Staff Reports
Here we go again, folks. President Joe Biden is digging in his heels as the Democratic Party’s presumptive 2024 nominee, despite his shaky debate performance that had even his closest allies wincing. With his age and mental fitness under scrutiny, Biden is now being pushed by his camp to engage in more spontaneous moments to prove he’s still got what it takes. It’s a strategy that could either stabilize his dwindling support or confirm everyone’s worst fears.
In a desperate attempt to undo the damage of his disastrous debate against former President Donald Trump, some of Biden’s allies are suggesting he hold town halls, media interviews, and press conferences. The gaffe-prone President, however, might just have a few more auto-pilot answers up his sleeve. Meanwhile, there’s a growing faction within his own party that’s hinting maybe it’s time for him to step down and let Vice President Kamala Harris take the lead. Clearly, no one wants to say the Emperor has no clothes, but some are inching dangerously close.
Nonetheless, Biden is soldiering on, prepping a slew of events over the Fourth of July holiday in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania to reassure skeptical voters. He’s set to sit down for an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos and hold a call with Democratic governors. Because nothing screams “I’ve got this” quite like a controlled media interview and a conference call with political allies.
The White House is trotting Biden out for a press conference next week, hoping to counter allegations that he’s been too shielded from the media. However, given his track record, one more notable slip-up could be the final nail in the coffin for a campaign already hobbled by questions about his age and mental fitness. Remember the special counsel Robert Hur’s report? The one that suggested a jury might see Biden as “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory” instead of a decisive leader? Yeah, that.
The Democrats are in quite the pickle. Biden’s debate performance was so catastrophic that he’s been glued to his teleprompter ever since, appearing only when thoroughly prepared. Even Democratic bigwigs are torn on whether to keep him out in the open or let “basement Biden” tactics make a comeback. Senator Chris Coons wants Biden to have more unscripted moments—a bold move considering the President’s penchant for gaffes. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi is even urging him to engage in more no-holds-barred interviews with serious journalists, as if that will magically erase the image of a befuddled old man on stage.
And it’s not just political commentators who are throwing in the towel. Congressman Lloyd Doggett has officially called for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race, lamenting that Biden failed to defend his record and expose Trump’s many falsehoods. Other lawmakers aren’t denying that Biden’s shortcomings could drag the whole party down. It’s becoming crystal clear that Biden’s inability to perform under pressure isn’t just his problem; it’s the Democratic Party’s looming nightmare.
But, in the alternate universe that is Bidenland, everything’s just fine. The President is convinced he can still clinch the 2024 election, despite the glaring red flags waving in the face of his campaign. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre claims that Biden is out there engaging with people and listening to supporters. Sure, because a tightly controlled campaign stop in Wisconsin will totally erase the memory of a man who almost fell asleep on stage.
Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up. The Democrats’ race to 2024 is shaping up to be a chaotic rollercoaster, and Biden himself is still the confused conductor at the helm.
