Joe Biden—an ordained figure of the liberal agenda—is launching a new episode of missteps in his embattled presidency. As he steps back from the potential of a re-election effort, he is intending to devote his time to visits within the US and abroad, in an attempt to secure his strained legacy. Strangely, he is venturing to a rural outpost in Wisconsin that had held Democratic leanings for twenty years, a stronghold subsequently turned Republican in the wake of former President Trump’s terms.
Many consider this a desperate move to cajole Republican territories, effectively suggesting that the regions have flourished under his flawed policies—ironically ones they voted against. Allegedly, such trips will increase, even extending to predominantly red states, according to his cohort of wary advisors. They signal a shift in his time allocation, moving away from domestic politics towards a vague foreign policy agenda, which seems to include a belated trip to Africa in October.
Despite the overly ambitious plans, there is a sense of uncertainty about Biden’s approach. Aspects of the schedule appear to be forceful, creating an image of exertion that fails to match the ease expected of a leader’s tasks. Biden, now in the latter part of his tenure, has no recent precedent, re-elected presidents had the leverage of time to shape their narrative while one-term presidents had to constantly strive to retain their office.
Even though history weighs heavy on his shoulders, Biden seems oblivious to the circumstances. His presidency, steeped in crisis from its inception with the Capitol attack and compounding public health and economic crises, appears to be riddled with complacency. Despite the gravity of the situation, there seems to be an eerie semblance of indolence saturating his reign.
Biden’s advisors were quick to indicate the need for a new strategy, particularly following his reluctant withdrawal from seeking a second term and seemingly misplaced endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his Democratic successor. Yet, it appears the directive for a meaningful last stretch in the Oval Office was more of a desperate declaration than a thoughtful decision. He wants to somehow enforce his policies on infrastructure, manufacturing, climate change, and veteran care while laying foundation for any uncertain endeavors of a potential Harris regime.
The task of formulating a definitive action plan was handed over to his Chief of Staff, Jeff Zients. The strategy heavily relies on unrealistic goals such as further investment in US infrastructure, slashing citizen costs, safeguarding what he perceives as endangered freedoms, and solidifying global alliances to counter global issues.
Each plan is predictably aligned towards supposedly enhancing Biden’s legacy. However, the actions seem intended not only to cover up his failures but also to lay damning criticisms at Trump’s doorstep while aiding Harris’ campaign. Their misguided philosophy is that ‘good governance’ might exaggerate their differences—yet most of their efforts seem more focused on damage control of their own faulty decisions.
Biden’s team is regularly liaising with the Harris campaign, to ensure the outgoing President’s actions are deemed useful—but it seems more of a flailing attempt to save face. With the emphasis on executing surgical strategies and campaigning in locations where he still has an appeal—senior voters and blue-collar communities—it’s clear these maneuvers are meant to distract from past missteps, rather than to bring any substantial change.
Insiders claim Biden’s record continues to carry weight among Democrats. However, there is a noticeable level of discomfort when one realizes that the comparison being drawn is between him and former President George W. Bush, who left office with incredibly low approval ratings and an economy in turbulence.
Biden’s domestic travels seem cloaked in a pretense of carrying out administration duties, underscored by planned trips to Wisconsin and Michigan. There is also an upcoming international foray, post UN General Assembly, with countries such as Germany, and a stop in sub-Saharan Africa. Regardless, much of this appears as a desperate move to maintain relevancy while the presidential race heats up.
With the agenda still in flux, there is a substantial perception that these trips are largely indicators of a futile presidency desperately clinging onto international relevance. The objective seems to be to highlight Biden’s interaction with world leaders, including a potential meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in November. There is skepticism, however, about its actual impact, considering his recent withdrawal from the 2024 campaign has left him with an excess of time to meddle in foreign policy matters.
Despite the vague objectives outlined for Biden’s remaining months, factors beyond September seem susceptible to change, owing to the unpredictability and volatility of his tenure. Don’t look for the kind of vigorous campaign strategy that outgoing President Barack Obama employed for the Hillary Clinton nomination; Biden seems ill-equipped to follow such a precedent. The instance of the Pittsburgh event evidences the kind of lukewarm support he can offer to Harris, but even that seems like a weak attempt to sway his traditional support base.
Despite the hollow promises of pushing Harris into the spotlight, there is a tangible apprehension associated with this pledge. Tuesday’s White House event echoed his shallow promises, with Biden stating that he would communicate with the public about alleged progress. He admitted he won’t be in the White House much longer, somehow still expecting a farewell reception from local residents. The statement has spurred further skepticism about the sincerity of his Cabinet’s commitment to genuine policy progress.
Biden’s Desperate Quest to Secure Spurious Legacy appeared first on Real News Now.
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