Former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed in her new memoir that top Democrats including former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not immediately back her presidential candidacy after Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, as reported [1] by Fox News.
The book, 107 Days, details Harris’s effort to secure the Democratic nomination and her campaign against President Donald Trump.
Biden announced his withdrawal on July 21, 2024, posting a message to X. Harris wrote that she began reaching out to party leaders shortly after, seeking endorsements. Some Democrats expressed quick support, while others withheld or delayed offering endorsements.
Former President Bill Clinton reportedly told Harris he was “relieved” by Biden’s decision and encouraged her to “make this your own campaign.” Harris said Clinton pledged to campaign on her behalf.
In contrast, Obama urged caution.
According to her notes, Obama told Harris:
“Saddle up! Joe did what I hoped he would do. But you have to earn it. Michelle and I are supportive but not going to put a finger on the scale right now. Let Joe have his moment. Think through timing.”
Pelosi also resisted giving her endorsement, saying the nomination should not appear to be automatic.
“I’m so sad about Joe. It’s so tragic. My heart is broken. But now it’s you! It’s important there’s a process, we have a great bench. We should have some kind of primary, not an anointment.”
Other prominent Democrats also refrained from immediate endorsements. California Governor Gavin Newsom reportedly told Harris he was “hiking” and never followed up.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker cited his role as host of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago as a reason for not committing. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer told Harris she wanted “to let the dust settle” before making a statement.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Harris recalled, advised her not to focus solely on abortion. “I supported Joe because he was the strongest voice for the working class. Please focus on the working class, not just on abortion,” Sanders said.
Some Democrats did offer Harris unqualified support. Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton backed her candidacy, with Clinton reportedly offering to “jump on Amtrak” to assist Harris’s campaign.
Harris’s memoir was released on Tuesday and outlines her short campaign window after Biden’s exit. She described her conversations with fellow Democrats as a test of her ability to consolidate support quickly before the general election.
Fox News Digital reported it reached out to the offices of Obama, Pelosi, Newsom, Whitmer, Sanders, and Pritzker for comment on the claims in Harris’s book.