Last Friday, former President Barack Obama spent several hours in the family dining room of the White House with his former vice president, now President, Joe Biden. The atmosphere was light-hearted, filled with jokes and laughter, and served as a mini-reunion for the staff of both presidents, many of whom have known each other since the Obama administration.
However, this was not just a casual catch-up between two old friends. Obama has expressed to his associates that he believes Biden’s upcoming re-election campaign against Donald Trump will be a tight race. He views the 2024 election as a critical moment requiring full commitment, according to sources familiar with his thinking.
During his visit to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Obama and Biden, along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, participated in a call marking the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Obama emphasized the importance of healthcare as a potent political issue in the upcoming election.
Obama and Biden maintain regular contact, and the former president is also in touch with some top White House officials, including Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients, who served in the Obama administration. Obama has been lending a hand to Biden since his re-election announcement last year, particularly through public fundraising appeals and private conversations.
Obama’s support for Biden’s re-election campaign will be highlighted at a star-studded Manhattan fundraiser featuring Biden, Obama, and former President Bill Clinton. The event will be moderated by Stephen Colbert and will include appearances from celebrities such as Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Cynthia Erivo, Mindy Kaling, Ben Platt, and Lea Michele.
Obama’s popularity among national Democrats is undeniable. The campaign’s grassroots fundraising efforts featuring the former president have raised over $15 million so far this cycle. For the next seven months, Obama will focus on fundraising appeals and motivating young Americans, particularly Black and Latino voters, who are seen as a weak spot for Biden’s candidacy.
Obama has also expressed his concern about Israel’s war in Gaza, which has become one of Biden’s biggest challenges – both in foreign policy and in domestic politics. That, along with reproductive rights, will be the chief focus of Obama’s pitch to voters.
Jim Messina, Obama’s 2012 campaign manager who has been serving as a close adviser to the Biden re-election campaign, told CNN that his former boss plans to do whatever he can to help Biden secure a second term at the White House.
Obama has been unambiguous about his willingness to be of service to his former vice president’s re-election efforts, one senior Biden adviser told CNN. “He has been generous with his time, and he has made it very clear that he is all in on this campaign,” the adviser said.