By Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a cornerstone of Democratic leadership for decades, is facing growing criticism within her own party for remarks that some say undermine House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Pelosi’s recent comments about the party’s 2024 strategy have stirred frustration among House Democrats, with some suggesting her involvement has hindered Jeffries’ ability to lead the caucus independently.
In private conversations, writes Axios, Democratic lawmakers have expressed increasing unease about Pelosi’s role in shaping the party’s direction since stepping down as speaker. “She needs to take a seat,” one senior Democratic lawmaker remarked. Another, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), noted, “Hakeem has been tremendously graceful and respectful of her, but I don’t think she is being respectful of him.”
The criticisms emerged in the wake of Pelosi’s interview with The New York Times, in which she suggested that President Joe Biden should have considered not running for re-election earlier, potentially opening the door for other Democratic contenders. Some found the comments galling, especially considering that she helped cause the mess in the first place.
Pelosi’s leadership over the Democratic caucus has long commanded respect, if not reverence, but her continued public interventions have raised questions about her commitment to stepping back. “We just have to win the election,” Pelosi reportedly said during the summer after knifing the president and demanding that Biden to step aside.
While Pelosi has voiced support for Jeffries and highlighted his successes, such as the three-seat gain in New York during the 2022 midterms, some lawmakers see her critiques as counterproductive. Comparisons to California, Pelosi’s home state, where Democrats flipped only one Republican-held seat despite targeting five, have further complicated perceptions of her continued role.
Jeffries has taken these challenges in stride, emphasizing accountability in a meeting with lawmakers earlier this week. “The buck stops with me,” he said, signaling his willingness to shoulder the burden of leadership even amid internal discord.
For many Democrats, the friction highlights broader questions about the party’s transition into a new era of leadership. Pelosi’s stature as a historic figure within the Democratic Party complicates efforts to balance her insights with the autonomy Jeffries needs to fully lead.
“She needs to understand what her new role is,” the CBC lawmaker added. The sentiment reflects a growing impatience among some members who feel Pelosi’s continued commentary distracts from unifying efforts in preparation for the 2024 elections.
Pelosi’s defenders, however, argue that her decades of experience provide invaluable perspective during a turbulent political moment. Still, critics suggest her influence may now be more a hindrance than a help, particularly as Democrats navigate a post-2024 identity.
Pelosi’s own words about leadership—urging Democrats to “follow the leader”—have become an ironic backdrop to the unfolding dynamics. While her expertise and historical significance remain undisputed, her active involvement in party discourse risks overshadowing Jeffries’ efforts to consolidate his leadership.
As the Democratic caucus seeks to present a unified front ahead of what promises to be a challenging election cycle, Pelosi’s dual role as a revered elder statesperson and a lightning rod for criticism underscores the complexities of political transitions.
Pelosi has already filed to run for re-election in 2026.
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