NBC’s Chuck Todd shared some intriguing insights on Wednesday regarding Democratic California Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s stance on President Joe Biden’s candidacy. During a segment on “Chris Jansing Reports,” Todd suggested that Pelosi's refusal to endorse Biden might be a tactical move to delay any potential embarrassment for the President until after the NATO summit concludes. This speculation adds another layer to the already complex political landscape.
On Wednesday morning, Pelosi avoided endorsing Biden directly and advised patience, asking everyone to withhold their opinions about Biden’s candidacy until after the summit, which ends on Thursday. Todd noted that this must be a tough pill for Biden to swallow, implying that Pelosi is shielding the President from potential humiliation during such a critical international event.
The NATO summit, hosted by Biden in Washington, D.C., brings together 32 allies to discuss safeguarding “their one billion citizens as the world faces the most dangerous security environment since the Cold War,” with a particular focus on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This summit is a significant moment for Biden, as it underscores his leadership on the global stage.
'Twist Of The Knife': Chuck Todd Says Nancy Pelosi Doesn't 'Want To Humiliate' Biden 'While NATO's In Town' pic.twitter.com/OYFWXVXsDX
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“I find it fascinating that nobody has taken Joe Biden’s answer earlier this week that he’s staying in the race as definitive,” Todd remarked. Despite Biden’s clear statement that he is not dropping out, saying “challenge” him at the party’s August convention if there are any dissenters, Pelosi’s reluctance to fully endorse him sends mixed signals.
Todd added that it’s evident Democratic lawmakers might not be entirely happy with Biden’s decision to run again. He pointed out that Pelosi could be a significant influencer in this scenario. “The question is, ‘who could publicly and/or privately have a lot of influence with him?’ I think the answer is the same person for both questions. And that’s Nancy Pelosi, right?”
“What she did this morning … if you’re the Bidens and you thought you were making progress here, that had to be really deflating,” Todd continued. He described Pelosi’s comments as a subtle yet sharp reminder to Biden that the issue isn’t resolved. Her statement seemed to be a strategic pause, ensuring Biden isn’t publicly embarrassed during the NATO summit but hinting that challenges could arise soon after.
Pelosi later snapped at a reporter who pressed her for her position on Biden’s candidacy, saying, “Am I speaking English to you? I’m not going to be making any statements about any of that right now in the hallway.”
Adding to the drama, CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten highlighted Biden’s current electoral challenges. Enten pointed out that Biden’s reelection chances look slim as he has fallen behind former President Donald Trump in key battleground states. “We’ve been talking a lot about the national polls, but of course the race is won or lost in the Electoral College. And I just really want to give an indication here that Donald Trump is favored at this particular point,” Enten told host Jim Acosta.
The Cook Political Report on Tuesday also updated its projections, shifting Arizona, Georgia, and Nevada from “toss up” states to “lean Republican,” and adjusting New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Nebraska’s second district from “likely Democrat” to “lean Democrat.”