Joe Biden's legacy may be exactly what the Democrats wish to forget by Robert Perez

As President Joe Biden approaches the final stretch of his presidency, one might expect a leader to focus on cementing a legacy, preserving dignity, and uniting their party for the battles ahead. Yet, Biden's recent actions appear to do the opposite leaving many Democrats not only questioning his leadership but quietly wishing they could erase the final chapter of his tenure from their collective memory.

From policy missteps to public appearances that raised more eyebrows than confidence, Biden's closing act has unfolded like a tragic play rather than a triumphant farewell. While his administration has had notable successes such as infrastructure investments and foreign policy stabilization early on, the final days have been riddled with contradictions, hesitations, and avoidable blunders that risk overshadowing earlier achievements.

One cannot ignore the recent policy decisions that have caused rifts within the Democratic base. Take, for example, his sudden shift on immigration enforcement policies that appeared to pander to moderate voters but alienated progressives. Instead of bridging the gap between factions within the party, Biden managed to widen it, leaving many to wonder whether he ever truly understood the coalition that brought him to power.

Moreover, his handling of international crises, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, has raised concerns about consistency and foresight. Allies have begun to question America's reliability as a partner, and critics argue that Biden's approach wavers between interventionism and appeasement, satisfying neither hawks nor doves.

Biden's public persona, long characterized by gaffes and verbal missteps, has become an even greater liability in his final days. While many initially found his occasional stumbles endearing, they now appear to reflect deeper issues of focus and coherence. Each misstep becomes fodder for opposition campaigns and late-night comedians, compounding the perception that the Democratic Party is helmed by a leader whose time has passed.

The president's inability to project strength and clarity has not gone unnoticed by voters, many of whom are increasingly worried about his age and mental acuity. These concerns, once brushed aside as partisan attacks, have gained traction even within Democratic circles, leading some to question whether Biden should have stepped aside to make way for younger leadership.

Democrats find themselves in an unenviable position, defending a president whose approval ratings have sagged while trying to rally behind a successor who can inspire confidence and unity. Yet Biden's reluctance to fade gracefully into the background complicates this transition. Instead of empowering the next generation, he seems determined to cling to the spotlight, risking further division within his party.

For many Democrats, Biden's final days are not just disappointing—they're disillusioning. The fear isn't merely losing the next election; it's the erosion of the Democratic Party's credibility and coherence. At a time when the stakes couldn't be higher, the focus should be on building momentum, not damage control.

Presidents are often judged not only by their accomplishments but also by how they leave office. History remembers leaders who pass the torch with dignity and grace. Biden's insistence on pushing forward despite growing dissatisfaction risks turning his exit into a cautionary tale rather than a celebrated conclusion.

As Democrats brace for the post-Biden era, one thing is clear: the president's final acts may leave scars that linger far longer than his achievements. In a political landscape defined by memory and perception, Biden's twilight months could become the moments his supporters wish they could forget altogether.