Staff Reports
Former President Barack Obama has taken to Medium to share a lengthy statement following President Joe Biden’s recent exit from the presidential race. Speculation in political circles suggests that Obama might have subtly nudged Biden toward his decision. While many Democrats echoed this sentiment, it seems a lot of folks are wondering if Biden needed more than just a gentle push; perhaps a shove from the former president?
In his statement, Obama heaps praise upon Biden, referring to him as one of the most consequential presidents to grace the Oval Office, and a “dear friend” to boot. It’s a curious choice of words, especially since the timing of Obama’s effusive love-fest coincides with Biden’s departure from the race. After all, who wouldn’t want to sing the praises of a friend who just got the boot from their own party’s nomination? One can’t help but wonder if Biden received his walking papers courtesy of Obama’s not-so-subtle intervention.
The highlight reel of Obama’s declaration is filled with compliments about Biden’s long tenure in government, which, coming from the man who may have initiated Biden’s exit strategy, sounds a bit rich. It is an odd spectacle when one considers that the very person now lavishing accolades on Biden is arguably the instigator of his departure. It creates an almost Shakespearean situation, rife with irony and bittersweet confetti raining from the sky.
Interestingly enough, while Obama is busy singling out his “dear friend,” he stops short of endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Instead, he cryptically remarks about navigating “uncharted waters” in the upcoming days and expresses his confidence that a stellar Democratic nominee will emerge. It would be fascinating to have a backstage pass to see the reactions of Harris and those loyal to her upon reading Obama’s statement. Perhaps it’s all part of the grand Democratic design to leave everyone guessing?
Then there’s Biden’s own drama behind the scenes. Axios has reported that Biden’s lingering resentment from the 2016 election, when many Democrats urged him not to run, is acting like jet fuel for his 2024 campaign. Biden’s aides believe that this underlying grudge against Obama and the congressional Democrats who seem to have abandoned ship is only solidifying his resolve. It appears his political career might be a blend of Shakespearean revenge and a soap opera, ensuring that viewers will tune in for the next act.
At the time of this writing, Biden remains mum, having not been seen in public since his withdrawal announcement—but maybe that’s just part of his strategy. After all, who wouldn’t want to disappear from the limelight after receiving a mixed bag of friendship and judgment from Obama? It’s a theatrical performance fueled by grudges, misplaced loyalty, and the ever-turning wheels of political fate.
