Democrats fume over Biden's return to spotlight

The Hill

09-05-2025

Democrats are blasting former President Biden's reemergence in the spotlight following his interview Thursday on 'The View,' his second major post-presidency interview.
During the sit-down, which took place alongside former first lady Jill Biden, Biden slammed President Trump's second administration, saying he's had 'the worst 100 days any president's ever had.' The former president also denied reports of his mental decline during his term and took responsibility for Democratic losses in 2024, telling the show's hosts, 'I was in charge and he won.'
But some Democrats are criticizing Biden's recent appearances, arguing the former president is becoming a drag on the party as it seeks to rebuild following its widespread losses in 2024.
'Elections are about the future. Every time Joe Biden emerges, we fight an old war,' said Democratic strategist Anthony Coley, who worked for the Biden administration. 'Every interview he does provides a contrast to Trump that's just not helpful for the Democratic brand, which needs trusted messengers and fighters who can reach independents and moderates and inspire the base. Joe Biden ain't that.'
Coley said it was 'good' that Biden took responsibility for the events that led to Trump's election but questioned whether it mattered going forward.
'Honestly, what good does that do now? Many Democrats — from elected leaders to the party faithful — are just ready to turn the page. I just don't think he understands how wide and deep this sentiment is,' he said.
Other Democratic critics argue that the former president did not go far enough.
One Democratic strategist said Biden needs to 'take responsibility for his actions' and 'own up to the fact that he caused Democrats to lose.'
'I don't think there's a willingness to cop to the fact that he should never have run again in the first place,' the strategist said. 'Why can't he come out and acknowledge that part of this is on him?'
Thursday's interview with 'The View' was his second sit-down interview of the week, with the first airing Tuesday on the BBC. Biden took multiple opportunities to criticize Trump's foreign policy in his conversation with the British broadcaster, taking particular aim at Trump's handling of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Some Democrats say Biden would be better suited avoiding sit-down interviews and instead focus on community outreach, much like former President Carter.
'There is a way for President Biden to build his post-presidency, but this isn't it,' said Steve Schale, a longtime Biden ally who ran a pro-Biden super PAC in recent cycles. 'I really wish he'd embrace the thing that's been his calling card for 50 years: His humanity.'
While Biden focuses on preserving his legacy, Schale said he would take an approach similar to what Carter took in the years following his presidency.
'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,' Schale said. 'I really wish Biden would follow a similar path.'
'Get out and work in the community. Do … things that highlight the things his administration did to help people,' Schale said. 'Let the images of his human interactions and the stories they tell rebuild the brand. That's way more powerful than playing pundit.'
The interviews come amid a slew of books detailing the last year of the Biden administration, including accusations that his mental acuity was slipping while in office. Biden denied those reports, calling them 'wrong.' The former first lady also slammed reporting on Biden's mental acuity while in office, noting 'the people who wrote those books were not in the White House with us.'
A second Democratic strategist predicted that the Biden narrative on his mental acuity will not go away and will be something that future presidential contenders will have to answer for.
'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 said.
But Biden still has staunch defenders within the Democratic ranks who argue his storied career in politics is needed in the party.
'I thought that was good for Joe Biden to just be honest and open about where things were, and where they are, and where he thinks they very well could be based on his own life experiences,' said Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright, who has spent time with Biden after his administration.
'If you know Joe Biden like I know Joe Biden and have spent time with him post-the presidency like I've spent time with him, then you will know that Joe Biden is doing what is still in the best interests of the country,' he continued. 'Joe Biden can still be helpful to the country, to the Congress, the Constitution, and the community.'
Seawright said the choice of 'The View' for Biden's first American post-presidency interview was good given the program's broad reach.
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'I think 'The View' is a very captive audience. It's also a very diverse audience that crosses many sectors of the country,' he said.
But as younger voices become more prominent voices in the party, other Democrats are questioning why the interview was even necessary.
'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.'