The Democratic Party's wish list of people to disappear doesn't include President Trump—hating him is the only thing uniting their fractious coalition. But the list is crowded with those bearing the surname Biden. Former first lady Jill Biden's book tour, promoting her memoir View from the East Wing, has been met with widespread criticism, with many noting it reads more like a cover-up than a candid reflection. Her claim that Joe Biden would have won the 2024 election had he not dropped out is widely dismissed as fantasy, given his abysmal approval ratings and visible decline during the debate with Trump.
Jill Biden's assertion that her husband was 'checked out' by a team of doctors after his debate performance raised eyebrows, as Biden continued a grueling campaign schedule. Critics question the thoroughness of any medical evaluation that cleared him to run. Her book's reception has been tepid at best, with broadcast media offering soft interviews that do little to dispel the narrative of a family clinging to power.
Joe Biden's own memoir is due in September, and unless it's a coloring book, it won't help Democrats. The party is already grappling with the fallout from his presidency: the cover-up of his medical condition, his refusal to step aside, and the open-ended pardons that set a precedent for Trump. These issues provide ample ammunition for Democratic voters and activists to direct their anger at the Bidens.
For Kamala Harris, this is a golden opportunity. She can position herself as Biden's primary political victim, noting how his team treated her with contempt from day one. Had Biden resigned after his debate disaster, she would have assumed the presidency and a fresh start. Instead, she lost to Trump, and the Bidens continue to claim he would have won—a narrative that implicitly blames her for the loss. In a party united by anti-Trump sentiment, that's toxic.
Harris needs to break decisively with the Bidens to explain her 2024 loss and present herself as a break from the past. Throwing Biden overboard would accomplish both goals, even if it provokes backlash from Beltway insiders. That backlash could be an asset, positioning her as an outsider fighting the establishment. Similar dynamics apply to other Democratic hopefuls like Gavin Newsom, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or Josh Shapiro, who could gain traction by bashing Biden.
As the 2028 race heats up, the candidate who first severs ties with the Bidens will gain a significant advantage. Harris cannot afford to let someone else take that initiative—a 'me too' approach would look weak. The party's undercurrent of anger over 2024 demands a clean break, and the Bidens are the perfect foil. For Harris, the calculation is clear: distance herself now, or risk being dragged down by the family that already cost her the presidency.
This strategy isn't without risks, but in a field crowded with Trump-bashing, a new angle is essential. The Bidens' continued presence offers a unique target, and the first candidate to exploit it could reshape the race. For Harris, the time to act is now—before someone else takes the lead.
