Obama was ‘not happy’ with quick Pelosi endorsement of Harris, book says
In a revealing excerpt from Jonathan Karl’s upcoming book, “Retribution,” tensions within the Democratic Party are laid bare, particularly between former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Following President Joe Biden’s unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, Pelosi quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, a move that reportedly infuriated Obama. The two influential Democratic figures had previously reached an understanding that Harris should not receive the nomination without a competitive process, emphasizing the need for a more open convention. This disagreement highlights the complexities and strategic maneuvering within the party as it navigates a critical election cycle.
The fallout from Pelosi’s swift endorsement showcases the deep concerns Obama held regarding Harris’ viability as a candidate against former President Donald Trump. According to Karl, Obama expressed his frustration during a phone call with Pelosi, questioning her decision to endorse Harris so soon after Biden’s announcement and reminding her of their prior agreement to avoid premature endorsements. Pelosi defended her position, suggesting that the moment had already passed. Ultimately, Obama chose to delay his endorsement of Harris, waiting five days before publicly supporting her alongside his wife, Michelle. This delay signifies his cautious approach to party dynamics and the importance of strategic timing in political endorsements, particularly in an election landscape marked by uncertainty and potential challenges for the Democratic Party.
As the 2024 election approaches, the relationship between key Democratic leaders like Obama and Pelosi remains critical. Their differing perspectives on endorsing Harris may reflect broader concerns about the party’s direction and the challenges it faces in uniting behind a candidate who can effectively compete against Trump. With both Obama and Pelosi being significant figures in shaping the Democratic agenda, their disagreements underscore the ongoing debates within the party about leadership, strategy, and the future of American politics. As the narrative unfolds, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics play out in the lead-up to the election and what implications they hold for the Democratic Party’s unity and electoral success.
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Former President
Barack Obama
was angry with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her quick endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 election, according to a new book.
An excerpt from ABC News’ Jonathan Karl’s upcoming book, “Retribution,” asserts that Pelosi and Obama had come to an understanding that Harris “should not simply be handed the nomination unchallenged.” Nevertheless, Pelosi handed her an endorsement within 24 hours of Biden’s withdrawal.
“The Obamas were not happy,” a source close to Pelosi told Karl, according to an excerpt obtained by the Daily Mail.
“This person summed up Obama’s message to Pelosi as, essentially, ‘What the f— did you just do?’” Karl wrote.
KAMALA HARRIS BREAKS SILENCE ON BIDEN DROPOUT, ADMITS SHE HAS REGRETS ABOUT HER HANDLING OF SITUATION
The book asserts that Obama had deep concerns about Harris’ ability to beat President
Donald Trump
and wanted Democrats to hold an open convention.
”
Obama and Pelosi
— arguably the two most influential figures in the Democratic Party — had privately agreed to abstain from making any endorsements,” Karl wrote.
“The former president wanted to know what had happened. Why had Pelosi issued a statement endorsing Harris so soon? Hadn’t he and Pelosi agreed days earlier that party leaders anointing the vice president as Biden’s replacement would be a mistake?” Karl added.
KAMALA HARRIS PLAYS UP COZY RELATIONSHIP WITH HILLARY CLINTON AS WEDGE WITH BIDEN WIDENS
Obama gave Pelosi an angry phone call, during which Pelosi argued “that train has left the station,” when Biden endorsed Harris during his withdrawal message.
The source close to Pelosi claimed Obama sounded “genuinely irritated” on the call.
Obama himself ultimately waited five days after Biden’s withdrawal before
offering his endorsement to Harris
in a joint phone call with his wife, Michelle.
“We called to say Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office,” Obama said.
Michelle chimed in, “I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.”
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
