In her latest column, New York Times opinion writer Maureen Dowd didn’t mince words when describing the Democratic Party’s decision to replace President Joe Biden as their 2024 nominee. Dowd argues that while the move was strategically necessary, it was executed through what she calls a “coup,” orchestrated by top Democratic leaders to push Biden aside in favor of Kamala Harris.
According to Dowd, key figures like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and former President Barack Obama were central to the behind-the-scenes effort to sideline Biden. Despite publicly supporting the president, these leaders were allegedly planning his removal for months, aware of his declining ability to campaign effectively or govern for another term.
The columnist highlights the sudden shift from backing Biden to orchestrating his exit as a carefully staged political maneuver. As Dowd puts it, “Democrat after Democrat who had been close to Biden before conspiring to push him out had to confess to cable anchors that they had not been able to talk to the president, who was sulking in his tent.” She also underscores the irony of Biden’s allies publicly praising him while working behind closed doors to remove him.
Despite her criticism, Dowd admits the decision was likely a smart move, noting that it may have saved the Democratic Party from a crushing defeat in 2024. Her column paints a stark picture of how internal power dynamics can override loyalty, as the party prioritizes victory over maintaining allegiances.
