Democrats struggle with Biden, Harris lingering in public eye

Is the Democratic Party stuck in a time loop, unable to escape the shadows of its recent defeats?

The Democrats are grappling with a persistent problem: their past leaders, including former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris, keep drawing attention, making it tough for the party to redefine itself and focus on opposing President Trump’s second-term policies while scouting fresh leadership.

This lingering spotlight isn’t just a minor annoyance—it’s a roadblock. Many party members are itching to move forward after their electoral setbacks, but seeing familiar faces dominate the headlines feels like trying to start a new chapter with the old book still open. It’s a classic case of easier said than done.

Biden and Harris Steal the Show Again

On Thursday, Joe Biden took the stage at the National Bar Association’s 100th annual gala in Chicago, slamming the Trump administration for what he called an attempt to “dismantle the Constitution.” While his words might rally some, they also remind Democrats of past battles they’d rather leave behind. For a party craving a fresh start, this is like playing the same old song on repeat.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris isn’t helping the cause with her new book, “107 Days,” which dives into her unsuccessful presidential bid. Promoting a memoir about a failed campaign is hardly the way to signal a forward march—it’s more like a nostalgic detour. Democrats must be wondering if there’s a “delete” button for this kind of publicity.

Adding fuel to the frustration is Hunter Biden, the former president’s son, who’s been popping up on podcasts to criticize political consultants, influencers, and even actor George Clooney for their comments about his father. “No one needs to hear from Hunter Biden. Literally no one,” snapped Matt Bennett, co-founder of Third Way, summing up the exasperation many feel about this unnecessary drama.

Hunter Biden’s Unwelcome Spotlight Frustrates Party

Many Democrats believe Hunter’s legal troubles dragged the party down during the last election cycle, and his current media tour isn’t winning any fans. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when personal controversies keep overshadowing policy debates. Turns out, actions—or podcasts—have consequences.

The internal divide within the Democratic Party only deepens the struggle. Some insisted during the campaign that Joe Biden was fit to run again, a stance that has since damaged the party’s credibility with voters. As Bennett put it, “If you say anything other than the guy was not up to the task… voters are going to think you’re lying.”

This credibility gap is a real hurdle. The Washington Post noted, “Democrats are eager to turn the page… but their central figures keep stepping back into the spotlight.” It’s a polite way of saying the party’s stuck in a rerun nobody asked for.

Party Seeks New Faces for Future

Amid the frustration, there’s a clear push for new leadership to take the helm. Names like Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego are being floated as potential torchbearers. The hope is that fresh faces can finally shift the narrative away from past missteps.

Cooper Teboe, a Silicon Valley-based Democratic strategist, captured the sentiment well: “The core reason the Democratic Party is in the position it is in today is because no new figures, no new ideas, have been allowed to rise up.” It’s a sharp critique of a party that seems allergic to innovation. Conservatives might smirk at this self-inflicted gridlock, but it’s a fair point worth pondering.

The Washington Post report underscores the need for reinvention, suggesting that without new ideas, the Democrats risk further stagnation. It’s not just about optics—it’s about survival in a political landscape that rewards adaptability. Clinging to yesterday’s leaders won’t cut it against a reinvigorated opposition.

2028 Primary Looms as Turning Point

Looking ahead, the future of the Democratic Party may hinge on the 2028 primary fight, which will decide who gets to steer the ship next. Democratic strategist Steve Schale put it bluntly: “I don’t think there’s a lot we can do to turn the page until we fight over who gets to turn the page.” It’s a waiting game, and patience isn’t exactly a virtue in politics.

DNC chairman Ken Martin, speaking on Wednesday, tried to pivot away from the past, saying, “Do I have a time machine? No.” He’s right—dwelling on what could have been won’t win future elections, but ignoring history risks repeating it.

Martin doubled down, adding, “I’m not trying to protect anyone. I’m trying to save us from spending a lot of time and energy on a question that really doesn’t help me win elections.” It’s a pragmatic stance, but for a party desperate to rebuild trust, dismissing tough questions might not be the winning play—sometimes, facing the music is the only way forward.