Behind Closed Doors: How Obama, Pelosi, and Schumer Dethroned Biden

 

Joe Biden, once the face of the Democratic Party, was quietly and strategically removed from the 2024 race by his own party leaders, with Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries orchestrating the political coup behind the scenes. Biden’s bitterness towards the Democratic leadership, particularly Pelosi and Obama, reflects the deep personal cost of his forced removal, a stark reminder of the party's ruthless prioritization of political survival over loyalty.

In politics, the winds can shift as unpredictably as a campaign trail’s unexpected detours, but even seasoned pundits couldn’t have predicted how quickly Joe Biden would go from “looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail” to quietly fading into the political sunset. What had seemed like a standard momentary pause in Biden’s campaign turned into a full-blown exodus from the 2024 race, with none other than his longtime colleagues Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Hakeem Jeffries seemingly nudging him out the door. The Democratic Party’s unity has always been tenuous, but Biden’s sudden exit showcases an unprecedented level of political choreography—one that left many Americans wondering how the president himself could not feel hurt.

It is essential to understand the timeline of events that unfolded leading to this dramatic departure. By the end of June 2024, Biden had been facing increasing pressure not just from his Republican rivals but also from within his own party. Behind closed doors, it was apparent that the Democratic leadership had concerns about his ability to withstand a grueling campaign and, more critically, whether he could defeat Donald Trump in a rematch of the 2020 election. According to reports, figures like Pelosi and Schumer privately voiced their concerns that Biden’s continued candidacy posed a serious threat to the Democrats’ chances of retaining the White House.

Biden’s disastrous performance during a debate in Atlanta became a flashpoint. Not only did he appear fatigued and unfocused, but his numbers in the polls began to slip. This ignited a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity from influential Democrats, particularly Pelosi, who had remained silent for much of Biden’s campaign but began to speak openly about her doubts regarding his viability. According to insiders, Pelosi’s remarks during a July 9 appearance on MSNBC’s *Morning Joe* effectively opened the floodgates for other prominent Democrats and donors to follow suit in pushing Biden toward the exit.

Adding to the pressure were conversations led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who reportedly communicated their concerns directly to Biden at his Delaware beach house. The two leaders laid out stark data showing that Biden’s continued presence at the top of the ticket could result in a loss not only of the presidency but also of key congressional seats—a risk too great for the Democratic establishment to ignore.

Despite all this, Biden held firm for a brief time. He continued to insist, both publicly and privately, that he was the best candidate to defeat Trump, reminding Democrats that he had done it once before. However, the weight of the evidence mounted against him, and by mid-July, it became clear that staying in the race was becoming increasingly untenable. Biden was encouraged to reassess his position and legacy, not just as a president but as a party leader. Pelosi reportedly showed Biden polling data that painted a grim picture—he likely could not defeat Trump in the general election.

By the time the Democratic National Convention arrived in Chicago in mid-August, Biden’s fate was sealed. What was supposed to be a triumphant rally for the incumbent president quickly morphed into a joyful romp for Vice President Kamala Harris, who ascended to the top of the ticket without much fanfare. This shift from a somber contemplation of Biden’s exit to an exuberant celebration of Harris’ nomination was a clear signal that the Democratic leadership had not only moved on from Biden but had also orchestrated a seamless transition.

Yet, despite the outward display of unity at the convention, tensions still lingered beneath the surface. Biden harbored resentment towards those who had been instrumental in his ousting. In a series of candid conversations, he expressed frustration with Obama for not directly confronting him about his concerns, and his anger towards Pelosi and Schumer for what he perceived as a ruthless calculus that prioritized party survival over personal loyalty. The president’s bitterness was only tempered by his sense of duty to the party, which he believed necessitated his withdrawal for the greater good of defeating Trump.

This series of events raises important questions about the nature of political power within the Democratic Party. How could a sitting president, one who had passed significant legislation and weathered multiple crises, be so easily pushed aside? The answer lies in the sheer pragmatism that has come to define Democratic leadership in recent years. Pelosi, in particular, has long been known for her ability to make difficult decisions that prioritize party over personal relationships. Her actions during this period were no exception. As one aide put it, “She did what she had to do”.

Biden’s departure, however, marks more than just the end of a presidential campaign. It signals a shift in the Democratic Party’s approach to leadership. For the first time in modern history, a sitting president was essentially forced out by the very people who had once supported him, highlighting a new era of political maneuvering within the party. The fact that this was done so swiftly and decisively speaks to the power dynamics at play, with figures like Pelosi, Schumer, and Jeffries wielding enormous influence over the party’s direction.

As the Democrats move forward with Harris at the helm, it remains to be seen whether this coup will pay off in the long run. But for Biden, the man who once stood at the pinnacle of American politics, the pain of being cast aside by his own party must surely linger.

After all, in the end, it seems that the Democrats' message to Biden was clear: “Thanks for the memories, Joe, but we’ve got a party to save.”