Barack’s Warning: Don’t Underestimate Joe’s Ability to Mess Things Up
(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Barack and Michelle Obama are sounding the alarm, expressing their doubts about Joe Biden’s chances of winning reelection. Instead of projecting confidence in Biden’s political skills, they are voicing their concerns.
“I am terrified about what could possibly happen,” Michelle Obama said in a recent interview with podcaster Jay Shetty. The former first lady went on to argue that if Biden loses to Donald Trump, the blame would lie with the American people for failing to appreciate the immense value of the federal government.
“The fact that people think that government, you know, does it really even do anything? And I’m like, ’Oh my God, does government do everything for us,'” Obama said. “And we cannot take this democracy for granted. And sometimes I worry that we do.”
Michelle’s somber remarks come amidst reports that her husband Barack is also growing increasingly agitated about the 2024 election. According to the Wall Street Journal, the former president “knows this is going to be a close race” and “feels that Democrats very well could lose.”
In recent months, Barack Obama has had “animated” discussions with Biden and senior campaign officials about the election, as reported by the Washington Postover the weekend. Obama has advised the Biden campaign to take inspiration from his own successful reelection campaign in 2012 and has urged the president to seek guidance from former Obama campaign aides.
“Someone wants to light a fire under the asses of some of these [Biden] people,” a top Democratic strategist told the editors of Axios, who suggested that news of Obama’s skepticism may have leaked to the Post because Biden aides are afraid of delivering bad news to him. Biden’s “quick-trigger temper,” a common symptom exhibited by individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, is widely feared within the White House.
For what it’s worth, the Obamas have never been particularly optimistic about Biden’s chances of winning a national election. In 2019, Barack Obama even tried to dissuade his former vice president from running, expressing concerns that Biden would “embarrass himself on the campaign trail” and suggesting that Beto O’Rourke had a better shot at winning. (He didn’t.)
“You don’t have to do this, Joe, you really don’t,” Obama reportedly told Biden. He warned fellow Democrats not to “underestimate Joe’s ability to mess things up.” The multimillionaire Obamas didn’t even donate to Biden’s 2020 campaign. Four years earlier, Obama successfully “pressured” Biden to step aside so that Hillary Clinton could secure the nomination, essentially ensuring Trump’s victory.
When he’s not criticizing Biden’s campaign, Obama is apparently still working on the second volume of his White House memoir. (He left office in 2017.)
What specific expectations of progressive voters do Democrats feel Biden’s administration has not fulfilled?
Rs at Axios. “There is a clear realization among many Democrats that Biden’s reelection chances are not a sure thing.”
These concerns from the Obamas may come as a surprise to some, considering Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. However, it is essential to note that the political landscape can change rapidly, and nothing is guaranteed in politics.
Barack and Michelle Obama’s worries about Biden’s chances reflect a broader concern among Democrats. They fear that Biden’s presidency has not fulfilled the expectations of progressive voters and that his administration has been too cautious and compromising in pushing forward a transformative agenda.
Furthermore, the Obamas’ warning about Biden’s ability to “mess things up” should not be taken lightly. As former President, Barack Obama undoubtedly understands the challenges and complexities of the role. His experience and insights into the political landscape carry weight and credibility.
It is crucial for the Democratic party and Biden’s campaign to take these warnings seriously and assess their strategies and messaging going forward. They must address the concerns of disillusioned progressives and communicate a clear vision for the future.
Additionally, it is essential for Democrats to critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of Biden as a candidate. While Biden’s experience and moderate approach may have appealed to some voters in the 2020 election, there remains a need to energize the base and expand the party’s appeal to a broader range of voters.
Ultimately, Michelle and Barack Obama’s expressions of concern about Biden’s chances should serve as a wake-up call for the Democratic party. It is a reminder that complacency and underestimation of their opponent can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
If the Democrats hope to secure a successful reelection for Biden, they must address the concerns and criticisms from within their own party. They must listen to the voices calling for bolder and more progressive action and find a way to balance those demands with broader appeal.
The 2024 election will undoubtedly be a challenging battle for Biden and the Democrats. The outcome may shape the future of the party and the nation. It is essential to heed the warnings from experienced voices like the Obamas and make necessary adjustments to ensure the best chance of success.
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