Following Biden’s halting debate performance, and the panic it unleashed among Democrats in and outside of Washington, Pelosi is taking a strong, behind-the-scenes role in trying to resolve the political crisis by playing intermediary for upset rank-and-file Democrats and relaying those messages to the White House.
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Jeffries and Schumer told Biden directly in separate meetings recently that his continued candidacy imperils the Democratic Party’s ability to control either chamber of Congress next year.
Pelosi spoke out publicly about a week ago, suggesting Biden needed to make a “decision” about whether to run, even though the president had already insisted he was in the race to stay.
These talks, along with private polling data, informed Pelosi’s thinking as she maneuvers through the sensitive discussions with Biden and his inner circle.
Pelosi also has no individual political aspirations left, having retired from leadership 18 months ago after 20 years leading House Democrats.
She doesn’t have to worry about the ramifications of telling senior leaders what they don’t want to hear, these Democrats say, and the new House leadership appreciates an extra voice in trying to help push Biden into retirement.
“It’s a work in progress,” one Democratic lawmaker said, requesting anonymity to discuss conversations the former speaker has had with members of the California delegation.
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