Democrats Express Concerns Over Biden’s Recent Public Appearances

Former President Joe Biden’s recent return to the public eye, particularly his interview on "The View," has sparked frustration among some Democrats, according to a report by The Hill. These Democrats worry that Biden’s continued presence in the spotlight could hinder the party’s progress, especially as concerns about his mental sharpness during his presidency resurface.

The concerns intensified after former First Lady Jill Biden had to assist her husband when he appeared to struggle answering a question about his mental acuity on "The View." This incident, coupled with other moments from the interview, has led to questions about whether Biden’s public appearances are beneficial to the Democratic Party.

Democratic strategist and former Biden administration official Anthony Cole voiced his concerns to The Hill, stating that Biden’s continued public engagement is counterproductive. "Elections are about the future. Every time Joe Biden emerges, we fight an old war," Cole said. He emphasized that Biden’s interviews provide an unfavorable contrast to former President Donald Trump, which is "not helpful for the Democratic brand." Cole suggested that the party needs "trusted messengers and fighters who can reach independents and moderates and inspire the base," and he doesn’t believe Joe Biden fills that role anymore.

While Cole acknowledged that it was "good" that Biden took responsibility for some of the party’s failures leading up to President Trump’s 2024 win, he questioned the relevance of such admissions now. "Honestly, what good does that do now?" he asked. Cole asserted that many Democrats, including elected officials and party members, are eager to "turn the page" and move forward. "I just don’t think he understands how wide and deep this sentiment is," Cole concluded.

Other Democrats expressed even stronger disapproval of Biden’s recent appearance, criticizing him for not going far enough in accepting responsibility for the party’s losses. One Democratic strategist argued that Biden needs to "take responsibility for his actions" and "own up to the fact that he caused Democrats to lose." The strategist lamented, "I don’t think there’s a willingness to cop to the fact that he should never have run again in the first place." They questioned, "Why can’t he come out and acknowledge that part of this is on him?"

Steve Schale, a longtime Biden ally who played a key role in a pro-Biden super PAC during recent election cycles, urged Biden to prioritize his "humanity" over public appearances that may highlight any perceived decline. "There is a way for President Biden to build his post-presidency, but this isn’t it," Schale asserted. "I really wish he’d embrace the thing that’s been his calling card for 50 years: his humanity."

Schale suggested that Biden should emulate former President Jimmy Carter and focus on community outreach rather than attempting to preserve his legacy through interviews and public statements. "By the end of his life, we were reminded of the decent and humble nature of the man thanks to his acts, not his words," he said. "I really wish Biden would follow a similar path."

Biden’s recent media appearances coincide with the release of several new books that delve into the final days of his administration, some of which include allegations of declining mental acuity. The former president and his wife have refuted these accusations, with Jill Biden stating on "The View" that "The people who wrote those books were not in the White House with us."

However, an unnamed Democratic strategist told The Hill that the narrative surrounding Biden’s mental sharpness is persistent and will likely influence future political races. "There’s a good chance that the most significant litmus test for any Democrat in the 2028 field will be how and if they admonish Biden for the political judgment in the final 18 months of his political career," the strategist claimed.

Some Democrats are questioning the rationale behind Biden’s recent interviews, particularly as younger Democrats are increasingly seen as the future of the party. "I don’t know who’s asking for this," Democratic strategist Jon Reinish said. "I actually think that a lot of people are starting to pay much more attention to a younger generation of Democrats free of baggage and who are finally starting to move the party away from folks who stayed too long at the fair."

The concerns expressed by these Democrats highlight a growing sentiment within the party that it is time to move beyond the Biden era and embrace a new generation of leaders. While Biden remains a respected figure in Democratic circles, his continued public appearances are seen by some as a potential liability, particularly as the party looks ahead to future elections. The focus on his age and mental acuity, fueled by his recent interviews and the release of critical books, could overshadow the party’s message and hinder its efforts to connect with independent and moderate voters. The hope is that Biden will recognize these concerns and shift his focus towards activities that emphasize his legacy of service and compassion, rather than engaging in potentially damaging public debates.