As she prepares to leave the White House, First Lady Jill Biden reflected on her relationships during an interview with The Washington Post. Jill Biden addresses Pelosi’s influence on 2024 race.
She expressed disappointment in former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., who played a significant role in President Biden dropping out of the 2024 race.
“It’s been on my mind a lot lately, and—“ the first lady began. “We were friends for 50 years. It was disappointing,” she told the Post in a piece published on Wednesday.
Pelosi joined the co-hosts of “Morning Joe” in July, following President Biden’s disastrous debate performance. Despite Biden’s repeated assurances that he would remain in the race, Pelosi stated, “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run.”
“Let’s just say I was disappointed with how it unfolded,” the first lady said.
Pelosi was seen as a key figure behind the Democratic pressure campaign to encourage President Biden to drop out of the race. She has since lamented after Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to President-elect Trump that Biden should have dropped out sooner.
Amid speculation that Biden would drop out following the June debate, despite his repeated denials, The Associated Press reported that leaders within the Democratic Party, including former President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Pelosi, reportedly worked behind the scenes to encourage Biden to drop out due to concerns about his chances of defeating Trump.
Jill Biden expressed her confidence in her husband’s ability to serve another four years.
“Today, I believe he has a packed schedule. He began early with interviews and briefings, and it seems to be going on continuously,” she explained.
Last week, Biden had expressed uncertainty about whether he could serve another term with USA Today.
“Who knows? So far, so good. But who knows what my condition will be when I turn 86?” he mused.
Jill Biden also shared her thoughts on the president’s decision to pardon their son, Hunter, with The Washington Post.
“Joe genuinely grappled with that decision,” the first lady said. “Initially, he had decided against pardoning Hunter. However, I believe circumstances changed, and it became evident that the Republicans were determined to resist.”
