Karine Jean-Pierre Refutes Theory Biden Dropped Because of ‘Lack of Stamina’: ‘This Was About Country’ 

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refuted theories President Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign due to a “lack of stamina.”

At a Wednesday White House briefing, Jean-Pierre pushed back when it was noted Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) had mentioned Biden’s “stamina” as a problem before he dropped out and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden suspended his reelection campaign among some in his own party questioning his age and stamina.

“He respects again his friend Pelosi, former Speaker Pelosi. What I can say is, speaking for the president and knowing the president and his decision, it was certainly not because of that,” Jean-Pierre said.

The press secretary insisted the president’s decision was about “unity.”

“It wasn’t because of lack of stamina, it was because, as I just stated multiple times, unity, bringing the country together, that’s what he wanted to do. It wasn’t about him. It was about country first,” she said.

In an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell on Wednesday, Pelosi expressed her excitement for Harris and running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), but said she did has not spoken to the president amid reports she was one of the leaders pushing for a new nominee.

“Everybody’s busy,” Pelosi said, calling Biden’s leadership masterful as president, noting the recent prisoner swap with Russia.

In a recent interview with Katie Couric, Pelosi defended Pelosi against former President Donald Trump.

“Whether you think there’s stamina to run again and serve for four years is quite different than [the question of] whether you are undermining our democracy,” she said.

Watch above via The White House.