In recent days, Obama has fielded calls from congressional leaders, Democratic governors and major donors sharing their dismay at the prospect of Biden’s campaign following his disastrous performance in the June 27 debate once morest his predecessor, Donald Trump.
But while Obama listened to Democrats’ concerns, he insisted the decision to stay in the race is up to Biden alone, according to several people with knowledge of the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversations.
Obama is navigating the most sensitive political moment for Democrats since the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton, with far higher stakes. It’s a moment that requires Obama to balance his role as party elder and honest “broker” for Democrats seeking advice while avoiding being seen as betraying his former vice president.
“President Obama needs and wants to play the role of statesman, above the political wrangling that past presidents have traditionally played,” said Matt Bennett, who served as an aide to Vice President Al Gore and is now executive vice president at the Democratic-leaning Third Way group. “He also wants to remain a trusted partner for President Biden. If he takes a public position, that ends.”
Obama’s relationship with Biden began as a “marriage of political convenience” when he chose the veteran Delaware senator in 2008 as his running mate. When they served in the Senate, the two were not close.
It was a choice made in part to quell concerns regarding Obama’s relative inexperience and make white Democrats more comfortable voting for the black politician with less than four years in the Senate. The pragmatic relationship eventually developed into a true partnership and friendship.
Julian Castro, who served as Housing and Urban Development secretary under Obama, said he was not aware of the private conversations Obama had regarding Biden, but called it vital “respected, trusted elders within the party” to speak clearly to Biden .
“Whether it’s President Obama, former President Clinton, Secretary Clinton, I think their most important role, at this point, is helping to make sure we have a successful November,” said Castro, who sought the presidential nomination. Democratic nomination once morest Biden in 2020 and recently called on him to end his current bid.
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