"They dropped her as fast as they picked her up" — Internet reacts to reports of Obama's team not replying to Kamala Harris post-loss
Following reports of apparent silence from former President Obama's team towards Vice President Kamala Harris after recent political setbacks, the online community has been abuzz with sharp responses and speculation.
On November 11, 2024, television correspondent Jack Posobiec took to X and claimed that Harris' team is reaching out to Obama, but they have not spoken to her since the US presidential elections.
"JUST IN: Kamala has not spoken to either Obama. Her team has been reaching out but no one on Obama's team is calling or texting back, per WH official," Posobiec wrote.
Following this, many X users alleged a shift in relations between Obama's team and Harris, following what some perceive as strategic distancing by key Democratic figures.
"She's no longer needed, they dropped her as fast as they picked her up," one commented.
Numerous X users humorously suggested that Barack Obama may no longer feel the need to maintain the appearance of a close rapport with Vice President Kamala Harris following recent developments.
Some users even quipped that Harris represented Obama's "fourth term."
"Now that it's over, he doesn't have to pretend to like her anymore," one commented on X.
"They big mad," another commented.
"Hahaha she lost Obama his 4th term," a third commented.
"Even they are sick of her drunk cackle and word salad," one more commented.
However, some users on X indicated that Joe Biden made the wrong choice by endorsing Harris. They also claimed that she was not the preferred candidate.
"The Biden coup was not thought out at all. There was no plan, and Kamala was not the preferred candidate. Dark Brandon forced their hand," a user on X.
"Hahahaha Biden screwed the whole party over by endorsing her!!!!" another commented.
"They are done with her and her political career is over. Unburdened by what has been," one more commented on X.
Netizens reacted strongly to this development, given that Barack Obama was visibly one of Kamala Harris' most prominent supporters throughout her campaign efforts. His presence and endorsement were consistently evident, making recent reports all the more surprising to the public.
Neither Kamala Harris nor Barack Obama have publicly responded to the revelations or the ensuing online reactions.
Did Obama's influence impact Kamala Harris' election outcome?
In July 2024, Barack Obama endorsed Kamala Harris in her presidential campaign, marking a significant milestone as it signaled her acceptance and support from the Democratic Party's most influential figures, including former First Lady Michelle Obama. According to Al Jazeera, Obama stated,
"We called to say Michelle and I couldn't be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office."
Michelle Obama also said,
"I can't have this phone call without saying to my girl, Kamala, I am proud of you. This is going to be historic."
However, according to The Independent, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, during the Wednesday, November 6, episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show podcast, claimed that Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey are the significant reasons Harris lost the election.
Moreover, Smith believes it would be unfair to blame Kamala Harris solely for the party's defeat.
"In fairness, I don't think anybody should be laying the Party's loss at [Harris's] feet. In the end, celebrities, who are worth hundreds of millions, if not billions, who most American citizens feel are incredibly detached from their way of life," Smith said.
Multiple factors are often involved in electoral losses, including campaign strategies, party dynamics, the strength of the opponent, media coverage, and various other influences.
However, to date, no official evidence suggests that Barack Obama or Michelle Obama had a direct impact on Kamala Harris' defeat.