Nancy Pelosi’s Private Concerns About Biden Highlighted in New Book Amid Public Defenses

Nancy Pelosi’s Private Concerns About Biden Highlighted in New Book Amid Public Defenses

A recently published book reveals that Rep. Nancy Pelosi had privately expressed concerns about President Biden’s declining capabilities before he decided to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The book, authored by Chris Whipple, provides a detailed look at the dynamics within the Democratic party regarding Biden’s fitness for office, following a critical moment in his campaign.

Pelosi’s Private Observations

In Whipple’s new book titled “Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History,” he outlines the internal conflicts among Democrats and the Biden campaign. The book discusses deliberations about whether Biden should remain in the race after a disastrous debate with Donald Trump during June 2024.

During an awards ceremony at the White House in May 2024, Pelosi reportedly remarked to a close associate that the president appeared to have aged significantly. She recalled, “He was not the same Joe Biden,” reflecting her growing concern about his state.

Public vs. Private Reactions

The day of the White House event, which included the presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, became uncomfortable for Pelosi. Amid her discomfort, she worried about the implications of Biden’s performance on Democratic electoral prospects. Whipple captured her sentiments stating, “She couldn’t shake the realization that Joe Biden was a shadow of himself.”

Just a month later, the Wall Street Journal published a provocative report that echoed Pelosi’s observations. This article, titled “Behind Closed Doors, Biden Shows Signs of Slipping,” highlighted instances where President Biden exhibited low energy and made significant gaffes during meetings with lawmakers and officials.

Criticism of the Wall Street Journal Report

While the Journal’s criticism resonated with Pelosi’s private views, her public response was one of denial. On social media, she denounced the Journal’s report as a misleading “hit piece,” arguing that it failed to reflect the experiences shared by Democrats, instead amplifying criticisms from Republicans. She tweeted, “Many of us spent time with @WSJ to share on the record our first-hand experiences with @POTUS, where we see his wisdom, experience, strength and strategic thinking. Instead, the Journal ignored testimony by Democrats, focused on attacks by Republicans and printed a hit piece.”

Pelosi’s rebuttal was not isolated. During the publication of the Journal’s article, several high-profile media figures dismissed it. For instance, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” described the report as a biased attack, while the left-leaning media watchdog Media Matters labeled it as fundamentally inadequate.

The Broader Democratic Response

Even within the media landscape, criticisms of the reporting surfaced. Former CNN media reporter Oliver Darcy expressed his discontent, contending that the article reinforced a narrative pushed by Republicans that questioned Biden’s fitness for duty as he approached his mid-80s. He asserted, “The Wall Street Journal owes its readers — and the public — better,” emphasizing that such doubts were merely rehashed GOP talking points.

Impact of the June Debate

The public sentiments surrounding Biden intensified following the CNN debate in June, where commentators remarked on his seemingly weak performance. Critics pointed to his incoherence and difficulties in articulating responses during the debate against Trump. This event sparked widespread concern within the Democratic Party, leading to heightened calls for Biden to reconsider his campaign.

On July 21, Biden made the decision to officially withdraw from the race, merely weeks after the Journal’s damning report was released. His debate performance significantly affected perceptions of his viability as a candidate.

Reactions from the Media

Following the immediate fallout from the debate, Wall Street Journal reporter Annie Linskey defended her reporting in an interview. She emphasized that the challenges inherent in crafting the article were significant and that they had met a rigorous standard in their investigation.

During her appearance on “America’s Newsroom,” Linskey insisted that their observations were vindicated in the days following the debate. She stated, “What we’ve seen in the last few days, is the reporting that we did was vindicated,” highlighting the careful consideration that went into writing the report.

Pelosi’s Role in Biden’s Political Future

Whipple’s account also sheds light on Pelosi’s perspective regarding Biden’s inner circle. According to the book, Pelosi believed that Biden’s advisers were giving him inflated assessments of his standing, viewing them as part of an “old boys’ club” more focused on self-interest than the reality of the political landscape.

After Biden’s withdrawal, reflections emerged about how both Pelosi and Biden felt betrayed by their respective roles in the campaign’s collapse. Whipple’s narrative hints at a profound sense of disillusionment as the political figures navigated the fallout from a tumultuous electoral cycle.

Looking Ahead

Whipple asserts that the entire chapter of Biden’s campaign underscores a troubling dynamic within his administration. They were often caught in a cycle of denial about the president’s deteriorating capacity and the challenges he faced as a candidate in a highly competitive political landscape. There’s an underlying suggestion that these internal conflicts may have influenced key decisions as the 2024 presidential race evolved.

In a world growing increasingly critical of political leaders’ fitness for office, these revelations about Pelosi and Biden may serve as a cautionary tale about navigating public perception and internal truths. The trajectory of the Biden administration and the response from prominent party figures could shape not only upcoming elections but also the legacy of Biden’s presidency.