"Obama would be jealous": How Biden's rivalry with his ex-boss shapes his presidency

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Since assuming office, President Joe Biden has embarked on a journey marked by a delicate dance with the legacy of his former boss, Barack Obama. Behind the curtains of the Oval Office, conversations about Obama reverberate, shaping the current administration's approach to governance and policy. This nuanced relationship between Biden and Obama, characterized by respect, affection, and occasional rivalry, offers a compelling lens through which to understand the dynamics of the Biden presidency.

 

Biden's affinity for measuring himself against Obama often manifests in private discussions among aides. There exists a subtle but palpable competition, with Biden occasionally quipping, "Obama would be jealous," upon achieving perceived victories. Despite this competitive dynamic, on a personal level, the relationship between Biden and Obama remains respectful and warm. Obama continues to publicly praise Biden and is poised to play a significant role as a campaign surrogate in Biden's reelection bid.

 

However, the nuances of their relationship extend beyond mere camaraderie. Recent revelations from the transcript of Biden's interview with special counsel Robert Hur shed light on the complexities underlying their dynamic. Biden candidly recounted the wounds inflicted when Obama, during the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, favored Hillary Clinton over him. This episode, emblematic of Biden's aspirations, underscores his belief that he could have triumphed over Donald Trump had he run in 2016.

 

Interestingly, while Biden maintains a cordial relationship with Obama, his interactions with former President Bill Clinton appear to be more frequent. This disparity in engagement suggests a multifaceted landscape of alliances and allegiances within the political arena. Moreover, Biden's reliance on Obama-era operatives in his administration, despite lingering tensions, speaks to the continuity and evolution of Democratic governance.

 

The intricate interplay between the Biden and Obama camps becomes particularly pronounced when examining policy decisions and governance strategies. Biden's tenure has been characterized by a concerted effort to rectify perceived shortcomings of the Obama administration while building upon its successes. For instance, Biden's resolve to withdraw troops from Afghanistan in 2021 reflects his belief that Obama erred in not heeding his advice to do so earlier.

 

Similarly, Biden's approach to international relations, notably with Israel, reflects a departure from Obama's stance. While Biden initially shared a warm rapport with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his subsequent criticism of Netanyahu's handling of the conflict in Gaza signals a divergence from Obama's policies. This subtle recalibration underscores Biden's endeavor to carve out his own diplomatic path while navigating the shadows of the Obama era.

 

Domestically, Biden's engagement with Congress echoes his desire to learn from past experiences. Drawing from his tenure as vice president, Biden emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in politics. His outreach to lawmakers, reminiscent of his breakfast meetings with senators during the Obama administration, underscores a commitment to bipartisanship and consensus-building.

 

Furthermore, Biden's legislative agenda, epitomized by the American Rescue Plan and infrastructure initiatives, reflects a concerted effort to surpass the achievements of the Obama era. By pursuing ambitious spending packages, Biden seeks to address lingering critiques of Obama's response to economic crises while laying the groundwork for transformative change.

 

In essence, the intricate interplay between Biden and Obama's legacies permeates the fabric of the Biden presidency. While marked by moments of rivalry and tension, their relationship remains anchored in mutual respect and camaraderie. As Biden navigates the complexities of governance, his engagement with the Obama legacy serves as both a guiding light and a source of introspection. In the intricate dance of politics, Biden seeks to carve out his own legacy while acknowledging the indelible imprint of his former boss.

 

19.03.24

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[Tug]

Sounds to me a recounting of a healthy competitive warm friendship of two high achieving decent people are enjoying and we as a country have benefited from this wonderful friendship in my humble opinion