Lindy Li, a former prominent Democratic fundraiser, has criticized President Joe Biden's plans for an upcoming memoir, suggesting the book will reopen painful divisions among Democrats still processing the outcomes of the 2024 election. Li believes the memoir, intended to explain his decision to run for reelection, will instead highlight concerns about his age and cognitive performance.
"Jill has him writing books that no one wants to read instead of fully enjoying his retirement," Li stated, referring to the former first lady. She added that Biden should have retired "10, 20 years ago" and suggested that the pursuit of writing a book, like the presidency itself, was driven by financial necessity rather than personal desire.
Biden had described the book on social media as being about "the challenges we face as a nation. About the decisions I made and why I made them." This announcement drew sharp criticism online, with commentators questioning the authorship and marketability of the work. Conservative communicator Steve Guest dismissed the announcement as a "lie," while Outkick founder Clay Travis and Daily Wire editor-in-chief Brent Scher both questioned who would purchase the book.
Li, who is set to release her own book later this year, claims to have been privy to internal Democratic Party discussions that indicated Biden's support was tenuous even before his withdrawal from the 2024 election. She asserts that any attempt by Biden to frame his departure from the race will likely be detrimental to his public image.
Recalling a 2023 event, Li stated that the Biden campaign confiscated phones from top donors with social media followings to control messaging. She described having her own phone taken and being instructed by a Democratic National Committee finance director to remove posts about Biden because he appeared "infirm" and "weak."
"It's very clear they were trying to hide the fact that instead of having a candidate they could be proud of, they were busy hiding a candidate that they were deeply ashamed of," Li commented, suggesting that the memoir will reignite questions about why Biden was not urged to step aside sooner.
This perspective comes as the Democratic Party navigates lingering effects from the 2024 election cycle. Li's comments reflect internal tensions and criticisms regarding Biden's candidacy and public perception. The memoir's release is anticipated to spark further debate among party faithful and political observers alike.