Some House Democrats are responding to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s recent remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential loss to President-elect Donald Trump in 2024, with one lawmaker suggesting it’s time for her to “take a seat.”
Pelosi, 84, sparked controversy within the Democratic caucus last week when she told the ‘New York Times’ that if President Joe Biden, 81, had exited the race earlier, there could have been more Democratic candidates, and an “open primary” would have been her preference. Some saw the comment as a veiled critique of Harris’ prospects and a nod toward possibly reshuffling the Democratic ticket.
A senior Democratic lawmaker responded to Pelosi’s comments, telling Axios, “She needs to take a seat.” However, Pelosi’s spokesperson defended her, emphasising her support for House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who replaced her as the caucus leader after the party lost the House majority in the 2022 midterms.
“Speaker Pelosi is immensely proud of Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his masterful stewardship of the House Democratic Caucus,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We all should praise the excellent progress made by House Democrats under his leadership.”
