Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has criticized President Joe Biden’s tardiness in withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race, attributing it to the Democrats' recent electoral losses. Speaking on The Interview podcast by The New York Times, Pelosi discussed the implications of Biden's slow decision-making process, following Vice President Kamala Harris's defeat by Donald Trump.

"Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race," Pelosi remarked. She elaborated that an earlier decision by Biden to step aside could have facilitated a more competitive primary, potentially strengthening Harris's candidacy. Instead, Biden’s immediate endorsement of Harris following his withdrawal in July hindered the possibility of a primary contest. "We live with what happened," Pelosi added, reflecting on the outcome.

Pelosi's comments come amid intensified finger-pointing within the Democratic Party over Harris’s loss and Trump securing a second term. Descriptions of Trump as a "fascist" by senior Democrats, including Harris, underscore the bitterness pervading the party. Although Pelosi extensively praised the legislative accomplishments of the Biden administration, particularly during her tenure as House Speaker in Biden’s first two years, she also didn’t shy away from noting the president's faltering decision-making.

The internal discord extends beyond Pelosi. Reportedly, Biden and his senior staff are also angered at Barack Obama, who was instrumental in encouraging Biden to withdraw from the re-election race. Pelosi, who played a significant role in persuading Biden to step aside but has not attempted to alleviate his displeasure, previously stated her lack of confidence in Biden's political maneuvers.

Addressing Senator Bernie Sanders's assertion that Democrats lost because they "abandoned working-class people," Pelosi was dismissive. She defended the Democratic Party, attributing Trump's support to cultural issues, such as gun rights, LGBTQ rights, and reproductive rights.

At 84, Pelosi has recently been re-elected to her 20th two-year term in Congress. Biden, just shy of 82, continues to grapple with the fallout from his debated decision to withdraw from the presidential race. With Pelosi's candid insights, the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party are laid bare, offering a revealing look at the challenges and conflicts currently shaping the political landscape.