Increasing Pressure from Senior Democrats
The exchange between Biden and Pelosi marks a new and increasingly public phase in the effort to remove Biden from the Democratic ticket. Senior Democrats had initially hoped to handle this matter privately, with Pelosi advising members to do so, at least temporarily.
However, Biden and his inner circle have remained firm in their decision to continue his campaign, despite facing numerous leaks that keep him on the defensive. News of Pelosi’s conversation with Biden was first reported by CNN and came shortly after ABC News revealed that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had also advised Biden to end his campaign for the country’s sake.
Both Schumer and Jeffries have conveyed to Biden their deep concerns about his effect on Democrats’ ability to win control of Congress. Despite these pressures, Pelosi’s office questioned the accuracy of the reports about her conversation with Biden. “These sources are not good sources,” her spokesperson said.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates responded, “Biden is the nominee of the party… plans to win, and looks forward to working with congressional Democrats to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”
