Former President Joe Biden has made the strategic decision to establish his presidential library in Delaware, a state that has significantly shaped his political journey. This significant development was confirmed by a close aide to CBS News, marking a milestone in the post-presidential efforts of Biden to cement his legacy.
To oversee this monumental project, Biden has enlisted a diverse group of former aides, close friends, and stalwart political allies. Notably, the Joe and Jill Biden Foundation has officially sanctioned a 13-member governance board to direct the library’s development. This board includes distinguished figures such as former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Steve Ricchetti, a trusted longtime adviser. Moreover, Rufus Gifford, a well-known Democratic fundraiser, will assume the role of the board’s chairperson.
Speaking about the library’s vision, a senior member of the Biden Foundation articulated that the library aspires to be a “vibrant and lasting space where history, learning, and civic leadership converge.” This place is destined to inspire future leaders to engage strongly in community service and national development. The planning process for the library is comprehensive, involving thorough landscape analysis and meticulous preparation to ensure its success.
The governance board is robust, comprising individuals who have served Biden in various capacities. This includes Elizabeth Alexander and Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón, former senior White House aides; David Cohen, a former ambassador to Canada and telecom executive; and Delaware philanthropist Tatiana Brandt Copeland. Also serving on the board are Jeff Peck, treasurer of the Biden Foundation and former Senate aide; Fred C. Sears II, a longtime friend of Biden; and distinguished public servants like former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, former Office of Management and Budget director Shalanda Young, and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell.
Biden’s personal history is deeply intertwined with Delaware, which has been a foundational launchpad for his lengthy political career. His journey began with his election to the New Castle County Council in 1970, followed by an impressive 36-year tenure as a Delaware senator, before ascending to the role of Vice President under President Obama. Although Biden has substantial connections to Pennsylvania, where he was born and lived until he was ten, Delaware’s significant role in his career and life made it a natural choice for his library.
Pennsylvania still holds a special place in Biden’s narrative; the Scranton native frequently referenced his working-class upbringing there throughout his political career. Following his vice presidency, Biden also contributed to academia as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he led a center focused on diplomacy and global engagement.
The choice of Delaware for the library, according to Gifford, was driven by its profound and propellant role in Biden’s political endeavors. This sentiment is widely endorsed by Delaware’s elected representatives, who are exultant about Biden’s decision.
Governor Matt Meyer of Delaware expressed immense pride and anticipation, noting that the library will offer future generations insight into Biden’s resilient and family-centered story, while emphasizing the importance of never forgetting one’s origins.
However, this announcement comes amidst challenging circumstances, as Biden has faced health issues, recently undergoing skin cancer surgery, and his administration has come under scrutiny. Investigations and controversies, including the alleged use of an autopen for signing crucial documents, have sparked debates and may pose additional challenges in garnering support for the library project.
The funding and support for presidential libraries have evolved and escalated over the years. Previous libraries, like George H.W. Bush’s and Bill Clinton’s, had substantial but varying costs and fundraising achievements. In comparison, the Obama Foundation set a staggering $1.6 billion fundraising target. Biden’s team, initially in the planning stages, is optimistic yet cautious about their funding goals, drawing on experiences and strategies from predecessors and engaging with numerous stakeholders to ensure robust support for the library.
Ultimately, the Biden Presidential Library is envisioned not merely as a repository of his presidential records but as a dynamic hub for leadership, service, and civic engagement. It aims to include interactive exhibits, educational spaces, and venues for policy discussions and community events, reflecting Biden’s enduring commitment to public service. The library’s planning and development process, though in its nascent stages, promises to be a thoughtful and inclusive project, aiming to inspire civic engagement and leadership in future generations.
