CHICAGO — Nancy Pelosi began her speech at the convention by expressing gratitude for President Joe Biden, despite her previous concerns that contributed to his decision to withdraw from the reelection race.
“Thank you, Joe,” she said, highlighting Biden’s accomplishments in office. She then expressed confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris’s capabilities, stating, “I know that Vice President Harris is ready to take us to new heights.”
This moment avoided the complexities surrounding Harris’s nomination, a significant shift that has sparked renewed enthusiasm within the party about its prospects against Republican candidate Donald Trump.
Earlier, Pelosi refrained from discussing her pivotal conversation with Biden, where she conveyed her worries about the Democrats’ chances in the upcoming election. Speaking at the University Club of Chicago, she initially sidestepped questions regarding her influence on Biden’s decision to exit the race, emphasizing that it was ultimately his choice. However, under further questioning, she acknowledged the importance of preventing Trump from reclaiming the presidency.
“I wanted very much to protect his legacy,” Pelosi remarked about Biden, adding that her message was about the necessity for an improved campaign strategy.
Pelosi did not explicitly state that she was responsible for urging Biden to step down to make way for Harris, but her presence energized the crowd, which was more spirited than anticipated, partially due to her influence.
Lawmakers who had previously been hesitant to campaign alongside Biden are now rallying behind Harris and Pelosi. Rep. Elissa Slotkin from Michigan noted that Pelosi represents the interests of the caucus and that her discussions with Biden encapsulated a broader sentiment among Democratic leaders.
Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond remarked on Pelosi’s significance in the party, asserting that she is considered one of the most impactful Democrats in recent history. He remarked, “If you want something done, you go to Nancy Pelosi.”
Pelosi, who is known for her dual role as a power player and a conciliator, shared that her approach is motivated by a desire to assist vulnerable children, highlighting her advocacy for social welfare alongside her political acumen.
In a recent interview, she discussed her new book, “The Art of Power,” emphasizing the importance of focusing on crucial electoral issues. “You have to be able to take a punch, you have to be able to throw a punch … for the children,” she joked with the audience of around 350 attendees.
In the wake of Biden’s withdrawal, he has publicly stated that the decision was entirely his own and that he has not spoken to Pelosi since then. Despite her efforts to represent the concerns of Democratic leaders, Biden maintained that no outside influence affected his choice.
While Biden’s relationship with Pelosi remains to be clarified post-election, her enduring influence in the party is unquestionable. As Democrats navigate the race ahead, they are banking on the belief — embodied by Pelosi — that making difficult decisions can lead to significant rewards.