Sanders exit opened door for Obama to endorse Biden – and offer up his rhetorical skills
The three endorsements Joe Biden needed most came within the space of 48 hours.
First, Bernie Sanders backed his former Democratic rival for president on April 13, effectively ending the Democratic primary. The emergence of a consensus candidate appeared to liberate former president Barack Obama, who a day later reentered American politics proper, after dedicating three years to staying largely below the political radar.
In a 12-minute YouTube video, Obama declared he was “proud to endorse Joe Biden” adding, “I believe Joe has the qualities we need in a president.” Sen. Elizabeth Warren followed suit on April 15, pledging her own support to Biden.
The emergence of a consensus candidate – reportedly after Obama held a series of conversations with Sanders – allowed the former president to...