In a recent interview, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi claimed that she wanted an open convention to choose President Joe Biden's replacement but those desires were overruled.
Fox News reported that amidst internal party conflict, Vice President Kamala Harris rapidly clinched the Democratic nomination, following an endorsement from President Biden.
Nancy Pelosi, during her discussion with The Wall Street Journal, would claim that an open convention happened but it seems she wasn't being truthful. She asserted that the nomination procedure was impartial, inviting anyone with political aspirations to participate.
Pelosi pointed out, "Many of us who were concerned about the election wanted to have an open process. It was an open process, anyone could have gotten in."
Despite her claims of an open process, Biden's early withdrawal in July and immediate endorsement of Harris raised eyebrows among party members and the public. Harris was unchallenged and forces in the DNC were openly hostile to challengers.
The transition was swift. Biden, facing internal pressures, endorsed Harris, who then rapidly secured the nomination. This sequence of events sparked controversy as it occurred without the typical primary voting process.
Pelosi supported Harris immediately after Biden’s endorsement, demonstrating party solidarity. Yet, this quick endorsement and subsequent nomination left many wondering about the extent of the process's openness.
Adding to the complexity, Pelosi disclosed her previous concerns about Biden's campaign potentially detracting from other Democrats' efforts, which influenced her stance during this period.
While Biden expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment by some party members, Pelosi denied having a direct role in his decision to withdraw. She mentioned, "He made the decision about how we would proceed, and I respect him for the decision."
Her interactions with Biden have been, by her account, driven by a desire to secure a win in the upcoming election, not by personal dynamics. "I have my relationship with the president, and I just wanted to win this election," Pelosi conveyed in a CNN interview with Jake Tapper.
Further complicating the narrative, Biden’s endorsement of Harris not only solidified her position but also reflected his intent to influence the party’s future direction.
The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is set to occur under unexpected circumstances due to the nomination shake-up. Pelosi commented on the altered nature of the DNC, "The convention is, of course, a different one than was envisioned one month ago, and it’s going to be enthusiastically attended."
Credit for the changes at the DNC was given to Biden by Pelosi, emphasizing his impact on the party’s trajectory even after his withdrawal. "The credit goes to the president," she remarked, acknowledging his strategic decision-making.
Pelosi is scheduled to speak at the DNC on Wednesday, where she will likely address these developments and outline the party's strategy moving forward.
