Democrats say Nancy Pelosi is playing '3-D chess' from inside the Biden campaign crisis

• Democrats told Politico they believe Nancy Pelosi is playing "3-D chess" behind the scenes.
• Pelosi has been meeting with top Democrats to discuss their doubts about Biden's chances. 
• But as time runs out to either nominate or replace Biden, the stakes of the game are only growing.

Nancy Pelosi may not be openly calling for President Joe Biden to step out of the 2024 race, but she's not exactly giving him her unconditional support either.

Behind the scenes, the former speaker of the House has been meeting with top Democrats to discuss their doubts about Biden's reelection chances, Politico first reported. In front of the camera, she's told the hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe" that Biden still needs to decide whether to continue running despite the president's repeated assertions that he will not step down.

What Pelosi has said — and strategically not said — about Biden's campaign crisis in both public and private conversations has led some Democratic insiders to believe she is playing a game of "3-D chess," five Democratic lawmakers and senior aides told Politico.

One lawmaker told the outlet that in a private phone call, Pelosi was "very receptive" to that lawmaker's concerns about Biden's ability to defeat Donald Trump. The member also told Politico that, based on their conversation with Pelosi, they believed she is in favor of Biden leaving the race.

Much like Vice President Kamala Harris, Pelosi has been in a tough spot politically ever since Biden's flubbed debate performance led some Democrats to question his viability as a candidate. If Pelosi openly calls for Biden to drop out, she looks disloyal and could further hurt Biden's campaign if he is not replaced on the ticket. But, if she truly believes Biden cannot win and still chooses to stay silent, then she not only looks complicit but also puts her entire party at risk of major losses in the White House and Congress this November.

That tension may be exactly what's fueling her complex game of chess. But as time is running out for Democrats to either replace or formally nominate Biden, the stakes of the game are only weighing heavier on the future of the Democratic party and the country.

A representative for Pelosi did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.