In a move that many have anticipated, Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States, announced her retirement. This news hardly qualifies as a major headline since she’s essentially been absent from the role for most of her husband’s presidency. Some would argue that the real heavy lifting in the Biden administration has been done by her, while others might say it’s more like she operated as the de facto president, given her husband’s frequent stumbles.
During a virtual “thank you” event with teachers, Jill celebrated her time as First Lady. She proclaimed it to be the honor of her life, a rather dramatic assertion for someone who also appears to be more robust than her husband, who has needed frequent hand-holding and reminders about basic etiquette, let alone governmental duties. The timing of this announcement, right after she concluded her last class at Northern Virginia Community College, could be seen as a subtle shift from First Lady to focusing on her teaching, and perhaps preserving what remains of her husband’s dwindling reputation.
Jill Biden Drops Out Of Presidential Race https://t.co/hq6RrcVcQC pic.twitter.com/NW4qMlEtmx
— The Babylon Bee (@TheBabylonBee) July 21, 2024
There’s a certain irony in Jill Biden’s choice of who to brag about being associated with during her announcement: leaders from teachers’ unions who have been staunch advocates for all things Democrat. It seems like a classic move, using her platform to publicly honor the individuals who helped indoctrinate the next generation—no surprise there, given the Biden family’s notable affinity for using education for political leverage. The question remains: how much teaching was left unsaid while she was currying favor with the Democratic establishment?
Interestingly, Jill Biden has always been someone who kept a profession while being married to a man whose own career has been marred by questionable ethics, with a son who continues to dominate headlines for less-than-stellar reasons. The stark contrast between her professing commitment to education and the countless gaffes and sincerely awkward moments Joe has faced leaves an odd taste in the mouth. One can only wonder how many of her four degrees and extensive educational background shield her from the ongoing controversies that threaten to engulf the Biden family.
As she slides into retirement, one can imagine the Bidens plotting their next chapter. The couple owns multiple homes, including a lavish beach property and a sprawling estate in Wilmington, Delaware. It’s love and privilege straight from the Democratic playbook, where they can bask in the lap of luxury while they relax after a grueling four years. Perhaps they’ll spend their golden years figuring out a way for Joe to quietly transition from public speaking engagements to a private lifestyle without too many public spectacles. With a bit of luck, fewer moments of confusion on stage could be the beginning of a quieter life for Jill and her “honorary” spouse.