Biden playfully boasted to his team that he’s outperforming Obama, saying, “Obama would be envious
A Friendly Rivalry? Inside the Dynamic Between Biden and Obama
In the hidden corridors of power, President Joe Biden has shared moments with his staff that suggest a playful competitiveness with his once boss, former President Barack Obama. Specifically, Biden has hinted that his legislative triumphs might just have Obama turning green with envy.
Biden, whose aides felt was underappreciated by Obama for his insights on foreign policy and Congress, has quipped, “Obama would be jealous,” referring to the impactful legislation he’s signed off on during his term.
The Public Persona vs. The Private Banter
The camaraderie between the two leaders has always been a picture of respect and friendship, at least in the public eye, with Obama often lauding Biden’s capabilities. Nevertheless, these private anecdotes reveal a subtle battle of legacies within the same inner circle.
“Joe and the administration are essentially finishing the job. Ninety percent of the folks who were there in my administration, they are continuing and building on the policies we talked about,” expressed Obama in a previous New York Times interview.
Turbulence and Trust: Biden and Obama’s Pivotal Moments
Yet, the transcript from Biden’s discussion with special counsel Robert Hur outlines tensions running deeper, especially during the 2016 election when Obama backed Hillary Clinton over Biden.
“A lot of people were encouraging me to run during that period, except the president,” admitted Biden. He believed that Obama viewed Clinton as a more viable candidate for victory.
Addressing his team later, Biden expressed his confidence that he could have clinched a victory against Donald Trump in that election year.
Biden’s Governance: Echoing or Eclipsing Obama?
Biden’s approach to key issues like foreign policy and defense, along with monumental initiatives such as the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, reflect a nuanced divergence from his predecessor.
- One stark departure was the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in 2021—a move Biden advocated for since 2009 under Obama’s administration, yet Obama had resisted. Biden’s execution of the withdrawal, however, led to tragic outcomes, including the loss of 13 American servicemembers.
Despite such differences, White House spokesman Andrew Bates has refuted any notion of friction, explaining the presidents remain in regular contact and hold a familial bond.
“President Biden does not make such comments in private…He talks to both former President Obama and [former] President [Bill] Clinton often,” Bates clarified.
With Obama poised to support Biden on the upcoming 2024 campaign trail, their alliance commands the spotlight once more, heralding a collaborative spirit as Biden secured the Democratic nomination for yet another presidential race.
Engaging in a healthy dose of rivalry may be part and parcel of the political game, but it’s clear that for these two historic figures, mutual respect remains the cornerstone of their unique relationship.
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