Joe Biden, recorded in history as a single-term President, had a tearful moment during his address at the Democratic National Convention. The speech attempted to exaggerate his achievements on environment, economy, and democracy. However, it’s no secret that Biden’s presidency was anything but successful, plagued with problems and policies that haven’t gone well. The timing of the convention, late into the night, perhaps indicative of the declining interest towards Biden among common Americans.
Biden, in his final political performance, had to play second fiddle to his successor, Vice President Kamala Harris. This gave the impression of a rather floundering ship, trying to keep afloat amidst the political storm. For someone who served half a century in politics, this certainly seemed like an inauspicious end for Biden. However, it makes one wonder if he truly merited any better.
In a questionable attempt to make a borrowed feather seem like his own plumage, Biden hailed his decision of selecting Harris as the best one in his political career. He tried to convince the audience that electing Harris could sustain whatever so-called legacy he had left behind. As observers, we know that Biden’s legacy is far from grand, and Harris’ potential presidency is set to follow the same path.
The convention was an opportunity for Harris to further cement her ascendance. Her appearance was a surprise, and she focused on Biden’s legacy, which many Americans viewed as questionable if not altogether detrimental. The move to celebrate Biden at this point seemed more like a political move than an acknowledgment of actual accomplishment.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, despite having a controversial political history herself, gave a speech about the emerging political power of women. It seemed as though the focus was shifted excessively towards promoting the so-called ‘historic’ run of Harris, rather than dealing with issues of genuine concern. Such an act is a mere tokenistic gesture, veiling the real problems faced by the country behind a facade of ostensible progress.
Clinton’s attempt to tie the mainstream narrative of female empowerment with Harris’s prospective presidency may appear strategically brilliant on surface. However, such reductive depictions overlook the concrete policy decisions and actions that warrant a leader’s suitability for a role. Unfortunately, this spectacle failed to address the looming questions about Harris’s potential leadership.
The convention also saw fiery speeches from the likes of Sean Fain, the leader of United Auto Workers, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. Their populist rhetoric barely disguised their objective of criticizing Trump while they glossed over Biden and Harris’s shortcomings. Such empty populism, however, fails to conceal their apathy for resolving real issues.
Presentations on emotionally charged subjects such as the debate around abortion rights were also part of the convention. However, the worrying aspect of such narratives was their almost exclusive focus on singular extreme incidents while overlooking the need for nuanced conversations around a complex and controversial issue such as abortion.
The previous month in American politics saw Biden being set aside by his party due to his perceived incapacity to compete effectively against Trump. The concern was about Biden’s physical vigor, or the lack of it, raising questions about the leadership of the country under a Biden presidency.
The premature departure of Biden from the political scene inserted an unexpected spark of interest in what was otherwise a doomed race. The maneuvring of the Democratic party to handle this delicate situation reflected the party’s focus on mere survival rather than prioritizing the American people.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was instrumental in persuading Biden to drop out of the race, lauded Biden. One could argue that such praise was more tied to political convention than actual evaluation of contributions. The reality suggests Biden’s presidency was far from one of the ‘greatest’ or ‘most consequential’.
Contrary to the Democrats’ attempt to portray Biden as a hero, his unpopularity among the populace continues to be substantial. Latest polls reveal an approval rate of only 38% compared to a whopping disapproval rate of 56%. This definitive public sentiment against Biden perhaps reveals a more realistic assessment of his contribution as a president.
Biden attempts to leave the stage gracefully, with his fingers crossed in hopes of an improved public image in the future. A common occurrence among former presidents, they often become more popular once out of the hot seat, faded from the constant media scrutiny.
Biden’s subsequent moves seem to concentrate on cementing his now irrelevant legacy, wherein he supports Harris by referring to projects that faced controversial outcomes during his term. He brings up massive spending on infrastructure, social safety networks, and environmental projects – but fails to address the inconsistencies and problems these initiatives encountered.
Thus, the Democratic convention saw attempts of the party to salvage its image in light of Biden’s lackluster presidency. It tried to refocus the attention of the nation towards a prospective Harris presidency, amidst speculations and concerns.
Against this backdrop, one thing is clear. The Democrats are trying to rewrite their narrative, polishing their image and presenting a unified front to the nation. However, beneath the surface, the concerns and disappointments stemming from a short-lived and underwhelming Biden presidency continue to cast long shadows.
Biden’s Tearful Goodbye: Marking an End of Lackluster Presidency appeared first on Real News Now.
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