As the 2024 presidential election draws nearer, President Joe Biden finds support from some seasoned political veterans: Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton. The couple, once central figures in American politics, has re-emerged, hosting private gatherings to drum up support for Biden and the Democratic slate, despite being seen less frequently in the public eye following Hillary’s unexpected defeat to Donald Trump in 2016.
These gatherings, taking place in the Clintons’ residences in both Chappaqua, New York, and Washington, D.C., serve multiple purposes. They offer a platform for rallying support for Biden, who, according to some polls, is lagging behind Trump. They also provide the Clintons an opportunity to rekindle old alliances and forge new ones, sharing the wisdom garnered from their extensive political careers.
A report by Intelligencer highlighted the Clintons’ ongoing communication with Vice President Kamala Harris, considered a likely successor to Biden and a possible presidential candidate in the future. Harris, who shares a warm relationship with Hillary Clinton, often seeks her advice on various matters, including foreign policy and issues about women’s rights.
The Clintons’ return to the political fray has taken some by surprise, given their association with past controversies. Bill Clinton’s impeachment in 1998 and connections to Jeffrey Epstein, along with Hillary’s email scandal and the Benghazi attack, had cast shadows over their public personas. Nonetheless, they continue to hold a dedicated base within the Democratic Party, admired for their resilience and contributions to the party’s causes, from voting rights to climate change.
Their most notable public endorsement of Biden came during a significant fundraiser in New York City alongside Barack Obama, raising $5 million for the Democratic National Committee. This event marked a rare gathering of former rivals, underscoring their complex relationships but a shared goal of supporting the Democratic agenda.
Contrasting with the Obamas’ more reserved and behind-the-scenes approach to politics since leaving office, the Clintons have adopted a more outspoken stance. They have been vocal in their criticisms of Trump and his administration, defending their legacies while openly sharing their viewpoints.
This divergence in approach mirrors the different roles and perceptions of the Clintons and Obamas within the Democratic Party. While the Obamas are viewed as the party’s future and a source of inspiration, the Clintons represent its established past, though their actions suggest a lingering desire to influence its direction and perhaps secure a role for themselves or their family in its future.
Hillary Clinton has kept the door open to the possibility of another presidential run, while Bill Clinton has shown interest in international environmental or diplomatic roles. Speculation also surrounds Chelsea Clinton’s potential political ambitions.
The Clintons’ re-engagement in politics brings a mix of enthusiasm and apprehension within the Democratic Party. Their experience and influence are valuable assets, but their presence also revives past divisions and controversies. As the 2024 election approaches, the impact of the Clintons’ involvement, both on the party and the broader political landscape, remains to be seen.
