In the lead-up to the upcoming election, President Biden and former President Barack Obama have been engaging in frequent communication, reflecting a shared concern over the potential outcome of the race. While Biden seeks advice and strategizes with Obama’s former aides, Obama himself is actively supporting Biden’s campaign, underscoring his commitment to helping his former vice president secure victory.
This level of engagement underscores not only Obama’s support for Biden but also his apprehension that Biden could lose to former President Donald J. Trump. According to a senior aide close to Obama, the former president has long harbored concerns about a Biden loss and is prepared to stand by his side in what could be a closely contested election.
Their renewed collaboration marks a departure from their earlier relationship dynamics. In 2015, as Biden contemplated a presidential run amid personal tragedy, Obama gently advised him against it, favoring Hillary Clinton as the stronger candidate. While this decision initially strained relations between Biden and some of Obama’s aides, Biden ultimately deferred to Obama’s judgment and refrained from entering the race.
However, in 2019, when Biden eventually launched his campaign against Trump, Obama threw his support behind him, albeit after the Democratic primary. Despite past tensions, Obama allowed the Biden campaign to leverage their interactions in the Obama White House for campaign materials, signaling a united front in their efforts to defeat Trump.
Their relationship, characterized by its odd-couple dynamics, has evolved over the years. Initially, Biden struggled with being in the shadow of the Harvard-educated Obama, feeling sidelined by the Obama team’s Ivy-educated machine. However, as they worked together, Biden’s Capitol Hill connections proved instrumental in navigating key legislative battles, such as passing the Affordable Care Act.
While they occasionally disagreed, such as on Obama’s decision to send more troops to Afghanistan, their partnership grew stronger over time. Biden’s nurturing of relationships on Capitol Hill contrasted with Obama’s approach, highlighting their complementary styles of leadership.
Yet, their bond deepened significantly following the death of Biden’s son, Beau, in 2015. During Beau’s eulogy, Obama publicly expressed affection for the Biden family, cementing their familial-like relationship. Despite differing views on Biden’s political future, Obama’s supportive remarks marked a pivotal moment in their alliance.
However, concerns about Biden’s electoral prospects persist, prompting Obama to ramp up his involvement in the campaign. Democrats close to Obama have been reassured by Biden’s assertive stance, particularly evident in his recent State of the Union address.
As the election draws nearer, Biden and Obama’s alliance grows stronger, driven by a shared determination to secure victory against Trump. Their collaboration reflects not only their personal rapport but also their mutual commitment to advancing their shared political goals.
