Report: Michelle Obama's Hesitancy Toward Biden Campaign Linked to First Family Drama
Amid unfolding political dramas, former first lady Michelle Obama has been seen by some as exhibiting a reluctance to support President Joe Biden's 2024 re-election campaign.
This hesitation on Mrs. Obama's part reportedly stems from internal conflicts involving the Biden family and her close friend, Kathleen Buhle, who is also Hunter Biden's ex-wife, as Red State reports.
Michelle Obama, highly influential in Democratic circles, had been a prominent figure on the campaign trail during the 2020 elections.
However, her participation has significantly waned as Biden seeks a second term. Sources close to her suggest this change is partially due to her dissatisfaction with how the Biden family has treated her friend, Kathleen Buhle.
Background: Michelle's Connection to the Biden Family
The relationship between the Obama and Biden families dates back to their time in the White House, with apparent strains appearing around 2015. This period coincided with Joe Biden's contemplation of a presidential run, shortly after the tragic death of his son, Beau Biden.
Kathleen Buhle, who was married to Biden’s son Hunter, has faced personal challenges that reportedly affected her standing with the Biden family. Buhle and Hunter finalized their divorce in 2017 amid Hunter's struggles with substance abuse and infidelity.
Michelle's Stance, Explained
While former President Barack Obama has publicly endorsed Biden and emphasized the importance of voting for him, Michelle has been notably silent about the 2024 campaign on social media platforms.
However, during the 2020 virtual Democratic National Convention, Michelle was an active participant, delivering speeches that resonated with many.
Reports indicate that Michelle expressed to Buhle that the latter had been unfairly treated by members of the Biden family. Specifically, some family members blamed Buhle for public leaks detailing Hunter’s troubles.
Michelle reportedly told Buhle, "Buhle had to deal with Hunter's drug use and infidelity -- and then Biden family members blamed Buhle for some of the salacious details of his behavior becoming public."
Public Statements and Internal Sentiments
In response to inquiries about her stance, a spokesperson for Michelle Obama stated, "The former first lady supports Biden's re-election and added: 'She is friends with Kathleen and with the Bidens. Two things can be true.'"
This statement underscores the complexity of personal and professional relationships in politics, highlighting how multiple truths can coexist, affecting public roles and private alliances.
There are conflicting reports regarding the current status of the relationship between the Obama and Biden families. While the Biden team insists that the bonds remain strong, showcased by various public interactions, the actions and words of Michelle Obama suggest a more nuanced reality.
The Influence of Personal Relationships on Politics
Michelle’s participation in the upcoming Democratic National Convention is still uncertain. Given her influential status, her decision could impact the dynamics of the campaign.
Furthermore, in 2017, Barack Obama attended a fundraiser in Wilmington, Delaware, which supported the Beau Biden Foundation.
Michelle's absence at this event was noted by some as indicative of the complexities within their interpersonal relationships.
In conclusion, Michelle Obama’s seeming reluctance to actively campaign for President Biden in his 2024 re-election bid appears deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and relationships within the Biden family.
Her involvement, or lack thereof, remains a significant narrative thread as the political season unfolds.