What did Pelosi's message on Biden mean?
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, seen Tuesday in Washington, said the president still must decide whether to run for reelection. Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Harnik
All the suspense, angst and drama of an unpredictable national race is focused now on the Democratic camp, seemingly to the advantage of Republicans.
President Joe Biden’s claim that all is functionally well with him, that he will beat Donald Trump again, and that he should get four more years in office, arouses abundant doubt.
Biden delivered to NATO representatives on Tuesday what some headline writers called a “peppy” speech. But on Wednesday, former Democratic House leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi spoke cryptically about him. Pelosi, 84, called in to “Morning Joe” on MSNBC — as much a TV go-to for top Democrats as “Fox & Friends” is for Trump fans. She sounded as noncommittal as a presumed Biden loyalist could sound.
“It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short,” she said.
Wait, what?
Biden already has stated quite decisively that he’s running. Doubts about his chances spread fast after his out-of-kilter debate performance June 27 against Trump.
On Monday, Biden sent a letter to congressional Democrats saying he respects those concerned, but that “I wouldn’t be running again if I did not absolutely believe I was the best person to beat Donald Trump in 2024.”
Pelosi talked past that statement as if Biden had not made it. Why aren't Pelosi — and other Democrats with obvious concerns — taking Biden’s yes for an answer?
Clearly, Pelosi thought the issue remained fluid. If so, one can see why most House and Senate Democrats would feel safer sticking with the person who insists he will be at the top of their ticket.
Pelosi essentially signaled her colleagues without elaboration: Hang loose until you see what’s in store.
Her remarks reopened questions. Could Biden resign early and give Vice President Kamala Harris a few months of incumbency from which to run?
Was Pelosi sending an oblique message to Biden that he has time to pull out?
Could there yet be an “open convention” in Chicago next month? Would a substitute candidate have a better or worse chance than Biden?
Key elected Democrats are showing some, if not total, solidarity. Even Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar — from the so-called “squad” of progressives — have signaled continued support for Biden along with Sens. Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader.
But on Wednesday, the news site Axios reported Schumer privately told donors he's open to backing another nominee. Sens. Michael Bennet of Colorado and Sherrod Brown of Ohio have openly acknowledged Biden’s possible down-ballot drag for Democrats. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana said Biden has to prove “he’s up to the job” for another term.
And a handful of the party’s House members have privately said Biden should step aside, including Reps. Jerry Nadler and Joe Morelle of New York.
Republicans, who convene next week, look relatively settled and ready. They have a platform, which they didn’t have in 2020. A right-wing “Project 2025” document includes proposals from current and former Trump advisers. Trump has been relatively low-key and has even taken a position against national abortion restrictions.
Despite all the falsehoods, destructive postelection trickery and recent felony conviction, polls show Trump retaining an edge in key swing states.
The campaign is still young, with time for all kinds of surprises. From here to November, the suspense is day-to-day.
Columnist Dan Janison's opinions are his own.
Dan Janison is a member of the Newsday editorial board.