Staff Reports
In a recent attempt to revive his sinking campaign, President Joe Biden let loose a few alarming declarations about Vice President Kamala Harris during a speech in Philadelphia. In an ironic twist, given their previous collaborative history, Biden assured a crowd that if elected, Harris would “chart her legacy.” This came shortly after a predictable round of lip service about loyalty, showing that even within the administration, they are struggling to find a coherent message amid bubbling tensions and disillusionment.
For Biden, the rhetoric aimed at presenting Harris as an independent force is nothing short of astounding. His past remarks suggested she was supposed to be a loyal sidekick, paralleling how he operated under Barack Obama’s banner. Now, Biden seems to be casting Harris as a trailblazer, something that raises questions about whether either of them truly believes this about the other. With Harris claiming she would change little if she were in charge, one might wonder what groundbreaking approach she plans to take when the only song they seem to sing is the same tired melody of progressive ideals that have gotten them into hot water with the electorate.
President Joe Biden said that Vice President Kamala Harris would "cut her own path" as president during a Harris campaign event in Philadelphia on Tuesday. "Every president has to cut their own path," Biden said.
Read more: https://t.co/MWXCYhlv1X pic.twitter.com/R1IydbsubD
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) October 16, 2024
The president made yet another push to try to sway Pennsylvania voters by claiming Harris is ready to “take the country in her direction.” However, morphing into a source of “fresh and new” perspectives looks more like an audition for an improv night than a legitimate policy outline. While Trump is painted as stuck in the past, what the Biden-Harris duo seems to ignore is the reality that their progressive platform is increasingly viewed as outdated by Americans yearning for freedom, economic recovery, and a return to common sense.
Biden’s Philadelphia roots prove advantageous in courting voters—after all, no one understands the city’s charm better than someone who has made a career of political tourism there. Yet, Republican challenger Trump is no stranger to the state either, having a loyal following as they both prepared for another round of what can only be described as the most anticipated showdown since Gladiator. Trump has a slight edge in the polls, but with his campaign machine revved up, it’s anyone’s game as election day looms closer.
As Biden fended off questions regarding his leadership and policies, his venting about Trump felt less like campaign strategy and more like a kindergarten teacher scolding a mischievous student. Arguing that Trump ineptly managed a casino in Atlantic City might resonate with some, but dismissing his ideas as relics of a bygone era conveniently overlooks the progress many Americans feel they need. The era of soaring inflation, shrinking dollar value, and sky-high gasoline prices give cause for actual concern instead of childish taunts. In a final flourish, Biden declares change but is mired in proposals that lead many to believe that “new” is just old paint on a rusty car.
Adding insult to injury, Biden claimed there are fewer illegal border crossings today compared to his chaotic exit from office. This “victory” will likely raise an eyebrow or two, considering it’s widely known that much of the progress stems from policies, not of his making. As he further berated Trump, declaring him a “loser,” it became evident that Biden was desperately trying to rally his base, relying on emotional appeals instead of substantive plans.
The time-honored adage rings true: “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with nonsense.” Biden outputs rehashed slogans while desperately waving at a new way forward, all the while frantically hoping that voters buy into this instead of recognizing it as yet another round of recycled rhetoric. Truth be told, the upcoming election may periodically hinge on the battle between real change and simply changing the faces holding the same old progressive policies.
