Democratic Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) took aim at former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday, criticizing her for blaming President Joe Biden after his decision to step down and the Democratic Party’s losses in the 2024 election. Fetterman’s comments came in response to Pelosi’s recent interview with The New York Times, where she suggested that Vice President Kamala Harris or another Democratic candidate would have been a stronger choice had Biden exited the race sooner.
Speaking with Politico, Fetterman was direct in his criticism, accusing Pelosi of having a double standard. “People like Pelosi, she really tried to — what’s the word I’m looking for? — she embraced this ‘she’s the godmother, she’s the enforcer,’” Fetterman said. “And now she’s blaming Biden. Well, you can’t have it both ways. You got what you wanted, and now you’re still blaming Biden.”
Fetterman didn’t stop there, adding a pointed remark about Pelosi’s age and influence. “I think it’s really ironic that you have a woman at age 84, and she is still hanging on,” the senator noted. “Why not give a younger generation an opportunity to occupy that seat?”
Reports indicate that Pelosi played a significant role behind the scenes, aligning with other Democrats to encourage Biden to step down following his poor performance in the June 27 debate against Republican nominee Donald Trump. While Pelosi initially denied orchestrating efforts to push Biden out during an August 6 interview with CNN’s Dana Bash, she later admitted she had not spoken to Biden since he decided to exit the race on July 21.
The push for Biden to step aside gained momentum among Democrats, with 36 party members, including Democrat-turned-independent Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), publicly urging him to withdraw. Pelosi, however, dodged direct questions about her support for Biden stepping down when asked during a July 10 interview on Morning Joe. Instead, she deflected by saying that it was ultimately the president’s decision.
The aftermath of Biden’s withdrawal and the Democratic Party’s shift to Harris as the nominee culminated in a decisive victory for Trump on November 5. Trump secured 312 electoral votes, making him the first Republican candidate to win the popular vote since 2004. Republicans also expanded their control of the U.S. Senate and retained their majority in the House of Representatives.
Fetterman’s remarks highlight growing frustration within Democratic ranks over the handling of the 2024 election and Pelosi’s influential role in shaping the party’s strategy. The Pennsylvania senator’s pointed comments underscore the divide between the party’s old guard and a new generation calling for change and fresh leadership.
As Democrats regroup after the election loss, the tension between figures like Fetterman and Pelosi reflects broader questions about the party’s future direction and leadership. With Republicans now holding unified control of the federal government, Democrats will need to address these internal conflicts as they plan their path forward.