Pelosi looks extremely uncomfortable and flustered.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, found herself in a tense exchange with ABC News reporter Rachel Scott on Wednesday regarding President Biden’s candidacy amid increasing calls for him to withdraw from the race.
The encounter took place as Pelosi navigated the halls of Congress, where Scott approached her seeking comments on Pelosi’s earlier remarks urging Biden to make a decision about his campaign. Pelosi, visibly irritated, curtly responded to Scott’s inquiries, refusing to divulge details of her conversations with the President.
“I’m not discussing my conversations with the President or anyone else,” Pelosi asserted in a video posted online. “I won’t be commenting on the fate of our nation here in the hallway today, okay?”
As Scott persisted, asking whether Pelosi supported Biden remaining in the race, Pelosi briefly expressed confidence in Biden’s ability to win in November. However, tensions escalated when Scott pressed further, asking if Pelosi believed Biden should seek re-election.
“I’ve already addressed that,” Pelosi retorted, halting abruptly. “I’m not going to discuss this here and now.”
Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing his campaign in various interviews and communications with congressional Democrats, countering mounting speculation about his candidacy. Despite Pelosi’s comments on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” suggesting Biden hadn’t finalized his decision, she emphasized the decision rested solely with Biden.
“It’s up to the President to decide if he is going to run,” Pelosi remarked. “We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.”
Pelosi later clarified to CBS News’ Jaala Brown upon arriving at her office that her previous statements were being misrepresented.
“There have been misunderstandings of my comments,” Pelosi clarified. “I never suggested he should reconsider his decision.”
The exchange underscores the delicate political dynamics within the Democratic Party as they navigate the upcoming election cycle. Pelosi’s firm stance reflects her cautious approach to discussing internal party matters publicly, particularly concerning pivotal decisions like presidential candidacies.
WATCH:
Speaker Pelosi tells me Biden can win
— Rachel Scott (@rachelvscott) July 10, 2024
She says she won’t make comments in the hallway about “the fate of our nation”
When I asked if Biden should run she said
“Am I speaking English to you? I’m not going to be making any statements about any of that right now in the hallway..” pic.twitter.com/8R1KsTuTc0