Sulking Biden Refuses to Speak to 50-Year Friend Pelosi
U.S. President Joe Biden's official portrait, 2021. Photo by Adam Shultz. Public domain.
When President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, it sent shockwaves through Washington and beyond. Was it his decision alone, or did political heavyweights orchestrate his exit behind closed doors? Biden himself claims he could have won — but insiders paint a picture of growing party discontent and dramatic backroom negotiations. Here's the untold story of why Biden stepped aside and what he really thinks about it.
The President's Perspective: He Could Have Won
President Biden's assertion that he could have won re-election, despite poor polling, is rooted in his confidence in his ability to connect with voters. Biden reportedly believed that his track record — economic recovery and foreign policy achievements — would have resonated with voters and secured his victory. "It's presumptuous to say that, but I think yes," Biden said in a USA Today interview.
Polls and Public Sentiment Paint a Different Picture
Contrary to Biden's optimism, polling data from the months leading to his withdrawal told a starkly different story. In a post on X, CNN analyst Harry Enten wrote, "Based on the polling data, I categorize Biden's statement that he could have beaten Trump as 'flat out bonkers,'" as reported by Fox News. Enten added, "Biden was well behind Trump when he dropped out. Biden never led in all of 2024. And no incumbent president who was anywhere near as unpopular as Biden has ever won."
The Democratic Party's Calculated Moves
While Biden's inner circle remained loyal, the wider Democratic Party reportedly grew uneasy. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were reportedly key figures behind the scenes. Pelosi, in particular, allegedly played a significant role, urging Biden to consider the broader implications of his candidacy on down-ballot races. When asked how responsible Pelosi was for Biden's stepping down, one member of the Democrat party's "Frontline" program for vulnerable congressional incumbents told NBC News, "50%."
According to insiders, her subtle but persistent advocacy influenced several rank-and-file lawmakers to publicly call for Biden to step aside. "Biden has a history of losing and winning. Pelosi doesn't make moves unless she knows she will win," one former Democratic leadership aide said, as reported by NBC News.
Fallout From the Debate Debacle
Biden's withdrawal gained traction after his widely criticized debate against Trump in June 2024. Analysts and focus groups critiqued his performance, citing a lack of energy and sharpness. The debate failed to rally Democratic support or sway undecided voters. Even longtime adviser Anita Dunn acknowledged that the fallout was difficult to overcome. "Voters didn't particularly like Biden's performance in the first half hour. He wasn't scoring well at all," she said in an interview with the Playbook Deep Dive podcast, as reported by POLITICO. Despite Biden's vigorous campaign schedule and efforts to prove critics wrong, the party's faith in his ability to lead into 2025 and beyond waned significantly.
Party Unity vs. Personal Ambitions
For Biden, it appears stepping aside wasn't just about polling or party pressure — it was about securing Democratic unity. While he bristled at the notion of being pushed out, his endorsement of Kamala Harris demonstrated his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining party cohesion.
Biden posted his endorsement to X saying, "Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it's time to come together and beat Trump. Let's do this," as reported by TIME.
What's Next for Joe Biden?
As Biden has left office, he reflects on a presidency marked by significant accomplishments and deep political divisions. Will he transcend the alleged bad blood between himself and Nancy Pelosi? Jill Biden expressed her disappointment in an interview with The Washington Post, "We were friends for 50 years ... it was disappointing," as reported by CNN. A source with direct knowledge described Biden as "seething" at Pelosi at the time, as reported by CNN.
His focus now turns to writing his memoirs and shaping his legacy. For Biden, stepping aside may have been a painful decision, but it appears to be one he ultimately thought was necessary for the good of the party and the nation.
Final Thoughts
The story of Biden's exit from the 2024 race underscores the complex interplay of personal conviction, party strategy, and public perception in American politics. While Biden remains confident he could have won, the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal highlight the challenges of leadership in an era of hyper-polarization and rapid political shifts. Whether history views this as a selfless act or a miscalculated retreat remains to be seen.
References: CNN data guru torches Biden's claim | Nancy Pelosi helped pressure Biden | Joe Biden's Exclusive Exit Interview |Why Biden Was Forced Out | Jill Biden expresses disappointment with Pelosi: 'We were friends for 50 years' | Biden Endorses Kamala Harris After Ending Re-Election Bid
