Many Democratic leaders have backed Kamala Harris as the party’s new US Presidential candidate, but ex-president Barack Obama has held off so far.
According to the New York Post, Obama hasn’t endorsed Harris – who US President Joe Biden supported after he dropped out of the race on Sunday, as he doesn’t think she can beat Republican candidate Donald Trump.
“Obama is very upset because he knows she can’t win,” a Biden family source told The New York Post.
Report Reveals Why Barack Obama Hasn’t Endorsed Kamala Harris In US Polls
Barack Obama hasn’t so far endorsed Kamala Harris
Many Democratic leaders have backed Kamala Harris as the party’s new US Presidential candidate, but ex-president Barack Obama has held off so far.
According to the New York Post, Obama hasn’t endorsed Harris – who US President Joe Biden supported after he dropped out of the race on Sunday, as he doesn’t think she can beat Republican candidate Donald Trump.
“Obama is very upset because he knows she can’t win,” a Biden family source told The New York Post.
“Obama knows she’s just incompetent – the border czar who never visited the border, saying that all migrants should have health insurance. She cannot navigate the landmines that are ahead of her,” the source said. “When you are running for president there are things you can and can’t say.”
The source said that Obama’s hope was to get Biden out of the way and an article written by actor George Clooney, asking him to step aside, was a part of that plan.
Obama wanted Arizona Senator Mark Kelly “at the top of the ticket” when the Democratic National Convention is held next month, the source told The New York Post.
“Obama is furious, things haven’t gone his way, which is why he is not joining in the Democratic Party’s support of Harris,” the source added.
However, Thursday that Barack Obama plans to endorse Kamala Harris soon.
Obama privately has fully supported Harris’ candidacy and has been in regular contact with her, the report said, citing people familiar with the discussions.
“Aides to Obama and Harris also have discussed arranging for the two of them to appear together on the campaign trail, though no date has been set,” the report said.
Michelle Obama To Replace Joe Biden?
Earlier last month, before Joe Biden bowed out, US Senator Ted Cruz predicted that former First Lady Michelle Obama would replace him.
His prediction came after Biden’s presidential debate against Donald Trump, which was widely criticised by political analysts.
“The odds are north of 80% that the Democratic Party will remove Joe Biden from the ticket and replace him with Michelle Obama because Biden did so disastrously badly (in the debate) that Democrats across the country are in utter freefall and complete panic,” he said.
Michelle Obama has so far not expressed any interest in joining the race to the White House.
The absence of a formal endorsement from Barack Obama for Kamala Harris in the upcoming US elections has stirred significant speculation and analysis within political circles. Despite the alignment of numerous prominent Democratic figures behind Vice President Harris, Obama’s notable silence raises questions about the underlying reasons and implications.
Strategic Neutrality and Timing
One of the primary reasons for Obama’s lack of endorsement appears to be strategic neutrality. Obama has historically adopted a stance of impartiality in the early stages of Democratic primaries. This approach, described by those close to him as an effort to avoid “thumbing the scale,” was evident in 2020 when he refrained from endorsing Joe Biden until later in the process. Endorsing Harris too early could be perceived as a premature coronation rather than a democratic selection, potentially undermining her candidacy and drawing criticism from within the party.
Respect for Biden’s Legacy
Another significant factor is Obama’s respect for Joe Biden and his legacy. Following Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 race, Obama dedicated his public statements to celebrating Biden’s accomplishments and maintaining a focus on his tenure. Sources indicate that Obama wanted the spotlight to remain on Biden’s achievements rather than immediately shifting the narrative to Harris’s candidacy.
Interpersonal Dynamics
The interpersonal dynamics between Obama and Biden also play a role. Historical tensions, particularly related to the 2016 election when Obama supported Hillary Clinton over Biden, have left residual sensitivities. Biden’s camp has expressed that he felt overlooked during that period and believed he could have succeeded against Donald Trump if given the opportunity. This historical context adds another layer of complexity to Obama’s current decision to remain non-committal at this stage.
Uniting the Party
Obama’s broader objective seems to be the unification of the Democratic Party once a nominee emerges. By maintaining a neutral position for now, Obama positions himself as a unifying figure who can rally the party around the eventual candidate, whether it is Harris or someone else. This strategy aims to prevent early divisions and ensure a cohesive front against the Republican contender in the general election.
Political Caution
Additionally, Obama’s cautious approach is influenced by the broader political landscape. Endorsing Harris prematurely could invite criticisms from various factions within the party and beyond, especially given the existing debates around her readiness and electoral viability. By waiting, Obama allows for a more organic consensus to form, thereby lending greater legitimacy to the eventual nominee.
In conclusion, Barack Obama’s decision not to endorse Kamala Harris at this juncture is shaped by a mix of strategic, personal, and political considerations. His emphasis on neutrality, respect for Biden’s legacy, historical tensions, and the goal of uniting the party underpins his current stance. As the election season progresses, Obama’s endorsement, when it does come, will likely be aimed at consolidating Democratic support and enhancing the chosen candidate’s prospects in the general election.
