Staff Reports
A month ago, the Democratic National Convention was billed as President Joe Biden’s big coming out party, where he would strut his stuff like a peacock on parade. Fast forward four weeks, and instead of owning the spotlight, Biden has turned into more of a bridge—a metaphorical one, not a literal construction project—encouraging votes for his Vice President, Kamala Harris, while trying to salvage his legacy during his speech in Chicago. One has to wonder if Biden’s political dance is more about nostalgia than actual enthusiasm for what’s been served up.
Biden’s 50-minute oration hit on all the expected notes, reminding the audience how essential democracy is while simultaneously slickly promoting his partner in questionable governance, Harris. His emotional fanfare received a rousing standing ovation as the crowd chanted their gratitude, perhaps unsure if they were applauding the past or praying for a brighter future. After all, when was the last time a chorus of “Thank you, Joe!” didn’t sound a little desperate?
“During the pandemic Kamala and I helped states and cities get back their schools back open” – Joe Biden
Now look at this DNC ad from 2020 attacking Trump for wanting to reopen schools:
Democrats ran on school closures. They’re trying to rewrite history again. They’re… pic.twitter.com/viWxUfpiKW
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 20, 2024
The president called for a vote for “freedom” along with the ever-so-sublime goal of ensuring the Republican menace—Donald Trump—is crushed. Not only is he pushing for support for Harris, but Biden also seems to have taken on the role of a well-meaning, albeit misguided guide into the political future for Democrats. One can almost hear the collective sigh of relief as he positions himself as a benevolent dictator, resolved not to cozy up to a legacy that resembles a collapsing house of cards.
Protests on the convention’s opening day highlighted tensions within the party, with pro-Gaza activists attempting to unfurl a “Stop Arming Israel” banner. Instead of addressing the issues surrounding national security and America’s interests, the president chose to divert attention with meaningless platitudes about innocence being lost on both sides. The message was clear: distract the public from real problems while boosting his lagging approval ratings.
With whispers of discomfort among Democratic leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, it seems party solidarity is fraying like an old pair of shoes. The convention’s attendance certainly reflected a party trying to save face, with members praising Biden as if he were some kind of political prophet who gave up power for the good of posterity. In a touching moment that could bring a tear to even the stoniest heart, various Democrats shed light on the courageous act of Biden stepping back as if he’d just performed a miracle. This miracle happened to involve handing the reins over to the very individual who once courted his political demise.
As delegates reminisced and applauded Biden’s “historic” journey, it was hard to shake the feeling that the ground beneath them was shifting. Enthusiasm among party members seemed tepid. Americans watching from their couches might find it amusing—this idea that self-sacrifice is simply a euphemism for shuffling off responsibility and allowing a new generation (of the same ilk) to take over. The president may have wanted to pass the torch, but many are left wondering if it was more of a ceremonial handover to a fire already in danger of engulfing their ship.
