Democratic Doubts: The Biden Decision and Party Regret

The Democratic Party is facing increasing scrutiny from within, as prominent members begin to publicly question their support for President Biden’s reelection bid in 2024. Many now admit they dismissed early concerns about his age and mental sharpness too readily. The late withdrawal of Biden from the race is being blamed by some for weakening the party’s chances, especially in the face of Donald Trump’s resurgence.

Adding fuel to the fire is the recent release of Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson. The book lays the blame squarely on Biden’s close aides, accusing them of concealing the extent of his decline. Although Biden and his allies reject these claims, the book has reignited debate within the Democratic ranks.

Representative Ro Khanna, once a vocal supporter of Biden, has now stated it was clearly a mistake to back the former president’s reelection. He said that while Biden seemed coherent in limited encounters, it’s now evident that an open primary should have occurred. Similarly, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky acknowledged that an earlier withdrawal by Biden could have allowed more preparation for a new nominee.

Beshear also noted that Vice President Kamala Harris, the eventual nominee, might have gained more ground if she had distanced herself from Biden’s policies. He believes a more independent campaign could have strengthened the Democratic position. These sentiments underscore deeper frustrations about the lack of bold strategic decisions during the campaign.

The timing of this backlash is awkward for Democrats, who are trying to redirect attention toward opposing Trump's early-term policies, including contentious tariff decisions and proposals to slash Medicaid. However, the lingering focus on Biden continues to draw energy away from those goals.

Despite no longer being a political contender, Biden has been actively defending his presidential record. He has delivered speeches highlighting his achievements and responding directly to criticisms, especially those related to his cognitive health. His continued visibility, however, may be complicating the Democratic strategy to move forward.

Senator Dick Durbin, a senior Democrat, argued that Biden has every right to defend himself against Trump’s attacks. According to Durbin, the criticisms are unprecedented and warrant a strong response. Yet some Democrats fear that keeping Biden in the spotlight might backfire and keep the party anchored to the past.

Others are harsher in their evaluations. Former DNC chair Jaime Harrison criticized fellow Democrats for their newfound boldness, accusing them of being opportunistic now that Biden is no longer in the picture. He insisted Biden’s age was known, and anyone who wanted to challenge him had the chance but chose not to act.

Meanwhile, voices like David Axelrod, a longtime Democratic strategist, say that while Biden’s inner circle may have acted from loyalty, their choices were ultimately irresponsible. Axelrod extended that critique to Biden’s family, saying they too bore responsibility for pushing him to run again.

The controversy is sure to affect future elections. Candidates in 2028 will likely be grilled about their stance on Biden in 2024 and their role in supporting or opposing his campaign. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker defended Biden, saying his interactions showed no sign of decline. Jill Biden has also spoken out, passionately defending her husband’s dedication and competence during his time in office.

support us via https://sociabuzz.com/infohit/tribe