Nancy Pelosi backs open nomination process if Joe Biden exits 2024 race, Internet predicts a ‘disaster’

WASHINGTON, DC: Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly informed her colleagues in the California delegation that she would favor a "competitive" open primary over the anointment of Vice President Kamala Harris if President Joe Biden were to end his campaign.

This preference was expressed during one of the delegation’s weekly closed-door meetings earlier this month, where a small group of members discussed the party’s stressful state of affairs.

Biden appears defiant despite growing concerns from lawmakers and leaders within his party who are urging him to step aside, especially after his disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump.

Nancy Pelosi doubts Joe Biden's electability

Nancy Pelosi, who arrived late to the meeting, responded to questions from members by stating she did not believe Joe Biden could win, citing polling data—a sentiment she has shared privately with the President himself.

According to three individuals familiar with the confidential conversation who insisted on anonymity, Pelosi expressed that if Biden remained on the ticket, the Democrats would lose any chance of reclaiming control of the House.

When lawmakers in attendance pressed Pelosi on the potential landscape if Biden decided to step aside under pressure, she emphasized her preference for a competitive process.

Pelosi, according to a source, is a friend and supporter of Kamala Harris, a former senator from California. However, she believes Harris would be better positioned to win the general election after going through a competitive process at the convention.

A second source explained that Pelosi's support for an open primary is driven by polling data on electability. Pelosi believes the Democratic Party has a deep bench of talent, including governors and senators from competitive states, reported The New York Times.

Pelosi’s comments at the meeting, first reported by Politico, emerged as pressure continues to mount on Biden to withdraw from the race. Democrats have begun to weigh the considerations if that should happen, including what would facilitate the smoothest transition and who could raise the funds and support necessary to mount a competitive campaign.

Concerns over potential alienation of Black voters

While some lawmakers and operatives believe an open contest would generate excitement within the party, others worry it could alienate Black voters by appearing to circumvent Kamala Harris—a prospect they are already anticipating.

Pelosi’s private preference was echoed publicly by a close ally, Representative Zoe Lofgren of California. Lofgren, often seen as carrying Pelosi’s approval, called for Biden to drop out of the race on Friday, July 19.

“Should he make that decision, there will have to be quick steps,” Lofgren said on MSNBC after publicly appealing to the President.

“I don’t think we can do a coronation. Kind of a mini-primary, maybe a vetting hosted by former presidents, including Obama and Clinton, would be helpful.”

Members of the California delegation were shaken on Friday night by the leak of the private discussion within their long-running party meeting. Some referred to the weekly California lunch as a “sacred space” and said the leak underscored the anxiety Democrats feel about the uncertainty surrounding the presidential process and its impact on down-ballot races, with just weeks to go before the nominating convention.

Internet reacts to Nancy Pelosi’s open nomination proposal

Social media users expressed a range of opinions following Nancy Pelosi’s comments, with some highlighting the harsh realities of political maneuvering and others fearing a potential disaster for the party.

A social media user tweeted, "Brutal reality of politics."

A second said, "This would be a disaster and guarantee a loss in November."

A third claimed, "Wow. They're trying to cut Kamala out. It's all out tribal warfare within the Democratic party."

"Biden has made it pretty clear he is not dropping out," read a tweet.

"Hopefully her specific actions will destroy the Democrat party. That would be some kind karma," said a user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.