The President isn’t one to be modest about his speaking skills, according to an anecdote in Sen. Harry Reid’s (D-Nev.) memoir.
In a newly released paperback version of his book “The Good Fight,” Reid adds an epilogue about “The Obama Era.” He recounts complimenting Obama, a freshman senator at the time, for a speech he’d just delivered:
“‘That speech was phenomenal, Barack,’ I told him. And I will never forget his response. Without the barest hint of braggadocio or conceit, and with what I would describe as deep humility, he said quietly: ‘I have a gift, Harry.'”
Reid also writes in the epilogue that he told Obama that the Presidency was his if he wanted it:
“I was resolved to stay neutral in the coming campaign, but I told him that in my view the stars could align for him. ‘If you want to be president, you can be president now,’ I said. ‘I don’t know, Harry,’ he said. ‘I don’t think so.'”
A copy of the epilogue was obtained by the Associated Press.