Things are getting ugly within the Democrat party.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has recently suggested that President Biden missed a critical opportunity by not exiting the 2024 race sooner. In a candid interview with The New York Times, Pelosi remarked that had Biden stepped aside earlier, the Democratic field might have been more competitive, with other potential candidates entering the race.
Pelosi noted that the initial expectation was that, if Biden chose to step down, the party would experience an open primary, allowing for fresh competition. As a key figure in pushing Biden to consider stepping aside after his lackluster debate performance, Pelosi’s comments highlight a significant turning point in the race. However, instead of a wide-open contest, Biden quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after announcing his exit on July 21. Within 36 hours, Harris secured a majority of the Democratic National Committee’s delegates, effectively locking down the nomination.
While Pelosi suggested that Harris might have done well in a primary if it had been held, she acknowledged that the early endorsement from Biden made it nearly impossible for any challengers to mount a serious campaign. Pelosi conceded that the situation could have unfolded differently if Biden had stepped down sooner, but the political reality was that the race was essentially over before it even began.
Pelosi’s remarks were in line with her previous comments defending the process. In interviews, she has repeatedly emphasized that the Democratic primary was open and anyone could have entered. “It was an open process,” Pelosi argued, claiming that Harris’ quick rise to the top was not a case of shutting down competition but rather a reflection of her political savvy.
For Republicans, Pelosi’s words may be seen as an attempt to defend the uncontested nature of the Democratic nomination process. Whether or not this is a sign of internal Democratic divisions remains to be seen, but the clear takeaway is that the Democratic establishment ensured Harris’ path to the presidency was swift and decisive.