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.

Congressional baseball game offers longstanding traditions, and plenty of confusion

11 skydivers, one pilot killed in Missouri plane crash near airport

Sen Mitch McConnell hospitalized, ‘receiving excellent care,’ his office says

Republican leaders embrace viral World Cup fans they say are discovering the ‘real America’

Gabbard says declassified biolab records validate concerns previously dismissed as misinformation

Another One: German Woman Beheaded, Homeless African Male Arrested for Murder Earlier in 2026

Is AI Making Your Kids Dumber? Over Half of Teachers Surveyed Say It May Be

Spy Agencies Have Exploded in Size – Trump’s Intel Chiefs Are the First to Downsize

Evil Among Us: Black Magic Suspected After Cameras Capture Goat Being Dragged Into Office Building, Then More Chilling Pics Found Online

From Wasserman Schultz to Goldman, Democratic incumbents are fighting for survival

WATCH: Chinese Clown Robot Nails Innocent Child – Some Say Video Is Sign of Dystopian Nightmare

You Won’t Believe What Novelty Item This Blue-County Councilman Wants to Ban

These 11 upcoming Supreme Court decisions could make or break Trump’s second term agenda

Secret evidence filed in Anna Kepner Carnival cruise murder case as feds push to jail accused stepbrother

Chinese Spies May Be Stalking You on Your Job Hunt

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.