Biden Initiates Fundraising for Presidential Library in Delaware

Former President Joe Biden has announced plans to establish his presidential library in Delaware, marking a significant step in preserving his legacy. Biden has assembled a governance board comprised of former aides, allies, and friends tasked with spearheading the fundraising efforts and selecting a suitable site for the museum and archive.

The newly formed board, approved by the Joe and Jill Biden Foundation, includes prominent figures such as former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and seasoned Democratic fundraiser Rufus Gifford, who will serve as the board’s chairman. This group will navigate the challenging landscape of fundraising during a time when the Democratic Party faces internal divisions and many major donors have become more cautious in their contributions. Gifford acknowledged the complexities of attracting donations, especially with the current political climate where former President Donald Trump frequently criticizes Biden and left-leaning organizations.

As Biden’s team embarks on this ambitious project, they are aware of the rising costs associated with presidential libraries. Historical data shows that the construction of these facilities has ballooned over the years. For instance, the George H.W. Bush library opened at a cost of approximately $43 million in 1997, while the Bill Clinton library totaled around $165 million. The George W. Bush library achieved its $500 million fundraising goal prior to its dedication, and the Obama Foundation has set an ambitious goal of $1.6 billion for the Chicago presidential center, which is expected to open in 2024. Gifford estimates that Biden’s library will likely fall between these financial benchmarks.

The planning phase is still in its infancy, but Biden’s team has already engaged with officials from 12 of the 13 presidential libraries managed by the National Archives and Records Administration. Their discussions have included operational logistics and programming ideas, alongside conversations with Delaware leaders to explore potential partnerships for the library’s development.

The vision for the Biden library includes an immersive museum that will highlight Biden’s four years in office, serving not only as a historical archive but also as a center for leadership, service, and civic engagement. The space will be designed to host educational events and policy discussions, reflecting Biden’s commitment to community involvement.

Biden has been relatively deliberate in his approach to library planning, particularly when compared to recent predecessors. For instance, Bill Clinton quickly announced the location for his library in Little Rock, Arkansas, shortly after his second term began, while Barack Obama selected a site in Chicago prior to leaving office. In contrast, Biden’s announcement comes after he suspended his candidacy for a second term in the 2024 election just 107 days before the official vote.

Despite the challenges he faces, Biden remains focused on Delaware as the library’s home. The state holds deep personal significance for him, having been the launchpad for his political career. Biden first entered politics as a member of the New Castle County Council in 1970 and spent 36 years representing Delaware in the Senate before serving as vice president under Obama. His ties to Pennsylvania, where he was born, have also shaped his narrative, but Delaware is where he has built his identity as a public servant.

Local leaders are optimistic about the project. Delaware Governor Matt Meyer expressed support, stating, “To Delaware, he will always be our favorite son. The new presidential library here in Delaware will give future generations the chance to see his story of resilience, family, and never forgetting your roots.”

As Biden’s library team prepares to launch their fundraising campaign, they face the dual challenge of maintaining a coherent vision for the library while navigating a complex political environment. The success of this initiative will depend heavily on their ability to attract support from both individual and corporate donors moving forward.