Pelosi, appearing to support Biden’s exit, backs Harris at DNC

During the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed her support for Vice President Kamala Harris. This endorsement came after indications that Pelosi played a crucial role in encouraging President Joe Biden to step back from the Democratic ticket.

Pelosi also voiced her support for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who made his acceptance speech on the third day of the convention. She highlighted her past acquaintance with Walz, having known him during his tenure as a congressman.

Last month, Pelosi publicly endorsed Harris for the party’s presidential nomination. However, she refrained from calling for Biden to withdraw from the race. In a July 10 interview, when questioned about her support for Biden’s reelection bid following his disappointing debate performance, Pelosi notably avoided a direct answer.

“It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run,” Pelosi stated during her appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” She added, “We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.”

Despite Biden’s prior announcement of his commitment to running for reelection, stating he was “firmly committed” days before Pelosi’s comments, her statements seemed to hinder his efforts to reassure congressional Democrats. By remaining unclear, Pelosi’s words allowed a sense of urgency among lower-tier Democrats to intensify in pressuring Biden to reconsider his candidacy.

Concerns had been raised by Pelosi and other Democratic leaders about the potential negative implications of Biden’s continued candidacy on down-ballot Democratic candidates. The growing pressure culminated in Biden’s decision to exit the 2024 race a few weeks later.

Pelosi, despite having handed over the leadership of the Democratic caucus to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries in 2023, continues to wield substantial influence. Her formidable fundraising capabilities have profoundly impacted Democratic politics and candidates throughout the years.

As the first female Speaker of the House, Pelosi has declared her backing for Harris as being “official, personal, and political.” She reflected on her long-standing relationship with Harris, citing her capabilities and values as vital assets for the upcoming election.

In her endorsement, Pelosi praised Harris’s dedication to working families and her advocacy for women’s rights. “Officially, I have seen Kamala Harris’s strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a woman’s right to choose,” Pelosi expressed. She continued, “Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith, and a commitment to public service.” She concluded her remarks by asserting her belief in Harris’s ability to guide the party to victory in the election.

Pelosi’s comments and support mark a significant moment in the political landscape as the Democratic Party gears up for the presidential race. The dynamics within the party are shifting, and Pelosi’s influence remains a crucial factor as various candidates vie for the nomination.