Amid growing questions about President Joe Biden’s viability for reelection, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi remained noncommittal when asked about her support for his continued candidacy. Despite Biden’s recent assurances to Capitol Hill Democrats that he intends to stay in the race, Pelosi emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the president.
During an appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Pelosi was directly asked about her stance following Biden’s letter pledging to remain in the race. She responded, “I want him to do whatever he decides to do.” Her comments come at a time when concerns about Biden’s electability, particularly against former President Donald Trump, are simmering across Capitol Hill.
Pelosi advised holding off on discussions regarding Biden’s candidacy until after he concludes hosting the NATO summit this week. She noted that the president is expected to address the media in a press conference on Thursday.
“It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run,” Pelosi said. “We’re all encouraging him to make that decision. Because time is running short.”
As one of the most prominent and respected figures in the Democratic Party, Pelosi’s statements carry significant weight among her colleagues. While she refrained from explicitly endorsing Biden’s reelection bid, she did express “full confidence” in him and praised his record in office during her Wednesday morning remarks.
Pelosi’s cautious approach highlights the underlying concerns within the party about Biden’s prospects in a potential rematch against Trump. As the political landscape continues to evolve, her comments reflect a broader sentiment of waiting for Biden’s final decision before fully committing to the 2024 election strategy.