Explosive New Book Reveals Pelosi Urged Biden to Skip Debate, Obama Doubted Harris Could Win
A bombshell new book about the chaotic 2024 election cycle claims that House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi privately urged President Joe Biden not to debate Donald Trump—believing it would only hurt his standing and diminish the presidency.
In Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House, veteran journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes reveal behind-the-scenes conversations that paint a picture of Democratic disarray as Biden’s campaign faltered. Speaking to journalist Tara Palmeri, the authors detail how Pelosi and other top Democrats tried to steer Biden away from a head-to-head clash with Trump, fearing it would be a disastrous move.
“Joe Biden desperately wanted that debate,” Allen said. “He thrives on confrontation—he was ready to take Trump on. But Pelosi appealed to his pride, warning him not to ‘lower the presidency’ by engaging with Trump. She told him, ‘Don’t roll around in the mud.’ She knew how to get through to him.”
Despite Biden’s eagerness, Pelosi’s behind-the-scenes lobbying—alongside pressure from key figures like longtime Biden advisor Anita Dunn—highlighted a lack of confidence in the President’s ability to perform under pressure. According to the book, Pelosi’s quiet intervention foreshadowed what many saw coming: a poor debate performance that ultimately cost Biden the confidence of his party—and his place in the race.
“Pelosi would’ve encouraged the debate if she believed Biden could win it,” Allen explained.
The revelations don’t stop there. The book also uncovers former President Barack Obama’s surprising role in the Democratic scramble to replace Biden after his withdrawal. Despite publicly endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris just five days after Biden passed her the torch, Obama, sources say, had serious doubts about her electability.
“Obama didn’t think Harris was the right choice to go up against Trump,” Allen told Morning Joe. “He quietly pushed for an open convention, hoping someone stronger would emerge.”
One particularly telling moment came on the day Biden officially handed over his campaign. Obama reportedly arranged a call with Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina—widely seen as a Democratic kingmaker—presumably to enlist support for an open convention. Sensing Obama’s intentions, Clyburn rushed to endorse Harris before the call took place.
The book offers a rare glimpse into the internal rifts and last-minute maneuvers among Democratic leaders as they grappled with faltering poll numbers, leadership uncertainty, and a rising sense of panic. From Pelosi’s strategic persuasion to Obama’s covert efforts, Fight chronicles the Democratic Party’s most turbulent power struggle in recent memory.
