Pelosi says it's up to Biden 'to decide if he's going to run'

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said it is ultimately up to President Biden "to decide if he's going to run" as the president faces increasing calls to step aside following a lackluster debate performance last month.

"It's up to the president to decide if he is going to run," Pelosi said Wednesday on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," when asked if Biden has her support to lead the Democratic Party in November. "We're all encouraging him to make that decision. Because time is running short."

"But he's beloved, He is respected and people want him to make that decision," she added.

Biden's rocky debate performance last month sparked concerns among Democrats about whether he is the best candidate to beat former President Trump in November — and whether he is capable of serving a second term. While a handful of Democrats have called for him to step aside, Biden has maintained that he will be staying in the race.

Pelosi has previously shown her support for the incumbent following the debate and has rejected calling on him to step down from the top of the ticket. She added Wednesday that people should let Biden focus on the NATO Summit, which is being held in Washington, D.C. this week.

"I want him to do whatever he decides to do. And that's, that's the way it is," she said.

"Whatever he decides to go with. I think it's really important, and I would hope everyone would join in, to let him deal with this NATO conference. This is a very big deal," she continued, adding that she is "very proud" of the president.