Former President Barack Obama’s position on President Joe Biden’s 2024 reelection bid has come under increased scrutiny, as reports emerge of a potential disconnect between his public support and private dealings.
Following Biden’s last month’s debate performance that drew criticism, Obama publicly defended his former vice president on social media. He wrote on X,
Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself.
However, sources close to Barack Obama have suggested a more nuanced private stance. According to The Washington Post, the former President reportedly told allies that:
Biden’s already tough path to reelection grew more challenging after his shaky debate performance on Thursday.
The situation gained further complexity with the publication of an op-ed by actor George Clooney, calling for Biden to step down. Politico reported that Clooney had informed Obama of his intentions before publishing the piece. A source familiar with the conversation stated,
While Obama did not encourage or advise Clooney to say what he said, he also didn’t object to it.
This lack of intervention has raised questions about Obama’s true position on Biden’s candidacy. According to MSNBC’s Morning Joe, some within Biden’s campaign believe that Obama “is quietly working behind the scenes to orchestrate this.”
Barack Obama’s spokesperson has not responded to requests for comment on these allegations.