Inside the Fallout: Democrats Reckon With Biden's 2024 Decision

In the aftermath of the 2024 election, Democrats are grappling with the consequences of former President Joe Biden’s delayed exit from the race. Many are now openly reflecting on their missteps, admitting that doubts over Biden’s age and cognitive sharpness should not have been so easily dismissed. The party’s collective regret is surfacing as leaders assess what went wrong.

The new book Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson has added urgency to these discussions. The authors claim that Biden’s aides were largely responsible for shielding the public from the full extent of his mental decline. While Biden’s defenders strongly reject this portrayal, it has rekindled internal party tensions and raised uncomfortable questions about transparency.

Congressman Ro Khanna was one of Biden’s staunch allies, but he now concedes that support may have been misplaced. He shared that although Biden appeared competent in public, hindsight reveals a glaring error. According to Khanna, the party missed a crucial opportunity to hold an open primary that could have strengthened the Democratic platform.

Governor Andy Beshear, a potential 2028 candidate, also shared his thoughts, noting that Biden’s late withdrawal left the party scrambling. He suggested Kamala Harris could have benefitted from a campaign that more clearly distinguished her policies from Biden’s. Beshear believes a sharper divergence may have reshaped the election’s outcome.

As the Democratic Party attempts to regroup, they face the challenge of shifting focus back to pressing national issues. They aim to counter Trump’s early-term policy agenda, especially his proposed Medicaid cuts and renewed tariffs. Still, Biden’s presence in public discourse continues to distract from their forward-looking objectives.

Biden has not retreated quietly. In recent weeks, he has made several public appearances defending his record and criticizing Trump’s administration. Some Democrats appreciate his willingness to confront criticism, while others worry that this keeps old wounds from healing. The party remains split over how involved Biden should remain.

Senator Dick Durbin emphasized that Biden, like any former president, has a right to defend his reputation. Durbin acknowledged that Trump’s frequent attacks warrant a response, though he admitted that Biden’s assertiveness is unusual among former leaders. Still, he understands Biden’s desire to preserve his legacy amid intense scrutiny.

On the other hand, some Democrats feel betrayed by colleagues who are now speaking out. Jaime Harrison accused them of cowardice, suggesting that criticizing Biden after his exit is politically convenient. He reminded them that they had opportunities to challenge him during the primary season but failed to act decisively.

Strategist David Axelrod added another layer of critique, stating that while Biden’s team might have acted out of loyalty, their decision to push forward was irresponsible. He also questioned the role of Biden’s family, saying they should have recognized the stakes and urged him to reconsider his candidacy earlier.

Looking ahead to 2028, Democratic hopefuls will likely face intense scrutiny about their positions on Biden. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said his experience with Biden showed no signs of incompetence. Meanwhile, Jill Biden gave a passionate defense of her husband’s leadership, arguing that his hard work and dedication made him a truly great president.

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