‘I think of dignity’: Biden praises Pelosi upon stepping down as speaker

President Joe Biden released a statement in the wake of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stepping down from leadership, saying, “When I think of Nancy Pelosi, I think of dignity.”

Pelosi announced Thursday that she will retire from House leadership after two decades at the helm of the Democratic caucus.

PELOSI TO STEP DOWN AFTER TWO DECADES LEADING HOUSE DEMOCRATS

“History will note she is the most consequential Speaker of the House of Representatives in our history,” Biden’s statement began. “There are countless examples of how she embodies the obligation of elected officials to uphold their oath to God and country to ensure our democracy delivers and remains a beacon to the world. In everything she does, she reflects a dignity in her actions and a dignity she sees in the lives of the people of this nation.”

The president also called Pelosi to congratulate her.

Pelosi’s announcement fulfills her 2018 pledge to step down after four years. The 82-year-old Democrat has faced calls to retire and clear the way for the next generation of Democratic leadership, though members of her party urged her to run in recent weeks, among them Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Biden.

In 2007, Pelosi became the first female House speaker, which Biden’s statement noted, but it goes on to say that was just the beginning of the history she made during four terms in the role.

“With Nancy, you see a father’s daughter who learned by his side how to win and govern,” Biden said. “With her leading the way, you never worry about whether a bill will pass. If she says she has the votes, she has the votes. Every time.”

The president noted Pelosi’s role in approving bank bailouts following the Great Recession, passing Obamacare, ending the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gay people in the military, and passing the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, and the $738 billion Inflation Reduction Act, among other legislation.

“She might be stepping down from her leadership role in the House Democratic Caucus, but she will never waiver in protecting our sacred democracy,” Biden said. “Nancy Pelosi is first, last, and always for the people. Jill and I count Nancy, Paul, and their family among our dearest friends. As a nation, we owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her service, her patriotism, and above all, her absolute dignity.”

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Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) have served as a unit in the top three Democratic leadership positions for 15 years. Now, speculation will turn to whether or not they will follow Pelosi’s lead and who may challenge them if they choose to run for leadership again.

The three possible challengers include Jeffries, Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA).