Staff Reports
Michelle Obama made waves during her recent appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, but it wasn’t her usual charm that got people talking. Instead, it seems that the former First Lady took a more subtle jab at President Joe Biden, suggesting that perhaps it’s time for the Democrats to pass the torch—just not to him. The body language of the Democrats is starting to resemble a game of political dodgeball, and Biden is clearly in the line of fire.
While praising Vice President Kamala Harris—figurehead of the current administration—it appeared Mrs. Obama neglected to mention her boss, Joe Biden. This left many scratching their heads, especially CNN panelists who were quick to note how her speech seemed more like an exit strategy for the president than a show of support. CNN’s John Berman highlighted that the Obamas are, in essence, orchestrating a “passing of the torch” moment, but it seems they forgot to pass it in Biden’s direction. Instead, it’s looking like they’re angling to put it right out of reach.
📸 Former president Obama praises ‘selfless’ Biden as he hails ‘new chapter’ under Harris
Both Barack and Michelle raised the roof at #DNC2024 with stirring speeches in what @RozinaSabur described as the couple's 'political homecoming'
Read more ⬇️https://t.co/tte36AEo0z pic.twitter.com/QPoEQ9wGL1
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) August 21, 2024
Biden’s absence in Michelle’s comments is particularly noteworthy when considering that her husband took the time to lavish praise on Biden during his own speech. Barack Obama was all about the sentimental reminiscences, while Michelle instead opted for the silent treatment. It seems the long game here is to perhaps overlook Biden entirely while propping up Kamala Harris as the future of the party. This raises eyebrows and hints at the undisguised factionalism that has seemed to take root within the Democratic Party.
And if that wasn’t enough of a snub, the DNC has given Joe Biden the metaphorical cold shoulder in other ways. During the first rally involving Harris and Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz, neither of them could be bothered to mention Biden. One can only assume Biden had to be off in a corner, munching on his ice cream as usual, wondering where all his supporters went. His previous reputation is wilting away like a tulip in winter as he finds himself increasingly sidelined.
To cap it all off, Biden’s choice of a post-speech vacation instead of mingling with the delegates at the convention is practically dripping with symbolic commentary. Former CNN analyst Chris Cillizza even went so far as to say it’s “super telling”—a nice way of saying the Democrats might be embarrassed by their own guy. Clearly, Biden has realized that his carefully crafted legacy isn’t quite panning out as he envisioned, but hey, who needs a legacy when you can opt for a little R&R instead?
