Former President Barack Obama reportedly played a significant role in convincing Bernie Sanders to bow out of the Democratic primary, paving the way for his former Vice President Joe Biden to seal the nomination uncontested.

Though Obama has politically distanced himself publicly from Biden since he announced his White House bid last year, over the last few weeks he's reportedly been working quietly to help 'accelerate the endgame' for his former sidekick, the New York Times reported.

Since Biden cemented his place as the presumptive nominee with a series of resounding Super Tuesdays victories, Obama reportedly had at least four conversations with Sanders - Biden's last remaining competitor - trying to convince him to step aside.

According to sources close to the Democratic Socialist, Obama's efforts had a considerable impact on Sanders' eventual decision to end his bid last week. He allegedly reassured Sanders he'd already accomplished what he'd set out to do: by pushing the Democratic party substantially to the left.

Since Biden cemented his place as the presumptive nominee with a series of resounding Super Tuesdays victories, Obama reportedly had at least four conversations with Sanders - Biden's last remaining competitor - trying to convince him to step aside

Though Obama has politically distanced himself publicly from Biden since he announced his White House bid last year, over the last few weeks he's reportedly been pulling a number of strings in the shadows to help 'accelerate the endgame' for his former sidekick

Obama motivations were reportedly simple: he wanted to avoid a repeat of the protracted 2016 primary, in which many - including Hillary Clinton - accused Sanders of staying in the race long after his conceivable path to victory had closed.

'He hurt me, there's no doubt about it,' Clinton told Howard Stern late last year. 'And I hope he doesn't do it again to whoever gets the nomination. Once is enough.'

But Sanders wasn't the only 2020 Democratic hopeful who shared numerous interactions with Obama during the primary trail.

Despite his relative public silence, the former president held regular conversations with each of the candidates - both during their bids and after they concluded.

'[Obama’s] private counsel consistently emphasized staying focused on the ultimate goal: winning the White House in November,' a source close to Obama told CNN.

It's said that Obama 'urged [candidates] to keep in mind that we must be well-positioned to unify as a party once we have a nominee.'

According to sources close to the Democratic Socialist (pictured with Obama in 2006), Obama's efforts had a considerable impact on Sanders' eventual decision to end his bid last week. He allegedly reassured Sanders he'd already accomplished what he'd set out to do: pushing the Democratic party substantially to the left

The Vermont senator clearly heeded Obama's advice once more, endorsing Biden on Monday night during a livestream broadcast alongside his former rival, as he and Biden preached the importance of coming together to defeat Trump in November.

'Today I am asking all Americans, I'm asking every Democrat, I'm asking every independent, I'm asking a lot of Republicans , to come together in this campaign to support your candidacy, which I endorse,' Sanders said to Biden on the split-screen, as both men were broadcasting from their homes.

'To make certain that we defeat somebody who I believe, and I'm speaking just for myself now, is the most dangerous president in the modern history of this country,' Sanders went on.

In a bid to sway the progressive vote in his favor, Biden assured Bernie's loyal following that the veteran senator would help to advise him on a number of key issues, from the economy to health care.

SURPRISE: Joe Biden's (left) campaign teased a 'special guest' on his livestream on Monday. It was Bernie Sanders (right) who endorsed him

Barack Obama's long-anticipated public endorsement of Biden followed on Tuesday afternoon in the form of a 12-minute monologue.

Obama said Biden possessed the right kind of leadership, 'the kind of leadership guided by knowledge and experience, honesty and humility, empathy and grace.

'That kind of leadership doesn't just belong in our state capitals and mayors offices, it belongs in the White House,' Obama continued. 'And that's why I'm so proud to endorse Joe Biden for president of the United States.'

The former president also did his part to unify the Democratic Party, giving Bernie Sanders an honorable mention by saying he is an 'American original' and said his ideas will be crucial moving forward.

'Because for the second time in 12 years, we'll have the incredible task of rebuilding our economy,' Obama said. 'And to meet the moment, the Democratic Party will have to be bold.'

Barack Obama's long-anticipated public endorsement of Biden followed on Tuesday afternoon in the form of a 12-minute monologue.

The Biden campaign is said to be eager to utilize Obama as quickly as they can, particularly where fundraisers are concerned, as they attempt to do battle with President Trump's multitudinous supply line of small-dollar donations

Obama said that what Biden and Sanders have in common is that they agree that change needs to occur.

'And that only happens if we win this election,' Obama warned. 'Because one thing everybody has learned right now is the Republicans occupying the White House and running the U.S. Senate are not interested in progress, they're interested in power.'

In the meantime, Obama and Biden are said to be working together to best determine how, when and where they will deploy the former president to best help Biden's 2020 ticket.

The Biden campaign is said to be eager to utilize Obama as quickly as they can, particularly where fundraisers are concerned, as they attempt to do battle with President Trump's multitudinous supply line of small-dollar donations.