Obama Doubles Down On Biden
In recent days, reports have surfaced suggesting that former President Barack Obama has privately expressed concerns about President Joe Biden’s prospects for reelection. According to sources familiar with Obama’s discussions, he has indicated to close allies that Biden should seriously reconsider his candidacy. This advice comes amidst a backdrop of plummeting poll numbers for Biden and increasing dissent from within his own party, particularly among Congressional Democrats.
Publicly, Obama has maintained a diplomatic stance, emphasizing that the final decision regarding his candidacy rests solely with Biden himself. Sources close to the matter suggest that while Obama’s influence over Biden’s decisions is not determinative, he has been actively engaged in private discussions with key figures in the Democratic establishment, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The issue of Biden’s candidacy was briefly overshadowed by the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, which dominated headlines over the weekend. However, the topic resurfaced prominently following public statements from influential Democrats like Representative Adam Schiff, who publicly called for Biden to step down. Similar sentiments have reportedly been echoed in private by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Obama’s private consultations with Democratic power brokers underscore the seriousness of the concerns surrounding Biden’s reelection bid. The former president’s involvement in these discussions has been noted since his joint appearance with Biden at a fundraising event in Los Angeles a month ago. The event sparked interest and speculation, particularly after videos of Obama escorting Biden off stage circulated widely. Subsequently, George Clooney highlighted the event in a New York Times op-ed, arguing that Biden should consider stepping down as the Democratic nominee.
The momentum against Biden intensified following a widely criticized debate performance against Trump, which triggered a wave of internal Democratic criticism. Both on and off the record, voices within the party have increasingly voiced doubts about Biden’s ability to effectively lead the Democratic ticket in the upcoming election.
Overall, while Obama has refrained from publicly pushing Biden towards a decision, his private discussions and the broader sentiment within the Democratic ranks suggest a growing consensus that Biden’s candidacy may face significant challenges moving forward. The evolving situation underscores the complexity and uncertainty surrounding Democratic prospects heading into the next election cycle.
