Nancy Pelosi admits Joe Biden’s presidential debate performance left her ‘shocked’
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) admitted she was "shocked" over President Joe Biden’s debate performance against former president Donald Trump on June 27, describing the event as a turning point in her advice to the president during the 2024 election cycle.
Amid mounting pressure from over 20 elected Democrats and even former president Barack Obama reportedly urging Biden to "seriously consider" his candidacy, eventually he decided to withdraw from the race on July 21 and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Harris recently chose Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate for the 2024 race.
Nancy Pelosi says she was 'shocked' seeing Joe Biden's presidential debate performance
While promoting her new book, The Art of Power, My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House', Nancy Pelosi, who had been a staunch supporter of Joe Biden, said the president had assured her he was ready to “handle” Donald Trump on the debate stage, despite her doubts about the decision.
The former House Speaker revealed that her concerns began the moment Biden stepped onto the stage, where his demeanor and walk left her questioning his readiness to take on the twice-impeached former president in such a high-stakes setting.
“I was shocked,” Pelosi claimed, adding she’d “never seen” him like that, reported AP.
Pelosi knew Trump would use the debate stage to "lie" and so she did not want Biden to debate him.
"I just thought it’d be like doggy-doo and you’re going to get it on your shoe and you’re all going to smell like him,” she said.
During the 90-minute televised debate, Biden frequently mumbled, trailed off mid-sentence, and struggled to articulate his points. Trump seized the opportunity to ridicule his opponent's occasionally unclear statements. Nevertheless, Biden stumbled throughout his responses and, at one point, paused before saying, "I beat Medicare."
Nancy Pelosi’s role in Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from 2024 race
Nancy Pelosi’s unease following the debate played a significant role in Joe Biden’s eventual decision to step back from the 2024 presidential race. Shortly after the debate aired on CNN, she appeared on 'Morning Joe,' where Pelosi cautiously commented that it was up to the president “if he is going to run again".
While she initially stopped short of calling for him to withdraw, the former House Speaker's reported behind-the-scenes influence was crucial in his decision to pull out of the race. However, Pelosi has refuted claims that she had orchestrated Biden's withdrawal.
Nancy Pelosi's take on Joe Biden’s debate strategy
Nancy Pelosi’s concerns weren’t limited to Joe Biden’s appearance, she was also critical of his debate strategy. According to the California representative, she had advised the president to “respond whatever way” he wanted and “own” the stage with Donald Trump.
Despite her advice on simple strategies such as resting adequately and avoiding repetitive statements, she felt Biden’s preparation was insufficient. “He’s the President of the United States, a person who for decades has understood a vision of our country based on values, knowledge, issues, therefore judgment about all of it, with more empathy in his heart than anyone,” Pelosi said.
“Who needs to prep him?”
Nancy Pelosi urges 'aggressive' Democratic strategy to prevent Donald Trump’s return
Looking ahead, Nancy Pelosi’s ultimate concern is the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House. Reflecting on the 2024 election, she emphasized the need for the Democratic Party to adopt a more "aggressive" campaign strategy, one that focuses on future plans rather than resting on past accomplishments.
She stressed that "elections are about the future" and urged Democrats must do everything in their power to “finish the job” and ensure Trump does not return to the presidency.
