Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., appears to be the next high-profile Democrat exploring the possibility of persuading President Joe Biden to reconsider his candidacy as the party’s leader for the upcoming election, following similar actions by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
According to a report by The Hill on Thursday, Pelosi has been engaging with a broad array of House Democrats, discussing whether Biden should continue to be the party’s nominee against former President Donald Trump. Several lawmakers, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the topic, described Pelosi as deeply concerned rather than unconditionally supportive of Biden.
The Democratic Party has been in a state of indecision regarding Biden, especially after his problematic debate performance against Trump, which led to questions about his mental fitness and discussions about potentially nominating a younger candidate, such as Vice President Kamala Harris.
In a defiant letter to congressional Democrats on Monday, Biden resisted calls to end his candidacy and urged an end to the internal conflict that has been divisive since his disappointing debate outing.
According to The Hill, Pelosi is giving a voice to those in the party who feel they haven’t been adequately consulted about Biden’s political future. One lawmaker said, “Pelosi speaks for the sense that, if you’re going to circle the wagons, you need a lot more wagons in the circle. You have to have a real conversation with people to decide it all together. And you can’t present people with a judgment.”
Pelosi is also advising Democrats in vulnerable seats to take necessary steps to secure their positions, which may include publicly suggesting Biden step down. She has advised lawmakers in safer seats to bring their concerns directly to the White House.
When asked for comment, Pelosi did not respond directly to these specific reports, but her spokesperson released a statement saying, “Speaker Pelosi fully supports whatever President Biden decides to do,” emphasizing the critical nature of the race and the negative implications of a potential Trump presidency.
