Rep. Nancy Pelosi has publicly expressed her dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden's political operations.
USA Today reported that Pelosi opened up about her concerns following Biden's poor performance in a June debate, which ultimately led to Biden announcing he would not seek reelection and his endorsement of Kamala Harris.
During an interview with The New Yorker released on Thursday, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) candidly spoke out about her disappointment in President Joe Biden's campaign operations.
Pelosi, alarmed by Biden's debate appearance in Atlanta against former President Donald Trump in June, shared that his performance was both surprising and troubling.
Pelosi described Biden as confident before the debate, but his weak performance made her question the campaign's viability. "I had confidence in him," she said, referring to her initial support. However, she described the event as "stunning" and disastrous, leading her to lose faith in the campaign's chances.
Pelosi was explicit about her determination to prevent a Republican from winning the presidency in 2024.
Despite the Biden campaign's success in securing the White House, she felt it was crucial for Biden to step down. "This ain’t happening, and we have to make a decision," Pelosi asserted, emphasizing that the president needed to make the call to exit.
With Biden's announcement on June 21 that he would not seek reelection, Pelosi's concerns were validated. Instead, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate for the November 2024 election.
This endorsement signified a critical shift in the party's leadership and campaign strategy moving forward.
At 81, Biden holds the record as the oldest person to have occupied the Oval Office.
Despite his decision not to run, he affirmed his intent to serve out his term until January 20, 2025. Pelosi praised Biden's decision, recognizing the necessity for a new candidate to unify the party and challenge the Republican nominee effectively.
While critical of his campaign, Pelosi commended Biden for his diplomatic triumphs. Notably, she highlighted his successful negotiation that led to the exchange of 24 prisoners between the U.S. and Russia on August 1.
Pelosi described this year-long effort as a "remarkable" demonstration of Biden's skillful diplomacy, fostering rare East-West cooperation since the Cold War.
This negotiation stands as a testament to Biden's enduring legacy, a point Pelosi emphasized amidst her call for new leadership. She warned that Biden's achievements could be overshadowed if a Republican were to reclaim the White House.
"His legacy will go right down the drain," she warned, underlining the stakes involved in the upcoming election.
In her interview, Pelosi also touched on her new book, The Art of Power, which explores her political career and insights. However, she remained tight-lipped about her private discussions with Biden and other senior Democrats following the debate, focusing instead on the broader implications for the Democratic Party.
In summary, Pelosi's candid remarks reveal deep concerns about Biden's political operations and his debate performance against Trump, which she found alarming.
Biden’s decision not to seek reelection and his endorsement of Kamala Harris reflect the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party.
Praise for Biden's diplomatic achievements with Russia highlights the complexity of his legacy. Pelosi's ultimate goal remains preventing a Republican victory in 2024, a task she views as essential to safeguarding Biden's accomplishments and preserving the Democratic agenda.
As the election approaches, the ramifications of Pelosi’s statements and Biden's endorsement will undoubtedly influence the political landscape, shaping the strategies and decisions of the Democratic Party in the months to come.
