‘What the f–k did you just do?’ ”Obama’s vulgar reaction to Nancy Pelosi’s ‘surprise’ endorsement of Kamala Harris revealed
Obama’s reaction to Pelosi’s endorsement of Kamala Harris is detailed in ABC journalist Jonathan Karl’s upcoming book, “Retribution.” Getty Images
Barack Obama was reportedly “not happy” with Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) swift endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris following Joe Biden’s decision to end his 2024 re-election campaign, according to a new book.
Pelosi issued her endorsement less than 24 hours after Biden’s announcement, describing Harris as “brilliantly astute” and saying she had “full confidence” the vice president could defeat President Donald Trump in November.
Obama, however, preferred that the Democratic Party allow “a process” to determine its new nominee rather than rally immediately behind Harris. He called Pelosi soon after her public statement to express his frustration, ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl writes in his upcoming book Retribution, set for release Tuesday.
“The Obamas were not happy,” a Pelosi confidant told Karl, with one source summarizing Obama’s reaction to Pelosi’s move as, “What the f—k did you just do?”
Reports suggest Obama had serious doubts about Harris’ political strength and her ability to defeat President Trump in the general election. Pelosi, however, reportedly told Obama during their phone call that “the train has left the station,” referring to Biden’s quick endorsement of Harris.
Karl writes that Obama and Pelosi had previously agreed Harris should not automatically receive the nomination without competition. Both leaders had planned to withhold endorsements to allow for an open convention, and they had been in frequent contact ahead of Biden’s July 21 announcement.
That’s why Obama was reportedly stunned by Pelosi’s sudden shift. A source close to the former president told Karl that Obama’s tone was “good-natured ribbing” rather than outright anger, though someone close to Pelosi said he sounded “genuinely irritated.”
At least one Biden aide believed Obama’s delayed endorsement of Harris—five days after Biden dropped out—reflected skepticism about her chances of winning. “There’s only one Black Jesus,” the aide reportedly told Karl.
Even Pelosi’s husband, Paul, was surprised by her decision. “Kamala?” he asked, according to the book. “Don’t start with me,” Pelosi replied.
Karl notes that after key Democrats—including the Clintons, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom—quickly lined up behind Harris, Pelosi felt she had no other option but to follow suit.
“With no other candidates stepping forward, Kamala Harris was it,” Karl wrote. “The only thing Pelosi could do was try to help her win the election.”
Pelosi’s office did not immediately respond to media requests for comment.
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