A former top Justice Department official in the Biden administration is publicly criticizing President Joe Biden, warning that his recent media appearances are hurting the Democratic Party’s image and distracting from the future of the movement.
Anthony Coley, who served as spokesman for Attorney General Merrick Garland, joined a growing chorus of Democrats frustrated by Biden’s renewed presence in the media spotlight following overwhelming Democratic defeats in the 2024 election cycle. In comments to The Hill on Friday, Coley slammed the president’s Thursday interview on The View as counterproductive and politically damaging.
“Elections are about the future. Every time Joe Biden emerges, we fight an old war,” Coley said. “Every interview he does provides a contrast to Trump that’s just not helpful for the Democratic brand, which needs trusted messengers and fighters who can reach independents and moderates and inspire the base. Joe Biden ain’t that.”
Coley added bluntly, “Honestly, what good does that do now? Many Democrats — from elected leaders to the party faithful — are just ready to turn the page. I just don’t think he understands how wide and deep this sentiment is.”
Biden appeared on ABC’s The View Thursday, defending his decision to remain in the 2024 race until late July before endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. In the interview, he incorrectly claimed Harris had “six full months” to campaign after he exited the race — a clear misstatement, given the election was three and a half months months away at that point.
The president also alleged that Harris’s political struggles were rooted in “sexist and racist” attacks. “I wasn’t surprised because they went after her in a way that was, in my view, sexist and racist,” Biden said.
But those comments did little to ease concerns within the Democratic establishment, where many have grown wary of Biden’s media visibility following his decision to step aside.
Biden’s interview also drew criticism from longtime Democratic strategist and fundraiser Steve Schale, a Biden ally, who urged the former president to step back from the spotlight.
“There is a way for President Biden to build his post-presidency, but this isn’t it,” Schale said.
Schale suggested Biden follow the example of former President Jimmy Carter, whose legacy was defined not by post-presidency punditry but by humanitarian work and public service.
“By the end of his life, we were reminded of the decent and humble nature of the man thanks to his acts, not his words,” Schale said. “I really wish Biden would follow a similar path.”
The criticism of Biden comes at a sensitive moment for Democrats as they recover from major defeats in 2024, and attempt to pick up the pieces ahead of 2026 and 2028.
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The fact that the Democratic Socialist Party elect him said enough. They do care who they put in office, as long as the hold the office. He was a Dumpster fire from day one. 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸
Back to the basement Joe and take the fake doctor with you. We’ve heard enough.
I think the dems went so far as to open the eyes of enough voters as to just how evil and self serving democrat politicians are.