On Sunday morning, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shared her thoughts on President Biden’s decision to exit the 2024 presidential race, suggesting that his departure might warrant an exceptional honor. During an interview with CBS journalist Lesley Stahl, Pelosi reflected on Biden’s legacy, pondering if he might one day be considered for Mount Rushmore.
When questioned about allegations that she played a role in persuading Biden to withdraw from the race following a particularly poor debate performance against former President Trump, Pelosi firmly denied such claims. She asserted that Biden was operating at his peak before making the choice to step aside and praised him as a highly consequential president. Pelosi proposed that this level of achievement could make Biden a candidate for Mount Rushmore, alongside other historic figures.
Stahl, taken aback by the suggestion, questioned Pelosi if she truly believed Biden deserved to be in such prestigious company as Abraham Lincoln. Pelosi responded by acknowledging Theodore Roosevelt’s place on Mount Rushmore, emphasizing that while she wasn’t suggesting Roosevelt be removed, she felt Biden’s contributions were significant enough to merit similar recognition.
Pelosi also addressed rumors suggesting she had been instrumental in pressuring Biden to withdraw from the race due to concerns about his potential defeat by Trump. She reiterated that she had not been involved in any such efforts, stating clearly that she had not contacted anyone regarding Biden’s decision. Pelosi stressed her role had been limited to supporting the president’s autonomy in deciding his future, while also highlighting the collective sentiment within the Democratic caucus that valued Biden’s leadership and respected his decision-making process.
Despite the speculation, Pelosi maintained her support for Biden throughout the process, underscoring the importance of his choice and the respect he commanded from his party. She reaffirmed that, while she had no direct influence over Biden’s decision, she and others were keenly aware of the significance of his forthcoming choice for the party’s future.