In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election last month, following intense pressure from prominent Democratic leaders, most notably former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Biden’s decision came after receiving an ultimatum from Pelosi, signaling a deep rift in a decades-long political alliance, as the Daily Mail reports.
Biden’s announcement, made on Sunday, June 21, capped off a period of personal reflection and political isolation during a bout of COVID-19. The pressure from Pelosi and other key figures within the Democratic Party, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, ultimately swayed Biden’s decision.
The most significant factor in Biden’s decision to step aside was an ultimatum from Pelosi. According to four sources, Pelosi made it clear that she was prepared to publicly express her concerns about Biden's ability to defeat former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election. This threat was reportedly conveyed during a phone call, during which Pelosi suggested that she would reveal polling data detrimental to Biden’s prospects.
While Pelosi’s office and the White House officially denied that such a phone call took place, the sources insist that the conversation was pivotal in Biden’s decision-making process. The tension between Biden and Pelosi has only grown since the announcement, with the two not having spoken since Biden revealed his withdrawal.
During recent interviews, Pelosi has struggled to navigate questions about her role in Biden’s decision, further fueling speculation about the extent of her involvement. Despite the denials, the damage to their once-close relationship seems irreparable.
In addition to Pelosi’s ultimatum, other high-profile Democrats, including Schumer and Jeffries, had also been urging Biden to reconsider his 2024 bid. Schumer, in particular, had a direct and candid meeting with Biden in Delaware just a week before the announcement. The meeting reportedly underscored the growing concerns within the party about Biden’s electability.
Following the announcement, Biden conspicuously left Pelosi out of his communications with other Congressional leaders, signaling the depth of the breach between them. Biden’s focus now appears to be shifting toward his "Biden Cancer Moonshot" initiative, which recently saw a significant $150 million boost in research funding.
Biden’s decision not to attend the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Vice President Kamala Harris will be formally nominated, further underscores his withdrawal from the political spotlight. Instead, Biden plans to address the convention briefly on Monday.
On a personal level, the fallout from Biden’s withdrawal has been significant. First Lady Jill Biden has reportedly expressed deep concern and dissatisfaction with how the withdrawal was managed. There is particular anger toward Pelosi, with both Jill and Hunter Biden feeling betrayed by someone they once considered a close ally.
Despite the controversy, Pelosi continues to wield considerable influence on Capitol Hill. Her ability to navigate political turmoil and maintain her power base underscores her resilience, even as she faces backlash from the Biden family and others within the Democratic Party.
Biden and Pelosi’s relationship, once marked by mutual respect and collaboration, now appears to be in tatters. The future of their political alliance remains uncertain, with Biden focusing on his post-presidency initiatives and Pelosi continuing to assert her dominance in Congress.
As the Democratic Party moves forward without Biden on the ticket, the implications of this seismic shift in leadership are yet to be fully realized. The impact of Pelosi’s ultimatum, and the broader pressure campaign from Democratic leaders, will likely be felt for years to come.
