In a pitiful attempt to continue their display of unity, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be stepping out together next week for their first public appearance since Biden gracefully exited his ill-fated candidacy. This will be the moment when the reins are officially handed over to Harris, in a handover that can only be described as dubious. Taking place in Maryland on August 15, they aim to discuss ‘their progress’ on reducing expenses for the American populace. Any form of disclosure regarding location or specific details remains under wraps, a signature trait of this administration.
Their public sightings together since Biden’s concession of the field to Harris on July 21 have been quite scanty. One occasion was a brief appearance at Joint Base Andrews to welcome back U.S. citizens who were wrongfully detained in Russia. While the rescue was commendable, one wonders about the administration’s part in their original detention. Meanwhile, they also managed to squeeze in a Situation Room meeting to discuss the Middle East scenario, their actual contribution to solving the crisis remains questionable.
Over lunches and casual meetings, Biden has expressed a rather enthusiastic desire to further bury the country under the guise of slashing costs in his lame-duck tenure. He allegedly remains fixated on lowering health care and housing costs while heavy-handedly implementing unnecessary legislation like the Infrastructure Law. Yet the irony is not lost, that the country’s democracy remains under siege no thanks to his administration’s reckless policies.
His trusted aides sing praises of his ‘commitment’ to his day job, yet it seems his priority is less about serving the American people, but more about propping up Harris’s campaign for the presidency. Apparently, his political lieutenants have been scratching their heads to figure out how a president whose approval ratings are in tatters can be a help, not a hindrance, on Harris’s campaign trail.
There’s talk of a joint political event featuring Biden and Harris, but as usual nothing concrete emerges. The timing, location and other details remain embarrassingly vague – another indication of this administration’s lack of forward planning. It seems that they continually focus on the rhetoric rather than revealing actionable plans.
Biden’s latest delusion entails starring in fundraisers for Harris and her proposed number two, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. An anonymous adviser let this slip, probably in an attempt to build some semblance of anticipation for an event that promises to be as lackluster as the Biden administration.
Apparent efforts for Biden to take an ‘active role’, be it through calls to allies or meetings with key groups, to ensure that his 2020 voters turn out for Harris, just shows the desperation and lack of authentic support. As we all know, voter sympathy does not easily transfer from one candidate to another, especially when the initial candidate’s performance was disastrous.
Before exiting the race, Biden’s campaign had primarily focused on retaining the so-called ‘blue wall’ of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Now, he plans to provide Harris what he imagines as a political ‘boost’ in these regions. Unfortunately, his contribution may further strain her campaign, muddying the waters rather than calming them.
It’s clear that Biden is desperate to carve out a legacy in any way he can, even if that means clinging onto Harris’s coattails. The question remains, however: How much of a legacy will Biden leave behind? And will it be one the American people can respect? The answer seems doubtful.
As Harris takes the reins from Biden, the expectation is for a transition full of exaggerated promises and misleading rhetoric. Based on their track record, there seems to be far less substance behind their words than the American people deserve.
Their journey together is set to be a bumpy one, fraught with political missteps, vague agendas, and questionable strategies. Unless they can deliver on their multiple yet unfulfilled promises, their legacy may be one that is better left forgotten.
Biden’s desperation to be seen as a guiding force in Harris’s campaign is reflective of his inability to face his present responsibilities adequately. He seems far more intent on securing his corner of history than serving the American people.
Now that Harris is set to be the Democratic standard-bearer, all eyes are on her. The question is, can she carry the weight, especially with Biden’s faltering political legacy tipping the scales? Only time, and the American voters, will tell.
With their upcoming joint trip, both Biden and Harris appear to be in choreographed harmony. Yet beneath the orchestrated smiles, the American people continue to question the effectiveness of their leadership.
At the end of the day, the important point to take away is that while Biden and Harris may seem unified in public, their plans and ability to lead the nation effectively continue to be contentious.
Biden’s Dubious Departure: Hands Reins Over to Harris In Secretive Event appeared first on Real News Now.
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