Barack Obama Commends Joe Biden In DNC After Pushing Him Out Of The Race
Delivering a heartfelt tribute to President Joe Biden during his address at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday, August 20, former U.S. Obama said Biden’s choice not to run for President in 2024 was a selfless move that put the country first.
Obama was even said to have played a key role in driving Biden out of the race just last month. Obama noted that Biden withdrew from the race on July 21 during his DNC speech and endorsed now-Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.
“At a time when the other party had turned into a cult of personality, we needed a leader who was steady and brought people together,” Obama said, referring to Biden. “And was selfless enough to do the rarest thing there is in politics, putting his own ambition aside for the sake of the country.”
“History will remember Joe Biden as an outstanding president who defended democracy at a moment of great danger,” Obama added. “And I am proud to call him my president, but I am even prouder to call him my friend.”
In the days before Biden announced he’d drop out of the race, The Associated Press reported that Obama had talked to some of his Democratic allies along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi about doubts over whether Biden should continue after faltering in a debate against ex-President Donald Trump.
Obama, who served as president for eight years, has shared this in reference to Kamala Harris’ presidency: “Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support. At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us.”
However, Pelosi refused to say on Monday whether she had urged Biden to drop out of the race.
“Sometimes you have to take a punch for the children. I did what I had to do,” she said. “My concern was not about the president, it was about his campaign.”
