YIKES! Things got awkward.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi has firmly rejected accusations that she played a role in orchestrating the pressure campaign that led to President Biden’s exit from the 2024 presidential race.
In a recent interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, Pelosi addressed the allegations head-on. “I was not leading any pressure campaign,” she insisted. “I want to be clear: I did not make a single phone call in this regard. I can confidently state that I never called anyone. I can always say, ‘I never called anybody.’“
Pelosi also responded to reports suggesting that President Biden was upset with her for her supposed role in undermining his re-election bid. “He knows how much I care about him,” Pelosi said, choosing not to elaborate further on the matter.
The Democratic Party was thrown into disarray following Biden’s poor performance in a debate against former President Trump in June. This led to an influx of internal criticisms targeting Biden’s age and cognitive fitness, with some Democrats even publicly urging him to withdraw from the race.
Throughout this tumultuous period, top Democrats publicly maintained their support for Biden while subtly suggesting that he faced a critical decision. “It’s up to the president to decide if he will run,” Pelosi stated during an MSNBC interview. “We’re all urging him to make a choice soon. The support of the caucus is not for me to dictate. I’m no longer the head of the caucus, but he is cherished and respected. It’s his decision to make, not mine.”
Reports also surfaced that several prominent Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, were allegedly working against Biden’s campaign. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy has accused Pelosi and Obama of being behind the effort to remove Biden from the race.
Pelosi reportedly engaged directly with Biden during this time, informing him about polling data showing potential losses to Trump and the impact on Democrats in the House. Biden reportedly countered by citing polls suggesting his potential for victory, leading to a defensive exchange. At one point, Pelosi asked Mike Donilon, Biden’s senior adviser, to discuss the polling data further.
WATCH:
“I did not call one person.” Speaker Nancy Pelosi talks with Lesley Stahl about her role in President Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race. https://t.co/BtvgDUKdYf pic.twitter.com/cnJ8ywR5sU
— CBS Sunday Morning 🌞 (@CBSSunday) August 3, 2024