In spite of the claim that President Joe Biden voluntarily decided to retract from his second-term race – a perspective shared by some – the evidence and events suggest a rather different storyline. It appears that the decision was primarily influenced by the disapproval and dissatisfaction of the American electorate rather than the whim or pressure of a few ‘Democratic elites’.
A pivotal moment of realization for many was Biden’s disappointing debate performance in June. Following that event, the administration and a large portion of his party made attempts to deflect the impact of the damage through a variety of excuses. However, this approach is more suitable for a Walmart greeter botching up their job description than it is for the ‘Leader of the Free World’.
The reality that seemed to be painfully clear to the American people was that their president was displaying visible signs of aging, both mentally and physically, which could seriously hamper his performance and decision-making abilities. Moreover, it wasn’t a stretch to imagine these declines would not improve but likely exacerbate throughout his potential second term covering ages 82 to 86.
Biden’s bewildered and distant gaze during public appearances wasn’t just for show – it was here to stay. It was as though the president had found himself trapped in an unending, muddled terrain of confusion and uncertainty. The public image of Biden that was projected seemed to reflect a leader who was gradually losing his grasp.
After the harsh spotlight of the debate debacle, it was unavoidable that Biden’s political future was impeded by his own performance. Resultantly, the pressure to decline the re-election bid mounted. The faint praise he has received for eventually doing what many believe was the only logical choice is testament to how his leadership has been firmly cast in a negative light.
Moving onto Vice President Kamala Harris, she arguably offers no solace to those who hoped for a stronger replacement. Some people’s enthusiasm for her is less a positive appraisal of her as a candidate and more a sigh of relief at not having to pick between an aging Biden and former President Donald Trump, who is often criticized as harboring delusional ambitions.
Those who manage to muster enthusiasm for Harris are perhaps oblivious to the realities of her candidacy. This is not a reflection of optimism but a desperate attempt to see the silver lining in a situation where the alternatives are a visibly impaired Biden or a contentious Trump.
The looming shadow of former President Donald Trump does not make the decision-making any easier for the electorate. Indeed, some may perceive picking between Harris and Trump as a lose-lose proposition. Still, it seems too early for anyone to completely rule out Trump from this race.
A prophetic statement that resonates today is the one made by Nikki Haley during the primaries. She astutely pointed out that the first party to retire its octogenarian candidate will secure the victory in the elections. How the Democrats or Republicans react to this wise counsel will have ramifications on the election results.
Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that age should not be the sole determinant of a candidate’s competence or potential. Yet, in this case, one cannot separate Biden’s performance issues from his evident physical and mental decline. The resultant performance debate has sidelined the critical issue of policy discussions and strategic decision-making.
Irony is that even with the 80-year-old barrier, both Trump and Biden would exceed this limit by the end of their potential presidencies, with Trump aged 82 and Biden, 86. The decision facing the electorate is whether they want to support a leader in the twilight of their years or demand a candidate who brings a fresh perspective.
Ultimately, the American people are looking for a leader who demonstrates not only the physical strength but also the mental acuity to handle the enormous responsibilities of the presidency. The performance of Biden and the prospect of Harris have raised questions and intensified debates over such qualifications.
What this narrative leads to is a state of anxiety and speculation about the future political landscape. Those who once supported Biden and Harris are now forced to reconsider their options in light of recent developments, casting a shadow over the Democratic party’s prospects.
As the political grounds continue to shift rapidly, those enthusiastically cheering for Harris or disparaging Biden must remember that there is more at stake here than just personal preferences. The wellbeing and future of the nation is a collective responsibility, one that demands clear judgment, decisive action, and undiluted dedication from its leaders.
Conclusively, while the outcome of such political predicaments remain uncertain, what is clear is that American voters are not just spectators in this game of power. Their choices, criticisms and demands will significantly shape the ultimate decision, playing an instrumental role in determining the future course of the nation.
Biden Falters: A Forced Quit Due to Dwindling Approval appeared first on Real News Now.
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