Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi insisted in a new interview that she wanted an “open process” to replace President Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket but Vice President Kamala Harris “took advantage” of the opportunity.
“Many of us who were concerned about the election wanted to have an open process.
It was an open process, anyone could have gotten in,” Pelosi said during an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
Biden dropped out of the race in July after weeks of mounting pressure from Democrats, and quickly endorsed Harris to take his place.
Pelosi also said she relayed concerns she got from other House Democrats to the White House about their campaigns being hurt by his struggles.
“[Harris] had the endorsement of the president, and she, politically astutely, took advantage of it and shut down — not shut down, but won the nomination.
PELOSI ADMITS BIDEN CAMPAIGN WASN’T ON ‘PATH TO VICTORY,’ DENIES SHE PRESSED HIM TO LEAVE RACE Pelosi threw her support behind the vice president shortly after Biden’s announcement.
Pelosi also told the Journal that the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was different from what the Democrats initially expected.
While Vice President Kamala Harris “took advantage” of the chance, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi maintained in a recent interview that she preferred a “open process” to succeed President Biden at the top of the Democratic ticket.
An open process was something that many of us who were worried about the election desired. Pelosi said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, “It was an open process, anybody could have gotten in.”.
Following weeks of intensifying Democratic pressure, Biden withdrew from the race in July and swiftly endorsed Harris to succeed him. Pelosi has denied having anything to do with forcing Biden to withdraw, but she has admitted in interviews that she was concerned about Biden’s campaign and dissatisfied with his political strategy.
Pelosi added that she informed the White House of worries from other House Democrats that his difficulties were negatively impacting their campaigns. Though Harris appears to have revitalized the party, criticism of a party that frequently prides itself on being pro-democracy has increased due to the manner in which she won the nomination without any primary votes being cast in her favor.
With the president’s support, Harris strategically capitalized on her position to not only win the nomination but also shut down opposition. But anyone else might have been able to enter,” Pelosi went on.
PELOSI ADMITS THAT BIDEN’S CAMPAIGN WAS NOT ON A “PATH TO VICTORY” AND DENIES PRESSING HIM TO QUIT THE RACE.
Shortly after Biden’s declaration, Pelosi endorsed the vice president.
Pelosi also stated to the Journal that the Democrats’ initial expectations for the Democratic National Convention (DNC) were not met.
Pelosi remarked, “The credit ‘goes to the president,’ but it’s clear that the convention is different from what was envisioned a month ago and will be enthusiastically attended.”. “.”.
“I respect him for the decision he made regarding our course of action. The American people have a great deal of admiration for his selflessness, and I hope that he is also satisfied with the response everyone has given him,” she continued.
Pelosi has been pressed time and again to provide an explanation for the president’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, as well as to determine whether or not she was involved. While disagreeing that she was the mastermind of the pressure campaign, Pelosi told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Monday that she took the necessary action.
Pelosi exclaimed, “You know what?”. “I had to carry out my necessary tasks. For the nation, he made the decision. My worries were with his campaign, not with the president. He has witnessed the enthusiasm and exuberance that have arisen in our nation. “.”.
Pelosi and other influential Democrats who helped force Biden out of the race are said to be upset with the way Biden was handled. Pelosi, though, doesn’t seem to be feeling bad about it.
I was only interested in winning this election, and I have a relationship with the president. Hence, I apologize to them if they’re upset. But the nation is extremely content,” she said on Monday to CNN.
On Wednesday, Pelosi will speak to the Democratic National Committee.
