News Opinons Politics

Obama Said Joe Biden ‘Really Doesn’t’ Connect with Iowa Voters

Former President Barack Obama reportedly told an unnamed 2020 candidate that former vice president Joe Biden lacks an “intimate bond” with voters, especially in Iowa, the first-in-the-nation caucus state.

Politico’s Ryan Lizza writes:

“Sometimes [Obama] offers candid advice about his visitors’ strengths and weaknesses. With several lesser-known candidates, according to people who have talked to him or been briefed on his meetings, he was blunt about the challenges of breaking out of a large field. His advice is not always heeded. He told Patrick earlier this year that it was likely “too late” for him to secure “money and talent” if he jumped in the race. Occasionally, he can be cutting. With one candidate, he pointed out that during his own 2008 campaign, he had an intimate bond with the electorate, especially in Iowa, that he no longer has. Then he added, “And you know who really doesn’t have it? Joe Biden.”


Obama’s remarks about Biden’s issues in Hawkeye State are reflected in his falling poll numbers. “According to the latest CBS News Battleground Tracker poll, Biden is down eight points in Iowa from June to November to leave him tied with Senator Bernie Sanders at 22% as the top choice among registered Iowa Democrats. They were just ahead of South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg (21%) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (18%). Other recent polls have shown Biden polling as low as fourth within that top tier, CBS News said.


Hakeem Jeffries’ 4-word answer to why he skipped Charlie Kirk vigil
Man Who Claimed to Have Shot Charlie Kirk Hit with Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation Charges
University’s Charlie Kirk tribute defaced as students hurl insults at his supporters: ‘Lost souls’
Graphic Video: College Student Who Literally Danced Over Kirk Murder Learns TX Is Out to Crush Terror Supporters
Florida woman charged with felony after allegedly assaulting 73-year-old during Charlie Kirk vigil
Utah man who falsely claimed to be Charlie Kirk shooter hit with child porn charge after arrest
Watch: Young Lib Goes Viral as Charlie’s Murder Wakes Him Up, Realizes He’s Surrounded by Evil but Had No Idea Until Now
FCC chairman defends free speech rights after Kirk assassination fuels calls for censorship of online debate
Judge Dismisses Two Most Serious Murder Charges Against Luigi Mangione
Congress to hold crime hearing in Charlotte following deadly light rail attack
FBI investigating more than 20 people in Discord group tied to Charlie Kirk murder suspect
GOP unveils plan to avert government shutdown, includes $30M security hike after Charlie Kirk killing
Trump Hits the New York Times with $15 Billion Lawsuit
Dave Portnoy speaks on whether Barstool Sports would fire employees for slandering Charlie Kirk
Trump’s Iran ultimatum started a 60-day clock ticking for decisive June strikes, bomber commander reveals

See also  Judge who ruled against Laken Riley Act is a Democratic donor

Obama’s brutal assessment of Biden’s performance on the trail, which has been a constant source of concern for Democratic Party officials and primary voters, is sure to add to the narrative that the former president has little — if any — faith in his former number two’s ability to secure the nomination. Obama infamously did not endorse Biden’s latest White House bid. In a 60 Minutes interview, the former vice president claimed Obama’s silence was at his own request. “I asked him not to,” Biden said. “I think it’s better — I think he thinks it’s better for me.”

While Lizza acknowledges this public statement, he writes that Biden “wanted a nudge” and was “infuriated” by the former president’s reclusive approach to this political cycle.

News of Obama’s criticisms about Biden comes as the former president has become more vocal about the 2020 primary content.

Obama warned Democrats on Thursday against adopting “purity tests” in the presidential primary and said any adversity the candidates face in the contest will make whoever emerges an even stronger nominee.

Obama spoke to about 100 donors during a question-and-answer session with Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez in Los Altos Hills, California.


Hakeem Jeffries’ 4-word answer to why he skipped Charlie Kirk vigil
Man Who Claimed to Have Shot Charlie Kirk Hit with Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation Charges
University’s Charlie Kirk tribute defaced as students hurl insults at his supporters: ‘Lost souls’
Graphic Video: College Student Who Literally Danced Over Kirk Murder Learns TX Is Out to Crush Terror Supporters
Florida woman charged with felony after allegedly assaulting 73-year-old during Charlie Kirk vigil
Utah man who falsely claimed to be Charlie Kirk shooter hit with child porn charge after arrest
Watch: Young Lib Goes Viral as Charlie’s Murder Wakes Him Up, Realizes He’s Surrounded by Evil but Had No Idea Until Now
FCC chairman defends free speech rights after Kirk assassination fuels calls for censorship of online debate
Judge Dismisses Two Most Serious Murder Charges Against Luigi Mangione
Congress to hold crime hearing in Charlotte following deadly light rail attack
FBI investigating more than 20 people in Discord group tied to Charlie Kirk murder suspect
GOP unveils plan to avert government shutdown, includes $30M security hike after Charlie Kirk killing
Trump Hits the New York Times with $15 Billion Lawsuit
Dave Portnoy speaks on whether Barstool Sports would fire employees for slandering Charlie Kirk
Trump’s Iran ultimatum started a 60-day clock ticking for decisive June strikes, bomber commander reveals

See also  Papering over ‘The Office’

Until recently, Obama largely refrained from opining publicly on the Democratic contest, and his move from the sidelines comes at a moment of deep uncertainty for the party. Many are jittery about the uneven candidacy of Biden, questioning whether Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) can defeat President Trump next year, and skeptical of whether Pete Buttigieg, the South Bend, Indiana, mayor who is surging in Iowa, can appeal to black voters that are a crucial Democratic voting bloc.

“We will not win just by increasing the turnout of the people who already agree with us completely on everything,” Obama said. “Which is why I am always suspicious of purity tests during elections. Because, you know what, the country is complicated.”

Obama urged Democrats to “chill out,” saying, “The truth of the matter is that every candidate on that stage believes we should provide” better health care and education and address climate change.

Story cited here.

Share this article:
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter