A month ago, President Joe Biden made history by announcing that he was dropping out of his re-election campaign. The decision followed a flurry of panic among Democrats who urged him to finish his term but not seek another, citing concerns he may not win the White House again.
Though reports of in-party drama have circulated ever since, the commander-in-chief has resolutely denied being “angry” about how his campaign came to a screeching halt. On Monday August 19, the first night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Biden assured the crowds that reports of his frustration at the change are “not true.” Rather, he said, he made the choice to step down from his re-election bid because he loves America.
Near the end of his remarks—which were introduced by his daughter, Ashley—Biden took a moment to comment on his unexpected decision to drop out of the race, after having highlighted what his administration had done over the past four years. He noted that he still has “a lot to do” in the remaining five months of his term, adding that he “intend[s] to get it done.”
Biden expressed that he “love[s]” his position and serving in office has “been the honor of my lifetime,” but has greater affection for the country. He went on to say that “all this talk” of his allegedly being “angry” at people who encouraged hm to “step down” are “not true.”
Once again citing his love of America, Biden said it is time to “preserve our democracy” and called on attendees to vote in the upcoming election. He emphasized the need of Democratic voters to “keep the Senate,” “win back” the House, and “beat Donald Trump.” He concluded by calling on Americans to “elect Kamala and Tim” to the White House.
While Biden may deny rumors of his resentment, inside sources indicate that his relationship with prominent Democrats and personal friends have been strained by the events of the last four weeks. Notably, some party leaders have been conspicuously quiet when it comes to promoting the president for re-election.
Former president Barack Obama did not voice his concerns publicly, with his single remark made out loud being that “bad debate nights happen.” He was referring to the June 27 debate with Trump, when Biden showed a painful lack of cognitive function.
Similarly, former president and first lady Bill and Hillary Clinton have shared one social media post each in response to the debate—letting the public fill in the blanks with their silence.
Within the legislature, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries—party leaders in their respective branches—heard lawmakers complain about Biden and his campaign, citing concerns. Although both of them, joined by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, have publicly expressed support for Biden regardless of his decision to remain on the ticket, sources say that they did not pressure other Democrats to support him.
Following the late July announcement that he was stepping down from his campaign, top White House officials anonymously told the media that Biden thinks Pelosi is “ruthless” in her apparent willingness to disregard their long-term friendship to maintain Democratic political control and keep Trump away from the Oval Office. Biden is also reportedly upset that Obama did not directly express concerns to him after the June debate.
