The Early Years

Someone suggested we put a coconut tree as a logo in my bio. “Absolutely fucking not!” cried Meena, dropping her voice as she realized I was on the phone to former presidents in the next room. She couldn’t help edging toward the door to eavesdrop. She overheard Bill Clinton yelling for Hillary, who was in another part of their house in New York, and then the two of them struggling to create a conference call. Their reaction was effusive. Others were more guarded. To all of them, I said: I’m in it to win. I intend to earn this. I hope I have your support. I welcome your ideas. In my notes of the calls: Barack Obama: Saddle up! Joe did what I hoped he would do. But you have to earn it. Michelle and I are supportive but not going to put a finger on the scale right now. Let Joe have his moment. Think through timing. The Clintons: Bill: Oh my God, I’m so relieved! Send me anywhere. Make this your own campaign. Hillary: We’re thrilled the president endorsed you. We’ll do whatever we can—we’ll jump on a plane, we’ll get on Amtrak. I want to be part of your war council. [...] Bernie Sanders: I supported Joe because he was the strongest voice for the working class. Please focus on the working class, not just on abortion. Gretchen Whitmer: I believe you’ll win, but I need to let the dust settle, talk to my colleagues before I make a public statement. Nancy Pelosi: I’m so sad about Joe. It’s so tragic. My heart is broken. But now it’s you! It’s important there’s a process, we have a great bench. We should have some kind of primary, not an anointment. J. B. Pritzker: As governor of Illinois, I’m the convention host. I can’t commit. Gavin Newsom: Hiking. Will call back. (He never did.)