In a recent interview that has stirred considerable controversy, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi proposed an idea that might leave many Americans scratching their heads: President Joe Biden, she suggests, should be added to Mount Rushmore alongside the greatest figures in American history.
The 84-year-old Democrat, who served as the Speaker of the House with a reputation for pushing progressive agendas, declared that Biden has been such a “consequential president” that his place among America’s greatest leaders is warranted. This surprising endorsement came during her conversation with CBS journalist Lesley Stahl.
When pressed by Stahl about whether Biden truly deserves a spot on the iconic monument alongside Presidents Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt, Pelosi responded, “Well, you got Teddy Roosevelt up there, and he’s wonderful.” She emphasized that her suggestion was not about removing existing presidents but about adding Biden to the revered lineup.
Pelosi’s remarks come at a time when Biden’s presidency has faced increasing scrutiny. The former Speaker was asked to address rumors that she might be leading a campaign to push Biden out of the 2024 race. With characteristic defiance, Pelosi denied any such efforts, saying, “No, I wasn’t the leader of any pressure [campaign]. Let me say things that I didn’t do: I didn’t call one person. I did not call one person.”
In her discussion about Biden’s future, Pelosi maintained that the decision to run again should be Biden’s alone. “It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short,” Pelosi stated. She noted that while she’s no longer the head of the caucus, Biden remains “beloved” and “respected” within the party, and that support for him is overwhelming.
This endorsement of Biden comes on the heels of Biden’s own announcement that he would not seek a second term. As reported by The American Tribune, Biden recently shared his decision on X, stating, “My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term.” Biden’s declaration included a notable endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris, asserting, “I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”
Biden’s statement continued with a note of gratitude, emphasizing his belief in America’s collective strength. “For now, let me express my deepest gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to see me reelected. I believe today what I always have: that there is nothing America can’t do – when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America,” Biden said.
Pelosi’s audacious suggestion about Mount Rushmore reflects a deep-seated belief in Biden’s impact, but it also highlights the growing chasm between the progressive ideals championed by some Democrats and the practical concerns of voters facing real issues. As the debate over Biden’s legacy and the future of American leadership continues, one thing is clear: Pelosi’s Mount Rushmore idea has added yet another layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding this presidency.
