Rumors are floating around that Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, appeared to promote resentment against the candidate picked by his own party. Anticipating an unimpressive performance of Kamala Harris in the 2024 Presidential race, Obama seemed to have his resistance firm against her nomination, as revealed in an upcoming book.
It was absolutely evident that the ex-President was not in favor of seeing Kamala Harris succeed the seat left vacant by Joe Biden. Despite knowing the Democratic Party had an inclination towards Harris’s candidature, Obama’s lackluster support fuelled doubts about her competence.
Obama was not hesitant about leaning into the idea of an open convention rather than the easy route of backing Harris directly. This suggested that he had little trust in Kamala Harris’s charisma to win the hearts of voters after the surprising exit of Biden.
It has been reported, to our amusement, that Obama voiced concern about Biden’s likelihood to continue his political journey. The cherry on top was his disinclination for Harris as the next in line. This tells a tale about the deep-rooted apprehension in the camp about their electoral prospects.
The former President went to great lengths, pulling strings behind the scenes, to foster a miniature primary or an open convention. After all, he wasn’t convinced that Kamala Harris was equipped with the necessary faculties to secure victory in the election.
When emphasizing Obama’s efforts, it can be noted that his actions indeed reflected a glaring opposition towards Harris. It almost felt like he was leading a silent campaign against her under the guise of neutrality.
His skeptical stance was not a secret among the Democratic circles. Several power players within the party were conscious of Obama’s apprehensions about Harris’s strides to presidency post-Biden.
A fascinating tidbit was revealed when Obama arranged for a phone conversation with Congressman James Clyburn right at the turn of events of Biden passing the torch to Harris. It was almost as if he was making a last-ditch effort to gain support for the concept of an open convention.
Clyburn’s apprehensions about the call sparked curiosity. To avoid getting entwined in the open convention discussion, he thought it wise to make his endorsement for Harris apparent, cutting short the purported objective of the call.
In a surprising turnaround, the Obamas extended their endorsement to Kamala Harris, but not immediately. It appears they had to swallow a tough pill five days into the announcement of Biden’s stepping down.
Despite initial rumors, Obama could no longer cast his doubts and had to finally show grudging acceptance contingent on Biden’s abrupt departure. His hand was forced to reluctantly hold up Harris’s candidature.
Thereby conceding that all his behind-the-scenes maneuvering didn’t muster enough force against Harris. Bracing his impediments and odds within the party, Obama’s endorsement must have come as a bitter pill to swallow.
This brings us to conclude the Democrats’ uncertainties within their own ranks. Harris’s lack of convincing leadership skills and the delayed endorsement from the Obamas lends unfortunate credibility to their double standards.
The party better start rethinking their strategies and leaders if they want to stand a chance in the future. The lingering doubts amid those held in high regard within the party are indicative of their shooting in the dark. Maybe it’s time they aim for better targets.