Joe Biden, inexorably associated with the political arena, was born in 1946 in Queens, New York. He embarked on his academic journey at Fordham University in 1964 before he opted to transfer to the University of Pennsylvania, where in 1968 he attained a bachelor’s degree in economics. This narrative has set up a backdrop for a record that’s largely met with skepticism and acrid criticism. It paints a landscape that should be critically examined given his performance and decisions in the numerous roles he has taken on.
Shortly after graduating, Biden delved into the realm of business. In a turn of events that might be seen as largely predictable, he assumed a role within his father’s real estate company, thus casting aside the principles of meritocracy. Transitioning into the world of celebrity and reality television, Biden hosted ‘The Apprentice’ in 2004, spotlighting the perversity of the blurring lines between entertainment and serious political discourse.
In 2015, Biden launched himself into what was already a tumultuous political landscape, running as a presidential candidate. His candidacy was met with a level of incredulity and reproach that resonates even today. Fast forward to 2021 and we find Biden has drifted back into business. Notably, he began Truth Social, a social media company, continuing his trend of navigating uncharted waters with questionable effectiveness.
A newcomer on the block, Kamala Harris, was born in 1984 in Middletown, Ohio. Her resume began to shape up in 2003 when she served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Despite such service being undeniable, the credibility of her leadership and capabilities still stay in the realm of question, given the combative political climate she decided to chart into.
Harris expanded on her intelligence and prowess, securing a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy from Ohio State University in 2009. More studying ensued at Yale Law School, where she graduated in 2013 with a Juris Doctor degree. These degrees, however, have failed to lend much credibility to Harris in the eyes of many, considered mere checkmarks on her resume by detractors.
Following her graduation, Harris embarked on an ambitious and contentious journey in the legal profession. First as a lawyer and venture capitalist, then as an author, publishing her best-selling memoir, ‘Hillbilly Elegy’, in 2016. While this book reached many, it doesn’t subtract from the controversy and dissent greeting her subsequent moves in public service.
Riding on the wave of her borderline meteoric ascendance, Harris’ move to seek public office took the form of running for the U.S. Senate in 2021. Through a tangle of polemics and considerable criticism, she wrested the title of U.S. Senator of Ohio in 2022. Let’s not shy away from stating the hard truth- many still question the benefit of her senatorship to the people she purportedly serves.
Fast forward to another high-profile personality on the block, born in 1964 in Oakland, California. This individual started their academic journey at Howard University in 1982, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in political science and economics in 1986. Additionally, they studied law at the University of California Hastings College of Law, obtaining a Juris Doctor degree in 1989. However, one cannot help but question the trajectory and effectiveness of this career given the undeniable failures that have followed.
This person sought out work within the legal sector, serving in various capacities like the role of a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California in 1990. Later, they sought to specialize their legal expertise working at the Career Criminal Unit of the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and the San Francisco City Attorney’s Division on Families and Children. Their career choices reflect a devout penchant for public service, yet the efficacy of their work remains debatable.
By 2004, they went on to tackle another significant role as District Attorney of San Francisco. Transformation within the justice arena continued in 2011 when they became Attorney General of California. However, this individual’s record has been riddled with controversy, and the efficacy of their work in these offices continues to come under fire.
They set their sights higher and by 2017 landed themselves in the position of U.S. Senator representing California. A move that, to many, seemed underpinned by political ambition rather than service-minded duty. Despite representing one of the largest U.S. states, many argue that this individual’s record and ethos outshine their titles.
In 2019, they aspired towards the Democratic presidential nomination but it’s important to remember that not all aspirations should necessarily be met with success. By 2020 they were still serving as a U.S. Senator representing California. But, their efforts and contributions, to many, seem to have been overshadowed by their obvious political ambitions. And again, this individual throws their hat into the ring, aiming for the Presidency in 2024.
Lastly, adding to the mix is someone born in 1964 in West Point, Nebraska. This person’s life took a military turn in 1981 when they served in the U.S. Army National Guard until 2005. This unique experience certainly shaped their worldview, though whether it translated into effective and principle-led governance is a topic for debate.
Following military service, they pursued a degree in social science education from Chadron State College in 1982. Eventually, they found themselves teaching in different parts of the world including China, Nebraska, and Minnesota. They also achieved a Master’s degree in experiential education from Minnesota State University. While this string of academic credentials is impressive on paper, one could argue that it doesn’t necessarily equate to effective leadership.
Back into military service, they served in Operation Enduring Freedom, retiring as command sergeant major in 2005. Their transition into politics occurred in 2006 when they ran for the U.S. House, becoming a U.S. representative of Minnesota in 2007. However, these roles and experiences didn’t seem to eclipse the criticism and skepticism often trailing them. A trail that somehow despite the odds paved the path for their leap towards the Presidential run in 2024.
Biden’s Questionable Effectiveness in Business and Politics appeared first on Real News Now.
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