In their new book, journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes reveal that Nancy Pelosi secretly urged President Biden not to debate Donald Trump during the 2024 election cycle. Biden, eager for the confrontation, faced a crisis of confidence after a poor debate showing. Pelosi attempted to dissuade him, emphasizing the need to protect the presidency's dignity. This internal conflict among Democrats occurred as Biden's poll numbers continued to decline, leading to his eventual withdrawal from the race, with other advisors sharing similar concerns about a debate.
"Joe Biden wanted to debate really badly. He wanted this fight... He really wanted to debate." - Jonathan Allen
"Pelosi went to him and tried to play to his ego, saying, 'You shouldn't lower yourself, you shouldn't lower the presidency to Donald Trump.'" - Jonathan Allen
"If she thought Biden was going to beat Donald Trump in a debate, she would have been telling him to debate." - Jonathan Allen
"The campaign was 'stuck between a rock and a hard place' after his poll numbers fell." - Amie Parnes
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