First lady Jill Biden has expressed her disappointment with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., over her role in urging President Joe Biden to step away from the presidential race, The Washington Post reported.
"It was disappointing," Jill Biden told the outlet in an interview. "We were friends for 50 years."
The controversy stems from the president's underwhelming performance during a pivotal debate against President-elect Donald Trump on June 27. Following the debate, several Democrat donors and officials expressed concerns about Joe Biden's ability to lead the party in the 2024 election, amplifying calls for him to exit the race.
Reports indicate that Pelosi, a prominent Democrat leader, played a significant role in advising Joe Biden to step aside. While Pelosi publicly emphasized that the decision was ultimately his, her private counsel reportedly carried weight among influential party members.
In an interview with The Guardian's Jonathan Freedland on his "Politics Weekly America" podcast, Pelosi revealed that she had not spoken to the president since advising him against seeking reelection. She maintained that her decision was driven by what she believed was in the best interest of the Democratic Party, saying, "I have the greatest respect for Joe Biden."
President Biden announced his withdrawal from the race in July, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party's presidential nominee.
Harris lost, and President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on Jan. 20.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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