Pelosi's Ultimatum to Biden on 2024 Campaign

In a dramatic turn of events, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reportedly pressured President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, threatening to publicly criticize him if he did not comply. This ultimatum came while Biden was recovering from COVID-19 at his Delaware beach house, as concerns about his cognitive abilities and electability against former President Donald Trump intensified among party insiders. Sources close to the situation revealed that Pelosi's threats included the release of unfavorable polling data that could undermine Biden's campaign. The pressure from Pelosi and other Democratic leaders prompted Biden to have a "come to Jesus" moment, leading to the drafting of a letter that officially ended his campaign on July 21. In his first television interview following his withdrawal, Biden acknowledged that the concerns of his Democratic colleagues influenced his decision, stating that he did not want to become a distraction during the election cycle. He specifically mentioned Pelosi's role in the discussions, highlighting the unease within the party regarding his potential impact on their electoral prospects. Pelosi, now 84, confirmed her conversations with Biden and the growing anxiety among Democrats about the upcoming elections. A former senior advisor to Biden, who is now part of Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign, attributed Biden's exit to Pelosi's public stance, suggesting that her actions encouraged others to voice their concerns. This situation has sparked criticism of the Democratic Party for allegedly disregarding the voters who initially supported Biden during the primaries, framing the decision as driven more by donor interests than by grassroots support.