Nancy Pelosi said in a recent interview that she wanted an “open process” to replace Joe Biden, but Kamala Harris “seized” the opportunity. Pelosi is said to be among those who privately told Biden that polls showed he could not beat Donald Trump.
“Many of us who were concerned about the election wanted an open process. It was an open process, anyone could have participated,” Pelosi told the Wall Street Journal.
Biden ended his candidacy in July and endorsed Harris despite mounting pressure to step down. While Pelosi denied any involvement in pushing Biden out of the race, she admitted she was concerned about Biden’s campaign’s chances of success.
“But anyone else could have come in”
There was a stir when Harris received the nomination, even though no votes had been cast for her in the primaries. “(Harris) had the support of the president, and she used that politically cleverly and prevented the nomination – not prevented it, but won it. But anyone else could have done it,” Pelosi said.
Pelosi endorsed the vice president shortly after Biden dropped out.
Pelosi also commented on the Democratic National Convention (DNC), saying it had turned out differently than Democrats had expected. “The convention is obviously different than anyone imagined a month ago, and it will be enthusiastically attended,” Pelosi said, adding that the credit goes to “the president.”
“He decided how we should proceed, and I respect him for that decision. His selflessness is something that the American people greatly admire, and I hope that the people’s response to it will in turn satisfy him,” she added.
Pelosi has been repeatedly asked about Biden’s resignation and whether she had any involvement. She recently told CNN’s Jake Tapper that she did what she had to do, but denied orchestrating the pressure campaign.
“You know what?” Pelosi said. “I had to do what I had to do. He made the decision for the country. My concern was not for the president, but for his campaign. He saw the enthusiasm and excitement that exists in our country.”
Biden is reportedly unhappy with the way he is being treated by powerful Democrats, forcing him to quit. “I have my relationship with the president and I just wanted to win this election. So if they’re upset, I feel sorry for them. But the country is very fortunate,” Pelosi said.
Nancy Pelosi
