The news story reveals that Michelle Obama has decided not to publicly campaign for President Joe Biden's re-election bid in 2024, a decision influenced by her close friendship with Kathleen Buhle and the latter’s treatment by the Biden family post-divorce.
The Hindustan Times reported that Obama is refraining from publicly supporting Joe Biden's re-election campaign, partly due to her close friendship with Kathleen Buhle and the Biden family's treatment of Buhle following her divorce from Hunter Biden.
Michelle Obama has no plans to campaign for President Joe Biden’s second term, a noticeable absence in the political arena given her influential role in past campaigns.
Her decision is reportedly influenced by the Biden family's treatment of Kathleen Buhle, who divorced Hunter Biden in 2017 amid accusations of infidelity and financial misconduct.
The relationship between the Obama and Biden families has reportedly been strained since 2015 when then-President Barack Obama discouraged Joe Biden from running for president.
This tension coincided with the tumultuous divorce between Hunter Biden and Kathleen Buhle.
An Axios report suggests that Michelle Obama’s absence from Biden’s campaign events, including a star-studded fundraiser in Hollywood, is partially due to her frustration over Buhle's treatment by the Biden family, according to two sources familiar with the relationship.
In contrast, former President Barack Obama has been visibly supportive of Biden's 2024 presidential campaign.
Barack has attended multiple fundraisers, including a significant one for Biden's re-election campaign and a state dinner for Kenya's president at the White House in May. Additionally, Barack Obama has appeared in campaign videos supporting Biden, underscoring his commitment to Biden’s political aspirations despite the reported strain in personal relations.
While Barack Obama has been active in supporting Biden, Michelle Obama has focused on her nonpartisan initiative, "When We All Vote," which encourages voter participation across party lines. Her absence from Biden’s campaign highlights her disdain for partisan politics, a sentiment that has grown stronger over the years.
Michelle Obama's close friendship with Kathleen Buhle dates back to the Obama administration. Hunter Biden's memoir mentions that Michelle Obama and Buhle often worked out together and enjoyed evening cocktails at the White House.
In her 2022 book, Michelle Obama refers to Buhle as a friend with whom she took regular morning walks.
During Buhle's divorce from Hunter Biden, Michelle Obama reportedly supported her, expressing that Buhle had been wronged by the Bidens.
This personal connection and the perceived mistreatment of Buhle by the Biden family have influenced Michelle Obama's decision to distance herself from Biden's re-election campaign.
Despite these personal dynamics, Michelle Obama's spokesperson, Crystal Carson, has stated that Michelle supports Biden's re-election. Carson emphasized, “She is friends with Kathleen and with the Bidens. Two things can be true.” This statement highlights Michelle Obama’s attempt to balance her personal relationships with her public stance.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates also refuted claims of discord, stating, “The Biden and Obama families are like family to one another, and whomever made these claims about that relationship isn’t familiar with it.” Bates’ comment aims to dispel rumors of a rift between the two prominent political families.
Michelle Obama’s decision not to campaign for Biden reflects her long-standing disengagement from partisan politics.
She has consistently focused on initiatives that transcend political boundaries, aiming to foster civic engagement and voter participation without aligning with a specific political agenda.
Michelle Obama's absence from Joe Biden's 2024 re-election campaign is a multifaceted issue rooted in personal relationships and her disdain for partisan politics.
Her close friendship with Kathleen Buhle and the Biden family’s treatment of Buhle post-divorce are significant factors.
While Barack Obama continues to support Biden publicly, Michelle Obama remains focused on her nonpartisan initiatives, highlighting the complexities of personal and political dynamics in the Obama and Biden families.
Her spokesperson's assurance of her support for Biden and the White House's denial of any family rift further complicates the narrative, reflecting the delicate balance Michelle Obama maintains between her personal convictions and public actions.
