Anita Dunn, a former top communications adviser to President Joe Biden, has laid the blame for the president’s failed re-election bid squarely on the shoulders of Nancy Pelosi. Dunn, who now supports Vice President Kamala Harris, accused Pelosi of publicly questioning Biden’s candidacy, which she said played a significant role in his decision to drop out of the 2024 race. Dunn’s comments mark the first time a senior Biden adviser has openly criticized Pelosi’s influence on the campaign’s downfall.
Dunn argued that Pelosi’s public remarks after Biden’s debate performance on June 27 were pivotal in allowing other Democrats to voice their doubts about the president’s chances. This, Dunn claimed, prevented the campaign from regaining momentum. She also criticized Democratic donors for disregarding the preferences of primary voters by pushing for Biden’s replacement with Harris.
The pressure on Biden reached a tipping point following an op-ed by Hollywood star George Clooney, who called on Biden to step aside. Despite initial resistance, Biden ultimately conceded on July 21, stating that it was in the best interest of the Democratic Party and the country for him to withdraw. Dunn characterized the decision as unprecedented, noting that dial groups and public polling suggested that Biden still had a path to victory.
Dunn also expressed frustration with Pelosi’s leadership during the 2022 midterms, implying that the loss of the House to Republicans might have been avoided with better management. Although Pelosi has since praised Biden, she has remained critical of his political operation and has not spoken with the president since he ended his campaign.
