Former President Barack Obama has privately aired concerns to President Joe Biden about his prospects for the 2024 presidential election.

These revelations have led to escalating tensions within the Democratic Party, as Biden remains defiant in the face of suggestions for him to withdraw his candidacy, but it is unclear whether any entreaties from Obama would help or hurt, as Newsweek reports.

Obama Biographer Highlights Concerns

In an interview with Newsweek, Barack Obama biographer David Garrow revealed Obama's apprehensions regarding Biden's 2024 campaign. Obama, despite staying publicly silent, has reportedly communicated his concerns directly to Biden.

The conversation between Obama and Biden comes on the heels of a debate performance by Biden that drew significant criticism from various quarters. The former president's concerns echo sentiments within the Democratic Party that question Biden’s viability as a candidate.

Among those voicing their concerns was actor and Democratic donor George Clooney. The film star, before penning an op-ed in the New York Times calling for Biden to step aside, reportedly consulted with Obama on the matter.

Biden's Defiant Stance Amid Criticism

Biden has responded to these calls with frustration, firmly stating his intention to remain in the race. “Go ahead. Challenge me at the convention,” Biden retorted to his critics, underlining his determination to continue his campaign.

Garrow suggested that any attempt by Obama to persuade Biden to step aside would likely be met with anger and strong resistance. According to Garrow, Biden feels particularly resentful toward the "Obama world," perceiving them as condescending.

This friction between Biden and Obama's circle dates back to their time in the White House, with Biden reportedly still holding some grudges from that period.

Biden's Relationship with Obama's Circle

During their time together in the White House, Biden often found himself the subject of jokes and jabs from Obama aides, who mocked his frequent gaffes. Even Obama himself joked about Biden during his first press conference in 2009.

This history has contributed to a lingering tension between the two politicians. Garrow mentioned that Biden blames Obama and his associates for deterring him from running for the presidency in 2016, a decision Biden now regrets.

Further adding to the strained dynamics, Obama’s former chief strategist, David Axelrod, has also been vocal about his skepticism regarding Biden’s campaign. Axelrod pointed out that Biden's age is a significant liability that cannot be overlooked.

Axelrod's Concerns about Biden's Age

"The greatest concern is that his biggest liability is the one thing he can't change," Axelrod noted, emphasizing the inevitability of aging.

Axelrod had previously suggested that Biden should bow out of the race to give way to new leadership within the Democratic Party. This suggestion was made public eight months before the debate that brought Biden's fitness for office into question.

Biden's reaction to Axelrod’s comments was reportedly harsh. In private, the president referred to Axelrod in derogatory terms, indicating the depth of his frustration.

Continued Speculation on Obama's Feelings

Despite these internal rifts, the speculation continues about Obama's true feelings towards Biden’s candidacy. David Garrow emphasized his curiosity about Obama's retrospective thoughts on choosing Biden as his running mate in 2008, though he doubted such sentiments would ever be disclosed publicly.

The former press secretary, Jen Psaki, also commented on the situation, recalling the long-standing dynamics between the two leaders and the sometimes ambiguous nature of their relationship.

This complex interplay of loyalties, grievances, and strategic considerations paints a vivid picture of the Democratic Party's internal challenges as it prepares for the 2024 presidential election.

Conclusion

The reported private exchange between Obama and Biden reveals deep-seated concerns and rising tensions within the Democratic Party.

While Obama and other senior Democrats, such as David Axelrod, question Biden's viability, Biden remains resolute, insisting he is the best candidate to defeat Donald Trump.

This ongoing discord underscores the significant challenges facing the Democratic Party as it navigates a tumultuous election season.