During the Democratic National Convention, former President Barack Obama paid a heartfelt tribute to President Joe Biden. The tribute comes in the wake of rumors alleging that Obama and Biden have been on rocky terms.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, while speaking to the audience in Chicago, Obama said that he was glad that Biden listened to the calls to abandon his re-election bid. For context, in July 2024, Biden announced that he would be a one-term president before endorsing Kamala Harris for president.
Barack Obama’s Heartfelt Tribute to Joe Biden
In a heartfelt speech, Barack Obama noted it had been 16 years since he was nominated for president before making a joke about his look. He continued that, without a doubt, accepting the nomination and picking Biden as his running mate were two of the best decisions he has ever made.
Obama continued, “Other than some common Irish blood, Joe and I come from different backgrounds. But we became brothers.”
He added, “And as we worked together for eight years, what I came to admire most about Joe wasn’t just his smarts and experience, but his empathy and his decency; his hard-earned resiliency, and his unshakable belief that everyone in this country deserves a fair shot.”
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“I am proud to call him my president, but I am even prouder to call him my friend. Now, the torch has been passed. Now, it is up to all of us to fight for the America we believe in,” the former president added.
“Make no mistake, it will be a fight. For all the incredible energy we’ve been able to generate over the last few weeks, for all the rallies and the memes, this will still be a tight race.”
Barack Obama Said Biden Is the President Americans Have Needed
During his speech, Obama said he was confident that Biden was the president Americans had been waiting for since 2021. To back his statement, Obama referred to the COVID-19 reaction, economic recovery initiatives, and democratic preservation carried out by the Biden-Harris government.
Barack Obama’s speech on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, comes after Biden was pressured by prominent Democrat members into exiting the presidential race. The Democrats had pushed for Biden withdrawal as concern about his age and ability to inspire voters began to rise.
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Obama Endorses Kamala Harris
During his DNC speech, Barack Obama endorsed Harris. He said he felt hope because “this convention has always been good to kids who believe in a country of endless opportunities.” Subsequently, Obama made a joke, referring to how people often mispronounced Harris’ first name.
“Because we have a chance to elect someone who has spent her entire life trying to give people the same chances America gave her. Someone who sees you and hears you and will get up every single day and fight for you,” Obama added.
“America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for President Kamala Harris. And Kamala Harris is ready for the jump.” On July 21, 2024, Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsement of Harris.
Five days later, on July 26, 2024, Obama shared a video announcing his support for Harris. In the video, Harris and Michelle Obama, his wife, were featured. In the video, Obama said, “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.”
Michelle, endorsing Harris, said, “I can’t have this phone call without saying to my girl Kamala: I am proud of you. This is going to be historic.”
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Is There Friction Between Barack Obama and Joe Biden?
Throughout the outcry and demands, Barack Obama, a big Biden supporter, did not comment on the issue. Additionally, several news agencies have alleged that Biden was angry with Obama for failing to defend him. Despite the rumors against them, Obama and Biden have had a relationship for years.
The duo had a close relationship between 2009 and 2017, when they were the president and vice president, respectively. According to Axios, in 2016, Obama was advised to endorse Hillary Clinton for president against Biden.
Consequently, when Biden came under fire in 2024 to withdraw from the presidential race, Biden felt the opportunity was being taken away from him once again.
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