DEMs urge Bidens to limit public appearances to maintain party 'image'
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Democratic insiders are urging Joe and Jill Biden to scale back public appearances, citing concerns over the former president's image and its impact on the party's 2024 strategy.
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Former U.S. President Joe Biden gestures during a speech at the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled conference in Chicago, on April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
While many Democrats still hold deep respect for the Bidens, some party members believe their continued presence on the national stage could complicate efforts to unify the party and focus public attention on the current administration’s agenda.
“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,” said Michael LaRosa, Jill Biden’s former communications director.
Democrats divided on Biden's role
Joe Biden made his first public appearance since leaving office on January 20, delivering a speech at a disability rights event in Chicago on April 16. While the event was intended to spotlight advocacy and inclusion, some Democratic strategists saw the moment as ill-timed.
According to LaRosa, Biden’s speech became a "lovely gift for the White House, President Trump and conservative media," who were facing mounting scrutiny over trade policy at the time.
LaRosa described the situation as "a heartbreaking and tragic ending to their time in public life," emphasizing that the Bidens must face the reality of their shifting public image.
A Gallup poll conducted on #US residents studied their attitudes regarding five living US Presidents, Joe Biden, Barack #Obama, Bill #Clinton, George W. #Bush, and current US President Donald Trump.
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 13, 2025
Here's a teaser: #Biden finally accomplished something; making it once again to… pic.twitter.com/xtQwXXjocK
While not a criticism of their intentions, his remarks reflect broader unease within the party about how appearances by the former president and first lady might affect voter perception and the broader Democratic strategy.
Some Democrats told The Hill that they would prefer Joe Biden to take a back seat as the party works to refine its messaging and consolidate support. With public opinion polls showing an evolving view of Donald Trump’s economic record, there is concern that Biden’s re-emergence could disrupt that momentum.
Others worry that Biden’s presence on the public stage could inadvertently reignite unfavorable comparisons between the former president and Trump, complicating the party’s efforts to shift focus away from past administrations and onto forward-looking policies.
