According to a new book, former President Barack Obama was skeptical of Vice President Kamala Harris’ ability to win the 2024 presidential election and allegedly worked behind the scenes to prevent her from securing the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out.
According to “FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House,” co-authored by NBC News senior politics reporter Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes of “The Hill,” Obama did not believe Harris was the strongest choice for the party and advocated for an open convention or a mini-primary to determine the nominee.
Allen discussed the book’s findings during an appearance on “Morning Joe,” stating, “President Obama absolutely did not think that Joe Biden should continue, according to our sources close to President Obama and he also didn’t want Kamala Harris to be the replacement for Biden. He didn’t think that she was the best choice for Democrats, and he worked really behind the scenes for a long time to try to have a mini-primary, or an open convention, or a mini-primary leading to an open convention. [He] did not have faith in her ability to win the election.”
He stressed, “He was really working against her.”
Despite Harris garnering support from key Democratic leaders, Obama reportedly refused to immediately endorse her, The New York Post reported. On the day Biden officially stepped aside, the former president had a call with Harris but declined to pledge his support. Instead, he attempted to influence South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn, a crucial power broker in Democratic politics, to back an open convention. Instead, Clyburn quickly went public with his endorsement of Harris, hoping to preempt any maneuvering that could have undermined her candidacy.
While Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama eventually endorsed Harris, it was five days after Biden had already announced his exit and given his blessing to his vice president, Fox News reported. And he and the former First Lady hit the campaign trail with her.
The revelations in “FIGHT” provide insight into the high-stakes political maneuvering that took place behind closed doors following Biden’s departure. Despite Harris securing the nomination, her candidacy ultimately ended in defeat.
Some questioned all along whether the former president ever fully supported Harris’ political rise. These latest claims further complicate the narrative of unity within the Democratic Party and highlight the strategic decisions that shape presidential elections behind the scenes.
Neither Obama nor Harris has commented on the book’s claims.
