The final weeks of President Joe Biden’s administration have revealed deepening rifts within the Democratic Party, with First Lady Jill Biden reportedly encouraging her husband to settle scores with former allies before leaving office. The First Lady’s reported feelings of “betrayal” have intensified following recent developments within the Democratic Party. Sources suggest she has been encouraging President Biden to take more assertive actions against these party figures.
According to multiple sources, the First Lady harbors what one insider describes as “misguided resentment” toward Democratic leadership, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former President Barack Obama, and Vice President Kamala Harris.
The First Lady has privately expressed “dismay” at the lack of support for her husband from party leadership, particularly following the pressures for him to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. The timing of the Bidens’ planned trip to California during the Democratic National Convention, coinciding with scheduled speeches by Harris and Obama, has been interpreted by some as a deliberate move to avoid these events, further suggesting strained relationships within the party’s leadership.
The tension became particularly evident at the recent Kennedy Center Honors, where Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Paul, were notably 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 highlighted the deteriorating relationship between the Bidens and Pelosi, who had been friends for five decades.
Florida attorney and Democratic mega-donor John Morgan offered insight into the complex dynamics, suggesting Biden’s quick 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 revealed. 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 jeopardize her future presidential prospects. Morgan’s remarks follow reports that the Harris campaign accumulated $20 million in debt after extravagant spending. The Harris campaign, however, denies any outstanding debts.
The White House’s holiday season has reflected this strained atmosphere. Both the President and First Lady were notably absent during the first week of December when many traditional holiday events are typically held. The President was in Africa while Dr. Biden was in Europe. Some staff parties have been scheduled at unusual times, with the White House staff celebration held at 1 p.m. on a Monday, requiring employees to return to work afterward.
Democratic strategist Lindy Li revealed that Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi had hoped for an open primary rather than what she termed a “coronation” for Harris. The subsequent election loss to Donald Trump has only intensified the internal friction, 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.”
Obama did not have a preferred candidate in the race, Li said, but that he was considering Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona.
After the election, Li spoke about her concern for the future of the Democratic Party. She criticized Harris for her devastating loss against Donald Trump.
The relationship between the Bidens and their chosen successor has grown increasingly cold following Harris’ election defeat. Sources say that President Biden, who genuinely believed Harris could defeat Trump, has struggled to comprehend the campaign’s loss despite its billion-dollar war chest.
Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI), a friend of the President’s, offered a more measured perspective on Biden’s current state of mind: “I think it’s a human emotion. This has been his life, and he’s getting ready to transfer to a new phase.”
