In a recent interview with The New York Times, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California and former House speaker, expressed her view that President Biden's late withdrawal from the race played a significant role in Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election. Pelosi suggested that had Biden exited the race earlier, it might have created a more competitive primary landscape with the possibility of other candidates entering the fray.
During her conversation with the outlet, Pelosi mentioned that Biden's delayed decision to withdraw obstructed the potential for a more open primary, which could have allowed for a broader array of contenders to participate in the race. According to Pelosi, Biden's swift endorsement of Vice President Harris after stepping down made it nearly impossible for other potential candidates to compete at that juncture, impacting the dynamics of the primary and the overall election outcome.
Pelosi's office shared additional insights from the interview, emphasizing her belief that a more open primary could have potentially bolstered Harris's standing as a candidate. Pelosi highlighted Harris's strengths and the excitement she generated among voters, suggesting that an open primary could have showcased her capabilities even more effectively. Despite critiquing Biden's political decisions leading up to the election, Pelosi acknowledged the legislative achievements of his administration while securing her 20th term representing California, amidst nationwide challenges faced by the Democratic Party.