In the early hours of the Democratic National Convention’s first night, President Joe Biden diverged from his prepared remarks, reflecting on his age with a wistful comment about possibly being “too old to stay as president.” At 81, Biden is certainly among the older figures in American politics, yet age alone does not determine political viability. After all, former President Donald Trump, at 78, remains active in the political sphere, and Nancy Pelosi, at 84, continues to wield influence.
Biden’s departure from the race isn’t due solely to his advanced age or his visible cognitive decline—issues that had been hidden but became undeniable during his June 27 debate. His exit is the result of strategic calculations within his party, largely influenced by Pelosi’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
Pelosi’s behind-the-scenes role highlighted as Biden contemplates departure during DNC
Biden had expressed steadfast commitment to his campaign in July, asserting he would need extraordinary pressure to reconsider his run. Yet, Pelosi’s ambiguous statements about supporting Biden’s candidacy, followed by her book tour that coincided with Biden’s withdrawal announcement, revealed a more complex story.
Pelosi’s memoir, released shortly after Biden’s exit, titled “The Art of Power,” highlighted her strategic role in orchestrating Biden’s departure. In interviews during her book tour, she criticized Biden’s political operation and questioned the authenticity of his public statements about staying in the race. Her calculated approach, aimed at ensuring Trump’s defeat, was described as a strategic move rather than a personal vendetta.
As Biden’s role diminished at the convention and he retreated on a week-long vacation, Pelosi’s influence remained evident. Her behind-the-scenes efforts shaped the convention’s narrative, with her presence and support for Harris being prominently displayed, even as Biden’s participation was reduced to a mere formality.
The Democratic convention’s shift, orchestrated largely by Pelosi, underscored her power and strategic acumen, shaping the party’s direction in a way that was previously unimaginable. Vice President Kamala Harris’s formal acceptance of the nomination, facilitated by Pelosi’s maneuvering, marks a shift in Democratic politics, with Pelosi’s role remaining subtly acknowledged but undeniably impactful.
