What Obama Didn't Say In His Statement About Biden Is Deafening

President Joe Biden's sudden decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race was shocking but not entirely surprising. Biden's debate against Donald Trump left everyone more worried than ever about his ability to serve another four years. The weeks following saw his poll numbers slip, and his supporters lose confidence, with nearly 40 members of Congress urging Biden to step aside. Even his friend and former boss, Barack Obama, reportedly expressed concerns about the future of the Democratic party if the president were to continue the campaign. Once Biden made his announcement, Obama released a thoughtful response.

Calling Biden "a dear friend and partner," in his statement posted on Medium, Obama also praised him as "a patriot of the highest order." He reminded the public that the president's accomplishments more than qualified him to attempt a second run, but his difficult decision proved Biden was acting for the greater good. "It's a testament to Joe Biden's love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow."

What stood out in the statement, however, was what Obama didn't say. Though Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him on the Democratic ticket, the 44th president failed to do the same. Instead, he kept it neutral: "I have extraordinary confidence that the leaders of our party will be able to create a process from which an outstanding nominee emerges."

Barack Obama's silence on Joe Biden's endorsement of Kamala Harris is causing quite the stir online. Fans are calling for the former president to get on board: "Sir, please endorse VP Harris. The sooner, the better," pleaded a user on X, formerly Twitter. Another was harsher: "Where is your endorsement of Kamala Harris? Anything less is a civic and moral failure on your part." One writer half-jokingly suggested this was a slip-up: "Oops. Looks like they posted the early draft without the Harris endorsement. Can you get them to upload the correct one?"

Naturally, anti-Biden conspiracy theories flew all over the place as well, suggesting Obama orchestrated Biden's whole presidency and would soon be deciding on the ballot replacement. "The fact that Obama published this piece AFTER Biden said Kamala Harris should be nominee is VERY telling," said a writer who noted the neutral "nominee" mention. A skeptic tried to push the narrative of a rumored feud between Biden and Obama: "You and Biden hated each other — and you pushed him out in a coup that trampled on the wishes of voters."

Cooler heads are pointing out that Obama is likely waiting until an official candidate is named before throwing his support behind them. This could explain why former first lady Michelle Obama has also stayed silent. She may well be Team Kamala, but she just can't show it yet.