Written by Rebecca Thompson.
Rumors are swirling around the Democratic Party as insiders hint at a clandestine plan orchestrated by Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi to replace Joe Biden with Michelle Obama as the presidential nominee. These rumors suggest that Obama never believed Biden was cut out for the presidency, and his behind-the-scenes support has waned significantly in recent months. Pelosi, on the other hand, has been edging closer to calling for Biden to step down, discussing with Obama the best strategy to achieve this.
A detailed CNN article by Jeff Zeleny and Edward Isaac-Dovere reveals the strained dynamics between Obama and Biden since the latter assumed office. Although they have maintained public appearances of camaraderie, their private interactions have diminished, and Obama has reportedly kept a distance to avoid becoming entangled in the party’s ongoing turmoil. The last thing Obama wants is for Trump to seize the opportunity to ridicule Biden’s diminishing support from his former boss.
The Challenge of Uniting the Party
Democrats are eager to end the infighting that has plagued the party, hoping to refocus their efforts on defeating Trump. With Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries lacking the necessary influence over Biden, many are turning to Obama and Pelosi to steer the party through this crisis. Conversations with over a dozen members of Congress and Democratic operatives reveal a growing consensus that Biden’s candidacy is untenable, and it’s only a matter of time before he steps aside.
Pelosi, despite her recent conversation with Biden following the debate, remains unconvinced of his resolve to stay in the race. However, she has refrained from making any public statements on the matter, choosing instead to work behind the scenes. Obama, similarly, has kept his skepticism about Biden’s chances mostly private, though it is widely known among Washington insiders.
Obama’s Complicated Relationship with Biden
Obama’s relationship with Biden has always been complex, marked by loyalty but also by moments of tension. Biden has previously felt that Obama did not fully support his late entry into the 2016 Democratic primaries, a move that eventually led to Trump’s presidency. This history adds another layer of difficulty to any attempt by Obama to convince Biden to withdraw from the race.
One striking instance of this tension is George Clooney’s New York Times op-ed, which called for Biden to drop out, claiming that Biden’s debate performance mirrored his inability to stand up to Trump. While Obama did not explicitly endorse Clooney’s piece, his silence was telling. This hands-off approach is reminiscent of one of Obama’s major criticisms: his tendency toward indecision.
Our Take
The potential push to replace Biden with Michelle Obama reflects a troubling strategy that undermines democratic principles. If the allegations are true, it suggests a lack of faith in the electorate’s ability to choose its leader, resorting instead to backroom deals and manipulations. Such actions could deepen public mistrust in political processes and further polarize an already divided nation.
