Obama Furious Over Pelosi's Rapid Harris Endorsement

Jonathan Karl’s book Retribution reports that former President Barack Obama was furious when former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed ex‑Vice President Kamala Harris less than 24 hours after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 race, violating a private understanding to let a process play out. Pelosi told Obama “that train has left the station,” and a Pelosi confidant says Obama called her and asked, essentially, “What the f—k did you just do?” according to Karl. The book says Obama worried Harris would be handed the nomination unchallenged because of doubts about her ability to beat Donald Trump; Obama and Michelle waited five days to formally endorse Harris while other Democrats lined up quickly. Karl’s reporting, based on interviews and excerpts published in multiple outlets, portrays the exchange as sharp but not irreparably personal and says Pelosi felt boxed in as no other candidates stepped forward.