As President Joe Biden’s term approaches its end, increasing divisions within the Democratic Party have come to light. Reports suggest that First Lady Jill Biden has been encouraging the President to settle disputes with former allies before his term ends. The First Lady’s sentiments of “betrayal” have reportedly escalated due to recent intra-party developments.
Multiple sources indicate that the First Lady holds a certain level of “misguided resentment” toward Democratic leaders. This includes former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, ex-President Barack Obama, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The First Lady has reportedly expressed disappointment over the insufficient support for her husband from the party leadership, especially after the calls for him to step back from the 2024 presidential race. Some have interpreted the timing of the Bidens’ planned trip to California during the Democratic National Convention, which coincided with scheduled speeches by Harris and Obama, as a deliberate move to avoid these events, indicating strained relationships.
The long-standing bond between the Bidens and Pelosi appears to have hit a rough patch, as evidenced by a telling seating arrangement at the Kennedy Center Honors. In a departure from customary protocol, Nancy and Paul Pelosi were seated in the orchestra section rather than their usual place in the prestigious presidential box. This repositioning served as a visible symbol of the apparent tension between these political figures who’ve shared a friendship spanning more than 50 years.
Florida attorney and Democratic mega-donor John Morgan provides insight into these intricate dynamics. He suggests that Biden’s swift endorsement of Harris after stepping down from the race may have been an act of retaliation.
Morgan claimed that President Biden faced pressure from various figures, including George Clooney and Nancy Pelosi, leading to what he described as a “palace coup.” According to Morgan, Biden reacted defiantly by choosing Kamala Harris as vice president. He also noted that Pelosi had initially informed her delegation about plans for a convention and nomination process, and pointed out that Barack Obama delayed endorsing Harris for five days.
Despite not contributing to Harris’ campaign personally, Morgan criticized its financial management, proposing it could hinder her future presidential ambitions. Morgan’s comments followed reports of Harris’ campaign accruing a $20 million debt due to excessive spending. The Harris campaign, however, refutes any claims of outstanding debts.
The strained political atmosphere was evident even in the White House’s holiday season. The President and First Lady were noticeably absent during the first week of December, typically a time for traditional holiday events. President Biden was in Africa, while Dr. Biden was in Europe. Furthermore, some staff parties were scheduled at unusual times, including a White House staff celebration held at 1 p.m. on a Monday.
Democratic strategist Lindy Li disclosed that Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi had hoped for an open primary rather than a “coronation” for Harris. The subsequent election loss to Donald Trump has further amplified the internal discord. A Harris campaign adviser told the Washington Post, “It’s almost Shakespearean that Biden didn’t just kill his own campaign, he killed hers, too.”
Li stated that Obama did not favor any candidate in the race but was considering Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona.
Post-election, Li expressed her worries about the Democratic Party’s future and criticized Harris for her significant loss against Donald Trump.
The relationship between the Bidens and Harris, their chosen successor, has reportedly cooled following Harris’ election defeat. Sources suggest that President Biden, who genuinely believed Harris could beat Trump, has found it difficult to understand the loss despite the campaign’s billion-dollar funds.
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), a friend of the President, provided a nuanced perspective on Biden’s current state of mind: “I think it’s a human emotion. This has been his life, and he’s getting ready to transfer to a new phase.”