Former First Lady Michelle Obama has privately voiced her frustration over the treatment of her close friend Kathleen Buhle by the Biden family following Buhle’s contentious divorce from Hunter Biden, sources familiar with the situation report.
The discord in their relationship is part of the reason why Michelle Obama, known for her distaste for partisan politics, has not actively campaigned for President Biden’s re-election, despite her popularity within the Democratic Party.
Former President Barack Obama has been a vocal supporter of Biden, but Michelle Obama has kept a noticeable distance, as reported by the New York Post on June 27, 2024.
The relationship dynamics between the Obamas and Bidens began to shift significantly in 2015, the year then-Vice President Joe Biden considered a presidential run—a prospect President Obama discouraged. That same year, tragedy struck the Biden family with the death of Beau Biden from cancer, marking the beginning of tumultuous times that included Hunter Biden’s divorce from Kathleen Buhle in 2017.
Michelle Obama, who had formed a close friendship with Buhle during her time as First Lady, reportedly felt that Buhle was treated unfairly by the Biden family. Buhle had to contend with issues related to Hunter Biden’s substance abuse and infidelity, with some Biden family members allegedly blaming her for private details becoming public.
Michelle Obama’s absence from Biden’s campaign activities is not solely attributed to the Buhle incident but also reflects her enduring reluctance to engage deeply in partisan politics. Instead, she has focused her efforts on non-partisan initiatives like When We All Vote, a voter registration organization she co-founded in 2018.
Despite her reservations, Michelle Obama participated in the 2020 campaign cycle in a measured way. She delivered a notable speech at the Democratic National Convention, supported Biden’s candidacy on social media, and leveraged When We All Vote to encourage voter participation.
Looking ahead to the 2024 election cycle, discussions have taken place between Michelle Obama’s team and the Biden campaign about potential involvement. Top aides from both camps have reportedly met to explore ways for Michelle Obama to contribute, indicating a possible shift from her previous stance.
The relationship between the Biden and Obama families, while marked by tensions, also shows glimpses of warmth and mutual support. Recently, Jill Biden attended the memorial service for Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, underscoring ongoing personal ties despite political differences.
Michelle Obama’s private frustrations highlight the complexities of political and personal relationships at the highest levels. Her measured involvement in the Biden campaign, despite her deep-seated reservations and past grievances, reflects her ongoing commitment to her values and principles.
