President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the 2024 election has ignited a firestorm within the Democratic Party, culminating in a chaotic Democratic National Convention (DNC) that revealed deep-seated tensions among party leaders.
The Daily Mail reported that the convention, held last week, was marked by dramatic moments that underscored the party's internal struggles as Biden passed the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.
As Biden's withdrawal set the stage, the convention became a battleground for unresolved grievances among party heavyweights, including the Bidens, Nancy Pelosi, and Michelle Obama.
The convention kicked off under unusual circumstances. President Biden, who had already announced his withdrawal from the 2024 race, arrived in California after a grueling journey.
Disembarking from Air Force One early Tuesday morning, Biden appeared visibly shaken. It was 5:30 a.m. on the East Coast, and the president had been awake for nearly 24 hours. Struggling to step into the awaiting SUV, he had to be shielded by his Secret Service agent, with First Lady Jill Biden watching anxiously.
The Bidens' arrival in California followed a tumultuous Monday when the president flew to Chicago to address the convention.
His speech, initially scheduled for 10:30 p.m. (ET), was delayed, and Biden finally took the stage at 12:15 a.m. Jill Biden and their daughter Ashley gave brief introductory remarks, but a planned video tribute and performance by James Taylor were cut due to time constraints.
The Bidens left for California immediately after the speech, and with just a four-hour flight, it’s likely that Biden had little opportunity for rest.
Behind the scenes, reports emerged of growing friction between Jill Biden and the Democratic Party. Some sources suggested that Jill felt betrayed by the party's leadership, particularly Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The strain was evident as Pelosi had allegedly threatened to go public with concerns about Biden’s candidacy if he did not step aside. This threat came to a head on June 20, leading to Biden's withdrawal announcement the following day and his endorsement of Kamala Harris.
The convention also brought to light the deepening rift between the Bidens and the Obamas.
On Tuesday, Michelle and Barack Obama took center stage, with Barack delivering a heartfelt endorsement of Biden, calling him his "brother." Yet, Michelle Obama made no mention of Biden during her speech, which was seen by many as a deliberate snub.
Reports indicate that Michelle, who has been critical of the Bidens’ treatment of her friend Kathleen Buhle, had refused to campaign for Biden and only agreed to speak at the convention after he had dropped out of the race.
The tension between the Bidens and the Obamas was not limited to personal grievances. There was also speculation about Barack Obama’s role in Biden’s decision to withdraw, with some sources suggesting that the former president had privately urged Biden to step aside.
Adding to the pressure was an op-ed by actor George Clooney in The New York Times, which openly called for Biden to withdraw from the race, reflecting the growing unease within the party.
Meanwhile, Pelosi's role in the unfolding drama was equally significant. Despite leading the charge against Biden, she was seen holding a "We heart Joe" sign at the convention, a gesture that some interpreted as a strategic move to maintain party unity.
However, the Bidens have not spoken to Pelosi since the withdrawal, highlighting the depth of their estrangement.
Biden's endorsement of Harris, a move some interpreted as a tactic to counter Pelosi’s influence, further complicated the dynamics. Although Pelosi and Harris both hail from California, they are not particularly close.
The timing of Biden’s endorsement raised eyebrows, with some speculating that it was intended to prevent Pelosi from pushing Harris out of the race.
As the convention drew to a close, Harris sought to solidify her position within the party. She held a rally 90 miles away during the Obamas' convention address, further underscoring her independence.
Harris, who is reportedly close to Barack Obama, received his public support via Twitter after her DNC speech, with Obama praising her as representing "the best of America."
With just 70 days remaining until the election, the Democratic Party faces significant challenges. The internal divisions laid bare at the DNC raise questions about the party's ability to present a united front in the face of mounting political pressure.
As the dust settles from the convention, all eyes will be on how the party navigates the turbulent waters ahead.
