President Joe Biden and his inner circle are attributing Vice President Kamala Harris’ election loss to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as tensions rise within the Democratic Party over who is responsible for the outcome.
Biden, now 82, responded to Harris’ concession speech at Howard University on Wednesday, sparking a wave of finger-pointing among top Democrats. According to confidants, Biden’s team believes Pelosi pushed him out of the race prematurely, insisting he would have had stronger support among white working-class voters—voters Harris struggled to win over.
Parallels with 2016
Sources likened Biden’s discontent with Pelosi’s influence to his frustration with former President Barack Obama for urging him to stay out of the 2016 race, which allowed Hillary Clinton to become the nominee. Meanwhile, within Biden’s camp, there were admissions of underestimating his own unpopularity.
Mixed reactions within the party
Various party insiders criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, labeling him as too progressive and tied to controversies like the Kenosha riots. Others pointed to voter demographics, lamenting the lack of white female voter turnout, a shift in Black male voters toward Trump since 2020, and diminished Hispanic support.
Media pundits suggested Biden should have withdrawn from the race sooner, noting that his departure after a lackluster debate could have provided Harris more time to solidify her position or opened the door for a different candidate.
Biden’s statement after Harris’ concession
Biden signaled a transition of power, offering conciliatory remarks about Harris’ campaign, praising her integrity and resilience. “What America saw today was the Kamala Harris I know and deeply admire,” Biden posted on social media. He highlighted her historic run amid difficult circumstances following his withdrawal from the race and affirmed his belief in her ongoing leadership.
Biden extends an olive branch to Trump
Despite recent campaign hostilities, Biden reached out to Trump to congratulate him on his win and pledged cooperation for a smooth transition. The White House confirmed the conversation, emphasizing Biden’s commitment to unity. Trump’s team, led by spokesperson Steven Cheung, acknowledged the call, noting Trump’s appreciation and anticipation of a White House meeting.
Harris’ historic loss and warnings for the future
Reports indicated Harris’ electoral defeat could mark the worst Democratic result in the Electoral College since 1988. Her loss in the key battleground states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania shattered the party’s hopes of a “blue wall” victory. Even in her concession, Harris conveyed a message of caution to Trump, underlining the stakes ahead while extending congratulations.
