The recent report from the Wall Street Journal paints a sobering picture of former President Joe Biden’s post-White House life. Despite his high-profile status, Biden is not attracting the interest he expected, both in terms of speaking engagements and fundraising efforts for his presidential center. This development underscores the growing discontent among Democrats regarding Biden’s future within the party.
Biden’s “advanced age” and declining popularity among Democrats are pivotal factors contributing to the lukewarm reception he’s receiving. The Journal highlights a stark reality: even as Biden seeks to command speaking fees ranging from $300,000 to $500,000, few organizations are willing to meet those demands. Eyebrows were raised when at least one group reportedly tried to negotiate below his minimum rate, a claim Biden’s team has denied. This hesitance is a long way from a past where former presidents could draw crowds and cash effortlessly.
Financially, Biden is not destitute. He has a $10 million book deal and receives around $416,000 annually from federal pensions. Yet, the former president is grappling with about $800,000 in debt, including loans linked to his Rehoboth Beach home. His ambitions to create a presidential center at the University of Delaware are mired in complications. The Journal notes that “lingering frustration” over how he managed his previous campaign is weighing heavily on his ability to attract donors.
Despite Biden’s bid for a second term, many within the Democratic Party are eager to move away from past grievances. Tommy Vietor, an ex-Obama administration official, voiced the party’s sentiment, stating, “The overwhelming majority of elected Democrats are focused on moving forward.” Yet, he warns that honesty about Biden will be crucial for politicians seeking credibility as the 2028 primary nears.
In the shadows of this dynamic, former Vice President Kamala Harris has critiqued Biden’s decision to run again—an action she argues should not have been based solely on personal ambition. In her latest book, she stated, “The stakes were simply too high.” This strong sentiment reflects rising tensions within the party, revealing the internal struggle to define its future.
Ammar Moussa, who worked on Biden and Harris’s 2024 campaign, brought another layer of complexity to the discussion. He remarked that doubts about Biden’s age have eroded trust in the Democratic Party. Moussa emphasized that while age may not dominate voters’ decisions in the immediate future, aspiring candidates in upcoming elections must confront the question of Biden’s candidacy directly. “If you’re a politician running for office in 2026 and 2028,” he said, “and you don’t have a good answer on ‘Should Joe Biden have run in 2024,’ voters are going to see through you.”
In sum, the landscape surrounding Biden as he transitions away from the White House reveals not just the struggles of a former president adapting to life outside of office, but also the rising tides of dissent and uncertainty within his party. As Democrats seek to navigate this precarious moment, the path forward remains uncertain, with many watching closely to see how these dynamics will play out in the coming years.
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