The seemingly unshakeable alliance between Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi, bound by over half a century of camaraderie, seems to be trembling. Recent events indicate a rapidly increasing distance between the two seasoned Democrats, who’ve not exchanged a word since July 21. This was the day when, amid intense pressure from influential Democrat figures, Biden had to step down from the 2024 presidential race. Pelosi, interestingly, emerged as one of the key players in this machination, utilizing her significant clout to move her longtime friend off the electoral roster.
Following her successful move against Biden, Pelosi embarked on a nationwide trip to promote her book, ‘The Art of Power.’ This tour conveniently served as a platform for Pelosi to condemn the ineptitude of Biden’s political team, portraying them as the root cause of his failures. Public scrutiny of this deteriorating relationship seems to be affecting Pelosi as well. She confessed to the New Yorker recently that the angst surrounding her relationship with Biden is causing her sleepless nights.
In ‘The Art of Power’, Pelosi mentioned an incident where, in 2022, Biden was among the first to reach out after her husband Paul was assaulted with a hammer. This vignette is particularly poignant contrasting the current strained relationship between the two. Biden, not yet publicly acknowledging this rift, is reportedly displeased at the pressure exerted forcing him to bow out of his own re-election bid.
A recent report by Politico attributes to Biden the opinion that Pelosi acted ruthlessly in showing him the door to clear the stage for other Democrats. The report further insinuated that though Biden harbors frustrations against other Democrats like Obama and Schumer, he is beginning to grasp the necessity of his own exit from the race. This understanding is inadvertently substantiated every day as Kamala Harris continues to stand out in the polls, areas where Biden previously stumbled.
Insider sources claim that Biden feels that Pelosi had executed the actions she found necessary to maximize the Democratic Party’s chances in November. Additionally, the President reportedly stated that Pelosi is party-driven, prioritizing Democratic interests over personal sentiments. Biden’s only public remark about Pelosi, since his withdrawal from the race, transpired during a recently televised interview.
During the interview, he disclosed that he decided to step down once discussions surrounding his cognitive ability started diverting attention from critical issues. Despite the strain, there appears to be an underlying respect between Pelosi and Biden although their long-standing friendship remains in jeopardy.
Side by side, these two politicians have marked their place in history as key figures from the Silent Generation. Each playing dominant roles in the Democratic Party since their first congressional campaigns in the 70s and 80s. Their influence is undeniable, although the recent developments have cast a pall on their once esteemed partnership.
Back in May, Biden openly expressed his admiration for Pelosi, awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He further declared her as history’s most accomplished Speaker of the House. However, such accolades now seem to hold a note of irony, considering the present discord between the two.
In the midst of all this, Pelosi has reciprocated the praise, considering Biden worthy of comparisons with the country’s greatest presidents. Recently, she even stated that given the opportunity, she’d crown Biden with a place on Mount Rushmore. This statement, like others before it, is an exercise in imagery that conflicts with the reality of the unfolding situation.
The label ‘a Mount Rushmore kind of President’ was heaped on Biden during an interview on ’60 Minutes. ‘You have Teddy Roosevelt up there. And he’s wonderful. I don’t say take him down. But you can add Biden,’ Pelosi said. These statements, however, must be taken with a grain of salt, considering the current plight of their relationship.