Joe and Jill Biden Make First Public Appearance Since Leaving White House at Broadway’s Othello
Former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden made their first high-profile public appearance since departing the White House, attending the star-studded opening night of Shakespeare’s Othello on Broadway in New York City.
The 82-year-old former president arrived at the Barrymore Theatre in Midtown Manhattan on Sunday evening, where acclaimed actors Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal headlined the much-anticipated performance. Biden, dressed in a classic black tuxedo, gave a brief wave as he exited his motorcade before being escorted into the venue, according to the New York Post.
Jill Biden later shared a photo of the couple inside the theater on Instagram, captioning it simply: “Date night.” In her post-show review, she added, “Riveting… brilliant … BRAVO!” in praise of the performance.
Political Tensions Behind the Scenes
The former first couple’s appearance came shortly after a report surfaced suggesting that Joe Biden has been in discussions with Democratic Party leaders about playing a more active role in the party’s recovery following its significant losses in the 2024 elections.
According to a separate New York Post report, Biden and Democratic National Committee chairman Ken Martin recently met to explore how the Bidens might help with party fundraising and public image rehabilitation. However, the proposal reportedly sparked backlash among Democratic insiders.
Democrats React With Skepticism—and Outrage
Many party insiders and former Biden administration officials expressed frustration and disbelief at the Bidens’ reported offer to help rebuild the party.
“The Bidens are still living in an alternate universe that revolves only around them,” a former senior White House adviser told The Post. “Their irresponsibility, family ego, and selfishness put the Democratic Party in this position to begin with.”
Another ex-official questioned the logic behind the effort. “Why?” they asked. “No voter wants to hear from him. He is delusional and arrogant to think that he can be a value add to the Democratic Party.”
Critics argued that Biden’s involvement could deter donors, rather than inspire confidence. “They can’t raise money either way,” one insider claimed. “I think donors would be more inclined to donate if they [the Bidens] were not relevant.”
Some voices were even harsher. “Joe Biden should enjoy retirement at the beach in Rehoboth,” a former Biden staffer said bluntly. “We need to move on from the era of Joe Biden and embrace new, younger leadership.”
Internal Dissent Runs Deep
Even current Democratic congressional staffers weighed in with biting commentary. “Why the f–k would anyone listen to what Joe Biden has to say?” one congressional Democrat reportedly asked. “He should stay in retirement with his pardoned family and keep his mouth shut.”
Another aide mocked the idea, suggesting sarcastically, “The best thing Biden could do for the DNC is offer [DNC vice chair] David Hogg a high-paying role at his foundation.”
Others dismissed the meeting as tone-deaf. “Is this serious?” one Democratic aide remarked. “This has to be a joke. It’s like an SNL skit.”
Biden’s Post-Presidency Career
Since leaving office, Joe Biden has signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), signaling plans to pursue a post-presidential media and speaking career. The agency previously represented him during the release of his 2017 memoir, Promise Me, Dad, and his subsequent speaking tour titled American Promise, which sold approximately 85,000 tickets nationwide.
“President Biden is one of America’s most respected and influential voices in national and global affairs,” said CAA co-chairman Richard Lovett in a statement. “His lifelong commitment to public service is one of unity, optimism, dignity, and possibility. We are profoundly honored to partner with him again.”
