Barack Obama Praises Joe Biden at the DNC amid Reports of Tension Between Them: 'We Became Brothers'

Mar. 15, 2025

Former President Barack Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024.Photo:Al Drago/getty

Former US President Barack Obama speaks during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. The Democratic National Convention this week marks the ceremonial crowning of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the party’s presidential nominees, capping off a whirlwind month for Democrats who quickly coalesced behind the new ticket after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July.

Al Drago/getty

Former PresidentBarack Obamapaid a heartfelt tribute to current PresidentJoe Bidenat the Democratic National Convention amid reports that the two have been on rocky terms in recent weeks.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20, Obama, 63, told the crowd in Chicago about his appreciation for Biden, 81, who heeded growing calls to abandon his reelection bid in July. Afterdropping out, Biden endorsed Vice PresidentKamala Harristo take his place on the Democratic White House ticket.

“Other than some common Irish blood, Joe and I come from different backgrounds. But we became brothers,” Obama continued. “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.”

Kamala Harris, Joe Biden and Barack Obama in 2022.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama, and U.S. President Joe Biden arrive for an event to mark the 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act in the East Room of the White House on April 5, 2022

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Obama spent a moment explaining why he believes Biden is the president Americans have needed since 2021, citing the Biden-Harris administration’s COVID-19 response, economic recovery efforts and preservation of democracy.

“I am proud to call him my president, but I am even prouder to call him my friend,” Obama said. “Now, the torch has been passed. Now, it is up to all of us to fight for the America we believe in. 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 and Michelle Obama embrace on stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.David Paul Morris/getty

Former US President Barack Obama, left, embraces former US First Lady Michelle Obama while arriving to speak during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. The Democratic National Convention this week marks the ceremonial crowning of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the party’s presidential nominees, capping off a whirlwind month for Democrats who quickly coalesced behind the new ticket after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

David Paul Morris/getty

Obama’s remarks on Tuesday come weeks after several power players in the Democratic Partypressured Bidento exit the presidential race overconcerns about his age and ability to inspire voters.

Amid calls for Biden to drop out, Obama — at that point one of the most vocal supporters of Biden’s campaign — stayed silent on the matter. Multiple outlets have reported that Bidenis harboring anger toward Obamafor failing to come to his defense.

Friction between the two allegedly goes back years,despite their close relationshipwhile working as partners in the White House from 2009 until 2017.

According toAxios, Obama’s advisers pushed Biden not to run for the presidency in 2016, and Obama publicly backed Hillary Clinton’s candidacy. Feeling like his chance at the White House had already been stripped away once, Biden was reportedly determined to stay in the 2024 presidential race when a pressure campaign first swelled.

Kamala Harris in 2024.Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty

President Kamala Harris speaks during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, United States on August 19, 2024

Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty

At the DNC on Tuesday night, Obama also shared his enthusiasm for Harris, Biden’s replacement.

“I am feeling hope, because this convention has always been pretty good to kids with funny names who believe in a country where anything is possible,” he joked, referencing Harris' often-mispronounced 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.”

He continued: “America is ready for a new chapter. America is ready for a better story. We are ready for a President Kamala Harris. And Kamala Harris is ready for the jump.”

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“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,” President Obama said at the time.

Also in the endorsement video, the former first lady 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.”

source: people.com

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