Former President Obama is stepping up to support President Biden's 2024 re-election bid, despite earlier reservations about Biden's candidacy. However, tensions within the Democratic Party have emerged as members of Obama's inner circle voice their worries over the campaign's prospects.
Former President Obama is once again playing a pivotal role in President Biden's quest for a second term in the White House, a departure from his reported initial hesitancy towards Biden's 2020 candidacy.
Obama has made high-profile appearances at recent fundraising events, including a $30 million haul in Los Angeles featuring celebrities like George Clooney and Julia Roberts. The former president has also recorded campaign videos and held strategy discussions with Biden.
Obama's Comeback: Former Aides Express Concerns Over Biden's Re-election Prospects
Despite Obama's support, concerns have surfaced within the Democratic Party expressed by former members of his inner circle. These aides reportedly worry about Biden's record, plans, and cognitive abilities, casting doubt on his re-election chances.
In 2019, The New York Times reported that Obama cautioned Biden against seeking the presidency, expressing fears that it could "damage his legacy." Obama reportedly told Biden, "You don’t have to do this, Joe, you really don’t."
Obama's Comeback: Former Aides Express Concerns Over Biden's Re-election Prospects
However, Obama eventually endorsed Biden in August 2020, praising his qualities as a leader. Their relationship, despite some initial challenges, has strengthened over the years.
Obama's current involvement in Biden's campaign aims to bolster the president's fundraising efforts, which have recently faced competition from former President Trump's aggressive campaign tactics. Despite Biden's previous fundraising advantage, Trump and the Republican National Committee have narrowed the gap, raising concerns within the Biden camp.
Obama's Comeback: Former Aides Express Concerns Over Biden's Re-election Prospects
In May, Trump and the RNC outpaced Biden and the DNC in fundraising for the second consecutive month, largely due to windfalls following Trump's recent legal victory in New York.
Despite Obama's support and ongoing fundraising efforts, the Democratic Party remains divided over Biden's re-election prospects. Some party members question whether Biden, at 80 years old, is the best candidate to face Trump, who is 76.
Obama's Comeback: Former Aides Express Concerns Over Biden's Re-election Prospects
As the 2024 election approaches, Obama's involvement and the concerns raised by his former aides will continue to shape the political landscape. The impact of Obama's endorsement and the effectiveness of Biden's campaign strategy remain to be seen, with the outcome of the race likely to hinge on the electorate's assessment of both candidates and the issues at stake.
