In a striking revelation on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” host Joe Scarborough suggested that the Biden campaign believes former President Barack Obama might be covertly encouraging calls for President Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race. The assertion adds a dramatic twist to the ongoing speculation about Biden’s political future.
“Behind the scenes, many within the Biden campaign and among Democratic officials think that Barack Obama is subtly maneuvering to orchestrate this,” Scarborough said during Thursday’s broadcast. His co-host and wife, Mika Brzezinski, echoed the sentiment, adding, “I think Barack Obama has a lot of influence, and there’s a lot there.”
Biden’s recent debate performance, marked by perceived lapses, has fueled doubts about his ability to challenge former President Trump and serve another term.
This has prompted a chorus of calls, including from some former Obama aides, for Biden to reconsider his candidacy. Scarborough noted that Biden harbors “deep resentment” toward his treatment by Obama’s team and his sidelining in favor of Hillary Clinton in 2016.
Actor George Clooney, a known supporter of both Biden and Obama, published an op-ed in The New York Times urging Biden to step aside. Reports indicate that Obama discussed the piece with Clooney beforehand but neither encouraged nor dissuaded him from his stance.
Despite the mounting pressure, Biden remains resolute about continuing his campaign. He recently called into “Morning Joe,” defending his position against critics from his own party. Scarborough, who has defended Biden since the debate, underscores the tension and intrigue swirling around the president’s re-election bid.