Barack Obama has warned Joe Biden not to underestimate Donald Trump as a political rival — pointing out, according to one report, that Trump had an intensely loyal following and strong media support in an extremely polarized country.
The warning, reported by The Washington Post on Wednesday, was made over lunch at the White House on June 27.
Obama and Biden plan regular catch-ups, and during the June 27 luncheon at the residence, discussions were held about their families and Biden’s plan to spend his vacation in Palm Springs — a plan that has since been abandoned due to the extreme heat.
Obama, 61, told Biden, 80, to be wary of Trump.
Barack Obama was at the White House on June 27 for lunch with Joe Biden — and to shoot this campaign ad
Obama and Biden can be seen on the interim campaign trail in Philadelphia, November 5, 2022
Biden and Trump, 77, are tied in a hypothetical rematch, according to a July poll by The New York Times and Siena College released Tuesday.
Both men receive 43 percent support for their return to the White House in 2024.
Trump has a strong lead over second-seeded Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary, beating Florida governor by 37 points.
The survey also found that voters are unenthusiastic about their options: 55 percent of respondents say they view Trump somewhat or very unfavorably, and 54 percent for Biden.
Obama stressed, according to The Washington Post, that he had not told Biden to be wary because he felt Biden was a weak candidate or lacked political acumen.
Rather, it was because Trump held the Republican party in a vice grip.
Donald Trump is seen on July 28. Obama warned Biden not to underestimate him
Obama remains one of the most sought-after surrogates on the campaign trail, and after their June 27 luncheon, he recorded his first campaign visit for Biden.
“Giving five or ten dollars — whatever you can — to Joe Biden’s campaign really makes a difference,” Obama says in the 46-second video.
“Let me tell you why, from a man who won a few.
“Donations from regular supporters like you made up the bulk of Joe’s campaign income last time.”
Obama says small donations helped “get us out of the pandemic, build on the ACA and make the largest investment in climate change in history.”
Obama ends: “I know Joe will appreciate it.”
The camera then pans to a second camera – with Biden behind the lens.
“Thanks, Obama,” Biden says.
Eric Schultz, a senior adviser to Obama, declined to comment on the White House lunch, but said they were working to maximize impact on Biden’s campaign.
“We place a heavy emphasis on finding creative ways to reach new audiences, especially tools that can be directly tied to voter mobilization or volunteer activations,” Schultz said in a statement.
“We consciously choose our moments because our goal is to move the needle.”
In August, Obama will hold a fundraiser on Martha’s Vineyard — where he owns a $12 million estate — to benefit the National Democratic Redistricting Committee.
Founded by Obama’s Attorney General, Eric Holder, the organization seeks to counter the Republicans’ success in drafting legislative and congressional districts.
Obama will then begin fundraising for Biden in the fall, a source told The Washington Post.
TJ Ducklo, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, said: “President Biden is grateful for his continued support and looks forward to once again campaigning with President Obama to win in 2024 and get the job done for the American people.” to round. ‘