OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) appeared flustered on Tuesday as she struggled to deliver a coherent response about her involvement in pushing President Joe Biden out of the presidential race, raising concerns about her well-being among some viewers.
As President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race neared last month, insiders revealed Pelosi’s pivotal role in mobilizing Democratic leaders against him. She cited several polls that indicated a likely loss to former President Donald Trump.
When asked during a CNN interview this week how Vice President Kamala Harris would be a stronger nominee, Pelosi offered a muddled and hesitant response, referencing topics like assault rifles, COVID-19 vaccines, and “chips and science” without providing a clear rationale.
“Whether it’s well the first bill… the first bill… that protect, our, uh, uh…” she said, pointing to her shoulder. “Assault, uh, bill, uh,” prompting the host to find the word for her, replying “Covid.” That seems to reset Pelosi who continued, “Shots in the arm, money in the pockets, children in school, people that work, the infrastructure bill, building, building in a way that is respectful of communities, pe-… chips and science.”
WATCH:
What is wrong with Pelosi?? pic.twitter.com/VTGVv0FAjD
— USA Features Media (@UsaFeatures) August 7, 2024
Pelosi, 84, is three years older than Biden, who has faced increased scrutiny over his age following a disappointing debate performance against Trump that raised concerns among his supporters.
After the 2022 elections, Pelosi stepped down from her House leadership role but continues to be a significant force in the 2024 election landscape. Along with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries, and former President Obama, Pelosi is believed to have played a key role in persuading Biden to step aside, clearing the path for Harris to secure the Democratic nomination.
In a lengthy statement posted to social media last month, Pelosi endorsed Harris to lead the Democrats’ ticket. Pelosi expressed her “pride” in Harris, who is facing low approval ratings as vice president based on historical polling data.
“With immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future, I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November,” she wrote.
Pelosi continued in a threaded response by praising Biden for finally withdrawing after weeks of increasing pressure from influential Democrats and donors, including none other than the California Congresswoman herself.
“America has been truly blessed by the wisdom and leadership of President Joe Biden. With love and gratitude, I salute President Biden for always believing in the possibilities of America and giving people the opportunity to reach their fulfillment. As one of our country’s most consequential presidents, President Biden has been not only on the right side of history, but on the right side of the future,” Pelosi quipped in the lengthy statement.
“Today, it is with immense pride and limitless optimism for our country’s future that I endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President of the United States. My enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris for President is official, personal, and political,” Pelosi continued.
“Officially, I have seen Kamala Harris’s strength and courage as a champion for working families, notably fighting for a woman’s right to choose. Personally, I have known Kamala Harris for decades as rooted in strong values, faith, and a commitment to public service. Politically, make no mistake: Kamala Harris as a woman in politics is brilliantly astute – and I have full confidence that she will lead us to victory in November.” she added.
“In the Democratic Party, our diversity is our strength and our unity is our power. Now, we must unify and charge forward to resoundingly defeat Donald Trump and enthusiastically elect Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States. Onward to victory!” Pelosi added.
