Obama and Biden: A Look at Their Enduring Political Partnership

Washington, D.C. – The partnership between former President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden stands as one of the most consequential and complex alliances in modern American politics. Their relationship, forged in the crucible of the 2008 presidential campaign, has shaped the Democratic Party’s direction for nearly two decades, blending professional collaboration with personal respect and, at times, tension.

When Obama selected Biden as his running mate in 2008, it was a strategic move: Obama, then a first-term senator with limited Washington experience, sought to balance his ticket with Biden’s decades of Senate service and deep knowledge of foreign and domestic policy. Despite initial skepticism—Biden reportedly questioned Obama’s rapid ascent, while Obama worried about Biden’s tendency for off-the-cuff remarks—the two developed a working rapport that would become central to their administration’s major achievements.

Throughout their eight years in the White House, Obama and Biden met for weekly lunches and spent significant time together, navigating crises such as the 2008 financial collapse and the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Biden’s candid, sometimes blunt style—epitomized by his famously unscripted “big fucking deal” comment at the ACA signing—became a hallmark of their dynamic. While their public image was often portrayed as a “bromance,” insiders and biographers have noted the relationship was more nuanced, marked by mutual reliance but also by differences in temperament and political instincts.

Their partnership faced challenges, particularly in the run-up to the 2016 election. Obama, believing Biden was not emotionally ready after the death of his son Beau, quietly supported Hillary Clinton’s candidacy, a move that strained their bond. The tension was compounded by political calculations and differing visions for the party’s future. However, the two remained in contact, and Obama later endorsed Biden in the 2020 presidential race, providing crucial support as Biden secured the Democratic nomination.

In recent years, the alliance has continued to influence Democratic politics. Obama’s public appearances, including a June 2025 speech in Connecticut, have featured calls for party unity and subtle critiques of current policy directions. Meanwhile, Biden, who withdrew from the 2024 presidential race due to health concerns—including a prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025—has received public praise from Obama for his resilience and leadership, particularly in advancing cancer research through initiatives like the Cancer Moonshot.

Despite their differences and periods of distance, Obama and Biden’s partnership remains a defining force within the Democratic Party. Their shared legacy—rooted in legislative achievement, personal loyalty, and the navigation of political upheaval—continues to shape the party as it faces new challenges and seeks to define its future.