Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) issued a statement on Sunday regarding Joe Biden's decision to exit the 2024 race, yet she notably omitted any mention of Vice President Kamala Harris despite the president's endorsement of her candidacy.

Pelosi expressed her preference for a competitive primary process rather than directly endorsing Harris, as Breitbart reports, suggesting the possibility of a chaotic few weeks ahead.

Nancy Pelosi Responds to Biden's Withdrawal

On Sunday, Pelosi acknowledged Biden's exit from the upcoming race and expressed gratitude for his service to the nation, yet she made no reference to Vice President Harris. Instead, her statement focused on Biden’s contributions and his significant impact.

Pelosi stated, "President Joe Biden is a patriotic American who has always put our country first. His legacy of vision, values and leadership make him one of the most consequential Presidents in American history," highlighting his dedication and achievements.

Additionally, Pelosi expressed affection and appreciation for Biden with her words, "With love and gratitude to President Biden for always believing in the promise of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment," she said.

Absence of Harris Mention

While Pelosi's statement was generous in its praise for Biden, it noticeably lacked any comment about Harris. This omission comes despite Biden's recent support for Harris as a potential Democratic Party nominee.

Discussing Biden’s legacy, Pelosi remarked, "God blessed America with Joe Biden’s greatness and goodness," underscoring her admiration for his leadership.

Notably, Pelosi refrained from indicating the future direction of the Democratic Party in finding a new nominee, leaving questions open about the process.

Pelosi's Primary Preference

Internally, Pelosi jad communicated to her colleagues a preference for a competitive primary process if Biden were to step down. She believes that the Democratic Party would benefit from a rigorous selection process and that it would empower Harris and other candidates.

This stance is driven in part by polling data indicating potential matchups against former President Donald Trump. Pelosi believes a strong, competitive race would help the Democratic nominee be better prepared for the 2024 general election.

It has been reported that while Pelosi privately supports Harris, she thinks the vice president would be strengthened by going through the competitive process.

Potential Democratic Candidates

Pelosi sees a wealth of talent within the Democratic Party that could emerge as strong candidates. This includes experienced governors and senators from key states.

The New York Times quoted Pelosi as saying she sees a "deep bench of talent to draw from," which reflects her confidence in the party’s ability to find a capable nominee through an open primary process.

Absent explicit endorsement of Harris in her statement, Pelosi’s remarks suggest a commitment to a fair and robust selection process.

Looking Forward to 2024

As Biden steps back from the 2024 race, the Democratic Party faces the task of emerging solidly prepared to battle former President Donald Trump. Pelosi's call for a competitive primary process indicates a strategic approach to solidify the party’s stance and strength.

Pelosi's vision entails leveraging the diverse and deep pool of Democratic talent, ensuring the best candidate emerges through a rigorous and open primary.

With Biden's career celebrated, Pelosi's outlook on the party’s future shows both reverence for past leadership and anticipation for the upcoming electoral challenges and opportunities.

Conclusion

In her statement on Sunday, Pelosi celebrated President Biden's service and legacy, yet made no mention of Vice President Harris, reflecting her preference for a competitive primary.

As the Democratic Party looks forward, Pelosi emphasizes the importance of a rigorous selection process, confident in the deep pool of potential candidates.