According to the Washington Post, former President Barack Obama has recently advised Democratic allies to encourage President Joe Biden to “seriously consider” his candidacy’s viability. This advice comes amid concerns following Biden’s poor performance at a CNN debate against former President Donald Trump.
Obama and Biden have reportedly had minimal direct communication since the debate. However, Obama has been actively involved in discussions regarding Biden’s campaign, speaking with anxious Democratic lawmakers about the situation. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also reportedly voiced her concerns to Obama about Biden’s electability.
In private conversations, Obama has expressed a desire to protect Biden’s legacy and accomplishments. He has emphasized that while he wants to support Biden, he cannot alone influence Biden’s decision on whether to withdraw from the race.
Obama has reportedly conveyed his concerns about Biden’s declining poll numbers, the expanding electoral path for Trump, and the retreat of donors from Biden’s campaign. Despite these issues, Biden and his campaign team have consistently stated that he has no intention of withdrawing from the presidential race, despite increasing calls for him to reconsider from various strategists, pundits, and some members of his own party.
Obama sees his role as a sounding board and counselor to his former vice president, telling allies that he feels protective of Biden. In these conversations, Obama has said he thinks Biden has been a great president and wants to protect his accomplishments, which could be in jeopardy if Republicans control the White House and both chambers of Congress next year.
In some conversations, Obama, who has long looked to data for political insights, has told people he is concerned that the polls are moving away from Biden, that former president Donald Trump’s electoral path is expanding and that donors are abandoning the president.
