The party’s political success cannot be relative to its rival. Even if Republicans’ views of their party were similarly negative right now, Democrats must build absolute—not relative—political support. Give voters something to vote FOR.

was the electricity and water wasted to generate this AI image worth it :/

Biden is more toxic politically than the transgender people Republicans tried to vilify and some Democrats are now trying to run scared from.

But this is Biden's legacy now: By winning in 2020, he ultimately created a false sense of security for Democrats. And by remaining in the 2024 race until July, he is the individual I hold most responsible for this second Trump term.

If he'd stepped aside to allow a competitive primary, I'd be praising him along with every Democrat I know. Historic investments in climate change? The most progressive domestic policy in modern history? Shifting the economy to work for more middle class Americans? Truly amazing.

Instead, he chose ego over country (and even party!), running a zombie campaign until the last possible minute and barely providing Harris a runway to lift her campaign off the ground. I'm not alone in saying this hurt her in the general.

But I--like so many young progressives--took him at his word when he told us he'd only serve one term, as a transition. If he'd kept his word, it could have built on his positive legacy.

His service as Obama's VP solidified a positive image that was weakened by more progressive candidates questioning his longer legacy on issues like bussing and criminal justice. I'll admit I didn't think he could even win against Trump, and was of course elated when he did.