Politics | Biden
“Just Watch Me.” We Have Joe, and It’s Time to Go
Democrats are drifting ever closer to a fall with tragic consequences. They can strengthen their position to win the 2024 presidency by acting now
“I can’t believe it. How did this happen?” will be the laments of dumbfounded Democrats the morning after Trump wins the 2024 White House. But the reasons have accumulated for months. Too many stubbornly deny the risks and cling to Biden like chewing gum to the cat. Others can’t find the tools to lever Biden out of the way.
The track to defeat was laid when Biden wanted to run for a second term and was enabled to do so (Award Joe Biden with Another Term? by Kerry Landon-Lane, Medium). Biden, enablers, and complacents block a younger, more talented candidate from becoming the nominee and president. Being stuck with Biden is a massive liability. Joe Biden could too easily lose the 2024 election — worst of all, to an enhanced performance of Donald Trump. In a hypothetical presidential matchup, Trump now leads Biden in five critical states and key issues, according to recent Times/Siena College polls released in The New York Times, November 5, 2023. Though appreciative of Biden’s achievements, most Democrats believe he is too old and want a younger candidate. Defying this evidence, Washington politicians, columnists, and commentators continue to push ahead with Biden — a frail-looking eighty-year-old with poor communication skills and getting worse.
Joe Biden revealed painful evidence of his communication weaknesses and decline in a press conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, on September 10, 2023. It was an inarticulate ramble, including a John Wayne Cowboys and Indians memory. His staff members were forced to bring the event to a rapid conclusion with a musical overlay, thankfully at hand. No objective observer could conclude that the man at the podium was equipped to lead the most powerful country in the world for another five years. Anyone who has not seen the video should do so (President Biden Holds a Press Conference, YouTube).
David Ignatius addressed concerns about Joe’s ability for a second term in “President Biden Should Not Run Again in 2024” The Washington Post, September 12, 2023. He was generous to Biden for his accomplishments but differentiated this from continuing for an additional four years. Two-thirds of Democrats don’t want Joe Biden as their nominee, according to a CNN poll released on September 7, 2023. Moreover, the polls have remained consistent throughout the months, and little indicates they will significantly change. One fact remains: Joe Biden is NOT going to become younger.
The many excuses for keeping Biden don’t hold up
The common one, “Joe has earned it,” is invalid. The presidential job is not a reward. And should not be offered out of loyalty, courtesy, privilege, or right. No CEO of a publically held company would be appointed on this basis. CEOs and Presidents must be judged on their design for the future and ability to make it happen. Past accomplishments are essential but are not the sole qualification. Around one hundred and fifty years ago, Ferdinand de Lesseps successfully built the Suez Canal but was ill-equipped for a repeat performance in Panama, a disaster.
“Then, who then?” is the other commonly asked question. We have 120 million Americans eligible for the presidential position, before including those on social security. Surely, this is a pool large enough to select one excellent person. To narrow the field, we have a proven system known as primaries. Democrats must organize an open primary NOW. Not having time is NOT an option.
But Joe Biden needs a decisive push because he won’t move aside voluntarily. Feinstein, McConnell, and Pelosi leave no doubt that people in powerful, comfortable positions stay. For leaders in Washington, now is the time to act — to join forces and convince Joe Biden to bow to voters’ wishes and announce that he is not running for a second term. Jim Clyburn, perhaps, could lead the squad into the Oval Office since he was instrumental in Biden’s election in 2020 — the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
Excitement and reinvigoration will accompany an open primary, floodlight the Democratic side of the race, and carry the nominee to the White House. Talent for the competition will enter from all corners and backgrounds of America. Mayors, governors, senators, congresspersons, cabinet members, business folk, academics, chefs, and comedians will appear like a rainbow — all welcome and stage full. The surprises, speculations, shows, and showdowns will energize voters. Attention will shift from the Trump-dominated Republicans, who may be inspired to rethink their possibilities.
As for Joe Biden? He will be celebrated for stepping aside and his well-earned accomplishments. Free from the presidential race, Biden would be unencumbered from domestic politics to better attend to international crises such as the Middle East.
But stepping aside is essential. Should he stay and lose to Donald Trump, Joe Biden and his legacy will be toast.