Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is actively engaging behind the scenes to persuade President Joe Biden to reconsider his bid for reelection.
Amid growing concerns about his ability to secure a victory in November, Pelosi’s efforts reflect a deepening anxiety within the Democratic Party about the potential consequences of Biden’s continued candidacy.
The Washington Post reported on Thursday that Pelosi conveyed to House Democrats that she believes President Biden can be persuaded to exit the presidential race soon.
This follows Biden’s faltering debate performance last month, which triggered widespread panic among Democrats both in and outside of Washington.
Pelosi, who stepped down from her leadership position in 2022 but still holds significant influence, is playing a crucial intermediary role. She has been relaying the concerns of rank-and-file Democrats to the White House, seeking to address the political crisis that has emerged within the party.
The former Speaker has reportedly informed California Democrats and members of House leadership that she believes Biden, 81, is nearing a decision to withdraw from the race.
Some Democrats fear that by staying in, Biden might inadvertently hand the White House to Donald Trump. However, Pelosi’s aides have dismissed the media “feeding frenzy” surrounding her discussions with Biden, maintaining that she respects the confidentiality of her meetings with the president.
“Speaker Pelosi respects the confidentiality of her meetings and conversations with the president of the United States,” a spokesperson for Pelosi stated, declining to elaborate on her talks with colleagues.
Despite these behind-the-scenes efforts, Biden’s campaign advisers remain resolute. “President Biden has not spoken to Congressional leadership today,” said TJ Ducklo, a campaign spokesman. “The President is his party’s nominee, having won 14 million votes during the Democratic primary. He’s running for reelection, and that will not change until he wins reelection.”
Concerns among Democrats have intensified in recent days. Alongside Pelosi, prominent party figures including former President Barack Obama, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, have all expressed their reservations about Biden’s candidacy. Both Jeffries and Schumer have reportedly communicated directly with Biden, warning that his continued bid jeopardises the Democratic Party’s control of Congress.
Obama, speaking to allies, has also suggested that Biden needs to seriously reassess the viability of his candidacy. Pelosi echoed these sentiments publicly, urging Biden to make a “decision” about his campaign, despite his insistence that he remains in the race.
At a campaign news conference in Milwaukee, Quentin Fulks, Biden’s principal deputy campaign manager, reiterated the president’s commitment. “I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t know how many times we can say this: President Biden is staying in this race,” Fulks said.
However, Pelosi and other Democratic leaders remain unconvinced. She has reached out to House Democrats, particularly those in tough reelection battles, offering to discuss the political crisis and potential strategies. Pelosi has taken detailed notes during these discussions, focusing on polling data and Biden’s standing in key districts, informing her approach as she navigates sensitive conversations with Biden and his advisers.
In a recent conversation with Biden, Pelosi reportedly challenged his optimistic view of the polls, requesting the presence of a senior adviser to compare their internal polling data in detail. At 84 and now part of the rank-and-file, Pelosi retains substantial influence and is seen as the best person to deliver the tough message to Biden, partly because of their shared history and mutual respect.
Pelosi, who retired from leadership 18 months ago, has no personal political ambitions left, allowing her to speak candidly without fear of repercussions. Her involvement is appreciated by the new House leadership, which values an additional voice in persuading Biden to step aside.
Despite these efforts, the outcome remains uncertain. “It’s a work in progress,” one Democratic lawmaker commented, acknowledging the complexity of the situation and the challenges of convincing Biden to withdraw.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a critical juncture. The pressure on Biden to step down underscores the high stakes and the deep divisions within the party as it seeks to maintain its hold on the White House and Congress.
