Written by Joshua Miller.
Former President Barack Obama has recently voiced significant concerns about President Joe Biden’s chances of securing reelection. According to insiders, Obama has communicated to his allies that Biden’s path to victory is increasingly uncertain. He believes Biden must seriously evaluate the viability of his campaign.
Despite his worries, Obama has only had one direct conversation with Biden since their last debate. He has made it clear that the ultimate decision rests with Biden. Obama’s primary concern is safeguarding Biden and his legacy, and he has rejected the notion that he alone can sway Biden’s decision.
Behind the scenes, Obama has been actively engaging with numerous anxious Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Those familiar with these discussions have disclosed that Obama has been candid about the challenges facing Biden’s campaign, although these conversations were held on the condition of anonymity.
Obama’s Role as Advisor and Protector
Obama sees himself as a counselor and sounding board for Biden, emphasizing his protective stance. He has expressed his belief in Biden’s achievements as president and his desire to protect those accomplishments from Republican control of the White House and Congress.
In some of these private conversations, Obama, known for his reliance on data, has conveyed his concerns about the shifting polls. He has noted that former President Donald Trump’s electoral prospects are improving and that Biden is losing donor support.
Publicly, Biden and his campaign team have remained steadfast. They assert that Biden will not drop out of the race. After testing positive for COVID-19, Biden cut short a campaign trip in Las Vegas and returned to his vacation home in Rehoboth Beach to quarantine.
Despite this setback, Principal Deputy Campaign Manager Quentin Fulks assured that Biden’s campaign remains on track. “He is not wavering on anything,” Fulks declared. “The president has made his decision. I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t know how many more times we can answer that.”
Growing Anxiety Within the Democratic Party
Obama’s concerns come amidst a growing sense of anxiety within the Democratic Party about Biden’s electoral prospects and their potential impact on down-ballot candidates. Democratic donors, activists, and elected officials are increasingly turning to veteran leaders for guidance through the crisis sparked by Biden’s lackluster debate performance on June 27.
Prominent Democrats, including former Obama advisers like David Axelrod and the team at Crooked Media, have publicly questioned Biden’s path to victory. National polls have shifted away from Biden since the debate, showing him trailing in key battleground states.
Strategists are bracing for Trump to receive another boost from his nominating convention, similar to those in 2016 and 2020. Additionally, Trump’s favorability ratings could increase following the recent assassination attempt on him.
Reports indicate that Obama’s concerns about Biden’s candidacy have intensified since their post-debate conversation. Some of Biden’s aides have expressed frustration with Obama’s involvement, accusing him of failing to maintain party unity behind Biden. Despite posting a supportive message for Biden after the debate, Obama has remained largely silent publicly.
Our Take
While Obama’s protective instincts for Biden are understandable, his public and private expressions of doubt are detrimental to the Democratic Party. It’s crucial for the party to present a united front, especially with such high stakes. Obama’s actions, including his inability to prevent influential figures like George Clooney from criticizing Biden, only add to the party’s internal turmoil. This discord not only undermines Biden’s campaign but also jeopardizes the Democrats’ chances in the upcoming election.
