New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd is sounding the alarm on what she describes as a “coup” against President Joe Biden by his own party. In a blistering column, Dowd argues that while many Democrats are celebrating the recent decision to replace Biden as their 2024 nominee, the move was nothing short of a power grab orchestrated by top Democratic leaders who once publicly supported him.
Dowd notes that key figures like former President Barack Obama, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) were central to Biden’s ouster. Behind closed doors, they worked to gradually push him out of the race, even as they continued to praise his achievements publicly. “The president already resented Obama for shoving him aside for Hillary,” Dowd wrote, alluding to old tensions that resurfaced as Biden realized he was being sidelined.
The columnist criticizes how these same leaders “whitewashed the coup” by ceremoniously extolling Biden’s time in office, despite maneuvering to replace him with Kamala Harris. Dowd emphasizes that the sudden shift in support, especially from figures who had been close to Biden, highlights the brutal nature of internal party politics.
Dowd concedes that the decision might have been strategically necessary to prevent a loss in 2024 but warns that the ruthless tactics reveal a deeper problem within the Democratic Party. Her column raises questions about loyalty and the lengths party insiders are willing to go to secure a win, even if it means undermining a sitting president.
