President Joe Biden has the unique advantage of being able to turn to former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton for advice and support. The three men have a long history in American and Democratic leadership, with their partnership on display in a fundraising event in New York City to help Biden secure a second term despite his low poll numbers and age. This solidarity stands in contrast to former President Donald Trump’s isolation from other Republican leaders, with even his own former vice president not endorsing his bid for another term. In contrast, Biden, Obama, and Clinton have worked together and supported each other throughout their political careers.
The trio of Biden, Obama, and Clinton have a complex history, with all three vying for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. Obama ultimately emerged as the nominee and chose Biden as his vice president, and later nudged Hillary Clinton to run for president in 2016. Despite some disagreements on key issues, such as troop deployments in Afghanistan, the three presidents have often worked towards similar goals in a sort of legislative relay race. For example, Clinton’s attempts to expand healthcare access were finally realized under Obama with the Affordable Care Act, which Biden has further built upon during his presidency.
Although each president has a distinctive style, they all share a commitment to improving the lives of working Americans. Obama’s reserved demeanor contrasts with Biden and Clinton’s more personable approach, with both drawing energy from interacting with people on a personal level. As Biden faces challenges in public polling, there is a suggestion that he should learn from his predecessors’ ability to connect with the American people to improve his popularity. The absence of former President Jimmy Carter from the fundraiser due to health reasons underscores the longevity and deep connections among Democratic leaders like Biden, Obama, and Clinton.
The fundraising event in New York City is set to be a grand affair, with thousands of attendees expected at Radio City Music Hall to watch a conversation moderated by talk show host Stephen Colbert. Celebrity guests will provide additional star power, and ticket prices range from $225 for general admission to $100,000 for a photo with all three presidents. Biden’s campaign aims to raise significant funds from the event, building on the success of a previous fundraiser with Biden and Obama. Despite criticism from the Trump campaign, Obama remains committed to supporting Biden and helping Democrats in the upcoming elections.
The personal relationship between Obama and Biden extends beyond politics, with Obama offering support during Biden’s family medical struggles. Following the death of Biden’s son Beau, Obama gave a heartfelt eulogy, highlighting the deep bond between the two men. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the familial connection between Obama, Biden, and Clinton, underscoring the close ties that have shaped their shared political legacy. Overall, the partnership and history shared by Biden, Obama, and Clinton exemplify a unique and enduring bond among Democratic leaders.
