The concluding weeks of President Joe Biden’s term are revealing significant divisions within the Democratic Party. Reports indicate that First Lady Jill Biden has been encouraging the President to confront former allies before he steps down. The First Lady’s reported feelings of “betrayal” have amplified due to recent occurrences within the Democratic Party. It is suggested she has been advocating for President Biden to take more decisive actions against these party figures.

Multiple sources indicate that the First Lady holds a considerable amount of what has been described as “misguided resentment” towards Democratic leadership. This includes former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Barack Obama, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The First Lady has reportedly expressed private discontent at the absence of support for her husband from party leadership, particularly amidst the pressures for him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The planned trip of the Bidens to California during the Democratic National Convention, which coincides with scheduled speeches by Harris and Obama, has been seen by some as a deliberate attempt to evade these events. This suggests further strains within the party’s leadership.

These tensions were notably on display at the recent Kennedy Center Honors, where Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul, were distinctly relegated to the orchestra section after previously being guests of honor in the presidential box. The seating arrangement marked a stark departure from tradition and underscored the deteriorating relationship between the Bidens and Pelosi, who have been friends for five decades.

Florida attorney and Democratic mega-donor John Morgan provided some insight into these intricate dynamics. He suggested Biden’s swift endorsement of Harris after withdrawing from the race may have been an act of retaliation.

“[Biden] basically had the palace coup from all directions, from George Clooney to Pelosi. I think he got pissed off [and] said, F*** you, and gave us Harris,” Morgan disclosed. He added pointedly, “Pelosi had told her delegation that there would be a convention and a nominating process. And Barack Obama did not endorse [Harris] for five days.”

Morgan, who did not personally contribute to Harris’ campaign, criticized its financial management, suggesting it could endanger her future presidential ambitions. Morgan’s comments follow reports that the Harris campaign amassed $20 million in debt after lavish spending. However, the Harris campaign refutes any outstanding debts.
The White House’s holiday season has mirrored this tense atmosphere. Both the President and First Lady were noticeably absent during the first week of December when many traditional holiday events usually occur. The President was in Africa while Dr. Biden was in Europe. Some staff parties have been organized at atypical times, with the White House staff celebration scheduled at 1 p.m. on a Monday, necessitating employees to return to work afterward.

Democratic strategist Lindy Li disclosed that Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi had favored an open primary over what she termed a “coronation” for Harris. The subsequent election loss to Donald Trump has only exacerbated the internal discord, with a Harris campaign adviser telling the Washington Post, “It’s almost Shakespearean that Biden didn’t just kill his own campaign, he killed hers, too.”

Li noted that Obama did not have a preferred candidate in the race, but was considering Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona.

Post-election, Li expressed her apprehension about the future of the Democratic Party and criticized Harris for her overwhelming loss against Donald Trump.

The bond between the Bidens and their chosen successor has cooled significantly in the wake of Harris’ election defeat. Sources indicate that President Biden, who sincerely believed Harris could defeat Trump, has found it difficult to understand the campaign’s loss despite having substantial funding.

Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), a friend of the President’s, provided a more balanced view of Biden’s current state of mind, stating: “I think it’s a human emotion. This has been his life, and he’s getting ready to transfer to a new phase.”