Staff Reports
Joe Biden’s recent declaration about his future in the campaign has left Democrats reaching for a stiff drink. Despite murmurs and speculations, Biden made it clear that he’s not going anywhere, firmly stating that no one is pushing him out and that he’s here to stay until the bitter end. This news surely came as a blow to those hoping for a last-minute hero to rescue them from the sinking ship.
The notion of replacing Biden was never truly on the table, given his delegate count and the imminent nominating convention. And let’s not forget, the alternative of Kamala Harris doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, especially considering her lackluster polling numbers. The Democrats find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place, with no magical solution in sight.
President Biden on campaign call that just wrapped, per person on the call:
"Let me say this as clearly as I possibly can as simply and straightforward as I can: I am running…no one’s pushing me out. I’m not leaving. I’m in this race to the end and we’re going to win.”
— Elena Schneider (@ec_schneider) July 3, 2024
As anticipated, the media spin is likely to shift gears soon. While they briefly acknowledged Biden’s cognitive decline, they are poised to pivot back to painting a rosy picture because, let’s face it, Biden is all they have. The Democrats are cornered into staunchly defending their candidate, regardless of his evident shortcomings.
How is she not up by 50 points? pic.twitter.com/a7VhD7I3Qy
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) July 3, 2024
The Biden family dynamics also play a significant role in his decision to soldier on. With Jill Biden reveling in her newfound power and Hunter Biden keeping a hopeful eye on post-election favors, there’s a lot at stake for the Bidens if Joe were to withdraw. Their grip on the potential spoils of victory is too tight to let go easily.
Meanwhile, Republicans are understandably pleased with this turn of events. Biden’s political wounds seem to be multiplying, with little hope of recovery in sight. His impending debate performance could further weaken his position, much to the delight of conservatives. For once, the self-centered motives of the Bidens are aligning with the interests of the GOP, highlighting the tangled web the Democrats find themselves in.
In the end, Biden’s persistence in the race serves as a harsh reminder to Democrats of the consequences of their choices. There are no shortcuts or easy exits from this predicament they find themselves in, and perhaps facing the music is exactly what they need.
