Nancy Pelosi began her speech at the Democratic National Convention expressing gratitude towards President Joe Biden, despite her previous concerns that contributed to his decision to withdraw from the reelection race. “Thank you, Joe,” Pelosi stated, reflecting on Biden’s legislative successes. She further emphasized her belief in Vice President Kamala Harris’s capability to lead the party to victory.
This moment subtly addressed the topic surrounding Harris’s nomination, which had injected a renewed excitement and optimism within the Democratic Party as they prepare to challenge Republican Donald Trump. Earlier in the day, Pelosi refrained from sharing detailed exchanges with Biden that led to his exit from the 2024 campaign, only asserting that the decision was ultimately Biden’s own. However, when challenged, she expressed her intent to safeguard Biden’s legacy, stating, “We need a better campaign.”
While Pelosi has not openly claimed credit for influencing Biden’s exit, her presence at the convention energized the crowd, many of whom now support Harris enthusiastically. Rep. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan remarked on Pelosi’s role in voicing the collective concerns of elected Democratic officials regarding the party’s chances in the upcoming election.
Strategist Adrian Hemond acknowledged Pelosi’s importance in the party, asserting that influential figures in Democratic politics recognize her as a key player in the last 50 years.
At 84 years old, Pelosi is a unique blend of authority and diplomacy, famously characterized as someone who keeps both chocolates and a baseball bat in her office. Guided by a desire to assist vulnerable populations, particularly children in poverty, she draws from a diverse range of experiences and interests, including her knowledge of music and football.
During her conversation with Democratic strategist David Axelrod about her book “The Art of Power,” Pelosi emphasized the importance of focusing on current electoral issues. Her perspective likens political resilience to that of a boxer, stating, “You have to be able to take a punch, you have to be able to throw a punch … for the children.”
Despite the changes in the race, Biden has clarified that his decision to withdraw was solely his, maintaining that no one influenced him and that he had not been in contact with Pelosi since stepping back from the campaign. As the Democrats move forward, they recognize that difficult decisions can yield the best outcomes, a belief that Pelosi has championed throughout her political career. Slotkin expressed admiration for Biden’s decision-making, affirming its historical significance.