In a shocking twist earlier this summer, President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election, a decision reportedly driven by intense pressure from within his own party.

The dramatic move is said to have come after a weekend of isolation, reflection, and a controversial interaction with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which has since strained their decades-long friendship and that of their families, as the Daily Mail reports.

The Weekend That Changed Everything

On Sunday, June 21, Biden took to Twitter to share his digitally signed letter announcing his decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race. The announcement followed a weekend of isolation at his family home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he was recovering after testing positive for COVID-19.

During his time in isolation, Biden reportedly reflected on the pressures he faced and the challenges ahead, culminating in a sudden decision on Saturday night to draft his withdrawal letter. The decision, however, was not solely his own. According to sources, a key interaction with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi played a pivotal role in shaping his choice.

Four sources familiar with the situation claimed that Pelosi had warned Biden that she would go public with her concerns about his ability to defeat Donald Trump in the upcoming election. This alleged ultimatum, while denied by both Pelosi’s office and the White House, significantly influenced Biden’s decision.

Denial and Fallout: A Friendship Strained

The aftermath of Biden’s announcement on June 21 marked the beginning of a public fallout between the president and Pelosi. Both parties have since denied that any phone call took place between them leading up to his decision. Despite these denials, the rift between the two has only deepened, with the once-close allies now estranged.

In the days following Biden's announcement, Pelosi embarked on a press tour to promote her memoir, during which she was repeatedly questioned about her relationship with Biden. On Aug. 4, during an interview with CBS, Pelosi vehemently denied leading any pressure campaign against the president, stating, "No, I wasn't the leader of any pressure [campaign]." She further emphasized, "Let me say things that I didn't do: I didn't call one person."

However, in a subsequent interview with The New Yorker, Pelosi admitted that the situation had caused her to lose sleep, revealing her deep concern over the strain on their friendship.

Political Pressure and Personal Decisions

While Pelosi’s alleged involvement in Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race has garnered the most attention, she was not the only Democrat urging the president to step down. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were also reportedly part of the group of Democrats who pressured Biden to reconsider his 2024 bid.

Schumer, in particular, met with Biden in Delaware just a week before the president made his announcement. Although the details of their conversation remain private, it is clear that Biden was feeling the weight of expectations from his party’s leadership.

Despite the mounting pressure, Biden made the decision to personally inform congressional leaders and other key allies about his choice to withdraw. However, in a notable omission, he did not call Pelosi, a sign of the growing rift between them.

The Long History of Biden and Pelosi

Biden and Pelosi’s relationship dates back to the 1970s, a period that saw them form a strong political alliance. Their partnership was not just professional but deeply personal. In her memoir, Pelosi recounts how Biden comforted her after her husband was attacked in 2022, highlighting the depth of their friendship.

This history makes the current estrangement all the more poignant. Pelosi, who has publicly expressed her hope that their friendship could survive this turbulent period, told CNN last Thursday, "He knows I love him." Yet, the path to reconciliation remains uncertain.

As Biden prepares to attend the Democratic National Convention, where Vice President Kamala Harris will be nominated as the party’s candidate, his role will be significantly reduced. He is expected to deliver a brief address before departing, a stark contrast to his previous status as the party’s leader.

Legacy and Lingering Tensions

In the wake of his withdrawal, Biden has shifted his focus to his legacy, particularly through initiatives like the "Biden Cancer Moonshot." However, the tension between him and Pelosi continues to linger, casting a shadow over his final months in office.

Reports have also surfaced that Jill Biden and Hunter Biden are angry with Pelosi, viewing her actions as a betrayal of the family’s long-standing relationship with the House speaker.

Conclusion: A Friendship Tested

The story of Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 race is not just a political tale but a deeply personal one.

It highlights the complexities of long-standing relationships in the volatile world of politics, where alliances can shift in the blink of an eye.

As the dust settles, the future of Biden and Pelosi’s friendship remains uncertain, a casualty of a high-stakes political maneuver that has reshaped the Democratic Party’s path forward.