Obama Speaks Out to Praise Biden, Doesn’t Endorse His Candidacy

Obama Speaks Out to Praise Biden, Doesn’t Endorse His Candidacy
President Barack Obama, accompanied by, from(L), Secretary of State John Kerry, Vice President Joe Biden, and National Security Adviser Susan Rice, speaks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, on March 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Jack Phillips
4/25/2019
Updated:
5/6/2019

Former President Barack Obama issued a rare public statement about the 2020 race, lavishing praise on his former vice president, Joe Biden, who officially launched his campaign on April 25.

“President Obama has long said that selecting Joe Biden as his running mate in 2008 was one of the best decisions he ever made,” Obama spokeswoman Katie Hill told Politico.

“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.”

King Felipe of Spain (top C) listens to speakers at the Leader's Refugee Summit while sitting behind U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Sept. 20, 2016, at U.N. headquarters. (Julie Jacobson/AP Photo)
King Felipe of Spain (top C) listens to speakers at the Leader's Refugee Summit while sitting behind U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly, on Sept. 20, 2016, at U.N. headquarters. (Julie Jacobson/AP Photo)

However, despite his laudatory remarks, the former president stopped short of officially endorsing Biden. Obama didn’t endorse a candidate in the 2016 race despite his former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton being in the race.

Biden, who released his campaign design, said on Twitter, “Our country is being put to the test, but I’ve never been more optimistic about America” before adding, “Together we can do this,” while soliciting for donations.
He also released a YouTube video and said, “It’s time for respected leadership on the world stage—and dignified leadership at home.”

“It’s time for equal opportunity, equal rights, and equal justice. It’s time for an economy that rewards those who actually do the work. It’s time for a president who will stand up for all of us,” the 76-year-old wrote.

Meanwhile, Politico reported that Obama has met with several presidential candidates and offered his advice, but he hasn’t made any endorsement.

Former Obama adviser David Axelrod claimed that it’s not worth looking into Obama’s lack of endorsements.

“The custom for former presidents is not to endorse presidents. The expectation that he would, I find kind of baffling,” Axelrod was quoted by the political news website as saying.

Trump Welcomes Biden

President Donald Trump welcomed Biden, whom he dubbed “Sleepy Joe,” to the race and insulted his intelligence.
“ I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign. It will be nasty - you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate!” he tweeted.

Trump didn’t make any references to the allegations of sexual misconduct that are plaguing the former vice president

Trump later sent a tweet to GOP chair Ronna McDaniel, who said that Biden in eight years, “had a net loss of 193,000 manufacturing jobs.”

“Don’t let Biden take us backwards!” she replied.

“Biden literally can’t hide from the economic successes” of President Trump, McDaniel said on Twitter, adding, “Biden chose Pennsylvania to launch his campaign – a state where the unemployment rate just dropped to the lowest level *ever recorded.*”

Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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