As Joe Biden campaigns for a second term in the Oval Office, he faces numerous challenges, including concerns about his age and his son Hunter Biden’s recent conviction, making Hunter the first child of a sitting president to be a convicted felon.
Biden’s performance during the first presidential debate further fueled some voters’ preference for Donald Trump. Despite Trump suggesting that Biden might quit the race, the president has reassured supporters that he is still running.
A notable topic of discussion has been the perceived support, or lack thereof, from the Obama family.
Rumors have circulated regarding Michelle Obama’s alleged frustration with the Biden family, particularly over their treatment of her friend Kathleen Buhle after her divorce from Hunter Biden.
A recent report by Axios claimed that Michelle Obama is “frustrated” with the Bidens, specifically regarding how Kathleen Buhle was treated post-divorce.
The report highlighted Barack Obama’s solo appearances at many Biden fundraisers as potential evidence of Michelle’s reluctance to support Biden due to personal grievances.
Michelle Obama and Buhle became close friends during the Obama administration, with Hunter Biden’s 2021 memoir noting their frequent interactions. Buhle’s own memoir, released after Hunter’s, led to her being “largely exiled” from the Biden family, as per Axios.
Reportedly, Michelle Obama has privately expressed that she felt Buhle was wronged by the Bidens.
Sources familiar with the Obama-Biden dynamics suggested that Michelle was initially hesitant to campaign for Biden when he became the Democratic nominee in 2020, partly due to these personal issues and partly due to the complexities of Hunter’s relationships.
In response to these allegations, both the Biden and Obama families have been quick to dismiss any notion of a rift.
The White House, through spokesman Andrew Bates, emphasized the close relationship between the families, stating:
“The Biden and Obama families are like family to each other, and whomever made these claims about that relationship isn’t familiar with it. The former President and First Lady have been two of the strongest supporters of President Biden’s leadership and agenda.”
Michelle Obama’s spokesperson also denied any conflict, highlighting First Lady Jill Biden’s attendance at the memorial service for Michelle’s mother, Marian Robinson, as evidence of their strong relationship. Crystal Carson, Michelle Obama’s communications director, clarified:
“Mrs. Obama has already said she supports President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. She is friends with Kathleen and with the Bidens. Two things can be true.”
While Michelle Obama continues to focus on her non-partisan voter registration group, When We All Vote, the support for Biden’s campaign from the Obamas remains publicly steadfast, dispelling rumors of any significant discord.
