Former adviser to Obama and CNN commentator Van Jones has urged the Democratic Party to apologize to the American people for allegedly misleading them regarding former President Joe Biden’s chances in the upcoming midterm elections.
During an appearance on “The State of the Union,” Jones discussed host Jake Tupper’s new book, which critiques Biden’s recent decline and the party’s handling of his situation. Tupper asked Jones about the party’s path forward after the Democratic setbacks in 2024, especially in light of revelations concerning Biden’s health.
Jones likened the current state of the Democrats to their situation after the 2004 elections, suggesting they need a “restructuring.” But he emphasized that an apology is necessary before any other steps are taken.
He expressed a sense of urgency, stating, “There hasn’t been much internal reflection.” He further remarked that Democrats should shift their focus inward, remove detrimental influences, and admit where they’ve failed. “We need to apologize to Americans for being part of what we are not now,” he said.
Previously, Jones criticized the party for not addressing Biden’s cognitive decline openly, calling it complicity in what he described as a “crime against the Republic.” He pointed out that there are clearly people who are uninformed and silent, which he believes contributes to a larger issue. “Democrats will face consequences for being part of this massive cover-up,” he asserted.
In January, he had also taken Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to task for claiming that the party had been transparent about Biden’s suitability for a second term.
Jones’s comments came shortly before an announcement from Biden’s team about his diagnosis of aggressive prostate cancer. They shared that he had shown new symptoms and had been diagnosed with a Gleason score of 9, which indicates a more serious form of the disease, though it is said to be hormone-sensitive, allowing for management options. Biden and his family are currently discussing treatments with his medical team.
