CHICAGO — In the dramatic turn of events that led to the selection of a new Democratic presidential nominee last month, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has emerged as a figure of both admiration and controversy. She is viewed by some as a savior who took necessary political risks to strengthen her party’s chances in the upcoming elections, while others criticize her for unceremoniously sidelining the current president.
Pelosi addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday night. As a former two-time Speaker of the House who stepped back from her leadership role last year after aiding in the legislative efforts of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, she was welcomed warmly by the audience.
In her speech, Pelosi reminded attendees of former President Donald Trump’s attempts to challenge the 2020 election results, highlighting the events of January 6 when his supporters attacked the Capitol during the certification of Biden’s victory. “Let us not forget who assaulted democracy on Jan. 6: He did,” she stated emphatically. “The parable of Jan. 6 reminds us that our democracy is only as strong as the courage and commitment of those entrusted with its care, and we must choose leaders who believe in free and fair elections, who respect the peaceful transfer of power.” She concluded with a stark warning: “The choice couldn’t be clearer.”
Unease about the convention, which was expected to be a straightforward renomination of Biden for a second term, stemmed from a select group of party insiders who were unsettled by the dynamics of Biden’s replacement with Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s candidate. Pelosi was pivotal in instigating this shift. Following a disastrous debate performance against Trump in June, she urged Biden to reconsider his candidacy. As doubts surfaced among Democrats, Pelosi quickly rallied support for her allies to encourage Biden to step back from the race, citing concerns over not just losing the presidential election but also jeopardizing the party’s chances in the House.
For Democrats, the overarching lesson is that defeating Trump remains the top priority. Many believe that Pelosi’s actions put the party in a stronger position to achieve that goal. This sentiment facilitated Biden’s initial nomination in 2020 and left him facing little resistance for re-election in 2024—until the tide turned against him, led by calls from Pelosi and others.
“With love and respect for Joe Biden, she kept us in the game,” expressed Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass. Just two hours prior to her speech, he acknowledged her crucial role.
Pelosi’s pressure on Biden was further backed by influential figures from Obama’s circle, who publicly distanced themselves from him. The betrayals must have left Biden feeling wounded, particularly as he navigated the fallout, all while striving to reclaim the presidency.
John Morgan, a significant Democratic donor from Florida and close associate of Pelosi, shared her distress over the situation, noting her genuine affection for Biden.
Former New Orleans mayor and Biden adviser Mitch Landrieu opted to sidestep questions around whether Pelosi should be credited or blamed for the current state of affairs, simply stating, “The torch has been passed. We’re talking about the future now.”
However, as calls for Biden to withdraw grew louder over the weeks, those close to him took offense, perceiving the pressure to abandon his re-election campaign as a betrayal. Biden had triumphed over Trump by winning the 2020 election, implemented vital policy achievements, and conducted himself with dignity throughout his presidency. The diminishing faith in his ability to overcome challenges cut deep, further fueled by what many see as orchestrated calls for his resignation.
Anita Dunn, a longtime Biden advisor, pointedly remarked that party leaders had enabled a public discourse against Biden, suggesting that such actions were led by Pelosi.
There remains debate over whether Pelosi and her allies effectively forced out a president reluctant to relinquish power or if they inadvertently contributed to a narrative of Biden’s inability to win. The implications of these events may not be fully understood until after the election results are tallied in November.
Now, Pelosi is regarded as both the matriarch and enforcer of the Democratic Party. Comedian Mindy Kaling described her as “the mother of dragons”—an allusion to the formidable queen from the HBO series “Game of Thrones.”
The overarching message at the convention emphasized the singular goal of preventing Trump from returning to the Oval Office. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., stressed that this priority has been embodied by Pelosi’s leadership.
The warm reception Pelosi received during her address indicates that party delegates have largely moved past any grievances in pursuit of defeating Trump and regaining congressional seats. These delegates had similarly celebrated Biden just days earlier.
Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, noted that while there is undeniable resentment, it primarily resides among a minority of party elites rather than grassroots Democrats. “Loyal Democrats have responded positively to what makes the most sense for the party,” he stated.
Though Biden’s allies may harbor frustration toward Pelosi’s maneuvers, the prevailing sentiment among attendees at the convention leaned favorably toward Harris and her potential.
Alex Davis, a delegate from Portland, Oregon, remarked, “She did what she thought was best for the situation,” underscoring Pelosi’s experience in these matters.
Biden chose to leave the convention after delivering an opening night speech that celebrated his legacy and supported Harris. His absence during the speeches by Obama and Pelosi, who both commended his presidency, perhaps indicated the complexities of their relationships following recent events.
“As history unfolds, Joe Biden will be remembered as an outstanding president who defended democracy,” Obama said in his address, proudly acknowledging their friendship. Likewise, Pelosi highlighted Biden’s successful tenure in her own speech, thanking him for his achievements.
Their remarks sought to smooth over the friction that accompanied the changes leading to Biden’s exit from a political path that began nearly half a century ago. For the delegates and many Democrats nationwide, the rapid cohesion around Harris following the upheaval suggests that Pelosi acted with their best interests in mind.
“I’ve never heard complaints from those outside positions of power about Nancy Pelosi,” Schatz concluded. He emphasized the divide between party leaders and field operatives regarding tactics and strategy, though acknowledging that feelings of resentment may exist without hindering electoral support.