The recent Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago was marked by behind-the-scenes drama and political tensions, according to a report from the Daily Mail.
The event, which saw Joe Biden pass the torch to Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, was fraught with party infighting and exhaustion.
Biden's final appearance at the convention as the party's leader was overshadowed by organizational failures and personal feuds. The president's speech, originally scheduled for 10:30 PM ET, was delayed until after midnight, causing him to address a diminished audience. This scheduling snafu, along with other behind-the-scenes conflicts, painted a picture of a party in disarray as it prepares for the upcoming election.
One of the most notable tensions at the convention involved former First Lady Michelle Obama. During her 23-minute speech, Obama reportedly did not mention Biden by name once, leading to speculation about a potential snub. Sources claim that Obama had refused to speak at the convention while Biden was still in the 2024 race.
The alleged feud between Obama and Biden is said to stem from Biden's treatment of Kathleen Buhle, Hunter Biden's ex-wife and a close friend of Michelle Obama. Buhle has reportedly been estranged from the Biden family since her separation from Hunter in 2017. This apparent rift between the Obamas and Bidens adds another layer of complexity to the already tumultuous political landscape within the Democratic Party.
Another key player in the convention drama was former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. According to reports, Pelosi had sent Biden an ultimatum in June, threatening to publicly voice her concerns about his candidacy if he did not withdraw from the race.
This move by Pelosi is said to have left the Bidens furious and has allegedly damaged a 50-year friendship between their families. When asked if he had spoken to Pelosi recently, Biden simply replied, "No, I haven't spoken to her."
The president's swift endorsement of Kamala Harris following his withdrawal is believed by some to be a form of retaliation against Pelosi, who reportedly has reservations about Harris as the party's nominee.
The toll of the convention on Biden was evident as he disembarked Air Force One in California following the event. Witnesses described the president as visibly shaking and struggling to enter his vehicle, highlighting the physical and emotional strain of the political process.
First Lady Jill Biden watched with concern, underscoring the personal impact of recent political events on the Biden family. Sources suggest that Jill Biden feels a sense of betrayal from the Democratic Party over their treatment of her husband.
The convention also revealed tensions between various party factions. Harris held a separate campaign rally 90 miles away from the main event on the night the Obamas spoke, a decision reportedly made out of respect for Biden but also indicative of the complex relationships within the party.
As the Democrats move forward with Harris as their nominee, the party faces the challenge of unifying its various factions and presenting a strong front against their Republican opponents. The events at the DNC have exposed deep-seated tensions and personal conflicts that could potentially impact the upcoming campaign.
With only 70 days until the election at the time of the convention, the Democrats must work to ensure that their internal issues do not derail Harris's campaign. The success of the party in the coming months may depend on their ability to overcome these personal and political divisions and present a united front to the American public.