Nancy Pelosi began her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago by expressing gratitude for President Joe Biden, despite her earlier concerns about his campaign that contributed to his decision to step down from the 2024 race. “Thank you, Joe,” she stated, acknowledging Biden’s legislative successes. She also indicated confidence in Vice President Kamala Harris, asserting, “I know that Vice President Harris is ready to take us to new heights,” which highlighted the shift in the Democratic nomination that sparked renewed optimism about defeating Donald Trump.
Pelosi, speaking in the grand setting of the University Club of Chicago, initially avoided discussing her pivotal conversation with Biden where she voiced her worries about the party’s prospects in the upcoming election. While she maintained that Biden’s decision was his to make, she emphasized the necessity of a stronger campaign to prevent Trump from regaining the presidency. “I wanted very much to protect his legacy,” Pelosi remarked, underscoring her intent to support the party’s electoral chances.
While she refrained from directly claiming credit for Biden’s exit from the race, she acknowledged that her actions contributed to a more energized atmosphere at the convention. Many Democratic lawmakers who had previously hesitated to support Biden are now rallying behind Harris and Pelosi. Representative Elissa Slotkin of Michigan pointed out, “Speaker Pelosi is always someone who reflects the interests of the caucus,” recognizing her role in guiding party strategy.
Democratic strategist Adrian Hemond reinforced Pelosi’s significant standing within the party, stating, “People who matter in Democratic politics understand that Nancy Pelosi is the most consequential Democrat of the last 50 years.” He noted that influential discussions she held with key donors could not be overlooked.
At 84 years old, Pelosi embodies a unique combination of power and diplomacy. She has shared her commitment to fighting poverty, particularly among children, and she recently discussed her new book, “The Art of Power,” during an interview. Her mission, given the recent political turbulence, is to keep the focus on important electoral issues. She quipped about the duality of her leadership style — the ability to both “take a punch” and “throw a punch … for the children,” which resonated with the audience.
In the wake of Biden’s departure, the dynamics between the long-time partners remain unclear. Biden has emphasized that his decision was not influenced by anyone else, including Pelosi. He mentioned that he had not communicated with her since withdrawing from the race. Nevertheless, Pelosi played a crucial role in conveying the sentiments of diverse lawmakers to the president.
As the Democrats move forward, they are optimistic about their renewed strategy and leadership. “Do I think that this was one of the hardest decisions I’ve seen any leader make in my lifetime? Absolutely,” Slotkin commented on Biden’s decision. “Do I think it was the right decision? Absolutely.”