A former top Democratic fundraiser says President Joe Biden is doing himself a disservice by promising another explanation of his decision to seek reelection in 2024 amid concerns about his age and cognitive performance.
The fundraiser argues Biden’s upcoming memoir will only reopen wounds that Democrats have struggled to move past since the 2024 election loss, calling the book a microcosm of his presidency.
She claims party figures privately wanted nothing to do with Biden and that his July 2024 exit was marked by no formal farewell beyond a small staff gathering in the Rose Garden.
She also points to the former first lady, saying Biden was pushed into writing and running rather than enjoying retirement, and asserts the family needed the income.
Biden announced the book in a public post, describing it as a reflection on national challenges, his decisions, and why he ran and later stepped aside, prompting widespread mockery online.
Critics questioned whether Biden authored the work himself, citing his apparent limitations and suggesting the release was timed to avoid reminding voters of his perceived shortcomings.
The fundraiser, who is releasing her own book later this year, says she witnessed internal party research and panic showing Biden had shaky support long before he dropped out.
She doubts Biden can frame his exit without further damaging his image, which his campaign worked aggressively to protect.
She recalls a 2023 event where campaign officials confiscated her phone, citing fear she would post content showing Biden appearing infirm or weak.
She says the party was hiding a candidate it was deeply ashamed of rather than promoting one it could support, and believes the memoir will aggravate Democrats seeking to move on.
