Pelosi Signals Possible Reconsideration of Biden’s Re-Election Bid Amidst Growing Party Divisions
Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, a staunch Biden ally and former House speaker, hinted on Wednesday that President Joe Biden might need to reassess his re-election plans, noting that “time is running short” for him to decide.
During her appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” the 84-year-old Pelosi expressed her support for Biden, stating she would back him “whatever he decides.” However, she emphasized the need to revisit discussions about Biden’s political future after the NATO summit in Washington this week, which includes Biden’s first news conference since his controversial debate performance against former President Donald Trump.
Biden, 81, has been firm in his intention to run for a second term, but his candidacy has been a source of concern among Democrats on Capitol Hill. Pelosi’s remarks seemed to be aimed at giving worried Democrats, who have largely supported Biden, the opportunity to reconsider their stance amidst the party’s internal disagreements about his viability as a candidate. However, Pelosi quickly clarified that she was not suggesting Biden withdraw from the race.
“The president is great, and there are some misrepresentations of what I have said,” Pelosi stated to The New York Times. “I never said he should reconsider his decision. The decision is the president’s. I don’t know what’s happened to The New York Times that they make up news. It isn’t true.”
Following Pelosi’s comments, Representative Pat Ryan of New York, one of the most at-risk Democratic incumbents, became the eighth member of Congress from his party to publicly urge Biden to step down. Additionally, actor George Clooney, who recently hosted a $28 million fundraiser in Hollywood for Biden, also called for the president to end his candidacy in a New York Times guest essay earlier on Wednesday.