Joe Biden’s Memoir and Its Potential Impact on Democrats

Former President Joe Biden will release a memoir titled Promise Me, America on November 17. This date comes just two weeks after the midterm elections. According to Little, Brown and Company, the publisher, Biden’s book discusses the economy, decisions he made during his presidency, and his choice to abandon a bid for reelection in 2024. In a video statement, Biden explained that the book details why he initially planned to run for reelection and why he decided to step aside.

The release of the memoir is expected to include a press tour and interviews shortly before Election Day. This media presence may pull Biden back into the spotlight, presenting a challenge for Democratic leaders who are focused on keeping the campaign centered on President Donald Trump.

Within the Democratic Party, opinions on Biden’s legacy are mixed. Some members blame his decision to seek a second term for Trump’s return to power. Party leaders want their fall campaign to focus on Trump’s record, not Biden’s presidency. Any promotional materials or pre-election leaks relating to Biden may complicate these efforts.

The concern over Biden’s memoir is not without precedent. Former First Lady Jill Biden’s memoir, View From the East Wing, published in June, sparked renewed scrutiny over Biden’s debate performance against Trump in June 2024. This revelation led to Democratic infighting concerning the party’s strategy for 2024.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her lack of concern about the Democratic National Committee’s critiques or any memoirs relating to Biden, stating, “I don’t think the average Democratic voter, honestly, particularly in New Mexico, gives a damn about that book or the debate anymore.” Former Pennsylvania Representative Susan Wild, who lost her reelection bid in 2024, emphasized the importance of moving past the discussions of 2024, predicting that voters in 2028 would not remember these issues.

Not every Democrat views Biden’s book as problematic. Jim Kessler, a leader in policy at the think tank Third Way, does not fear that the memoir will distract Democrats in future elections. Instead, he believes the party needs to confront the failures of 2024, asserting that Biden’s presidency witnessed a shift further left, which led to decreased popularity. Kessler anticipates scrutiny over Biden’s narrative in the memoir, viewing it as an attempt to define his legacy well before the 2028 primary.

Democratic strategist Maria Cardona, who supported Biden’s 2024 campaign, shared her belief that the memoir would not harm Democrats. She pointed out that the book’s release comes after votes are counted. Cardona expressed confidence that the Democrats would likely secure control of the House and potentially the Senate, citing the unpopularity of Trump and Republicans.

The timing of the memoirs gives Biden a chance to share his experiences without affecting the midterm elections. According to Cardona, Biden’s story deserves to be heard as he dealt with formidable challenges during his presidency, including the pandemic.

While some argue that Biden’s public presence complicates the Democratic message, Biden himself remains active in political endorsements. In recent weeks, he supported former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia’s governor race and Dan Koh in a Massachusetts congressional primary.

Promise Me, America follows Biden’s 2017 memoir, Promise Me, Dad, focusing on the death of his son Beau Biden. Biden, who will turn 84 three days after the new book’s publication, worked with a small editorial team. Financial terms for the memoir remain undisclosed, though presidential memoirs usually receive significant advances. As part of the book rollout, Biden plans to go on tour and conduct interviews. In addressing his health, Biden mentioned his ongoing cancer treatment, which he noted is progressing well.