How Nancy Pelosi Knifed Joe Biden—Without Backing Kamala Harris
# Biden World: How Nancy Pelosi Strategically Ousted Joe Biden
## Et Tu, Pelosi?
By John Mulholland
Published July 21, 2024
*Opinion*
The political world was abuzz with speculation, and now we know who orchestrated it all – the mastermind behind President Joe Biden's downfall: Nancy Pelosi.
Yes, it was always going to be the 84-year-old former House Speaker who pulled the strings and dealt the fatal blow. In the intricate dance of power, Pelosi is a veteran, and her moves in the recent political drama proved it.
As Biden teetered and recovered, only to be beaten down again, Pelosi consistently reappeared to revive the "Dump Biden" movement. Her comments on "Morning Joe," suggesting that it was up to the President to decide whether to run, immediately reignited speculation. And when the momentum stalled again after the attempted assassination of former President Trump, her fellow Californian, Adam Schiff, stepped in to call for Biden to step aside.
Pelosi's fingerprints were all over this carefully coordinated plan, with her allies, including Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, making public pleas for Biden to go. Simultaneously, a joint statement from four Democratic House reps representing the progressive, Black, and Hispanic caucuses, where Biden had strong support, signaled the final blow. Pelosi knew exactly where to strike.
As the top Democrats in Congress remained silent, Pelosi, with her political toughness and skill, sent a clear message to the President. Biden, known for his stubbornness, had pledged to stay in the race, even telling George Stephanopoulos that only the "Lord Almighty" could make him leave. But Pelosi proved to be the almighty force that Biden couldn't ignore.
Her track record as the Leader of the House Democrats for 20 years speaks for itself. Kevin Igoe, former deputy chief of staff of the Republican National Committee, described Pelosi as "the muscle," hired to do what others don't have the courage to do. And in the face of a possible landslide win for Trump, threatening Democrats in both the House and Senate, Pelosi was determined to win her last big fight.
Pelosi not only orchestrated Biden's ousting but also made it clear that she favored an open nomination rather than a simple coronation of Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden himself pointedly endorsed Harris as he announced his departure on Sunday.
Pelosi's role in this political narrative deserves center stage, even though she often worked behind the scenes. Her mischievous and damaging "Morning Joe" intervention was a rare public appearance, leaving only fingerprints and few sightings.
However, as Susan Page, DC Bureau Chief for the Washington Post and author of a Pelosi biography, noted, Pelosi's strength lies in the inside game of politics, not public speeches.
And what a game she played. Politico's Jonathan Martin revealed that Pelosi's behind-the-scenes role may never be fully exposed if she has her way. She stage-managed phone calls, plotted with Democratic elites, and bluntly told a former elected official that Biden's legacy must not destroy their party.
Biden is not the first President to succumb to Pelosi's political prowess. She had a notoriously fractious relationship with former President Trump, barring him from delivering a State of the Union speech during the 2019 government shutdown. Pelosi's mastery of the political game was on full display as she leveraged her role as a mother and grandmother during the shutdown standoff, using language that resonated with women across the country.
In the case of Biden, Pelosi chose a different approach. She refrained from public humiliation, respecting Biden's status as an elder statesman and fellow Democrat. But her tactics were no less effective, and the outcome was never in doubt.
So, as the dust settles on Biden's resignation, let's give credit where it's due: Nancy Pelosi, the political powerhouse, has once again proven her mettle.
## Et Tu, Pelosi?
By John Mulholland
Published July 21, 2024
*Opinion*
The political world was abuzz with speculation, and now we know who orchestrated it all – the mastermind behind President Joe Biden's downfall: Nancy Pelosi.
Yes, it was always going to be the 84-year-old former House Speaker who pulled the strings and dealt the fatal blow. In the intricate dance of power, Pelosi is a veteran, and her moves in the recent political drama proved it.
As Biden teetered and recovered, only to be beaten down again, Pelosi consistently reappeared to revive the "Dump Biden" movement. Her comments on "Morning Joe," suggesting that it was up to the President to decide whether to run, immediately reignited speculation. And when the momentum stalled again after the attempted assassination of former President Trump, her fellow Californian, Adam Schiff, stepped in to call for Biden to step aside.
Pelosi's fingerprints were all over this carefully coordinated plan, with her allies, including Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, making public pleas for Biden to go. Simultaneously, a joint statement from four Democratic House reps representing the progressive, Black, and Hispanic caucuses, where Biden had strong support, signaled the final blow. Pelosi knew exactly where to strike.
As the top Democrats in Congress remained silent, Pelosi, with her political toughness and skill, sent a clear message to the President. Biden, known for his stubbornness, had pledged to stay in the race, even telling George Stephanopoulos that only the "Lord Almighty" could make him leave. But Pelosi proved to be the almighty force that Biden couldn't ignore.
Her track record as the Leader of the House Democrats for 20 years speaks for itself. Kevin Igoe, former deputy chief of staff of the Republican National Committee, described Pelosi as "the muscle," hired to do what others don't have the courage to do. And in the face of a possible landslide win for Trump, threatening Democrats in both the House and Senate, Pelosi was determined to win her last big fight.
Pelosi not only orchestrated Biden's ousting but also made it clear that she favored an open nomination rather than a simple coronation of Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden himself pointedly endorsed Harris as he announced his departure on Sunday.
Pelosi's role in this political narrative deserves center stage, even though she often worked behind the scenes. Her mischievous and damaging "Morning Joe" intervention was a rare public appearance, leaving only fingerprints and few sightings.
However, as Susan Page, DC Bureau Chief for the Washington Post and author of a Pelosi biography, noted, Pelosi's strength lies in the inside game of politics, not public speeches.
And what a game she played. Politico's Jonathan Martin revealed that Pelosi's behind-the-scenes role may never be fully exposed if she has her way. She stage-managed phone calls, plotted with Democratic elites, and bluntly told a former elected official that Biden's legacy must not destroy their party.
Biden is not the first President to succumb to Pelosi's political prowess. She had a notoriously fractious relationship with former President Trump, barring him from delivering a State of the Union speech during the 2019 government shutdown. Pelosi's mastery of the political game was on full display as she leveraged her role as a mother and grandmother during the shutdown standoff, using language that resonated with women across the country.
In the case of Biden, Pelosi chose a different approach. She refrained from public humiliation, respecting Biden's status as an elder statesman and fellow Democrat. But her tactics were no less effective, and the outcome was never in doubt.
So, as the dust settles on Biden's resignation, let's give credit where it's due: Nancy Pelosi, the political powerhouse, has once again proven her mettle.