In a surprising return to the political arena, former President Joe Biden has faced sharp criticism from within his own party. Michael LaRosa, who served as Jill Biden's communications director, has publicly urged the Bidens to embrace retirement instead of re-emerging in a landscape that has grown increasingly hostile towards them. LaRosa's candid remarks reflect a growing concern among Democratic leaders regarding the implications of Biden's recent appearances.
On April 15, 2025, Biden delivered his first post-presidential speech in Chicago, where he criticized former President Donald Trump for dismantling Social Security. However, the timing of this address has been met with skepticism by many within the Democratic Party, who feel it only serves to reignite old grievances. "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," LaRosa told The Hill.
LaRosa's critique highlights a significant disconnect between the Bidens and the current political climate. He accused their advisors of lacking an understanding of the deep-seated anger and indifference that persists within the party. "If they had advisers who had their hand on the pulse of the Democratic Party or national politics, they would have understood the intense level of anger or indifference to them that remains inside our party and isn’t going away anytime soon," he noted.
As Biden stepped back into the spotlight, many Democrats were concerned about the potential fallout from his reappearance. The former president's speech, lasting nearly 30 minutes, was marked by moments of confusion, including a mix-up between Ukraine and Iraq while discussing the ongoing war with Russia. His longtime advisor, Mike Donilon, had to step in to correct him during the Harvard appearance that followed his speech in Chicago.
Despite the criticisms, Biden's return was also viewed as a strategic move to redirect attention away from Trump's declining approval ratings, which have been worsened by economic concerns. A CBS poll indicated that Americans were beginning to shift their anger about the economy away from Biden and redirect it towards Trump. "The CBS News poll shows that Americans have directed their anger about the economy away from Biden and redirected it towards Trump," Democratic strategist Brad Bannon told The Hill.
However, LaRosa and other party insiders argue that Biden's reemergence does more harm than good. The former aide expressed regret that those managing Biden's public affairs have yet to acknowledge the conclusion of his time in politics. "It’s a heartbreaking and tragic ending to their time in public life, but it’s also the truth, and they should index the political realities into their decision-making," he said.
Adding to the controversy, LaRosa criticized Jill Biden's social media presence, particularly a recent Instagram post where she shared a photo of herself in a grocery store's pasta aisle ahead of Easter. LaRosa questioned the authenticity of such posts, suggesting they do not resonate with the average American. "Whose idea was it to pose for a picture in a grocery store, as if it's somehow novel or unique to the rest of us?" he remarked, emphasizing the need for the Bidens to connect more genuinely with their supporters.
Further complicating the situation, top Democratic officials have been preparing for potential scenarios regarding Biden's health and political future. Reports indicate that party leaders were drawing up contingency plans, including a 'death-pool roster' of judges who could swear Kamala Harris into office if Biden were unable to continue. This level of preparation reflects the serious concerns surrounding Biden's age and health as he approaches the 2024 election.
As Biden navigates this challenging landscape, the Democratic Party finds itself in a precarious position. With confidence in congressional leadership at an all-time low, hovering around 25 percent, many party members are calling for a complete overhaul of their strategy. The frustration is palpable, as younger candidates like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rise through the ranks, drawing attention away from the established leadership.
While Biden's recent speeches aimed to galvanize support against Trump, the overall sentiment among party loyalists is that his presence only serves to reopen old wounds. As Biden attempts to reestablish his footing, many Democrats are left wondering whether his return is a gift to the Trump administration or a necessary step to reclaim the narrative.
In the wake of Biden's public missteps, including dropping dessert during a Harvard event, the party is left to grapple with the implications of his return. LaRosa's comments resonate with a growing chorus of voices within the party, urging the former president to recognize the shifting political landscape and the need for a new direction.
As the 2024 election approaches, the Democratic Party faces a pivotal moment. With Biden's recent actions under scrutiny, the question remains: can the former president adapt to the current political climate, or will his reemergence only serve to further alienate party supporters? The stakes are high, and the pressure is mounting for the Bidens to navigate these turbulent waters with care.
