As the year 2023 comes to a close, Joe Biden finds himself grappling with a myriad of crises on both political and personal fronts. These challenges have fueled doubts within his own party about his ability to secure the White House in 2024, with even former President Barack Obama reportedly among the skeptics.
According to a report by Annie Linskey in the Wall Street Journal, Obama is increasingly questioning Biden’s prospects for the upcoming election, expressing concerns that Democrats could face defeat. The anonymous source cited in the report suggests that Obama, a key figure within the Democratic Party, is troubled by the current political landscape.
Despite their joint efforts to rally support for Democratic candidates, the looming specter of 45th President Donald Trump’s popularity, coupled with apprehensions about Biden’s age, immigration policies, stance on Israel, and economic plan, has created an atmosphere of uncertainty. The constant media attention surrounding Hunter Biden, Joe’s son, adds another layer of distraction.
A Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll indicates that Trump holds an advantage over Biden in seven pivotal swing states, heightening worries within the Democratic camp. The perception that Trump is a stronger and more effective leader further exacerbates the challenges faced by the Biden administration.
The source familiar with Obama’s perspective conveyed that the 45th president acknowledges the upcoming election as a closely contested race, expressing the belief that Democrats are at risk of losing. Simultaneously, Obama is troubled by the notion that the alternative—presumably Trump’s return to office—poses a significant threat to democracy.
These private concerns align with a growing sentiment within the Democratic Party, where some members advocate for Biden to forego seeking reelection and instead pass the torch to a younger generation. This sentiment is reflected in the words of David Axelrod, a senior adviser to former President Obama, who suggested on Twitter that Biden consider stepping aside based on poll results showing him trailing Trump. Axelrod emphasized that Biden’s resolve to run remains firm but acknowledged the potential impact of sagging poll numbers on the Democratic Party.
Notably, figures like Bill Maher have publicly urged Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, expressing concerns over the potential consequences. Maher articulated his apprehensions over a year ago, emphasizing the need for a careful assessment of the political landscape and its implications for the Democratic Party.