In a recent interview with Politico, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) shared his thoughts on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) role in pushing President Joe Biden to exit the 2024 presidential race and her subsequent criticisms of Biden. Fetterman, known for his straightforward style, voiced his disapproval of Pelosi’s actions and urged for fresh leadership in the Democratic Party.
When asked about his stance on Biden’s exit, Fetterman acknowledged that while the president may have faced challenges, particularly in the presidential debate against former President Donald Trump, he disagreed with the calls for Biden to drop out. Fetterman criticized Pelosi’s recent remarks, saying, “People like Pelosi… she really tried to — what’s the word I’m looking for? — she embraced this ‘godmother’ role, acting as an enforcer. And now she’s blaming Biden. Well, you can’t have it both ways.”
Fetterman went on to express frustration with Pelosi’s influence and longevity in office. At age 84, Pelosi remains a powerful figure in the Democratic Party, but Fetterman suggested it may be time for new voices to lead. “I think it’s really ironic that she’s still hanging on,” he commented. “Why not give a younger generation an opportunity to occupy that seat?”
Pelosi reportedly played a key role in encouraging Biden to step aside in the 2024 race, a move she believed would open the door for a broader range of candidates. However, with Vice President Kamala Harris stepping in as Biden’s replacement, Pelosi has since voiced regrets about the timing. In an interview with The New York Times, Pelosi reflected, “Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race. The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, there would be an open primary.”
Pelosi added that Biden’s quick endorsement of Harris as the Democratic candidate made a primary race unlikely, leaving little room for other potential leaders to step forward. “If it had been much earlier, it would have been different,” Pelosi said.
Fetterman’s remarks highlight an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party: the need to balance the experience and influence of longstanding leaders with the desire for fresh perspectives and younger voices. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Fetterman’s comments suggest he, along with other Democrats, sees value in encouraging new leadership to take the reins and help guide the party’s future.
