Exclusive | Biden camp suggests prez quickly endorsed Harris to defy Obama
Buzz within the Biden camp claims the president's swift endorsement of Kamala Harris was revenge on Democrat leaders — including Barack Obama — who pressured him to bow out of the election.
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There are whispers within Biden's camp that the president's swift endorsement of Kamala Harris was a calculated move to spite prominent party leaders, including Barack Obama, who allegedly pressured him to exit the race against his wishes, as sources revealed to The Post.
According to an insider close to the Biden family, Obama had encouraged Biden to step aside and let delegates at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago choose a new candidate. However, Biden had other plans. "It was Joe's big f–k you," the source said, adding that Biden decided, "If I'm out, then I am endorsing her."
This unexpected endorsement is seen as Biden's way of exerting some control over his departure from the race. A well-connected Democratic Party source shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer had contemplated holding "a mini primary," which they believed Harris wouldn't win.
Additionally, multiple sources indicated that Obama favored Mark Kelly, the Senator from Arizona and former astronaut, as the preferred candidate for the top spot at the convention.
Biden's abrupt resignation from the 2024 presidential campaign, announced via a statement on X, was quickly followed by his endorsement of Vice-President Harris on social media. This endorsement, as described by the Democratic Party source, was Biden's way of "knifing Obama and Pelosi in the back" for their role in his departure.
Furthermore, a longtime Washington insider disclosed that Biden intends to play an active role in Harris's campaign, offering his extensive experience in national politics. This involvement could prevent Harris's campaign from being managed solely by a small group of advisors.
Tensions between Obama and Biden are said to have existed for some time, dating back to 2015 when Obama dissuaded Biden from running in the 2016 presidential race. This decision, which ultimately benefited Hillary Clinton, has been a point of contention between the two men. Biden later described Obama's attitude during that time as "not encouraging" in an interview with the New York Times.
Despite the endorsements from Barack and Michelle Obama on Friday, a source close to the Biden family claims that Obama has little faith in Harris's capabilities, citing her handling of the border crisis and controversial statements on migrant health insurance.
The recent developments follow Biden's widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump, which sparked concerns among prominent Democrats about his fitness for office. According to a source within the Biden family, there were even discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. The source also believes that an op-ed by George Clooney, urging Biden to step down, was part of Obama's strategy to push him out of the race.
Attempts to reach the offices of Obama, Biden, and the Democratic National Committee for comment were unsuccessful.
Obama's influence on Biden's decision not to run in 2016 has created a lingering tension between the two, and Biden's endorsement of Harris could be seen as a form of retaliation against Obama and other party leaders who pushed for his exit. As Harris moves forward in the race, questions remain about the dynamics within the Democratic Party and the ongoing impact of Biden's endorsement.
There are whispers within Biden's camp that the president's swift endorsement of Kamala Harris was a calculated move to spite prominent party leaders, including Barack Obama, who allegedly pressured him to exit the race against his wishes, as sources revealed to The Post.
According to an insider close to the Biden family, Obama had encouraged Biden to step aside and let delegates at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago choose a new candidate. However, Biden had other plans. "It was Joe's big f–k you," the source said, adding that Biden decided, "If I'm out, then I am endorsing her."
This unexpected endorsement is seen as Biden's way of exerting some control over his departure from the race. A well-connected Democratic Party source shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer had contemplated holding "a mini primary," which they believed Harris wouldn't win.
Additionally, multiple sources indicated that Obama favored Mark Kelly, the Senator from Arizona and former astronaut, as the preferred candidate for the top spot at the convention.
Biden's abrupt resignation from the 2024 presidential campaign, announced via a statement on X, was quickly followed by his endorsement of Vice-President Harris on social media. This endorsement, as described by the Democratic Party source, was Biden's way of "knifing Obama and Pelosi in the back" for their role in his departure.
Furthermore, a longtime Washington insider disclosed that Biden intends to play an active role in Harris's campaign, offering his extensive experience in national politics. This involvement could prevent Harris's campaign from being managed solely by a small group of advisors.
Tensions between Obama and Biden are said to have existed for some time, dating back to 2015 when Obama dissuaded Biden from running in the 2016 presidential race. This decision, which ultimately benefited Hillary Clinton, has been a point of contention between the two men. Biden later described Obama's attitude during that time as "not encouraging" in an interview with the New York Times.
Despite the endorsements from Barack and Michelle Obama on Friday, a source close to the Biden family claims that Obama has little faith in Harris's capabilities, citing her handling of the border crisis and controversial statements on migrant health insurance.
The recent developments follow Biden's widely criticized debate performance against Donald Trump, which sparked concerns among prominent Democrats about his fitness for office. According to a source within the Biden family, there were even discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment to remove him from office. The source also believes that an op-ed by George Clooney, urging Biden to step down, was part of Obama's strategy to push him out of the race.
Attempts to reach the offices of Obama, Biden, and the Democratic National Committee for comment were unsuccessful.
Obama's influence on Biden's decision not to run in 2016 has created a lingering tension between the two, and Biden's endorsement of Harris could be seen as a form of retaliation against Obama and other party leaders who pushed for his exit. As Harris moves forward in the race, questions remain about the dynamics within the Democratic Party and the ongoing impact of Biden's endorsement.