Former President Barack Obama has privately warned current President Joe Biden that Donald Trump might be a stronger contender in the upcoming election than many Democrats are prepared to admit, according to a report by The Washington Post on Wednesday.
This warning took place during a private lunch at the White House residence on June 27. Obama shared his apprehensions about Trump’s devoted fan base, the influence of conservative media, and a deeply divided nation, factors that could potentially turn Trump into a robust nominee for the Republicans.
A recent poll conducted by New York Times/Siena College released on Tuesday suggests a hypothetical tie between Trump and Biden, with each candidate holding 43% in a potential 2020 rematch.
The Post’s report about the Obama-Biden lunch draws from details provided by two individuals with knowledge of the confidential meeting, revealing information that has not been disclosed before.
According to those informed about the conversation, the two Presidents engaged in discussions that spanned political, policy, and personal topics, including sharing family updates, the Post noted.
Plans are also underway for Obama to actively fundraise on behalf of Biden this fall, a person familiar with these plans revealed to the Post.
TJ Ducklo, a spokesman for Biden’s campaign, affirmed President Biden’s appreciation for Obama’s steadfast support, stating that Biden is eager to collaborate with Obama to achieve victory in 2024 and “finish the job for the American people.”
As a figure still commanding immense popularity within the Democratic party, Obama is anticipated to support the party’s presidential nominee in a manner similar to his involvement in the 2020 and 2022 elections, which included hosting major rallies in crucial states, leading fundraisers, and participating in ads for competitive congressional races.
Obama’s appeal to younger voters through unconventional means, such as TikTok collaborations and an NBA Finals interview, is a testament to his innovative approach.
Eric Schultz, a top adviser to Obama, highlighted the focus on innovative strategies to engage new audiences, especially those linked to voter mobilization or volunteer engagement. “We are deliberate in picking our moments because our objective is to move the needle,” Schultz stated, as reported by the Post.
Furthermore, Obama is set to host a fundraiser at Martha’s Vineyard later in August to aid the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, an organization striving to counteract the Republicans’ advantage in shaping legislative and congressional districts.
It’s worth noting that Obama’s early support for Biden contrasts with his stance in 2016 when he indicated to aides that he believed Hillary Clinton should be the Democrats’ nominee, and his delay in endorsing Biden until the nomination was confirmed in 2020.
