Former US President Barack Obama is “very worried” about the prospect of Donald Trump being re-elected as president and will throw his weight behind Joe Biden’s campaign, a US political expert has said.
Obama will take center stage Thursday night at a fundraiser at New York’s Radio City Music Hall alongside former President Bill Clinton and current President Joe Biden.
It is hoped the event will raise more than $25 million for the Democratic Party’s US campaign.
It will also be a high-profile moment for Mr. Obama to express his support for Mr. Biden.
Todd Landman, professor of political science at the University of Nottingham, said I: “I think Obama is very worried about Trump’s presidency.
“He really didn’t underestimate this person.”
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Biden leading Trump by 1 percentage point, with 39% of registered voters saying they would vote for the Democrat, compared with 38%.
However, many voters are still undecided and Professor Landman said the election will be “very tight”.
“Polls are rising [for Biden] But anything can happen at the polls and it’s quite uncertain,” he said. “The whole thing will depend on turnout, independents, third-party candidates and undecideds. “
Putting the 62-year-old Obama at the forefront of the campaign would give the Biden campaign a chance to capitalize on his experience, relative youth compared with the 81-year-old candidate and renowned oratory skills.
“Obama brought the reality and youthful energy of eight years as president and was one of the best orators we have ever had,” Professor Landman said. “There were a lot of people who didn’t like him, and they didn’t like Obamacare.
“But he’s very popular on the left and center left, and he can mobilize the black vote, which is fighting against Biden.”
Obama supported Biden in the last presidential campaign, and the two have a long-standing relationship because Biden was Obama’s vice president.
The former attorney from Hawaii is also unafraid of confronting Trump.
“He is quite critical of Trump and will criticize Trump’s policy decisions,” the professor said. “He’s great at tempering it with common sense.”
For those who might question the U.S. election process, Obama can help put any doubts to rest as Trump faces court cases related to his 2020 election defeat and alleged attempts to overturn the election.
Professor Landman said: “There are real issues with the legitimacy of the electoral process – some of which Obama could moderate.
“There was a calming element to Obama’s presence.
“The help he’s providing is basically a good thing. In terms of support, he’s doing a net good.”
In addition to attending a fundraiser with Clinton on Thursday night, Obama may also appear in television commercials (campaign ads) and at events such as rallies as a “warm-up act.”
He is also expected to be active behind the scenes.
“There will be a lot going on behind the scenes: phone calls, meetings. He will be trying to convince others to make statements in support of Biden,” the professor said. “
Obama reportedly praised Biden’s fiery State of the Union address during a meeting at the White House on Friday.Eric Schultz, senior adviser to the Obama administration, said era The former president “looks forward to helping Democrats make that case to voters on the ballot this fall. Our strategy will be based on driving influence, especially when and where his voice can help move the needle.”
Age and well-being have become a “big issue” for Democrats in this presidential campaign: Biden will be 82 years old this November.
However, Professor Landman said: “Some critics think Biden lacks energy, but we need to remember when Biden first won while sitting in a bunker during the COVID-19 pandemic, so don’t underestimate him.”
Leon Panetta, who served in key positions during the Clinton and Obama administrations, described Thursday’s fundraiser as an important moment for Biden’s campaign.
“What it does is first and foremost broaden and strengthen support among all Democrats,” he said.
He said both Clinton and Obama were considered effective political communicators and could help the presidents make better pitches for re-election.
“I can’t think of two people who are better at conveying that message,” he added.
While Biden relied on the support of previous presidents, Trump did not have the support of his Republican predecessor, President George W. Bush, nor the support of former Vice President Mike Pence.
But the 77-year-old businessman-turned-politician remains tireless.
“The Obama-Clinton cartel thinks they’re going to beat us tomorrow, but I have something they will never have,” he said in a fundraising appeal on Wednesday, referring to his supporters.
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