Heartbreaking, But Maybe Joe Should Go
One week after Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance, the national conversation - in the media if not in people’s homes - is still on whether he should stay in the race.
Most Pundits are urging him to withdraw. Most establishment Democrats are professing loyalty to his candidacy.
Republicans seem to be enjoying the spectacle. The more time Democrats spend discussing their own chances the less they spend countering the threat Donald Trump poses to America. In fact, the very discussion undermines Democratic chances in November.
Loyalty to Biden is understandable and deserved. But there seems to be no upside to him staying in the race. He’s been a damn good president but he’s never been and never will be an inspirational figure - unless he withdraws in the most positive, patriotic way possible.
Withdrawing could get him close. It’d give him a chance to embellish his reputation and demonstrate a kind of selfless patriotism rarely seen in American politics. If the campaign handled it right, he’ll make a show of turning a prosperous, energetic country over to a younger generation that holds the promise to make the country greater than ever.
Whatever reasons he gives for his change of heart, he can’t acknowledge any lack of mental capacity. He’ll still be a lame duck, but short of resigning his post, he’ll be President till next January. He has to use his time as effectively as possible, and not give Republicans and other enemies of America reason to gloat or ammunition to attack the country.
Any Dem running can take credit for the progress of the past three years without being blamed for the country’s problems.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in particular took on the right wing terrorists in her state, can likely get her state’s Arab population, and may appeal to other industrial states in the mid-west.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is smooth and good-looking but will probably be attacked for that, for masks, and for California. Still, hurting him will be a challenge even for the Russian/Republican propaganda machine
Vice President Kamala Harris has slowly been reinventing herself the past two years and could be formidable. She’ll get the full support of the Black caucus and probably bring the Black community into the Democratic fold.
But there are many others, including several with strong military records that could be in significant in a close race.
In any case, an open convention would generate the drama and excitement the Democrats have lacked for years.
Republicans have worked ceaselessly to destroy Biden’s reputation and undermine America’s progress in the past few years They’ve taken credit for his accomplishments, and shamelessly slimed his family. They continue to this moment. His arguments for staying the race aren’t convincing and are filled with a kind of hubris more associated with Shakespearean drama than American presidencies. The media continues its relentless effort to destroy his prospects for re-election.
Even before the debate, Biden’s campaign showed no sign that it understood what it needed to decisively win. That hasn’t changed. Though they’ve managed to rally support in Congress, many - too many - Dems are disheartened and the middle still has choices it can’t stand.
Biden and Dems up and down ballot can win but it’ll be much harder if he’s on the top of the ticket. If leaves, Democrats keep his voters and probably get lots more.