Staff Reports
President Joe Biden just gave a masterclass in political miscalculation—or perhaps he was honoring the classic entertainment trope of “the unexpected plot twist.” Instead of casually sharing a picnic update or possibly his favorite ice cream flavors, Biden decided to announce he won’t be seeking re-election. It was a stunning development for all of us regular folks, who were already knee-deep in summer fun and would rather listen to the sounds of lawnmowers than tune into Beltway melodrama.
In a bold move akin to a magician revealing his secrets, Biden then gave a sunny endorsement to Vice President Kamala Harris. Presumably to keep the flaming wreckage of Democratic unity to a slow burn rather than an all-out inferno at the upcoming convention. But lo and behold, two heavyweights of the Democratic party, Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, didn’t even bother to lend their support to Harris. It’s hard to ignore the irony when one considers that these two, in their twilight of relevance, seemed to quietly tiptoe away from the scene, leaving the torch passing to what increasingly looks like a dumpster fire.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 21, 2024
To add to this soap opera-worthy plot, retiring Senator Joe Manchin from West Virginia, a man who knows a thing or two about being cornered in politics, weighed in. Alarmed by the prospect of a Kamala candidacy (who wouldn’t be?), rumors circulated that he might just go ahead and rejoin the Democratic Party in order to challenge Harris for the nomination. Talk about a plot twist! This is like showing up to a barbecue only to find out someone’s grilled the family pet instead of burgers.
Biden’s letter of resignation from the campaign trail resembled more of a resignation speech, replete with the usual platitudes. He claimed it was in everyone’s best interest that he take a step back while simultaneously patting himself on the back for his earlier decision to choose Harris as his running mate back in 2020. Apparently, his “best decision” is now being sent off to a potential political death match, one that could easily leave Harris on the losing side of the battle for hearts and minds within her own party.
Meanwhile, Manchin, who’s probably feeling like he just walked into a heaving pit of vipers, is predicting chaos if Harris becomes the nominee. Not one to shy away from an identity crisis, delays in’s decision have some speculating whether he’d be a serious contender or just another frog in the pond of chaos that is the Democratic primary. An independent at heart, he’s gingerly balancing on the seesaw of party politics, hoping to pressure Harris into offering the party something resembling unity.
However, the stage is set for what could be a wild ride as the progressive faction of the Democratic Party is prime for a revolt. The question looms: will they adjust to a moderate in Manchin or continue to lurch left into the arms of the very radicals that have taken up residence in their party? While pondering this riveting question, it’s clear that Biden’s maneuvering—not unlike a toddler on a tricycle—might crash into a few more surprises before the ride is over. As the curtain opens on this tangled comedy, one thing is for certain: it’s going to be a bumpy election season.
