After what felt like an eternity of wondering where President Joe Biden had wandered off to, he has finally resurfaced, though no one can be sure if he truly returned from a vacation or some extended vacation in a health retreat. The commander-in-chief was last seen going radio silent after reportedly catching COVID. This absence sparked an avalanche of speculation regarding both his health and the state of his presidency, particularly following his less-than-graceful exit from Las Vegas where he struggled just to get into a vehicle.
Biden had allegedly placed a call to his campaign headquarters during his hiatus—perhaps wanting to secure accolades for his impressive disappearing act. Reports indicated he urged his staff to rally around Vice President Kamala Harris, implying he might be waving the white flag on his own campaign. His impending return to the White House was announced, setting the stage for what many anticipated would be a monumental speech detailing his future plans, which now include stepping aside and what he imagines for the road ahead.
Upon his much-anticipated return, Biden looked as if he was on the verge of sleepwalking, shuffling slowly towards the plane. He appeared disoriented and his speech was unintelligible, with mumblings that were lost to the wind. Rather than donning a mask to project that he was following the health protocols he has insisted everyone abide by, he instead seemed more interested in fidgeting with it, holding it uselessly in his hand. One must wonder if this is a demonstration of his commitment to public health guidance or if it speaks volumes about the disconnect between his rhetoric and reality—a classic case of do as I say, not as I do.
PROOF OF LIFE? Biden shuffles out of his motorcade, mumbles incoherently at reporters, and ascends the stairs of the smaller AF1.
It's Biden's first public appearance since the coup to force him off the ballot. pic.twitter.com/lPUGnF0C5e
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) July 23, 2024
His handlers likely cringed at his reluctance to entertain any questions regarding his dropping out of the race or the abilities of Kamala Harris to face off against the likes of Donald Trump. Instead, in a scene that would be comedic if it weren’t so concerning, he wound his way up the stairs of Air Force One, offering a half-hearted thumbs-up at the top as if to assure the public he was, in fact, “okay.” Whether that gives anyone confidence in his capabilities is another matter entirely.
The upcoming address scheduled for Wednesday evening looms large for Biden. It has turned into a spectacle of its own, as many Americans are eager to hear how he will spin this latest chapter of his presidency, particularly following the recent comments made by his brother Frank regarding his health. Speculation is rampant, and some might even argue that “proof of life” has been established with Biden’s latest appearance, but what this means for the future leadership of the country remains to be seen. For those in the conservative camp, these developments offer a mix of amusement and concern as they speculate not just about Biden’s presidency but about the future of the Democratic Party and the next election cycle.