Former President Joe Bidenâs recent public reemergence has sparked a fierce backlash from within his party. Democrats, still stinging from his low approval ratings, are urging him to step back from the spotlight. The criticism highlights a deep rift as the party grapples with its post-Biden identity.
Fox News reported that Bidenâs speech this week at a disability advocacy conference in Chicago marked his first major address since leaving the White House in January 2025. In it, he sharply criticized the Trump administrationâs handling of Social Security.
The move drew immediate ire from Democratic figures who see his visibility as a liability. Michael LaRosa, former communications director for Jill Biden, publicly voiced the partyâs frustration.
He argued that Bidenâs appearance only serves to distract from the Trump administrationâs struggles, particularly their mishandled tariff policy. LaRosaâs blunt assessment reflects a broader sentiment among Democrats.
LaRosa, in an interview with The Hillâs senior political correspondent Amie Parnes, emphasized the âintense level of angerâ within the Democratic Party toward Biden.
He suggested that Bidenâs advisers failed to gauge the partyâs lingering resentment. This anger stems from Bidenâs perceived mishandling of the Democratic campaign strategy.
Before leaving office, Bidenâs approval rating stood at a dismal 36%, according to CNN polling. A staggering 64% of Americans disapproved of his performance. These numbers continue to haunt the Democratic Party, fueling calls for Biden to remain out of the public eye.
The same CNN poll revealed that 61% of respondents viewed Bidenâs presidency as a failure. This harsh judgment has left Democrats wary of any move that might remind voters of his tenure. Bidenâs recent speech, critics argue, does exactly that.
LaRosa described Bidenâs Chicago appearance as a âlovely giftâ to the Trump administration and conservative media. He noted that it shifted attention from Trumpâs tariff policy blunders, which had drawn heavy scrutiny. The timing, LaRosa argued, could not have been worse for Democrats.
The Hillâs report suggests that even those close to Biden, including former aides, are urging him to avoid political involvement.
They believe his presence risks further damaging the partyâs image. This sentiment underscores the delicate balance Democrats face in moving forward.
Amie Parnes, co-author of âFight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House,â provided additional context. Her book details how Bidenâs influence over Kamala Harrisâs 2024 campaign may have undermined her chances. It claims Biden restricted Harrisâs ability to carve out her policy positions.
Parnesâs book, co-written with Jonathan Allen, suggests Biden deliberately limited Harrisâs independence. The authors argue that he believed Harris' distancing herself would harm his legacy. This decision, they claim, contributed to her campaignâs struggles.
âWhether she won or lost,â Parnes and Allen wrote, âBiden had no interestâ in allowing Harris to forge her path. This revelation has fueled speculation that Harrisâs loyalty to Bidenâs policies weakened her candidacy. Democrats now see Bidenâs influence as a lingering problem.
LaRosa, despite his affection for the Bidens, stressed the need for honest counsel. He urged Bidenâs team to provide âsituational awarenessâ about his damaged public image. Loyalty, he said, demands truth, even when itâs painful to hear.
âItâs a heartbreaking and tragic ending to their time in public life,â LaRosa said of the Bidens. He insisted they must acknowledge the political realities facing them. This includes recognizing the partyâs desire to move beyond their era.
Bidenâs Chicago speech included strong words for the Trump administration. âFewer than 100 days,â he said, âthis new administration has done so much damage.â Yet, Democrats worry such remarks only reignite debates about his own presidencyâs shortcomings.