Biden remains frustrated by Pelosi’s push to get him off the 2024 ticket and views her as ‘ruthless,’ report says

AUGUST 15, 2024

President Joe Biden and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have a long-standing working relationship in Washington. Getty Images

President Joe Biden is upset with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over her behind-the-scenes push to get him off the Democratic ticket ahead of the 2024 general election, Politico reported.

The California lawmaker, one of the most skilled tacticians in modern American politics, has downplayed her role in Biden’s exit from the race — saying that the president’s decision to step aside as the presumptive nominee was solely his to make.

Still, Biden has seemingly not let go of the issue.

A top White House official told Politico that Biden saw Pelosi as “ruthless” and as someone who would put aside long-standing relationships to ensure that Democrats emerge on top in elections.

Biden himself told his top aides that he’s still reaching an acceptance of his decision to exit the race, the news outlet said.

But despite his frustration with Pelosi, the president in recent days has reluctantly told several people of his respect for her maneuvering, the outlet added.

Biden told one of those people that Pelosi “did what she had to do” to afford Democrats the best chance at holding the White House, Politico reported.

This comes as the party is set to gather next week at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Biden plans to give a speech in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid.

Biden and Pelosi have a long history — politically and personally — and Pelosi noted as much during a recent interview on MSNBC.

“In our family, we have three generations of love for Joe Biden,” she said, adding that she, her children, and her grandchildren were all fond of the president. “I had pictures with him from our children growing up and now our grandchildren growing up.”

She added: “But the most important thing we have to do is to win the election to sustain his legacy.”

Biden and Pelosi first met over three decades ago when they were both in Congress. They became close friends, bonding over their shared Roman Catholic faith, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2021.

In Washington, the two have worked together on a variety of domestic issues, including the Violence Against Women Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. When Biden served as vice president, he consulted with Pelosi on legislation, leaning on his 36 years of experience as a senator representing Delaware. And once Biden became president himself, the two collaborated on a bold Democratic policy agenda.

The pair’s mutual respect and partnership have generally been strong throughout his tenure as president.

Up until just a few months ago, Pelosi was considered one of his most adept and consistent advocates. And during the earlier part of Biden’s presidency, she was critical in shepherding many of his priorities through the House.