Party has the best chance of defeating Trump. In a recent MSNBC interview, Pelosi said, “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run,” emphasizing the urgency of Biden’s decision. Pelosi’s careful words and strategic moves make her a significant figure in the ongoing conversation about the 2024 election.
