The Democratic Party experienced a seismic shift in its internal dynamics as former President Barack Obama expressed his discontent with former Speaker Nancy Pelosi's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. This endorsement came promptly after President Joe Biden announced his retreat from the 2024 presidential race. The details of this confrontation are laid out in ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl’s forthcoming book "Retribution," painting a vivid picture of the discord between two of the party's titans.
Obama, taken aback by Pelosi's swift endorsement, reached out to her immediately, showcasing a stark divergence from their prior agreement. According to a Pelosi confidant who disclosed to Karl, Obama's message bore the weight of his fury, questioning Pelosi's decision with a pointed "What the f*** did you just do?" Pelosi, standing her ground, responded firmly, indicating that her endorsement was irrevocable.
Before this incident, Obama and Pelosi had maintained a consistent dialogue as Biden's potential exit loomed. They had shared a mutual understanding that the nomination process should be competitive, not a quick pass of the baton to Harris. Both had committed to a stance of neutrality, refraining from early endorsements, as Karl reported.
The backdrop to this political drama was Biden's declining public presence. A lackluster debate performance on June 27, 2024, against Trump, coupled with a faltering interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, raised concerns about Biden's mental acuity. Subsequent gaffes at the NATO summit and a bout with COVID-19 further tarnished his image, leading to his withdrawal announcement on July 21 from his Delaware home.
Pelosi's endorsement came the following day at approximately 1 p.m., setting the stage for the reported confrontation. Despite the heated exchange, sources provided differing narratives regarding the tone of the call. Some described it as "good-natured ribbing," while others confirmed Obama's genuine irritation.
A senior Biden adviser, with ties to the Obama White House, suggested Obama's opposition to the rapid endorsement stemmed from doubts about Harris's ability to win against Trump. The adviser's remark, "There’s only one black Jesus," implied Obama's belief that his electoral success was unique and not easily replicated.
Pelosi's endorsement was not without its own internal conflicts. Despite her historical reservations about Harris, as she had voiced to Biden in 2020, the lack of alternative candidates left Pelosi with little choice but to support Harris. Major Democratic figures followed suit, leaving Harris as the uncontested nominee.
This revelation from Karl's book underscores the complexities of political alliances and the unpredictability of endorsement strategies within the Democratic Party.
