Former Vice President Joe Biden, 76, is reportedly slighted by former President Barack Obama's call for "new blood" in politics.

The 44th president, during a private Obama Foundation reception last week in Hawaii, told attendees there was a "deficit" in political leadership and that there was a need for "new blood." Though he appeared to be speaking broadly about politics, not specifically the Democratic Party, the Hill reported Sunday that Obama's comments were a cause of consternation for Biden given the longtime senator's loyalty to the former president and the way his ex-boss discouraged him from running in 2016 against eventual nominee Hillary Clinton.

“The president loves this guy, loves Joe, thinks the world of him. He would go in a battle ditch with Joe, but that's different than giving his brand to him,” one Obama ally told the outlet. “He has an incredible soft spot for him. And I'm sure he'll do everything he can to make Joe feel good, but he won't come out and make Joe his candidate. And I think that hurts Joe.”

Biden's spokesman, Bill Russo, did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner's request for comment.

Obama's remarks in Hawaii come after a Vanity Fair report last month that Biden felt stung by the former president meeting with other potential 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, including ex-Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas.

Biden, who is yet to officially announce he'll launch a White House bid, told a crowd at a recent book tour event he believed he is the " most qualified person in the country to be president." The New York Times reported last week Biden is likely to declare his 2020 plans by the end of January.