Pelosi Reportedly Told Biden He Can’t Beat Trump and Could Lose Congress for the Democrats

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) told President Joe Biden he cannot win reelection and “could destroy Democrats’ chances of winning the House in November if he continues seeking a second term,” according to CNN.

Citing four sources who had been briefed about the call, CNN reported late Wednesday night that the former speaker talked with Biden within the last week and laid out a grim scenario for Democrats if he insists on standing for reelection.

“The president responded by pushing back, telling Pelosi he has seen polls that indicate he can win, one source said,” CNN reported. “Another one of the sources described Biden as getting defensive about the polls. At one point, Pelosi asked Mike Donilon, Biden’s longtime adviser, to get on the line to talk over the data.”

Biden, 81, is facing increasing pressure to drop his reelection bid after an atrocious debate performance three weeks ago. Subsequent interviews did little to allay concerns that he may not be up to the task of defeating former President Donald Trump and serving another four years.

“None of the sources indicated whether Pelosi told Biden in this conversation that she believes the president should drop out of the 2024 race,” CNN added.

In response, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates told CNN, “President Biden is the nominee of the party. He plans to win and looks forward to working with congressional Democrats to pass his 100 days agenda to help working families.”

Earlier on Wednesday, ABC News reported that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) privately told Biden it would be best for the party if the president steps aside.

Despite Biden’s reported defensiveness with Pelosi, on Wednesday night CNN also reported that Biden has been “receptive” to calls to end his candidacy.

Democrats narrowly control the Senate 51-49 and face a tough map this year in which they are defending seats in several swing states. Republicans control the House by just six seats.

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