Revelations Unveiled: Barack Obama’s Quiet Opposition to Kamala Harris During the 2020 Presidential Race

Revelations Unveiled: Barack Obama’s Quiet Opposition to Kamala Harris During the 2020 Presidential Race

In a startling revelation, journalist Jonathan Allen reported that former President Barack Obama worked against Kamala Harris, the former Vice President, during the critical moments following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2020 race. According to sources close to Obama, he expressed doubts about Harris’s chances of securing a victory.

Speaking on MSNBC, Allen stated, “President Obama absolutely did not think that Joe Biden should continue. He also didn’t want Kamala Harris to be Biden’s replacement, believing she was not the optimal choice for the Democratic Party. For a considerable period, he actively sought a mini-primary process or an open convention, showcasing his lack of faith in her ability to win the election.”

Jonathan Allen, a senior political reporter at NBC News, and Amie Parnes, a senior political correspondent for The Hill, collaborated on the new book titled “FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House,” which is set for release this month. This publication details the intense drama surrounding the Democratic primaries and the subsequent election.

Allen continued, “As it turned out, she didn’t win, but he was really working against her,” shedding light on the complexities of political alliances during a highly contested election cycle.

The Hesitation to Endorse

Moreover, Allen revealed that Obama hesitated to endorse Harris when he spoke with her on the day Biden announced his exit from the race. While Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama eventually lent their support to Harris, their endorsement came five days after Biden publicly announced he was stepping down and quickly endorsed Harris himself.

The Political Maneuvering

On the day Joe Biden passed the baton to Harris, Obama had arranged a phone call with Congressman James Clyburn from South Carolina, which raised eyebrows. Allen noted that Clyburn realized, “this guy is going to try to rope me into the open convention thing.” This prompted Clyburn to swiftly voice his endorsement of Harris to ensure a short conversation with Obama. Such political maneuvering illustrates the intricate dynamics within the Democratic Party during a pivotal time.

As of now, neither Obama’s office nor Harris’s office has responded to requests for comment regarding these claims.

Contextual Insights on Biden-Harris Relations

The book also elaborates on how Biden consistently coaxed Harris to maintain a united front on his administration’s policies. An excerpt from the text reveals that Biden called her before a debate to reiterate an unusual pep talk, emphasizing the loyalty he expected from her. As Biden struggled to defend his own record, he asked Harris to protect his legacy.

According to Allen and Parnes, Biden warned Harris, “No daylight, kid,” during their pre-debate conversation. This advisory underlines the pressure she faced to align with Biden’s viewpoints and not diverge from his established policies.

Campaign Critiques and Loyalty Expectations

Throughout her campaign, Harris faced scrutiny for not distancing herself from the President on various issues once she took the lead on the Democratic ticket. On one occasion, while speaking on “The View,” she acknowledged that she couldn’t identify any significant differences in her actions compared to Biden’s during his first term.

This dynamic creates a challenging landscape for Harris, who aspired to carve out her own identity within the party, often perceived through the lens of her association with Biden.

Implications for Future Political Dynamics

The revelations from Allen and Parnes’s book bring to light critical questions regarding internal party dynamics, endorsements, and the expectations placed on political figures. As Harris continues her role as Vice President, the implications of these early challenges in her political journey may resonate throughout her career.

Furthermore, the historical context surrounding Obama’s hesitations offers a narrative that reflects broader themes of loyalty, competition, and the shifting tides within party politics. It serves as a reminder that the interplay of personal beliefs and political strategies can significantly influence electoral outcomes.

As the political landscape evolves, the insights gleaned from this book will likely shape discussions around the Democratic Party’s future strategies and the roles that its leaders will play moving forward.