Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly expressed concerns to President Joe Biden about his chances of defeating Donald Trump in a potential second term. According to sources briefed on the call, Pelosi privately told Biden that polling indicates he may not be able to win against Trump and could harm Democrats’ chances of winning the House in November if he continues seeking reelection.
In response, Biden pushed back, citing polls that suggest he can win. The conversation, which took place after Biden’s disastrous debate on June 27, marked the second known discussion between Pelosi and the president. While the exact date of the call was not disclosed, sources described it as occurring within the last week.
Pelosi’s concerns come amid growing pressure on Biden to make a decision about his 2024 candidacy. The former House speaker has been listening to concerns from colleagues and recently stated in an interview that it is up to the president to decide if he will run again.
When asked for comment, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates did not address the specifics of the Pelosi-Biden call but reiterated Biden’s commitment to winning and working with congressional Democrats on his agenda. A spokesperson for Pelosi stated that she has not spoken to Biden since being in California and emphasized the confidentiality of her conversations with the president.
As speculation continues to swirl about Biden’s political future, the conversation between Pelosi and the president highlights the challenges and uncertainties facing the Democratic Party as they prepare for the upcoming elections.