When Joseph R. Biden Jr. visited San Francisco as a newly minted senator and single father in the early 1970s, it was Nancy Pelosi, a local fundraiser and stay-at-home mother of five, who lent him her Jeep to get around town.
Over the next fifty years, the two old-school Catholic Democrats, both inspired by John F. Kennedy’s presidency, developed a close friendship. They discovered they both carried rosaries and rose through Washington’s ranks—Pelosi as chair of the House Intelligence and Appropriations Committees, Biden as head of the Senate Foreign Relations and Judiciary Committees.
In May, Biden awarded Pelosi the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honoring her as the “greatest speaker of the House of Representatives in history.”
Yet, by July, their relationship soured. Pelosi publicly urged Biden to exit the presidential race, and the two have not spoken since his decision to step down. The New York Times suggest Biden is displeased with her actions.
Pelosi has used her book tour to criticize Biden’s campaign team, though she praises him personally. She has expressed deep regret over their estrangement, admitting it troubles her greatly. Despite her praise for Biden’s legacy, she remains critical of his advisers, particularly Mike Donilon, and has questioned the authenticity of a recent letter Biden sent regarding his presidential bid.
While Biden focuses on the future, Pelosi is seen as having done what she felt was best for the Democratic Party, despite the personal cost. As a former House leader, Pelosi has adjusted to a quieter role but remains deeply involved in Democratic strategy and critiques.
