US President Joe Biden says former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is acting “ruthlessly” by pushing for him to drop out of the race this year, Politico reported. The longtime Democratic leader is widely believed to have played a major role in persuading Biden to drop out of the race.
As reported by Politico, citing people from the president's circle, Joe Biden in private conversations he expressed frustration and anger at the actions of party leaders, especially their “ruthlessness” Nancy Pelosi.
Although the longtime House Democratic leader no longer holds a formal role in the party's leadership, she is widely believed to have played a central role in persuading Biden to drop out of the race, both publicly suggesting she had doubts about his chances and in behind-the-scenes talks with members of Congress.
According to people close to the president, Pelosi intervened at a key moment when it seemed that Biden would be able to wait it out and withstand pressure from his critics in the party.
US President Joe BidenYURI GRIPAS/PAP/EPA
“Pelosi cares about party, not feelings”
Despite his frustration, Biden reportedly said he respected Pelosi, who he said “did what she had to do” to give the party the best chance of winning the November election. The president reportedly said Pelosi cared about the party, not her feelings.
The former House speaker herself claimed that she did not call any congressmen to convince them to put pressure on Biden, although Politico notes that many party politicians called her.
Joe Biden and Nancy PelosiPAP/EPA
In interviews promoting her new book “The Art of Power,” the California politician expressed hope that she still has a good relationship with the president, and even called for his likeness to be added to Mount Rushmore, the famous sculpture carved into the mountain depicting four of the most important presidents. USA (Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt).
Tensions within party 'contrast with unity'
According to Politico's source, Biden also harbors a grudge against former President Barack Obama, his former boss with whom he has a close relationship.
Obama publicly endorsed Biden on Platform X shortly after Biden's poor debate performance, but later cast doubt on Biden's chances in private conversations with aides that were leaked to the press.
The president was reportedly disappointed that Obama did not express his true views in a direct conversation.
The website said the hidden tensions within the party “contrast with the unity Democrats hope to present” at the convention in Chicago. The four-day event begins Monday, and speakers include Biden and Kamala Harris, Obama, and Hillary and Bill Clinton.
Main image source: PAP/EPA