(Headline USA) President Joe Biden reportedly pleaded with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., this week not to retire, asking her to “stick” it out for the next two years of his term.
Pelosi has hinted that she plans to step down from Congress by the end of this year, now that Republicans are set to take back the majority. Her decision will also be influenced by the alleged attack on her husband, Paul Pelosi, who is still recovering after reportedly being struck in the head with a hammer.
“A great deal is at stake because we will be in a presidential election,” she told CNN over the weekend. “So, my decision will then be rooted in what — the wishes of my family and the wishes of my caucus. But none of it will be very much considered until we see what the outcome of all of this is.”
Nancy Pelosi reportedly told Biden during a phone call this week that she has to take a number of personal factors into consideration before making any sort of decision.
“I know it’s family first, but I hope you stick,” Biden reportedly replied.
Pelosi, however, remained noncommittal and did not tell Biden what she plans to do, according to Politico.
Pelosi’s future plans have been up in the air since 2018, when she struck a deal with the House progressives not to pursue the speakership again. It is unclear whether Pelosi intends to honor that commitment.
“She said she was done, I assume she’ll honor that commitment,” said one Pelosi critic.
House Democrats are slated to hold their leadership elections on Nov. 30, and the rest of the caucus has been forced to sit and wait for Pelosi to announce one way or the other what she plans to do.
Several high-ranking Democrats have also urged Pelosi to stay in leadership. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., for example, said he hopes Pelosi stays on, adding, “I love her.”
