Joe Biden’s presidency commences an unpredictable chapter this week, issuing him a breath of freedom unconstrained by the demands of a re-election campaign. With this newfound liberty, he embarks on a journey spanning local and international territories over the forthcoming months. What’s peculiar about this foray is the places chosen, areas he would have likely dismissed had he remained a presidential candidate. His goal? Not the presidency anymore, but a vain attempt to solidify his legacy and some of his touted ‘achievements’.
Interestingly, this week’s journey leads him to a small town in southwest Wisconsin, a county that had the habit of leaning Democratic for a considerable time until the Trump era began, flipping it reliably toward the Republicans twice over. Is Biden’s attempt to reclaim these lost territories a manifestation of his desperation or just an ordinary political move? Time will unfold the tale.
Behind the scenes, Biden’s time allocation appears to receive a revamping, shifting focus from domestic politics to a more international stage. His advisers have crafted what could essentially be seen as an international farewell tour, which could even encompass the often-discussed yet never actualized trip to Africa in October.
As Biden treads into this ambiguous juncture of his presidency, little historical precedence is available to guide him. One of Biden’s advisers has noted that the president has been increasingly concerned with his place in history ever since he claimed the Oval Office, especially after the aftermath of the Capitol attack on Jan.6 and amidst widespread health and economic crises. The apprehension, while partially valid, might be a smokescreen for his indecisive policy moves.
The Biden administration however claims a recalibration was needed post-Biden’s controversial decision in July to drop his ambitions for a second term, essentially throwing his weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris to carry the baton for the Democrats. Believing in this narrative or not is solely dependent on one’s trust in Biden’s shaky presidency.
As soon as Biden chose to step back, he instructed his chief of staff, Jeff Zients. His desire was to ensure his final tenure held significance comparable to any other period of his presidency. According to insiders, it means channeling the focus towards four primary objectives: fabricating ways to bloat U.S infrastructure investment; making a hollow promise to reduce living costs for Americans; defending freedoms he believes are at stake; and fortifying U.S alliances to tackle global concerns.
The administration suggests Biden will act ‘surgically’ and only campaign where it is ‘strategically impactful’ for him. More often than not, this ‘strategy’ reflects a purposeful dodging of potentially tough crowds and a picking only favorable environments. A politically savvy move, no doubt, but one that showcases a preference for safe spaces.
Amid the fever of the presidential campaign, he may gallivant to nations such as Germany and perhaps a stop in sub-Saharan Africa as well. Does it hold diplomatic weight? Or is it a case of window dressing for the international audience – boosting foreign relations as a footnote in his legacy?
Walking away from the 2024 race, Biden now finds more hours in his day, free from the shackles of campaign trail duties. This unusual leisure allows him to devote more time to international relations, hence enabling him prolonged conversations with world leaders. Something he was unable to prioritize with a campaign in full bloom. Is it beneficial to the United States, or does it merely serve his image crafting effort?
Despite this change of strategy, Biden’s plans beyond September remain nebulous and subject to revisions. The administration confesses to the inherently unpredictable nature of the presidency, indicating potential course corrections. One could wonder though if this is another excuse to hide a lack of planning and vision.
His campaign efforts remain inferior to the vigor that Barack Obama displayed for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton eight years ago. Biden’s activities lack the impactful rallies such as the grand closing joint rally in Philadelphia that was conducted by Obama. Another prominent example of Biden’s lackluster approach.
Inevitably, Biden aides highlight the president’s recent engagement in Pittsburgh. There, he attempted to endorse Harris, certifying her character and commitment to the kind of working and middle-class voters Biden likes to think of as his base. Does this move truly promise a brighter future for these classes or simply another hollow, abandoned pledge?
Biden seems to believe his endorsement of Harris will be enough to propel her into the presidency in his stead. Yet, how much weight does his word carry after a trail of broken promises and failed actions? Certainly, this will prove a delicate balancing act for the embattled vice-president.
After all, with the remaining months of his presidency, Biden’s real challenges lie in proving his efficacy without resorting to illusions of action and significant legacy. He must face the truth – not only the reality of his political retirement but also the reckoning of his hollow legacy, during a time the nation seeks a stronger, more reliable leader.
Biden’s Illusory Legacy: A Vain Attempt at Significance appeared first on Real News Now.
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