Joe Biden’s Post-White House Plans Face Mixed Reactions from Democrats
As former President Joe Biden prepares to leave the White House, his ambitions to remain a key figure in the Democratic Party are stirring both hope and skepticism among party leaders and strategists. According to a recent report by Jeffrey Clark for Fox News, published on March 22, 2025, Biden has been reaching out to Democratic donors and leaders in an effort to regain influence and counter the incoming Trump administration. Yet, not everyone in his party is eager to see him take the helm again.
Biden, alongside First Lady Jill Biden, reportedly plans to chart a new course for their political legacy. The couple intends to write books and explore fresh ways to lead Democrats outside the traditional confines of elected office. However, this vision has met with a lukewarm reception from some corners of the party, revealing deep divisions over its future direction.
A Party Divided
Democratic fundraiser Alan Kessler, in an interview with NBC News, acknowledged Biden’s enduring popularity among certain factions. “There are plenty of people who still love Joe Biden,” Kessler noted, suggesting the former president could still rally support in places like his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania. But he was quick to add a caveat: the party’s focus should shift to younger leaders. “It’s time to move on with new leadership,” he said, echoing a sentiment shared by others frustrated with Biden’s handling of his final year in office.
That frustration stems largely from Biden’s decision to exit the 2024 presidential race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to take on Donald Trump—and lose. The defeat has left Democrats scrambling to redefine their identity, and Biden’s attempts to reassert himself have only deepened the rift. Some see his outreach as a bid to reclaim relevance; others view it as a distraction from the urgent need to rebuild.
Defenders and Critics Weigh In
Not everyone is ready to sideline the former president. Jane Kleeb, vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, staunchly defended Biden’s stature. “He is beloved by the party and beloved by the voters,” she told NBC News, arguing that state party chairs would jump at the chance to have him headline their events. To Kleeb, Biden remains a “highly respected senior statesman” whose voice still carries weight.
On the flip side, veteran strategist Donna Brazile dismissed the idea of Biden engaging in a public sparring match with Trump, who has continued to take jabs at his predecessor on platforms like Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle. “It makes no sense for Joe Biden to respond to Donald Trump,” Brazile said. “The American people are not looking backward; they’re looking forward.” Her words reflect a broader call for the party to turn the page rather than dwell on past battles.
A Party in Transition
The Democrats’ current turmoil is about more than just Biden. Since Harris’ loss, the party has struggled to find a unifying figure or message. That tension boiled over recently when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer backed a Republican-led spending bill, a move that enraged progressives and underscored the ongoing infighting. Against this backdrop, Biden’s efforts to reinsert himself into the fray seem both timely and out of touch—depending on who you ask.
For now, Biden’s post-presidency remains a work in progress. His plans to write a book and reshape Democratic leadership signal a desire to stay in the game, but the mixed reactions from his party suggest his influence may not be as strong as it once was. As Democrats grapple with their next steps, one thing is clear: the road ahead will require more than nostalgia for the Biden era—it will demand a bold vision for the future. Whether the former president can help craft that vision, or simply step aside, remains an open question.
