*In a revealing first TV interview since stepping down from the presidential race, President Joe Biden admitted that internal pressures from Democratic Party elites, notably former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, influenced his decision to withdraw. This dramatic disclosure sheds light on the intricate dynamics and strategic maneuvering within the party.
Biden, 81, acknowledged that his reelection bid was generating concerns among Democratic colleagues in both the House and Senate. They feared his campaign would negatively impact their own chances of reelection. During the interview on “CBS News Sunday Morning,” Biden stressed that remaining in the race would have been a constant source of distraction.
“A number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was going to hurt them in the races. And I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic — you’d be interviewing me about why did Nancy Pelosi say [something] … and I thought it’d be a real distraction,” Biden explained.
Reflecting on his tenure, Biden emphasized his initial vision of being a “transition president” and pointed out his age as a significant factor. He underscored the paramount importance of “maintaining this democracy” in his choice to step down, according to a NY Post story.
The incumbent president faced internal party turbulence following a less-than-stellar debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June. Amid rising dissent within Democratic ranks, Biden’s decision to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris has invigorated her campaign, which has shown increased momentum against Trump in recent polls.
While Biden refrained from detailing any personal discord with Pelosi, it is widely speculated that she orchestrated the push for his exit — a claim she has not definitively denied. Initially supportive, Pelosi’s public stance shifted as internal party angst grew post-debate. “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run,” she remarked during an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” a statement made conspicuously soon after Biden’s firm commitment to running again.
Behind closed doors, Pelosi’s political acumen came into play. According to CNN reports, she presented Biden with polling data that painted a grim picture of his chances. When Biden pushed back, Pelosi arranged a direct conversation with his long-time adviser, Mike Donilon. This candid exchange underscored Pelosi’s determination; as one Democrat insider shared with Politico, “Nancy made clear that they could do this the easy way or the hard way. She gave them three weeks of the easy way. It was about to be the hard way.”
Publicly, Pelosi has remained reticent about her interactions with Biden, maintaining that her actions were solely in the best interest of ensuring a winning Democratic campaign. “I never called one person. I kept true to my word. Any conversation I had, it was just going to be with him,” she told the New Yorker. Yet, she did acknowledge the influx of concerns from fellow Democrats, further cementing her influential role during this critical juncture.
Despite the evident strain and lack of direct communication as of early this month, Pelosi expressed no regret about her involvement. When questioned about rumors of Biden’s purported anger towards her, she responded on “CBS News Sunday Morning” with affectionate diplomacy, stating, “He knows that I love him very much.”
This episode highlights the delicate balance of power, strategy, and unity within the Democratic Party as it navigates a pivotal electoral season. With Harris now gaining traction, the implications of Biden’s retreat and Pelosi’s assertive tactics will undoubtedly continue to reverberate through the upcoming election cycle.
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