A prominent Democratic fundraiser has revealed behind-the-scenes tensions among party leadership following President Joe Biden's unexpected endorsement of Kamala Harris.
According to Daily Mail, Democratic strategist Lindy Li disclosed that both Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi were dissatisfied with Biden's decision to endorse Harris after ending his reelection campaign, preferring instead an open primary process.
Li's revelations came during an interview with NewsNation host Natasha Zouves, where she detailed conversations with Pelosi before the former House Speaker publicly called for Biden to step down.
The fundraiser emphasized that both Obama and Pelosi had hoped for a more democratic selection process rather than what she described as a "coronation."
Obama, while not explicitly backing any particular candidate, had shown interest in Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as a potential successor.
The former president's stance on the matter was confirmed through Li's connections with Obama's former staff members.
Li shared her insider knowledge about the party's reaction to Biden's swift endorsement of Harris, which came just thirty minutes after he announced the end of his campaign. The sudden move caught many party leaders off guard, as they had anticipated Biden's withdrawal but not the immediate endorsement of his vice president.
The Democratic strategist emphasized that while Harris wasn't completely ruled out as a potential candidate, the party leadership had hoped for a "lightning primary" to select Biden's successor through a more inclusive process.
Li has been particularly vocal about Harris's campaign performance and financial management following the election loss to Trump. She highlighted concerns about the campaign's $2 billion expenditure over just 100 days, suggesting potential mismanagement of funds.
The fundraiser expressed her disappointment with Harris's post-campaign conduct, particularly during a donor call. Li stated:
I believe at one moment in the call she was talking about her Thanksgiving recipe ... I think I was stunned to hear that, given just the extent and brutality of the loss.
Li's criticism extended to the campaign's financial oversight, warning that Democratic donors were angered by reports of political consultants becoming "multi-millionaires" through campaign spending. She emphasized the need for greater transparency in campaign finance reporting to rebuild trust with voters and donors.
The disclosure of these internal party dynamics has sparked discussions about the Democratic Party's leadership selection process and campaign management practices. Li's revelations highlight the complex relationships between party leaders and raise questions about future succession planning.
These insights from a top Democratic fundraiser shed new light on the party's internal struggles during a crucial political transition. The controversy surrounding Biden's endorsement of Harris and subsequent campaign management continues to influence discussions about the party's strategic direction and leadership selection methods.
