Former President Barack Obama has reportedly expressed concerns over President Joe Biden’s 2024 re-election bid. According to sources, Obama has privately urged Biden to reconsider his candidacy, citing concerns over the President’s performance and its potential impact on the Democratic Party’s chances in upcoming elections.
Democratic leaders and high-profile donors have also voiced their worries about Biden’s ability to secure a victory against former President Donald Trump. Biden has been trailing in key battleground states, adding to the anxiety within the party.
Several Democrats have publicly called for Biden to step aside to allow a more viable candidate to challenge Trump. Biden, however, remains steadfast in his decision to run. He addressed these concerns during an interview with BET’s Ed Gordon, stating he would only consider withdrawing in the event of a “medical emergency.”
“If somebody, if the doctors, came to me, said, ‘You got this problem and that problem,’” Biden explained. He also acknowledged making mistakes in debates but emphasized his experience and wisdom, stating, “I think I’ve demonstrated that. I know how to get things done for the country.”
Obama’s Concerns and COVID Diagnosis
Obama’s apprehension reportedly stems from his desire to protect both his and Biden’s legacies. The former president fears that Biden’s continued candidacy might jeopardize the Democratic Party’s control of Congress. According to insiders, Obama has praised Biden for his accomplishments but believes his chances of victory have significantly diminished.
Adding to the uncertainty is Biden’s recent COVID-19 diagnosis, marking his third infection. Dr. Kevin O’Conner, the President’s physician, stated that Biden is experiencing mild symptoms and is currently self-isolating in Delaware. Despite this, Biden’s campaign insists he will resume campaigning once he recovers.
Increasing Pressure and Future Prospects
Vice President Kamala Harris has been taking on a more prominent role, addressing Republican claims and advocating for the Democratic agenda. During a rally in North Carolina, Harris criticized Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance, stating, “You cannot claim you stand for unity if you are pushing an agenda that deprives whole groups of Americans of basic freedoms, opportunity, and dignity.”
Some Democrats, like Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley, have voiced their concerns about Biden’s campaign strategy. Quigley stated, “I believe that the president was cloistered. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the campaign disregarded all the bad news and frankly misled the president.”
As the pressure mounts, many within the Democratic Party are worried that a Biden loss could lead to a Republican sweep in both the House and Senate. Despite these challenges, Biden’s team remains optimistic about his return to the campaign trail.