President Biden’s recent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris after he suspended his presidential campaign is reportedly a defiant move against former President Barack Obama and other leading Democrats. According to the New York Post, Biden’s decision was a direct response to Obama’s suggestion that delegates at the upcoming Democratic National Convention should choose a new candidate.
A source close to the Biden family described the endorsement as Biden’s way of asserting his independence, saying, “Joe said, ‘If I’m out, then I am endorsing her.’” The source indicated that Biden’s endorsement was his way of challenging Obama and other party leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, who were reportedly in favor of holding a “mini primary” to select a new candidate. Obama, in particular, was reportedly pushing for Senator Mark Kelly to lead the Democratic ticket.
Another source close to the Democratic Party suggested that Biden’s endorsement was a strategic move to maintain influence over the campaign. “It allows Biden to retain leverage as a much more experienced hand at national politics,” the source explained. “It means her campaign won’t be run by a bunch of insular advisors.”
Former President Obama, who eventually endorsed Harris after days of speculation, had reportedly played a significant role in the push for Biden to withdraw. Obama’s strategy included leveraging pressure from donors and Hollywood figures to encourage Biden to step aside after a poor debate performance.
There were also reports that prominent Democrats had considered invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Biden from office. Now, with Harris as the presumed nominee, Obama reportedly lacks confidence in her ability to win the election, criticizing her as “incompetent” and unable to handle the challenges ahead.
