Trending
After Joe Biden laid that enormous egg in Atlanta, Democrats have been scrambling to figure out how to proceed with his campaign. Some went so far as to suggest he resign and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him as president. All of the fears about his stamina and fitness were confirmed. Even his most stalwart supporters were dazed and confused.
But they should not be surprised. The Biden campaign convinced that they could still run a 2020 style of campaign, which was limited by COVID. His performance in the debate demonstrated Biden was not ready for prime time. Forget that his opponent, Donald Trump, disassembled the truth, Biden did not call him out. He confused a discussion on abortion, arguably Biden's strongest issue, and wandered into an incoherent explanation concerning immigration, and then was mercifully stopped.
Coupled with the willful misanalysis of their own candidate is the inexplicable behavior of the Democratic National Committee. Not since Lyndon Johnson urged New Hampshire-ites to send a pledge card swearing fealty to a particular candidate has the Democratic Party apparatus been so ham-handed. Eugene McCarthy, his primary opponent, asked, "Whatever happened to the secret ballot?" In 2024, Biden muscled Robert F. Kennedy so hard that he became an independent. As for independents, the state parties have tried to discourage ballot petitions. When will they ever learn?
Biden's campaign has been run with neolithic incompetence. If they had allowed RFK to contest the primaries, there may have been an embarrassment or two, but Biden would have won going away. Recently in North Carolina, the state Board of Elections held up the petitions of RFK Jr., Cornel West and others, no doubt in the name of "democracy." It was entirely Democrats who have a one vote edge who held up the process. Republicans, having been given a break, had a field day, depicting themselves as the good guys, and yes, fair and democratic.
Biden's fundraising is the shining light of the campaign, but its approach to voters is hectoring and pleading. Senate races show Democrats are doing quite well -- it is old Joe bringing up the rear. Sometimes Democrats are running 10 points better than the president. Biden, although he is a good bargainer, nevertheless is less than stellar as a retail politician.
Biden is understandably proud of his infrastructure programs, which some voters mistakenly attribute to their state governments, and his immigration policy, which is not entirely his fault, is blamed for the "invasion" of the southern border. Added to that is his foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine. Biden has given far more to Kyiv then to American highways and bridges. Also, he cannot seem to persuade Netanyahu to seek moderation. Trump is not wrong when he warns of World War III.
Can Biden come back? Perhaps, but can he govern if he wins? He will be 86 if he does. What he displayed at the debate is not a man of vigor and strength, but a frail man who has deteriorated since 2020. Should Democrats risk it all betting on a proud, stubborn man?