Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has strongly criticized former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) recent comments suggesting President Joe Biden should reconsider his run for a second term. Fetterman expressed his frustration and questioned Pelosi’s perspective, highlighting her career limited to the House of Representatives and lack of experience in presidential campaigns.
During an interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Fetterman pointedly remarked, “As far as I know, she’s never run for any office outside of the House, and she’s never run for president, and she’s certainly never won that, as well.” His comments underscore a growing divide within the Democratic Party regarding Biden’s bid for reelection.
Fetterman responds to Pelosi’s comments earlier today:
“She’s never run for any office outside the House, she’s never run for president,” he says on CNN.
“He has already made his decision, he’s staying in this race. Stay in if that’s what you believe,” he adds of Biden
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) July 10, 2024
Fetterman was visibly frustrated with Pelosi’s public second-guessing of Biden’s decision to stay in the race. “He has already made his decision. Joe Biden has made that decision,” Fetterman stated firmly. “He is staying in this race, and he’s going to take this through to the convention and to November, and I’m going to back him on that. If I have any advice for Joe Biden, stay in if that’s what you believe, and I have his back 100 percent.”
Fetterman on Pelosi saying that they’re waiting for Biden to make a decision on whether he’s still running. “Well it’s been very clear, he said it: ‘I’m in.’ It’s closed. It’s a strange thing for her to say.” pic.twitter.com/9chduYPepy
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) July 11, 2024
The tension arose after Pelosi appeared on NBC’s “Morning Joe,” where she suggested that Biden should reconsider running for a second term. “It’s up to the president to decide if he’s going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short,” Pelosi said, sparking significant discussion within political circles.
Despite the speculation and debate, Biden has remained resolute in his decision to seek reelection. In a letter addressing the matter, Biden wrote, “I want you to know that despite all the speculation in the press and elsewhere, I am firmly committed to staying in this race, to running this race to the end, and to beating Donald Trump.”
Biden emphasized the importance of unity within the party, writing, “Any weakening of resolve or lack of clarity about the task ahead only helps Trump and hurts us. It is time to come together, move forward as a unified party, and defeat Donald Trump.”
The differing opinions within the Democratic Party highlight the complex dynamics at play as the next presidential election approaches. With Biden’s steadfast commitment to running and Fetterman’s vocal support, the stage is set for a contentious and closely watched primary season. As the party grapples with internal disagreements, the focus remains on the ultimate goal: defeating Donald Trump in the general election.
