Former President Barack Obama gave a nod to his Vice President’s campaign announcement Thursday morning, but stopped short of a full-throated endorsement.
“President Obama has long said that selecting Joe Biden as his running mate in 2008 was one of the best decisions he ever made,” said Obama spokesperson Katie Hill per Business Insider. “He relied on the Vice President’s knowledge, insight, and judgment throughout both campaigns and the entire presidency. The two forged a special bond over the last 10 years and remain close today.”
Kate Bedingfield, Biden’s deputy campaign manager, said on MSNBC that the former vice president had asked Obama not to endorse him.
“He wants to make his own case,” she said “MSNBC Live.” “He is running on an incredibly strong message of wanting to restore the soul of the nation, wanting to rebuild the middle class.”
Biden spox says he asked Obama not to endorse him, wants to “make his own case” pic.twitter.com/nLNhG3lIjn
— TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) April 25, 2019
Obama has met with a whole host of 2020 contenders but has been treading carefully, avoiding the appearance of lending his preference to any specific one.
Wise decision, good for him.
Business Insider:
I suppose he had to say something in support of his Vice President – and I think what he said was fine. The season is just beginning. There is plenty of time to say more.
And while there are many things I genuinely like and admire about Obama, his personal recommendation means very little to me where I have access to lots of information and can make my own judgement. (I also don’t buy cars just because some sports figure or actor recommends them, and that is a far less consequential decision.)
Sports figure : advice about cars :: Obama : advice about politics?
Celebrity for selling any idea that should be sold on its own merits. When those merits exist, those are what you should use. The more celebrity is relied on, the more I am suspicious that the merits are lacking.