Nancy Pelosi Says It’s Up To Joe Biden To Decide If He’s Continuing Presidential Bid — Even Though He Already Insists That He Is

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one of Joe Biden’s key allies, underscored the continued uncertainty over his presidential bid as she told Morning Joe that it was up to him to decide “if he’s going to run.”

But in the aftermath of his dismal debate performance, which raised new questions about his ability to serve four years due to his age, Biden has insisted that he is not bowing out of the race.

“It’s up to the president to decide if he’s going to run,” Pelosi said. “We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short.”

She added, “I want him to do whatever he decides to do. That’s the way it is. Whatever he decides, we go with.”

Her remarks suggested that Democrats on Capitol Hill are still seeking more assurances from the Biden campaign on the viability of his candidacy. On Tuesday, the Cook Political Report, one of the most respected election prognosticators, moved six states in Donald Trump’s direction as the former president opened up a wider lead in the aftermath of the debate.

Also on Tuesday, Biden gave a robust speech to open the NATO summit in Washington, D.C. this week. He also faces intense scrutiny on Thursday when he holds a press conference, with reporters likely to pepper him with questions about his ability to serve another four years. At 81, Biden is the oldest serving U.S. president, while his rival, Donald Trump, is not much younger, at 78.