A new book by Jonathan Karl titled Retribution claims that former President Barack Obama privately blasted former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her swift public endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee. The reported outburst came soon after President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the race, prompting Pelosi’s endorsement less than 24 hours later.
According to the book, Obama and Pelosi had allegedly agreed to refrain from early endorsements to preserve an open nomination process. The report claims that Obama viewed Harris as unfit to beat Donald Trump and was frustrated that Pelosi appeared to act unilaterally.
In the end, Obama did endorse Harris, but not until several days after Biden’s withdrawal—a delay that reportedly deepened his concerns about the party’s direction.
This revelation sheds light on deepening fractures within Democratic leadership during a pivotal election cycle. Obama’s reported frustration with Pelosi’s decision reveals a lack of unity and strategic coordination at the top of the party, particularly as Democrats faced the challenge of replacing President Biden mid-race.
