Biden’s popularity has hit rock bottom. Even his own party has turned on him.
And Democrats just betrayed Joe Biden in a jaw-dropping move.
Joe Biden’s Bid to Reclaim Relevance Faces Cold Shoulder from Democrats
Former President Joe Biden is making a quiet push to rekindle his influence within the Democratic Party, reaching out with offers to fundraise, hit the campaign trail, or lend a hand in any way that might help the party recover from its bruising loss in November.
According to a Friday report from NBC News, Biden met with Ken Martin, the newly appointed chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), in February to pitch his support. This comes as recent polls signal a dip in the party’s appeal, leaving Democrats searching for a spark.
Yet Biden’s efforts seem to be hitting a wall. “So far, Biden’s overture seems to have fallen flat. Democrats find themselves adrift, casting about for a compelling messenger,” the NBC News report notes. Many within the party see Biden, now 82, as a figure tied to yesterday’s battles rather than tomorrow’s victories.
“Whoever that is, it’s not Biden, many party activists and donors contend. He’s tethered to the 2024 defeat and, at 82, is a symbol more of the party’s past than its future, they argue.” A prominent Biden backer, speaking anonymously, put it bluntly: “Who’s going to want Joe Biden back in the game?”
Meanwhile, Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden are adjusting to a quieter life in Delaware. Sources close to Jill told NBC News she’s ready to step up, too—willing to campaign and rally funds for Democrats.
Both Bidens have their eyes on literary projects: Joe is hashing out ideas for a memoir, tapping insights from former aides like Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan, as well as longtime advisers Mike Donilon and Steve Ricchetti.
Between Delaware and D.C., where he’s been using a government-provided office for meetings, Biden appears to be keeping busy—but not necessarily welcome.
The Democratic Party isn’t entirely united on shunning the Bidens. Some voices still sing his praises. Jane Kleeb, a DNC vice chair, told NBC News, “If you were to call any state party chair and ask them if they wanted Joe Biden to be a keynote speaker for their annual dinner, the answer would be yes. He is beloved by the party and beloved by the voters.”
But that affection isn’t universal. Others argue the party needs to shake off the shadow of the 2024 flop and rally around fresher faces with a sharper message.
Philadelphia fundraiser Alan Kessler, a seasoned Democratic operative, captures the tension. He told NBC News that while “obviously very frustrated” members abound, “there are plenty of people who still love Joe Biden.”
Kessler sees potential for Biden to play a role—perhaps stumping in familiar turf like Scranton, Pennsylvania—but not yet. “It’s time to move on with new leadership,” he said, suggesting the clock isn’t ticking in Biden’s favor just yet.
Democrats Turn the Page on Biden
Biden’s struggle to regain footing reflects a deeper shift within the Democratic Party. Since the 2024 election loss, many party faithful have pinned the defeat on his leadership—or at least his decision to run again. Once a unifying figure who ousted Donald Trump in 2020, Biden’s legacy took a hit as inflation, border challenges, and doubts about his age dominated headlines during his term.
The rejection isn’t just personal; it’s strategic. Democrats are hungry for a reset, eager to spotlight younger talent—think rising stars like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer or California’s Gavin Newsom—who might energize voters with a forward-looking vision.
Biden’s offers of help, while earnest, feel to many like a plea from a bygone era, clashing with the party’s craving for reinvention. The cold reception signals an overall desire to shed the baggage of 2024 and chart a new course.
Even Biden’s staunchest allies can’t ignore the mood. The admiration he still commands—evident in Kleeb’s praise or Kessler’s cautious optimism—competes with a growing chorus that sees him as a liability. As the party gropes for direction, Biden’s sidelining marks a stark pivot from his days as its standard-bearer, leaving him to watch from Delaware as Democrats wrestle with their next chapter.
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