In a memorable moment at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, former President Obama took the stage to speak warmly about his former Vice President, Joe Biden. It’s been 16 years since Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for President, and he humorously noted that despite the years, he hasn’t aged a bit. But his reflection on Biden’s role as Vice President wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about admiration for Biden’s empathy, decency, and commitment to fairness.
Obama’s speech comes just weeks after news broke that he may have played a part in urging Biden to step down from his re-election campaign. This shift happened after Biden’s performance in a June debate against former President Trump, where he stumbled and appeared more subdued than usual. The debate raised concerns about Biden’s mental sharpness, even among traditional Democratic supporters.
Biden eventually announced that he would not seek re-election, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. However, Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, were notably absent from the DNC during Obama’s speech. Instead, they held a rally in Milwaukee, a strategic move to avoid the optics of Harris appearing alongside Obama, who some believe played a role in Biden’s decision to step down.
While Harris is now the face of the Democratic ticket, Obama’s influence remains strong. His speech emphasized Harris’ long-standing commitment to justice and fairness, dating back to her days as a prosecutor and California’s Attorney General. Obama also highlighted her ability to fight for what’s right, regardless of party lines, and expressed confidence that she would be a president for all Americans.
As Harris and Walz work to rally support in the lead-up to the election, they’re leaning on their connections to Obama and the political wisdom of his inner circle. With just a few months to go before the election, all eyes are on Harris as she steps into the spotlight.
In the words of Obama, Harris won’t be focused on her problems – she’ll be focused on yours. And with Governor Walz by her side, Obama believes they’ll make a strong team in the White House.
