Pelosi Pushes Biden to Step Aside, Fearing Electoral Defeat

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly working behind the scenes to persuade President Biden to step aside and allow a different Democrat to face former President Trump in November's election. Pelosi is reportedly concerned that Biden's mental fitness may prevent him from defeating Trump and is working with other Democratic leaders to find a replacement.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly working behind the scenes to get President Biden to step aside and allow a different Democrat to face former President Trump in November's election.

According to a recent Politico report, Pelosi is "convinced" that Biden remaining on the ticket would cost her party the White House. She has reportedly been working the phones since June 27 in hopes of finding a way to ease him off the ticket.

Pelosi Pushes Biden to Step Aside, Fearing Electoral Defeat

Pelosi's efforts come amid growing concerns about Biden's mental fitness for office. Biden has repeatedly stumbled over his words and made gaffes, leading some to question whether he is up to the demands of the presidency.

Pelosi is a longtime Biden ally, but she is reportedly now convinced that he is not the best candidate to defeat Trump. She has reportedly told other Democratic leaders that Biden's legacy cannot be destroying their party.

Pelosi Pushes Biden to Step Aside, Fearing Electoral Defeat

Pelosi's efforts have reportedly included phone calls to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, plotting strategy with other Democratic leaders, and telling one former elected official bluntly that Biden's legacy cannot be destroying their party.

Pelosi's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Pelosi Pushes Biden to Step Aside, Fearing Electoral Defeat

Last week, a number of House Democrats told The Hill that Pelosi was advising members in their conference against rallying to Biden before there is a broader discussion over whether he is the best candidate to defeat Trump.

"I did have a conversation with her, she is very concerned," one House Democratic lawmaker told The Hill. "It's not like she's like, ‘We’re sticking with this guy.'"

Pelosi Pushes Biden to Step Aside, Fearing Electoral Defeat

Pelosi spokesman Ian Krager told The Hill, "Speaker Pelosi fully supports whatever President Biden decides to do. We must turn our attention to why this race is so important: Donald Trump would be a disaster for our country and our democracy."

Biden has insisted he will remain in the race, but Pelosi last week insinuated that there is still a decision to be made.

"It's up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We are all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short," Pelosi told MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Wednesday. "He's beloved, he's respected, and people want him to make that decision."

Many took her comments as a sign that she wants Biden to drop out.

Biden has been under intense pressure to step aside since the Democratic debate last week. A number of Democrats have publicly called on him to withdraw from the race, and there is growing speculation that he may not be able to win the nomination.

Pelosi's efforts are a sign that the Democratic establishment is becoming increasingly concerned about Biden's candidacy. If Biden does not withdraw from the race, it is likely that Pelosi and other Democratic leaders will continue to pressure him to do so.