President Joe Biden is upset with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi over her behind-the-scenes push to get him off the Democratic ticket ahead of the 2024 general election, according to Politico.
The California lawmaker, one of the most skilled political tacticians in modern American politics, has downplayed her role in Biden’s exit from the race — arguing that the president’s decision to step aside as the presumptive nominee was solely his to make.
Still, Biden has seemingly not let go of the issue.
Biden informed his top aides that he’s still reaching an acceptance of his decision, according to Politico.
But despite his frustration with Pelosi, the president in recent days has reluctantly told several people of his respect for her maneuvering, per Politico.
Biden told one of the individuals that Pelosi “did what she had to do” to afford Democrats the best chance at holding the White House, according to the outlet.
This comes as the party will gather next week at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Biden is set to give a speech in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid.
Biden and Pelosi have a long history — politically and personally — and Pelosi noted as much during a recent interview on MSNBC.
“In our family, we have three generations of love for Joe Biden,” she said, noting that herself, her children, and her grandchildren are all fond of the president. “I had pictures with him from our children growing up and now our grandchildren growing up.”
“But the most important thing we have to do is to win the election to sustain his legacy,” she added.
Biden and Pelosi first met over three decades ago, when they were both in Congress. They became close friends, bonding over their shared Roman Catholic faith, the Wall Street Journal reported.
In Washington, the two have worked together on an array of domestic issues, including the Violence Against Women Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. When Biden served as vice president, he consulted with Pelosi on legislation, leaning on his 36 years of experience as a senator representing Delaware. And once Biden became president himself, the two collaborated on a bold Democratic policy agenda.
Despite recent events, the pair’s mutual respect and partnership has generally been strong throughout his tenure as president.
Up until just a few months ago, Pelosi was considered to be one of his most adept and consistent advocates. And during the earlier part of Biden’s presidency, she was critical in shepherding many of his priorities through the House.
