Politics
‘Heartbreaking and Tragic’: Biden’s Comeback Angers Some Democratic Insiders
By Jake Beardslee · April 20, 2025
Democrats Unimpressed as Biden Returns to Public Eye
As former President Joe Biden stepped back into the public spotlight this week with a major speech in Chicago—his first since leaving office—many Democrats are signaling they'd prefer he remain on the sidelines while the party regroups from its 2024 defeat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Broome) / Wikimedia
Biden's Former Allies Question Return to Public Stage
Even longtime allies are questioning the timing. According to reporting from The Hill, Michael LaRosa, former communications director for First Lady Jill Biden, said the former president’s return is out of sync with the mood inside the party. “I love both Bidens dearly, but staff loyalty means there is a responsibility to provide them with an honest situational awareness, especially when it comes to their public image, no matter how hurtful it is to hear,” LaRosa said. The Biden White House / Wikimedia
Ex-Biden Adviser: "Intense Anger" Lingers in Party Ranks
He continued, "If they had advisers who had their hand on the pulse of the Democratic Party or national politics, they would have understood the intense level of anger or indifference to them that remains inside our party and isn’t going away anytime soon." LaRosa called it "a heartbreaking and tragic ending to their time in public life," and urged the Bidens to "index the political realities into their decisionmaking." Democratic National Committee (DNC) / Wikimedia
LaRosa Calls Appearance a "Gift" to Trump
LaRosa also argued that Biden’s reappearance was "a lovely gift for the White House, President Trump and conservative media," coming just as the administration faced scrutiny over a turbulent tariff policy. He added that the reemergence "provided a detour for the president to distract his cadre of supporters with Biden taunts and blame, giving Fox News nearly 48 hours of fresh new programming." The White House / Wikimedia
Former Biden Aide: ‘Ride Off Into the Sunset’
“It takes a special level of chutzpah as the man most responsible for reelecting Donald Trump to decide it’s your voice that is missing in this moment,” a former Biden campaign insider reportedly told Politico. “The country would be better served if he rode off into the sunset.” The White House / Wikimedia
Biden Emerges With Critique of Trump Administration
Since leaving the White House, Biden has kept a relatively low profile, aside from some public outings. But this week marked a change. His speech in Chicago took aim at the Trump administration’s approach to Social Security and broader governance. "In fewer than 100 days, this new administration has made so much damage … and so much destruction. It’s kind of breathtaking," Biden said. The White House / Wikimedia
Verbal Slip at Harvard Draws Attention
He also made a private appearance at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where, according to The Harvard Crimson, he mistakenly referred to Ukraine as Iraq while discussing the war with Russia. His longtime adviser, Mike Donilon, reportedly had to correct the error during the session. The White House / Wikimedia
DNC Outreach Meets Cool Reception
Last month, NBC News reported that Biden had met with newly elected Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin and expressed willingness to help with fundraising and party rebuilding efforts. That offer didn’t sit well with some Democrats. MNEditor21 / Wikimedia
Donor's Blunt Take: 'No. Thank God.'
Asked by CNN if they’d heard from Biden recently, a longtime donor offered a terse response: “No. Thank God.” U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs / Wikimedia
Lukewarm Support for Public Role
Even one of Biden’s former donors appeared tepid about his reentry, telling Politico that giving a speech was “fine,” but added, “I don’t anticipate crowds of Democrats wanting him as a focal point of the national conversation.” The White House / Wikimedia