There’s a buzz within the Biden camp that President Joe Biden’s swift endorsement of Kamala Harris following his decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race was a calculated act of defiance against prominent party leaders, including former President Barack Obama.
According to sources close to the situation, Biden’s decision to endorse Harris was driven by frustration over pressure from party heavyweights like Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Senator Chuck Schumer, who had urged him to withdraw from the race.
An insider told The Post that Biden’s endorsement of Harris was a form of “revenge,” reflecting his resentment toward those who pushed him to step aside. “It was Joe’s big f–k you,” the source said. “Joe said, ‘If I’m out, then I am endorsing her.'”
Insiders indicate that Biden saw the endorsement as a way to maintain some control over his exit from the race. There was reportedly a push from Obama and others for a “mini primary” at the Democratic National Convention, with Obama favouring Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as a potential nominee.
Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race on Sunday and quickly followed up with a public endorsement of Harris as the Democratic nominee. This move was interpreted by some as Biden’s way of “knifing Obama and Pelosi in the back” for their role in his decision to step down, according to the Democratic Party source.
Additionally, Biden is expected to play an active role in Harris’s campaign, leveraging his experience to support her and counterbalance the influence of her advisors. This move could also serve to retain Biden’s influence in national politics.
Tensions between Obama and Biden have simmered for years, dating back to 2015 when Obama persuaded Biden not to run for president in the 2016 election, allowing Hillary Clinton a more straightforward path. The strained relationship resurfaced with Obama’s recent endorsement of Harris, which came after Biden’s contentious debate performance against Donald Trump, which led to calls from some Democrats to invoke the 25th Amendment.
The source close to Biden’s family suggested that Obama’s scepticism about Harris’s capabilities, including criticisms of her handling of immigration and her overall competence, further fueled the tension. Despite Obama’s endorsement of Harris, there remains doubt about her ability to navigate the challenges ahead in the presidential race.
