### Democrat Woes: Biden's Ambiguity and Its Complications for 2028

**Democrats Grapple with Biden's Legacy and Potential Fallout for Future Elections**

As Democratic Party members reflect on their support for Joe Biden during his presidency, a new wave of concern is sweeping through the ranks about the potential long-term impact on upcoming elections. Amid growing scrutiny of Biden's cognitive abilities and his decision to seek reelection, prominent Democrats are grappling with the continuing reverberations of their earlier endorsements.

Former Representative Joe Cunningham from South Carolina highlighted the pressing need for clarity within the party, questioning how upcoming presidential hopefuls can confidently engage with voters after any past misjudgments about Biden's viability. Cunningham emphasized that addressing questions about Biden’s competence during his presidency is essential for reestablishing voter trust.

While a few Democrats, including Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Rep. Ro Khanna of California, have openly expressed regret over Biden's run for reelection, the majority remain cautious. Notable exceptions, like Murphy acknowledging Biden’s cognitive decline and Pete Buttigieg hinting that the party "maybe" would have fared better without Biden, point to a broader hesitation in facing up to past support.

The forthcoming book, "Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again," by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, further complicates matters. It includes accounts and critiques from within Democratic ranks, revealing growing disquiet about Biden’s fitness during his last months in office. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, for instance, confirmed that he privately conveyed his concerns to Biden about his debate performance, despite publicly defending him at the time.

Leading Democrats such as California Governor Gavin Newsom and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer are now cautiously navigating their previous alignments with Biden. Newsom, for example, faced backlash after his optimistic public support contrasted sharply with private reservations documented in the Tapper and Thompson book.

Political strategist David Axelrod, who voiced concerns about Biden’s age as far back as 2022, acknowledged that the current dialogue surrounding Biden is a crucial litmus test for the party. Yet, he suggested that while the issue is topical now, it might not dominate voters' concerns in 2028. Axelrod also pointed out that those intimately connected to Biden’s administration may face greater scrutiny and accountability in future election cycles.

As Democrats look ahead to the 2028 elections, there is speculation that an outsider candidate, distanced from Biden’s influence, may resonate more with voters. Such a candidate could potentially emerge with greater credibility, unburdened by past associations, and thereby rejuvenate party dynamics.

In sum, the Democratic Party is at a crossroads. How it handles the Biden legacy could shape its fortunes not just in the approaching election cycles but for years to come.