Suffering from Covid-19 and feeling isolated, President Biden has been seething at his beach house in Delaware. He is growing more resentful towards what he perceives as a deliberate effort to force him out of the race. He harbors bitterness towards some of his former close allies, including his former running mate Barack Obama.
Being a seasoned politician, Mr. Biden suspects that the recent media leaks are orchestrated to increase the pressure on him to step down, as shared by sources close to him. He singles out Representative Nancy Pelosi, the former House speaker, as the main instigator, but also feels irritated by Mr. Obama, whom he views as pulling the strings behind the scenes.
The tension between the president and key figures in his own party so close to an election is unprecedented in Washington. These are the same allies who played crucial roles in his political journey over the past twelve years. Mr. Obama propelled Mr. Biden from a presidential candidate to the vice presidency, ultimately leading to his victory in the 2020 election. Additionally, it was the support of Ms. Pelosi and Senator Chuck Schumer that enabled the passage of his significant legislative accomplishments.
According to sources close to President Biden, who preferred to remain anonymous, the president is unwell and isolated, dealing with a persistent cough and other symptoms while being far from the political hub. He is facing the most challenging phase of his presidency.
As news stories continue to emerge, reporting warnings from top Democrats like Mr. Schumer, Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Obama, and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, President Biden’s frustration is mounting. He has taken note that Mr. Obama has not publicly supported him in this critical time, with some of his former aides even suggesting that he should step down.
The presence of Mr. Obama, though not overt, has added a dramatic element to the unfolding situation, given their history of partnership during the eight years of the Obama administration.
