20 Democrats are now running for President.
But all eyes are on Barack Obama.
And he left jaws on the ground with a bombshell decision about his 2020 plans.
Former Vice President Joe Biden became the 20th Democrat to announce their candidacy for the party’s 2020 Presidential nomination.
Biden announced his candidacy with a video smearing President Trump as a racist.
“We are in the battle for the soul of this nation,” Biden claimed. “If we give Donald Trump eight years in the White House, he will forever and fundamentally alter the character of this nation — who we are. And I cannot stand by and watch that happen.”
Biden had finally entered the race and too much fanfare.
But everyone immediately noticed one glaring omission from Biden’s big day.
There was no endorsement from Barack Obama.
Obama’s spokeswoman Katie Hill released a statement where the former President praised Biden.
But it stopped well short of an endorsement.
“President Obama has long said that selecting Joe Biden as his running mate in 2008 was one of the best decisions he ever made,” Hill stated. “He relied on the vice president’s knowledge, insight and judgment throughout both campaigns and the entire presidency. The two forged a special bond over the last 10 years and remain close today.”
Biden later claimed that Obama not endorsing him was Biden’s idea.
“I asked President Obama not to endorse,” Biden stated. “Whoever wins this nomination should win it on their own merits.”
A Presidential candidate’s most favorable coverage comes on the day they enter or leave the race.
And Biden’s big day was ruined by pundits, activists, and donors all wondering why Obama did not endorse the man who faithfully served him for eight years as Vice President.
Many Democrats were wondering why they should support Biden if Obama would not.
To make matters worse, Donald Trump socked Biden with a searing tweet where he questioned the 77-year-old Biden’s energy and intelligence.
“Welcome to the race Sleepy Joe. I only hope you have the intelligence, long in doubt, to wage a successful primary campaign. It will be nasty – you will be dealing with people who truly have some very sick & demented ideas. But if you make it, I will see you at the Starting Gate!” Trump tweeted.
Biden did not conduct a smooth Presidential campaign rollout.
It was marred by controversy.
Obama refused to endorse him.
Donald Trump attacked him.
Anita Hill trended on social media as Biden’s role in the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings once again reared its ugly head.
Biden currently sits atop the Democrat Presidential primary polls.
But how secure his position really is, generates much debate.
He’s an older, white man in a party that favors younger, female, and minority candidates.
And if Biden’s first day as a candidate was a disaster – highlighted by Obama refusing to endorse him – it can only go downhill from here.
We will keep you up to date on any new developments in this ongoing story.
