Staff Reports
In the tumultuous world of American politics, 2024 was not a year to remember for Democrats. As the dust settles, signs indicate that things could worsen for the party led by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden, nursing what can only be described as delusions, thinks that he could have swept into victory once again. This belief stems from a mix of nostalgia and denial, as he reminisces about the moment he “stopped” Donald Trump back in 2020. However, the days of the lovable “Uncle Joe” seem to be a distant memory, and many are left wondering how such a promising presidency turned into a contentious affair.
The downfall of Biden began to manifest clearly during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. For many Americans, this event shattered the image of a kind and competent leader they once associated with him. His failure to adequately honor the service members who lost their lives during that period has left a sour taste in the mouths of many, leading to a remarkable erosion of trust and confidence in his leadership. Instead of being seen as a comforting figure, Biden’s current image feels more like that of a grumpy grandparent, which is a far cry from the warm, empathetic image he once projected.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, well known as the “Salad Queen” for her health-conscious eats, finds herself ensnared in a heap of financial troubles and her own tarnished reputation. While an ex-advisor believes Harris isn’t done just yet, skeptics believe she’s more like a shipwreck waiting to sink deeper into the political ocean. Many remember that during the 2019 election cycle, she met with rejection from her own party. The only reason she has remained a name in politics is that she checks certain demographic boxes rather than holding solid support based on her policies or performance.
In the grand scheme, the Democratic Party’s struggles may reflect a larger trend seen among American voters: people are hurting and they’re not shy about letting the government know. Polls show that self-identified Republicans outnumber Democrats for perhaps the first time in history, and this is with a media landscape that traditionally leans left. As many individuals find themselves grappling with economic hardship, it only stands to reason that they would punish those in power. And what better way to express dissatisfaction than by voting them out of office?
Noting Biden’s peculiar habit of vacationing—over 40% of his presidency has been spent on holiday—there’s an undeniable contrast between the image he used to portray and his current actions. Instead of taking his responsibilities as President seriously, he’s more often seen going beach to beach, leaving onlookers to wonder if this is the leadership they signed up for. A multitude of critics raises the pressing question of whether Biden is surrounded by aides who are truly in touch with the realities faced by everyday Americans or just an echo chamber that feeds his self-perception.
The future for both Biden and Harris looks murky, to say the least. For Biden, it seems that history may not be particularly kind to his legacy. His naïve belief that he could have done better may prove to be his undoing. As for Harris, perhaps it’s time to reassess her political ambitions and consider other avenues, like producing a documentary or focusing on philanthropic work. In a world where patience for political missteps is wearing thin, both figures might need to think outside of the box if they hope to reclaim any semblance of respect from the electorate. It appears that the political landscape is ripe for change, and both may need a miracle to reverse the tide that seems destined to wash away their prospects.
