The former US president has reportedly offered to help the Democratic Party as its popularity sinks
Former US President Joe Biden has offered to raise funds, campaign, and do whatever is needed to help Democrats regain ground lost to the Republicans during his tenure, NBC News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Biden has reportedly made the offer in private conversations with party leaders, including a meeting last month with new Democratic National Committee chairman Ken Martin. The former president expressed his willingness to support the party amid its declining popularity, according to individuals familiar with the discussions.
Democratic favorability among registered voters polled recently for NBC came in at 27% — the lowest since polling began in 1990.
Biden’s proposal has reportedly received a lukewarm response, with some activists and donors citing his age, 82, and association with the 2024 loss as drawbacks. Many Democrats are reportedly frustrated by Biden’s choice to seek re-election and refusal to step out of the race until only months before the vote, limiting the time former Vice President Kamala Harris would have to mount a campaign against Donald Trump, which she lost.
“Who’s going to want Joe Biden back in the game?” a major Biden supporter told the media outlet, speaking anonymously.
However, not all Democrats have dismissed Biden’s potential role, the outlet reports, quoting DNC Vice Chair Jane Kleeb as saying that Biden remains a beloved figure among voters and would be welcomed as a speaker at party events.
Despite the differing views, Biden and former first lady Jill Biden have both indicated their readiness to campaign and fundraise as the couple returns to private life in Delaware, according to sources cited by the media. The former president has reportedly been commuting to Washington and meeting with former aides.
US President Donald Trump has mentioned Biden and his administration more than 400 times since taking office in January, according to NBC. The president has criticized his predecessor on issues ranging from immigration to inflation, and even questioned the validity of documents signed using an autopen.
For now, Biden has not responded publicly to Trump’s criticisms. His aides told NBC he has no regrets and remains defiant, believing his party mishandled the 2024 race.
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