Biden’s Anniversary Celebration Amidst Democratic Challenges
Former President Joe Biden is set to be honored by the South Carolina Democratic Party later this month, marking six years since his significant comeback win in the state’s primary. This victory was crucial, leading him to secure the 2020 Democratic nomination and eventually the presidency.
However, the mood surrounding this celebration is complicated. Many Democrats are still grappling with disappointments from the 2024 election. The festivities in South Carolina seem somewhat disconnected, especially given Biden’s considerable unpopularity and his decision to step back from seeking reelection amid concerns about his physical and mental health following a challenging debate against current President Donald Trump.
A recent report indicates that nine candidates who previously held positions in Biden’s administration are now distancing themselves from him while campaigning for various offices in this election cycle.
Revisiting Biden’s Impact
Biden’s tenure as president concluded with notably low approval ratings. Clearly, over a year after leaving office, the repercussions of his presidency within the party haven’t fully healed.
A seasoned Democratic strategist remarked, “Biden remains in charge. Being linked to his administration could be a liability for candidates this election season.”
This situation marks a stark contrast to the 2018 midterms when Democrats were in high demand, partly due to their connections with former President Barack Obama and Biden.
Current Candidates and the Biden Legacy
Interestingly, some candidates like Deb Haaland, the former congresswoman and Interior Department secretary, are not emphasizing their ties to Biden in their campaigns. Her book notably doesn’t mention him directly.
Similarly, Xavier Becerra, who was Secretary of Health and Human Services under Biden, is also running for governor in California without referencing the former president in his campaign.
On the flip side, there are candidates in blue districts who highlight their Biden-era achievements. For instance, Sanjot Dunun, a Democratic congressional hopeful in Illinois, has mentioned her role on Biden’s foreign policy task force in her campaign announcements.
Looking Ahead: The 2028 Presidential Race
As we inch closer to 2028, it’s still uncertain if Biden’s past could overshadow potential candidates who served under him, like former Vice President Kamala Harris and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg—both of whom are seen as contenders for the White House.
Democrats were hoping Biden would take a backseat, which he largely has, making only a handful of major public appearances since his presidency concluded.
As of now, there has been no comment from Biden’s post-presidential team regarding these developments.
