Bad News For Kamala Harris As Nancy Pelosi Sets Record Straight On What Should Happen If Biden Leaves

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., expressed her support for a competitive open primary process if President Joe Biden decides to end his re-election campaign.

According to a report by Newsmax on Saturday, July 20, 2024, Pelosi’s stance was revealed during a closed-door meeting, where she shared her concerns about Biden’s chances of winning a second term and the potential impact on the Democratic Party’s prospects in the 2024 elections.

According to The New York Times, Pelosi conveyed her views directly to Biden in a private conversation, stating that she did not believe he could secure a victory in the upcoming presidential race.

Pelosi’s apprehensions are reportedly rooted in her belief that Biden’s continued candidacy could hinder the Democratic Party’s efforts to reclaim the House of Representatives.

Despite her friendship with Vice President Kamala Harris, Pelosi favors an open primary rather than automatically nominating Harris as the party’s candidate.

This preference, according to sources familiar with Pelosi’s thinking, is based on general election polling data that highlights a diverse pool of talented potential candidates, including governors and senators from competitive states.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Photo Credit: Getty Images.
Pelosi’s comments come amid increasing calls from both Democrats and Republicans for Biden to reconsider his re-election bid.

Representative Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., voiced a similar sentiment during an interview with MSNBC, suggesting that a coronation of Harris would be inappropriate if Biden decides to step down.

Lofgren proposed a “mini-primary” or a vetting process overseen by former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton as a possible solution.

“The American people deserve a choice, and we have a wealth of talented individuals within our party who could lead us to victory in 2024,” Lofgren said. “A competitive primary would ensure that we nominate the strongest candidate.”

The leaks from the California delegation’s meeting have caused some discontent among its members, who consider their weekly gatherings to be a “sacred space” for candid discussions.

The breach of confidentiality has added to the tension surrounding the party’s internal deliberations about the 2024 presidential race.

As the Democratic Party grapples with these internal dynamics, the question of Biden’s potential withdrawal from the race remains a focal point.

The possibility of an open primary introduces a new layer of complexity to the already intricate landscape of the 2024 elections.

With various factions within the party holding different views on the best path forward, the coming months are likely to see intense discussions and strategic maneuvers.

The debate over Biden’s candidacy and the potential for an open primary underscores the broader challenges facing the Democratic Party as it seeks to navigate a rapidly evolving political environment.

Nancy Pelosi And Joe Biden Photo Credit: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The party’s leadership must balance the desire for unity with the need to present a compelling vision to voters, all while addressing the concerns of its diverse base.

Pelosi’s position reflects a pragmatic approach to the party’s electoral strategy, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances.

Whether her advocacy for an open primary will gain traction among other party leaders remains to be seen, but her influence and experience make her a significant voice in the ongoing discussions.

As the political landscape continues to shift, the Democratic Party’s decisions in the coming months will have far-reaching implications for the 2024 presidential race and beyond.

The outcome of these internal deliberations will shape the party’s trajectory and its ability to effectively challenge the Republican nominee in the general election.