The forthcoming book “Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House” by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes is set to hit the shelves next week, providing a gripping account of the 2020 presidential campaign. Here’s what it means for Joe Biden’s campaign at this critical moment. This chaos followed after his catastrophic debate performance against Donald Trump in Atlanta on June 27. It’s a testament to the drama and faultlines in the Democratic camp. Specifically, it is the story of how Kamala Harris became the Democratic Nominee.
Even Barack Obama, the former President, was skeptical about Kamala Harris’s chances of success against Donald Trump. He finally came out in support of her once he saw a threat to his own political hide. Harris had pined for Obama’s endorsement before winning the nomination, and though he was skeptical at first, Obama eventually stumped for her. The book reveals that top aides to Joe Biden were not convinced Harris was the right choice for the nomination.
“They were aggressively saying that we would wind up with the vice-president and that would be a mistake.” – Top aides to Joe Biden
The book uncovers that after Biden’s underwhelming debate performance, donors withdrew hundreds of millions of dollars once Harris became the nominee, marking a significant financial setback for the campaign. This unexpected development had Biden on the defensive, while Harris flourished as the presumptive nominee.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had a much darker take on the possibilities behind Harris. Meanwhile, influential Democratic figure Jim Clyburn observed that there were powerful individuals contemplating bypassing both Biden and Harris for other candidates.
“There are some powerful folks saying, ‘Off with both their heads,’ Clyburn thought. They’re all planning to pass over Kamala.” – Clyburn
What the book uncovers is crucial. Harris was disappointed that Obama didn’t trust her judgment to begin with. A mishap at the 2009 Obamas’ election night party in Chicago blew up her relationship with them. As she was refused entry to an important VIP area, no close connections were able to form.
Biden aides privately wondered why these donors were aiming to replace him. They figured that governors, having more clout over state policy-making, could bring in the bucks better.
“It all sounded like a serial killer’s conspiracy theory. Donors want to scrap Biden so they can get his wannabe replacements – the governors, with power over state decisions – to beg them for cash, Biden aides argued.” – Biden aides
Obama allegedly challenged Harris’s viability as a candidate. He cited her polling numbers, which consistently show her as one of the most unpopular candidates among likely GOP voters, as proof.
“You want her? Look at her polling. No one wants her. Forget it. It’s never gonna happen.” – Obama