Former President Joe Biden's recent attempt to reenter the political arena has caused a stir among his fellow Democrats, who see it as a disruption to their efforts to regroup after losing the 2024 election.
Some Democrats, even those who have supported Biden in the past, are concerned about the timing of his reemergence, fearing it could hinder the party’s ability to refocus on current issues and criticisms of the Trump administration, as The Hill reports.
Biden's first major speech since stepping down marked his comeback, but it quickly drew criticism from within his party.
Jill Biden’s former communications director, Michael LaRosa, voiced concerns about the former president's advisers and their understanding of the party's current mood. LaRosa highlighted the ongoing resentment and apathy towards Biden among Democrats, indicating that these feelings complicate the party’s development.
LaRosa further commented on the implications of Biden's reappearance, suggesting that it provided the Trump administration with "a gift" by distracting from issues that should spotlight the current White House. By shifting media attention toward Biden, concerns over Trump's economic policies were overshadowed.
Brad Bannon, a Democratic Party strategist, pointed out that public opinion had begun shifting economic blame onto Trump, with Biden's return seemingly undermining that progress. Recent CBS News polling indicated a decrease in approval for Trump's management of the economy, although Biden's sudden presence changed the narrative back in the former president's favor.
Democrats were already attempting to distance themselves from Biden before he left the presidency, attributing their election loss to his leadership. An unnamed strategist revealed that "betrayal" is a term frequently used among party members when discussing Biden's decisions during his presidency.
After leaving office, Biden kept a low profile, attending only a handful of events. This changed with a speech in Chicago in which he criticized Trump's Social Security handling in what some saw as an effort to reclaim political relevance. During this speech, Biden accused the new administration of causing "damage and destruction" in less than 100 days.
Days later, Biden spoke at Harvard’s Kennedy School, where he mistakenly referenced Ukraine instead of Iraq while discussing geopolitical matters. Advisor Mike Donilon, now a Harvard resident fellow, corrected him, emphasizing the scrutiny Biden faces over his age and cognitive condition.
NBC News recently reported that Biden met with Ken Martin, the new DNC Chair, to offer his assistance in fundraising and rebuilding efforts that have not been warmly received by all within the party.
A Democratic Party donor urged Biden to "read the room," indicating the general lack of enthusiasm for his involvement at this time. Another strategist highlighted that Biden needs to break his silence regarding his decision to run for re-election and address questions about his presidency’s later years.
As Democrats continue to navigate their post-loss rebuilding phase, some party strategists argue that Biden's legacy requires accountability for his presidential actions. They assert that owning these decisions is necessary to mend his legacy and allow the party to forge ahead.
In summary, many Democrats, including unnamed strategists, believe Biden needs to directly engage with these issues, rather than relying on others to speak on his behalf. They emphasize that public trust is tied to Biden's willingness to face these challenges head-on, ensuring Democrats can refocus on current political objectives without distractions.
