President Joe Biden exited the presidential race after a barrage of calls from Democratic lawmakers conveyed their concerns about his ability to win. Afterward, rumors swirled about whether one person strong-armed his decision more than others. 

Many pointed to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) after Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) called on Biden to drop out of the race since the two Californians are quite close. Others surmised that former President Barack Obama was communicating his own preferences when actor and Democratic donor George Clooney penned his calamitous op-ed. Congressional leadership didn’t escape the fire — particularly after reports surfaced that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) had spoken with Biden about his future in the race.