President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race on July 20 was reportedly influenced by a stark ultimatum from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Biden's announcement came after weeks of speculation and pressure, culminating in a pivotal moment when Pelosi is said to have threatened to publicly express her doubts about Biden's chances of defeating former President Donald Trump in the upcoming election, as the Post Millennial reports.

Pelosi's Ultimatum Delivered Hours Before Biden's Decision

According to reports, the chain of events leading to Biden’s withdrawal began the night before his official announcement. On July 19, while Biden was recovering from a case of COVID-19 at his family home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Pelosi sent an urgent message that set the stage for what would be a significant political decision.

Pelosi's ultimatum was clear and direct: If Biden did not step aside, she would publicly voice her concerns about his electability. These concerns, rooted in polling figures she intended to release, highlighted the former speaker’s belief that Biden could not secure a win against Trump in November.

This message from Pelosi reportedly created what sources described as a "come to Jesus moment" for Biden, leading him to draft his withdrawal letter that same night.

Weeks Of Growing Pressure on Biden

Biden's decision to drop out of the race did not occur in isolation. It followed weeks of increasing pressure from within his own party. The pressure intensified after a particularly challenging debate performance, which left many Democrats questioning his viability as the party's candidate.

In the days leading up to his decision, Biden was confronted with the reality that key Democratic leaders, including Pelosi, were losing confidence in his ability to lead the ticket. The concerns were not only about Biden’s potential to lose to Trump but also about the possible negative impact his candidacy could have on down-ballot races.

This pressure, combined with Pelosi's ultimatum, led Biden to conclude that stepping aside was the best course of action.

Biden's Response and Public Statements

In a statement to CBS following his withdrawal, Biden addressed the intense scrutiny he faced from within his party. "The polls we had showed that it was a neck and neck race, woulda been down to the wire," Biden said. However, he acknowledged that there was a growing concern among his Democratic colleagues that his continued candidacy might harm their chances in the November elections.

Biden also expressed his worry that staying in the race would shift the focus from the issues to a narrative about his viability. "I was concerned if I stayed in the race, that would be the topic — you'd be interviewing me about why did Nancy Pelosi say [something] … and I thought it'd be a real distraction," he added.

White House, Pelosi's Office Deny Key Claims

Despite the reports of Pelosi's ultimatum playing a decisive role in Biden's decision, both the White House and Pelosi’s office have denied that any such conversation took place. Official statements from both sides have dismissed the idea that a direct phone call or any form of communication discussing these matters ever occurred between the two leaders.

However, the denials have done little to quell the speculation. The details of Pelosi's ultimatum and the subsequent fallout have continued to circulate, fueling further debate over the dynamics within the Democratic Party and Biden's exit from the race.

Political Implications And The Path Forward

Biden's decision to withdraw has significant implications for the Democratic Party as it prepares for the 2024 election. With Biden out of the race, the focus now shifts to Vice President Kamala Harris and other potential candidates who might emerge as the party's nominee.

For Pelosi, the situation underscores her enduring influence within the party. Her willingness to issue such a stark ultimatum to Biden, a long-time political ally, highlights the seriousness with which she viewed the stakes of the upcoming election.

The coming weeks will likely see increased maneuvering within the party as Democrats work to consolidate support behind a new candidate capable of unifying the party and securing victory in November.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in 2024 Race

The revelation that Nancy Pelosi may have played a pivotal role in Joe Biden's decision to step aside marks a significant moment in the 2024 presidential race.

As the Democratic Party grapples with the fallout, the focus now turns to the next steps in their effort to defeat Trump in November.

With Biden out, the path forward remains uncertain, and the coming months will be critical in shaping the party's future.