In a private conversation, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told President Joe Biden that polling indicates he cannot defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election and that his continued candidacy could jeopardize Democratic control of the House.
Detailed Analysis of the Pelosi-Biden Exchange
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi recently informed President Joe Biden that current polls suggest he is unlikely to win against Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. This revelation, according to four sources briefed on the call, has intensified concerns within the Democratic Party about Biden’s electability and its potential impact on down-ballot races.
Key Points from the Conversation:
- Pelosi’s Concern: Pelosi reportedly emphasized that Biden’s candidacy could harm the Democrats’ chances of retaining the House of Representatives in the November elections.
- Biden’s Defense: President Biden pushed back against Pelosi’s assertion, citing other polls that he believes show a more favorable outcome. He became defensive during the call, reflecting the mounting pressure on his campaign.
- Request for Data Review: At one point, Pelosi asked Mike Donilon, Biden’s longtime adviser, to join the call and review the polling data.
Context and Implications
This conversation is the second known discussion between Pelosi and Biden since the president’s poorly received debate performance on June 27. The exact timing of the call is unclear, but it is described as happening within the last week. Pelosi has been actively gauging the concerns of her colleagues, emphasizing the urgency for Biden to make a decision about his campaign.
Pelosi’s public comments have also hinted at her reservations. In an interview last week, she stated, “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.”
Official Responses
White House: When asked about the details of the call, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates did not provide specifics, reiterating that “President Biden is the nominee of the party. He plans to win and looks forward to working with congressional Democrats to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”
Pelosi’s Office: A spokesperson for Pelosi said she has been in California since Friday and has not spoken to Biden recently. They emphasized Pelosi’s commitment to confidentiality regarding her discussions with the president, while also criticizing the media’s reliance on anonymous sources that may misrepresent the conversation.
COMMENTS