Former President Joe Biden is eager to assist the Democratic Party in regaining ground lost during Trump’s second term. According to sources close to him, Biden has privately assured Democratic leaders that he is willing to fundraise, campaign, and provide any necessary support to counteract Trump’s policies. He met last month with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin, offering his help as the party struggles with declining popularity.
However, Biden’s reentry into the political scene has not been widely embraced. Many Democrats feel that, at 82, he represents the party’s past rather than its future. One prominent Biden supporter, speaking anonymously, questioned his viability: “Who’s going to want Joe Biden back in the game?”
A Party in Crisis
The Democratic Party is facing a significant decline in public approval. A recent NBC News poll revealed that only 27% of registered voters hold a favorable view of the party—the lowest figure recorded since 1990. Many believe that moving forward requires fresh leadership rather than revisiting past figures like Biden.
Jill Biden’s Role
Jill Biden is also stepping up, planning to campaign and fundraise for Democrats. According to a close source, she acknowledges her responsibility to the party and is ready to contribute. Despite their political involvement, the Bidens are also focused on personal endeavors, including writing books and transitioning into post-presidential life.
Security Concerns and Unexpected Challenges
In a surprising move, President Trump recently terminated Secret Service protection for the Bidens’ adult children, Hunter and Ashley, without prior notice. This decision shocked the former first couple, who immediately questioned their children’s safety.
A Divided Reception Within the Party
The Bidens’ willingness to engage in political efforts has sparked mixed reactions. Some Democrats view Biden as a beloved party figure and a valuable campaign asset. Jane Kleeb, DNC vice chair, insisted: “If you were to call any state party chair and ask if they wanted Joe Biden to be a keynote speaker, the answer would be yes.”
Yet, others argue that his presence reminds voters of the Democrats’ 2024 defeat. A CNN poll found that only 1% of Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters consider Biden the best representation of the party’s core values.
Lingering Frustrations from 2024
Biden’s decision to run in 2024 and stay in the race until months before the election left Vice President Kamala Harris with little time to mount a strong campaign. Many Democrats remain frustrated by this sequence of events. Alan Kessler, a Democratic fundraiser, suggested that while Biden could help the party in select regions, “now isn’t the time.”
Trump’s Continued Attacks
Despite Biden’s efforts to stay out of the political fray, Trump keeps him in the spotlight. An NBC News review found that Trump has mentioned Biden or his administration over 400 times since returning to office. His remarks focus on immigration, inflation, foreign policy, and the Justice Department. He has also criticized Biden’s use of an autopen for signing documents, questioning its validity, despite a 2005 Justice Department memo approving the practice.
Vice President JD Vance has also taken jabs at Biden. At a recent tech summit, Vance mocked Biden’s mental acuity, saying, “In defense of Joe Biden, he was asleep most of the time. I don’t think he totally realized what he was doing.”
Biden’s Quiet Return
Unlike Trump, Biden has chosen a low-profile post-presidential approach. His first major speaking event since leaving office was at a National High School Model UN conference in New York. A Facebook video from the event captured students enthusiastically engaging with him.
A Deliberate Strategy
Biden’s advisors believe responding to Trump’s attacks would only personalize the issue, turning it into a direct contest between the two. Instead, they prefer to let Democratic surrogates address Trump’s criticisms. Veteran strategist Donna Brazile supports this approach: “It makes no sense for Joe Biden to respond to Donald Trump. The American people are not looking backward; they’re looking forward.”
Jill Biden, meanwhile, has embraced a new role—offering reassurance in a time of political turmoil. A close source described her interactions with the public: “She is finding herself comforting people. More and more, as she’s out and about, people come up to her looking for reassurance.”
Moving Forward
The Democratic Party stands at a crossroads. Some see Biden as a revered figure who still holds influence, while others believe it is time for new leadership. As Biden and Jill navigate their post-presidency lives, their role in shaping the party’s future remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Trump has no intention of letting the country forget about them.
