Nancy Pelosi's Ultimatum Forces Biden Out of 2024 Race

In a recent turn of events, President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race has sparked significant tension between him and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Following Biden's announcement on June 21, the White House has maintained that the president was not pressured into this decision. Instead, Biden reportedly initiated the drafting of his withdrawal letter while recovering from COVID-19, despite Pelosi's urgent concerns about his electability against Donald Trump. Pelosi's public statements have further complicated the narrative, as she denied leading any pressure campaign against Biden, asserting, "I didn't call one person." However, in a candid interview with the New Yorker, she revealed her distress over the rift with Biden, expressing hope that their long-standing friendship could endure. Sources close to Biden indicated that while he was unhappy with the circumstances surrounding his exit, he was not dwelling on the situation. The relationship between Biden and Pelosi has deep roots, dating back to her early days in Congress when Biden played a pivotal role in introducing her to influential Democratic donors. Their political alliance has been characterized by mutual respect, with Pelosi recalling Biden as "prayerful, kind, and thoughtful" in her memoir. As the Democratic Party prepares to move forward without Biden, the implications of this fallout remain to be seen, with the president absent from the upcoming transition.