President Joe Biden’s sudden decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race shocked the political world on June 21, and while the White House maintained that the decision was entirely Biden’s, the move reportedly followed intense pressure from key Democratic figures, most notably former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Biden’s decision came after Pelosi issued an ultimatum during a tense phone call indicating that she would publicly question his chances against Donald Trump if he did not step down, as the Daily Mail reports.

This ultimatum reportedly reached Biden during his isolation from a bout with COVID-19, with Pelosi sending an urgent message warning him of the potential consequences of staying in the race. Despite Biden’s insistence up until the night before the announcement that he intended to run again, the pressure from Pelosi and other Democratic leaders seemed to tip the scales.

Nancy Pelosi's Role in Biden’s Decision

Pelosi’s involvement in Biden’s decision has been the subject of significant speculation and controversy. Sources close to the situation confirmed that Pelosi delivered a blunt message to Biden, urging him to withdraw from the race to avoid jeopardizing the Democratic Party’s chances against Trump in the general election.

One source even suggested that Pelosi presented Biden with harsh polling data, further emphasizing the challenges he would face.

Despite these reports, both Pelosi and the White House have denied that any such phone call occurred. Pelosi, while promoting her memoir, responded to questions about her role in the matter by stating, “I didn’t call one person.”

She further denied leading any pressure campaign, emphasizing her longstanding friendship with Biden by saying, “He knows I love him.” However, the lack of communication between Biden and Pelosi since the withdrawal announcement has raised eyebrows, particularly given their decades-long political alliance.

Democratic Leaders' Growing Concerns

Biden’s withdrawal was not solely influenced by Pelosi’s intervention. Other prominent Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, had also expressed doubts about Biden’s ability to secure a second term.

These concerns, coupled with the ongoing public and private scrutiny of Biden’s age and health, likely contributed to the mounting pressure for him to step aside.

In the wake of Biden’s announcement, it became clear that the decision was not taken lightly. A source close to Biden revealed that he was “unhappy with how things went,” particularly with the calls for him to exit the race. Nonetheless, Biden has reportedly chosen not to dwell on the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal, instead focusing on the future.

The Impact on Biden-Pelosi Relationship

The fallout from Biden’s decision has had a significant impact on his relationship with Pelosi. Once close allies who had collaborated on major legislative initiatives such as the Affordable Care Act, the two have not spoken since Biden’s withdrawal.

The silence between them stands in stark contrast to the strong partnership they maintained for decades, a relationship that dates back to the 1970s.

Pelosi has continued to face questions about her role in Biden’s decision, particularly during public appearances related to her memoir. While she has consistently denied leading any effort to push Biden out of the race, the speculation surrounding her involvement persists.

Biden’s family, including first lady Jill Biden and his son Hunter Biden, reportedly feel betrayed by Pelosi’s actions, with Jill Biden visibly concerned about her husband’s dignity in the aftermath.

What’s Next for Biden and the Democratic Party?

As Biden steps back from the race, the Democratic Party is preparing for its next chapter. Vice President Kamala Harris is set to be officially nominated as the party’s candidate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Although Biden will not attend the convention in full, he plans to address the attendees briefly on Monday night before passing the torch to Harris.

Biden’s focus now shifts to cementing his legacy, with particular attention on initiatives such as the “Biden Cancer Moonshot.” Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his withdrawal, Biden remains committed to his lifelong dedication to public service, even as he steps away from the political spotlight.

Conclusion

President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 election came after intense pressure from within his party, most notably from Nancy Pelosi.

Despite official denials, sources suggest that Pelosi played a critical role in convincing Biden to step aside, a move that has strained their decades-long friendship.

With Vice President Kamala Harris set to take the helm, Biden is now focusing on his legacy while navigating the complexities of his relationships within the Democratic Party.