Former President Barack Obama expressed disapproval over Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s quick endorsement of Kamala Harris for the Democratic presidential nomination in July 2024, as detailed in a new book by ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl. The book, Retribution, highlights a contentious moment between two leading figures in the Democratic Party during a pivotal time in the 2024 presidential campaign.
Obama called Pelosi soon after the former House speaker supported Harris publicly on July 22, 2024, a day following former President Joe Biden’s decision to exit the race. A source close to Pelosi conveyed Obama’s reaction, noting he essentially questioned what she had just done. The conversation highlighted a notable division in what had been a previously coordinated approach between the two Democratic leaders regarding the nomination process.
Obama and Pelosi had been in regular contact as Biden approached his decision to leave the race, having agreed privately that Harris should not automatically receive the nomination. They also agreed to refrain from endorsements to ensure what Obama called “a process” for selecting the Democratic nominee. Both leaders, among the most influential in the party, believed an open selection was crucial for the party’s future.
Pelosi’s endorsement was unexpected, given this understanding. When Obama inquired about her swift declaration of support for Harris, Pelosi remarked that the “train had already left the station.” Her endorsement, issued on July 22, effectively closed the door on the possibility of an open contest for the nomination.
Accounts from those close to both parties differ regarding the tone of the conversation. A source aligned with Obama described the dialogue as lighthearted ribbing, minimizing any real anger. Conversely, a source close to Pelosi recalled a different tone, perceiving Obama as genuinely upset and using strong language to express his dissatisfaction.
The backdrop of Biden’s withdrawal added urgency. He faced criticism for a debate against Donald Trump on June 27, 2024, followed by a challenging interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News. Biden also made several errors, such as mistakenly calling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “President Putin” at a NATO summit and referring to Harris as “Vice President Trump.”
Biden’s health further complicated matters when he contracted COVID-19 while visiting Las Vegas, Nevada. As Jonathan Karl’s book notes, Biden appeared frail enough that Secret Service agents seemingly assisted him into a vehicle for transport to his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he announced his decision to leave the race on July 21, endorsing Harris shortly after.
A senior adviser to Biden, who also served in the Obama administration, provided insight into Obama’s hesitance toward a swift endorsement of Harris. This adviser suggested Obama doubted Harris’s ability to win the general election, referencing only one “Black Jesus” in relation to Obama’s own groundbreaking presidency.
Obama eventually endorsed Harris five days after Biden’s withdrawal, with both Barack and Michelle Obama joining Harris on a call. Even Pelosi’s husband expressed surprise at her rapid endorsement of Harris, according to Karl’s book.
Despite enjoying his post-presidency, Obama remains active in Democratic politics. He is involved in California’s Proposition 50, a measure set for a vote on November 4, 2025, that would change the state’s congressional redistricting process. He is also set to campaign with gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk, Virginia, at Chartway Arena at Old Dominion University on November 1.
