As Democrats face an unpredictable and pivotal election season, one name is emerging as a critical asset for the party’s chances in November: Bill Clinton. While Clinton has been a staple figure at every Democratic convention for over three decades, his influence has never been more vital than now. With the party in a race against time to fend off Donald Trump, Clinton’s ability to connect with voters could be the key to a victory.

After a tumultuous summer, many Democrats are feeling a mix of optimism and nervous anticipation. The energy of the convention is undeniable, but the underlying concern remains: will the party’s momentum be enough to carry them through November? In Pennsylvania, a state that could decide the outcome of the election, Democratic leaders are voicing a clear desire for Clinton to hit the campaign trail.

“President Clinton has been one of our party’s most effective messengers,” said Pennsylvania’s Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. “He has a unique ability to reach old-school, yellow dog Democratic voters, especially in communities like Erie, Sharon, and Uniontown.” With key battleground states like Pennsylvania at stake, Clinton’s influence could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Rep. Brendan Boyle echoed Davis’s sentiment, calling Clinton “one of the greatest political talents in the history of the Democratic Party.” He believes Clinton’s involvement is critical for the party’s survival, especially in an election that has been described as “existential for our democracy.”

At 78, Clinton is no longer the tireless campaigner he once was. His energy has waned, and concerns about his ability to engage in the grueling demands of the campaign trail persist. However, for many Democrats, the risk of Clinton’s diminished stamina pales in comparison to the urgent need for his skills. “He’s the master at connecting with voters,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. “Not just the Democratic base, but independents and those in the working-class heartland. He has the ability to reach firemen, union members, and older voters who long for the pre-Trump era.”

Indeed, Clinton’s appeal lies not only in his experience but also in his ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time before partisan rancor consumed American politics. As Hochul put it, Clinton represents a “golden age of politics”—an era in which compromise and civility were still possible. In a moment of deep polarization, this message could resonate with voters who long for unity and stability.

Despite Clinton’s controversial past and accusations of mistreatment of women, many in the Democratic Party argue that his flaws are dwarfed by the misconduct and legal troubles surrounding Trump. Clinton’s presence on the campaign trail could help balance the scales of political messaging, reminding voters of the centrist, economically prosperous policies of the 1990s.

Mitch Landrieu, the former New Orleans mayor and close ally of Kamala Harris, emphasized the necessity of Clinton’s involvement. “He’s the best retail politician in America,” Landrieu said. “Whenever or however, as far as I’m concerned.” For Harris and other Democrats, having Clinton on their team would be an invaluable asset, especially as they seek to connect with working-class voters in critical states.

Interestingly, the nostalgia for Clinton’s presidency isn’t confined to Democrats. Many Republicans, too, have expressed longing for the centrist policies and relative political calm of the 1990s. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, despite his history with Clinton, acknowledged that had Clinton been allowed to campaign for Al Gore in 2000, the outcome may have been vastly different. “Had Al Gore allowed Clinton to campaign the way he could have, Al Gore would have won the presidency,” Gingrich said, adding that Clinton’s appeal to working-class voters remains unmatched by any other Democrat.

As Democrats head into the final stretch of the 2024 election, it’s clear that Bill Clinton’s influence, though diminished by time, still holds significant power. Whether or not the former president will make a return to the campaign trail is yet to be seen, but his involvement could be the game-changer that ensures a victory for Vice President Kamala Harris and the future of the Democratic Party.

In this high-stakes election, the message is clear: Free Bill Clinton. He may be the key to winning back the White House and reshaping the future of American politics.