In a revealing speech, Joe Biden highlighted his early endorsement of gay marriage, which preceded former President Barack Obama's support, hinting at deep-seated tensions within the Democratic Party that have flared in recent weeks.

Now that Biden has officially exited the 2024 presidential race amid internal pressures, he has made a point of referencing prior policy disagreements with Obama on his way out, as the Telegraph reports.

In a significant statement on Tuesday, Biden discussed his role in advancing LGBTQ rights, particularly his support for same-sex marriage declared on NBC’s Meet the Press all the way back in 2012. This public endorsement came before Obama had declared his stance, placing pressure on the then-president to follow suit.

Biden’s Early Support for LGBTQ Rights Ahead of Obama

Joe Biden’s 2012 declaration represented a pivotal moment for LGBTQ rights, as he was the first major administration official to endorse same-sex marriage openly.

His words, "I am absolutely comfortable with the fact that men marrying men, women marrying women, and heterosexual men and women marrying one another are entitled to the same exact rights," set a precedent that would soon push the entire administration’s policy forward.

Only three days after Biden’s bold stance, President Obama announced his support for gay marriage, an action many believe was accelerated by Biden’s outspoken position.

Behind-the-Scenes Tensions Lead to Political Decisions

Recent disclosures reveal that Obama, along with other senior Democrats, had privately urged Biden to consider stepping down from the 2024 race. Concerns were primarily focused on his ability to successfully campaign against Donald Trump.

Following these internal pressures, Biden made his withdrawal official on July 21, a decision that shook the Democratic Party’s foundation. This move was seen as a response to not only the overt political challenges but also the subtle disagreements over policy and strategy that had simmered for years.

Obama’s Delayed Endorsement of Kamala Harris

After Biden’s endorsement of Kamala Harris, Obama delayed his own public support for Harris by two days, an act that raised eyebrows among political analysts and party insiders.

This hesitation added another layer to the complex dynamics within the party’s leadership circles.

When Obama finally issued a statement, he praised Biden as "one of America’s most consequential presidents," acknowledging the difficulty of Biden’s decision but supporting his choice to step aside for a new nominee.

Concerns Over Biden’s Viability as a Candidate

The concerns about Biden's candidacy were not new. Following a poor debate performance on June 27, former Obama White House insiders including David Axelrod and Van Jones expressed reservations about his ongoing viability as a candidate.

Moreover, high-profile Democrats like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had discussed with Biden the potential impacts of his age and health on a rigorous presidential campaign.

Impact of Biden’s Withdrawal on Election Dynamics

After Biden’s announcement, the race for the Democratic nomination saw immediate shifts. Kamala Harris, who had been lagging in earlier polls, rapidly closed the gap with Donald Trump in key swing states. A survey by Morning Consult and Bloomberg showed Harris with 48% support to Trump’s 47%, a statistical dead heat.

This change underscores the fluidity and unpredictability of political races, where endorsements, withdrawals, and public declarations can dramatically alter the landscape overnight.

Conclusion: A Shift in Democratic Leadership

In sum, Biden’s exit from the presidential race marks a significant turning point for the Democratic Party.

It reflects not only his personal acknowledgment of the challenges ahead but also brings to light the internal strains and policy differences that have marked his relationship with former allies like Barack Obama.

As the party looks forward, the impact of these events on its unity and strategy remains to be seen.