Top Biden Aides Warned Donors Against Kamala Harris Nomination, New Book Reveals

A new political book, Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, reveals deep divisions and strategic warnings within President Joe Biden's inner circle during the 2024 campaign. According to The Guardian, top aides to Biden privately urged Democratic donors not to force Biden out of the race — warning that doing so would leave Kamala Harris as the default nominee, a scenario they reportedly called a "mistake."

“Is That What You Want? You Want Her?”

Following Biden’s poor performance during a June 27 debate, donors grew concerned and began discussing the possibility of replacing him. Biden’s team responded with a stark warning: pushing him out would only result in Harris taking the nomination — a scenario they were determined to avoid.

“Even if Biden did drop out and you got your dreamed-up open convention, you would only succeed in nominating the vice-president,” one adviser is quoted as saying in the book. “Is that what you want? You want her? Look at her polling. No one wants her. Forget it.”

Donor Backlash and Biden’s Withdrawal

Despite the warnings, major Democratic donors began pulling funding. On July 21, Biden officially stepped aside. Kamala Harris, in a historic moment, became the Democratic nominee — though not without significant internal resistance.

Resistance from Party Leaders, Including Obama and Pelosi

The book details how senior party leaders such as Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi were initially hesitant about Harris taking over the ticket. Obama reportedly doubted her ability to defeat Donald Trump, and Pelosi privately reacted to Biden's debate failure by saying, “Oh my God, it’s going to be her.”

However, party figures like Congressman Jim Clyburn strongly backed Harris, seeing the attempt to bypass her as unjust. Clyburn is quoted thinking, “They’re all planning to pass over Kamala.”

Harris’s Struggles for Party Support

Harris faced challenges in rallying influential Democrats behind her campaign. She was reportedly denied a high-profile appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast — a platform that Trump used effectively. She also reportedly “pined” for Obama’s public endorsement, frustrated by his silence and recalling a snub from 2009 that may have contributed to their strained dynamic.

Though reluctant, Obama eventually endorsed Harris, motivated by a need to maintain influence within the party rather than full confidence in her candidacy.

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