Former President Barack Obama reportedly expressed doubts about Vice President Kamala Harris’s ability to lead a successful national campaign and may have played a behind-the-scenes role in limiting her political rise, according to claims detailed in a forthcoming book.
The account alleges that during internal discussions among Democratic power brokers, Obama signaled concerns over Harris’s performance and electability, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential cycle. The former president is said to have questioned whether Harris could effectively connect with voters outside the Democratic base or withstand the pressures of a full-scale general election campaign.
These revelations suggest a deeper divide within the Democratic establishment, with Obama allegedly aligning himself with alternate strategies that excluded Harris as a viable standard-bearer. Sources cited in the book describe quiet efforts to steer party donors and key influencers toward other potential candidates during the early stages of campaign planning.
Although Obama has publicly offered support for Harris in past statements, the new details imply a more complex internal relationship—one marked by strategic distance and skepticism. The reported concerns centered on her approval ratings, perceived lack of momentum, and difficulties managing public messaging during her time in office.
Neither Obama nor Harris has directly addressed the claims. However, members of Harris’s inner circle have long denied any rift between the two, asserting that the former president has remained supportive throughout her tenure.
The timing of the revelations is politically significant, as Democrats begin regrouping after recent electoral setbacks and face growing pressure to define their leadership path heading into future national contests. The book’s assertions are likely to reignite discussions about internal party dynamics and the role legacy figures like Obama continue to play behind closed doors.
While Harris remains a prominent voice within the party, this report adds to ongoing speculation about how Democratic leadership is evolving and whether key figures are truly aligned as the political landscape shifts.