Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has called upon the Democratic Party to embrace greater honesty with the American public. He believes the party's perceived concealment of President Biden's declining abilities contributed to significant losses in the 2024 election.

During an appearance on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," de Blasio argued that Vice President Kamala Harris's reluctance to differentiate herself from Biden, coupled with the Democratic Party's hesitancy to critique the president until after his withdrawal from the race, fueled public discontent.

De Blasio stated, "Americans felt betrayed because they sensed the Democratic Party was shielding Joe Biden. Public frustration, stemming from issues like inflation, was compounded by this perceived lack of transparency." He acknowledged his own role in this, admitting, "I, too, hoped Biden could complete his term, given his accomplishments. However, it became increasingly clear that a single term was appropriate, and many Democrats remained silent. This silence, I believe, fostered a sense of betrayal among voters."

Until Biden's exit from the race in July, Democrats and mainstream media outlets largely downplayed concerns regarding his mental acuity. Following his withdrawal, prominent figures like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggested Biden should have stepped down earlier.

De Blasio advocated for a more forthright approach within the Democratic Party, suggesting they adopt a more candid communication style, akin to Donald Trump's. He believes authentically addressing public concerns and demonstrating a willingness to fight for their interests will improve the party's prospects in future elections.

He also criticized Harris's unwavering loyalty to Biden, arguing that it ultimately proved detrimental. He contended that Harris needed to establish a distinct identity and demonstrate a willingness to deviate from Biden's policies to resonate with a disillusioned electorate. He cited Harris's appearance on "The View," where she struggled to identify any policy differences with Biden, as particularly damaging.

Throughout the campaign, Harris consistently avoided addressing questions about Biden's cognitive abilities.