Democrats Reflect on Biden’s Exit and Election Fallout

As the dust settles following Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, Democrats are engaging in soul-searching over Joe Biden’s final campaign. Many now admit that Biden’s delayed decision to bow out harmed their electoral chances and prevented the party from rallying around a more competitive alternative. This wave of regret is increasingly shared by key voices who once stood firmly behind the former president.

A newly released book titled Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson adds fuel to the fire, alleging that Biden’s aides masked his decline and pushed for his reelection despite concerns. Specific anecdotes, such as Biden not recognizing George Clooney or requiring mobility assistance, are reigniting questions about transparency and judgment within his inner circle.

Representative Ro Khanna of California has expressed remorse over supporting Biden’s reelection. He now believes the party should have held an open primary. In hindsight, he claims his personal interactions with Biden, while encouraging at the time, masked deeper issues that were only later revealed to the public.

Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky has also reflected on the timeline, suggesting that had Biden withdrawn earlier, the Democratic Party would have had a better chance of mounting an effective campaign. He emphasized that any replacement candidate needed to distinguish themselves from Biden’s policies to win voter confidence.

Pete Buttigieg, former presidential candidate and Transportation Secretary, echoed these retrospective sentiments. He stated that with hindsight, it’s clear Biden’s decision to run was flawed, but also urged Democrats not to dwell on past missteps. Instead, he emphasized the importance of preparing for upcoming political and policy challenges.

While Biden is no longer president, he continues to speak publicly, defending his administration’s record and criticizing Trump’s policies. Some Democrats worry this visibility may embolden Trump’s strategy, but others argue it’s necessary for Biden to counter misinformation and defend his name from harsh criticisms.

Former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison accused some Democrats of acting opportunistically now that Biden is no longer on the scene. He claimed that while Biden’s age was a known factor, the party’s leaders had their chance to challenge him but failed to act when it mattered most.

Democratic strategist David Axelrod said Biden’s family and aides likely acted out of loyalty but ultimately made a grave mistake. He believes their support encouraged Biden to continue when stepping aside might have strengthened the party’s position. Axelrod sees this as a critical misjudgment that will influence future leadership decisions.

The aftermath of Biden’s presidency is expected to cast a long shadow over the 2028 Democratic primary. Figures like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who defended Biden throughout his term, will likely face scrutiny about their positions during the 2024 election cycle, especially from rivals seeking generational change.

Meanwhile, Jill Biden has offered an emotional defense of her husband, dismissing the book’s claims as inaccurate and unfair. She emphasized Biden’s daily dedication and achievements in office, insisting he was a capable and effective leader. For her, the criticism overlooks the substance of his contributions to the nation.

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