Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race after senior Democratic figures, reportedly including Barack Obama, persuaded him to step down due to concerns about his ability to defeat Donald Trump.

Biden this week referenced a past disagreement with Obama over same-sex marriage, hinting at lingering tensions between the two presidents, as the Telegraph reports.

Biden announced his exit from the 2024 presidential election, marking a significant shift in the Democratic race. Pressure had been building from within the party, with several key figures expressing doubts about his ability to secure a victory against the Republican frontrunner, Donald Trump.

Obama was among those urging Biden to step down, reportedly discussing the matter in private conversations. It was in this context that Biden publicly criticized Obama’s administration, drawing attention to a past disagreement regarding same-sex marriage.

In a response to a question about his LGBTQ legacy, Biden stated, “Well, I’m really proud of my position. I was the first guy to come out for gay marriage. Remember that little problem with the Obama administration?” This remark underscored the tension between the two political figures.

Biden's Early Support for Same-Sex Marriage

During a broadcast of NBC’s Meet the Press in 2012, Biden had openly supported same-sex marriage, a stance that at the time was not officially backed by the Obama administration. He articulated his views clearly, stating, “I am absolutely comfortable with the fact that men marrying men, and women marrying women, and heterosexual men and women marrying men and women, are entitled to the same exact rights, all the civil rights, all the civil liberties.”

This bold position by Biden placed pressure on Obama to publicly endorse same-sex marriage shortly afterward, revealing a moment of conflict within the administration.

The historical context of this disagreement was brought into focus as Obama, along with other senior Democrats, expressed concerns about Biden’s capacity to win against Trump in the upcoming election. Leaks of Obama’s private apprehensions to the media further impacted Biden’s campaign in an adverse manner.

Concerns Over Biden’s Campaign Performance

The anxiety about Biden’s candidacy was amplified following his poor performance in the debate on June 27. Influential voices, such as Democratic Party insiders David Axelrod and Van Jones, articulated serious doubts about his suitability as a candidate.

In personal discussions, both Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressed concerns regarding Biden’s age and health. These conversations, intertwined with growing calls for him to withdraw, culminated in his decision to step back.

After Biden’s exit from the race, Kamala Harris took his place as the Democratic candidate. Almost immediately, her presence on the ticket began to close the gap between herself and Trump in swing state polls. A Morning Consult and Bloomberg survey released on Wednesday showed Harris at 48% support compared to Trump’s 47%.

Obama's Delayed Endorsement

Notably, Obama did not endorse Harris immediately following Biden’s withdrawal. It took him several days to publicly support her candidacy. This delay was seen by some as a calculated move within the broader strategy of the Democratic Party.

In a statement issued on July 21, Obama praised Biden’s decision to withdraw, calling him "one of America’s most consequential presidents." He acknowledged the difficulty of Biden’s decision, stating it was “one of the toughest in his life,” but asserted that it was necessary for the good of the nation.

Biden’s public critique of Obama’s administration, coupled with his steadfast support for same-sex marriage, highlights the complexities in their relationship. It also reflects the broader challenges and internal conflicts within the Democratic Party amidst a highly contentious election cycle.

Conclusion: Summary of Events

Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race after senior Democratic figures, including Barack Obama, voiced concerns about his ability to win against Donald Trump.

Biden’s past support for same-sex marriage, which pressured Obama to follow suit, underscores the enduring tensions between the two leaders.

Obama’s delayed endorsement of Kamala Harris and his praise of Biden’s decision reflects the intricate dynamics at play within the Democratic Party.

Since Harris has taken Biden’s place on the ticket, polling data shows her closing in on Trump in critical swing states.