Obama upset over Pelosi's rapid Harris endorsement, per book

It turns out even Democratic heavyweights can’t agree on who should lead their charge.

Former President Barack Obama was reportedly blindsided and frustrated when former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris within a mere 24 hours of President Joe Biden stepping back from the presidential race, despite a prior agreement to hold off on such moves.

Let’s rewind to the starting line of this political drama. Biden’s withdrawal sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party, leaving the field wide open for a new standard-bearer.

Behind-the-scenes pact falls apart

According to an excerpt from Jonathan Karl’s upcoming book "Retribution," Obama and Pelosi—two titans of the Democratic establishment—had privately agreed to refrain from endorsing anyone right away.

Obama’s concern was clear: he wasn’t convinced Harris could stand toe-to-toe with a formidable opponent and believed an open convention would serve the party better.

But Pelosi, apparently, had other plans, tossing their handshake deal out the window by publicly backing Harris almost before the ink on Biden’s withdrawal statement was dry.

Pelosi’s swift move sparks tension

A source close to Pelosi didn’t mince words, telling Karl, “The Obamas were not happy.”

Well, no surprise there—when you’ve got a plan to keep things neutral and someone jumps the gun, irritation is bound to follow. This isn’t just a minor spat; it’s a glimpse into the fractures within a party desperate to project unity.

Obama, caught off guard by Pelosi’s haste, reportedly dialed her up with some pointed questions. Karl writes that the former president was baffled, wondering why Pelosi had acted so quickly when they’d agreed that anointing Harris without a contest was a misstep.

Heated exchange reveals deep divide

Pelosi, however, stood her ground during that tense call, arguing that Biden’s own endorsement of Harris during his withdrawal message meant the decision was already made. She reportedly told Obama, “that train has left the station.”

Now, isn’t that a convenient dodge? While Pelosi might see herself as just following the momentum, it’s hard not to wonder if this was less about inevitability and more about steering the party in her preferred direction.

The source close to Pelosi noted that Obama sounded “genuinely irritated” during the exchange, and who can blame him when a trusted ally breaks rank so publicly?

Obama’s Delayed Endorsement Speaks Volumes

Unlike Pelosi’s lightning-fast move, Obama took his time, waiting five full days before offering his support to Harris.

When he finally did, it was alongside Michelle Obama in a joint phone call, a gesture that carried weight but also hinted at a calculated pause rather than unbridled enthusiasm.

This saga isn’t just about bruised egos—it’s a stark reminder that even in a party often criticized for marching in lockstep with progressive ideals, there’s plenty of backstage jostling over who gets to hold the reins. While Democrats may want to paint a picture of harmony, these private tensions suggest a messier reality, one where strategic missteps could cost them dearly against a unified conservative front.