Obama Has Yet Endorse Harris Due to Electability Concerns: Sources
Former President Barack Obama has chosen not to endorse Kamala Harris' presidential bid as of yet, which some say is indicative of his doubts about her ability to defeat Donald Trump.
Despite Joe Biden's surprise resignation and endorsement of Harris, Obama's reported preference for Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly may reflect his dissatisfaction with the current Democratic candidacy choices, as the New York Post reports.
Last Sunday, Biden unexpectedly announced his resignation from the race and immediately endorsed Kamala Harris as his successor. This move came as a shock for many, including Obama, who has previously voiced his concerns about Harris' capability to win against Trump.
Obama's reservations are rooted in Harris' previous performance and public statements. As the designated "border czar," Harris faced criticism for her handling of immigration issues, including her remarks on providing health insurance to migrants. An insider revealed, "Obama’s very upset because he knows she can’t win," highlighting the former president's belief in her incompetence.
In a recent debate in Atlanta, Biden's poor showing against Trump led to speculations about the setup, which ultimately ended in Biden's resignation. Obama's reaction to this development was one of astonishment, especially when Biden promptly backed Harris. "Obama was shocked" when Joe endorsed her, said a well-placed source.
Democratic Party Elite Rally Behind Harris
Most Democratic elite members have shown their support for Harris, aligning behind her candidacy. However, Obama's silence is notable and suggests a significant divide within the party.
Sources indicate that Obama's reluctance stems from a desire to see Kelly as the Democratic candidate, hoping for his replacement of Biden at the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
Indeed, Obama's discontent with the current state of affairs is evident. A source close to the Biden family mentioned, "Obama is furious, things haven’t gone his way, which is why he is not joining in the Democratic Party’s support of Harris."
This amplifies the perception that Obama believes Harris is unfit to navigate the complex political landscape ahead.
Rod Blagojevich Weighs In
Rod Blagojevich, a controversial former governor of Illinois, has added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Obama played a pivotal role in pushing Biden out of the race. "Obama was instrumental" in Biden's exit, Blagojevich told The Post, emphasizing that without Obama's influence, Biden would still be the Democratic nominee. This assertion points to a strategic maneuvering by Obama, aligning with Blagojevich's claim that Obama is "running the Democratic party like a Chicago ward boss from the shadows."
Biden's decision to step aside wasn't entirely surprising to those aware of his history with Obama. The duo has experienced tensions over the years, including Obama's successful persuasion of Biden not to run in 2016. Yet, the immediate endorsement of Harris by Biden took Obama by surprise, further complicating the situation.
Debates Ahead for Harris
With a second debate between Trump and Harris tentatively poised for September, the pressure on Harris is mounting. Critics argue that Harris may struggle in upcoming debates, unable to avoid "saying something really stupid" on crucial topics such as Israel, Palestine, and Ukraine.
The overall scenario paints a picture of uncertainty and division within the Democratic ranks. As Obama remains unsupportive of Harris, the party faces a critical juncture in its strategy to counter Trump's momentum.
Calls For Unity Amid Tension
In light of these developments, there are calls for unity within the Democratic Party. Yet, the apparent discord, particularly Obama's opposition, could undermine collective efforts.
As quoted by a Democratic insider, "Obama being surprised by a smart political decision actually makes sense when coupled with his personal inability to see politics beyond his singular, immediate interests." This critique underscores the challenges ahead for the Democrats as they prepare for the upcoming debates and election campaign.
Conclusion
As former President Obama withholds his endorsement from Kamala Harris, doubts linger about her ability to surpass Donald Trump in the forthcoming election.
With the Democratic elites largely supporting Harris and a key debate scheduled soon, the next few months will be critical in determining Democratic strategies and candidate viability.
Joe Biden's recent withdrawal from his campaign, influenced by a beleaguered debate performance and immediate endorsement of Harris, has only added to the complexity, further fueling speculation about Obama's preferences and political maneuverings within the party.