Staff Reports
The White House is busy spinning the narrative around President Joe Biden’s increasingly light public schedule, which many are starting to notice looks more like a ghost town than the bustling activity of a sitting president. For the second straight day, the leader of the free world was absent from the public eye, making one wonder if he still remembers how to wave at the cameras.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced a barrage of questions concerning the president’s schedule, especially in light of Vice President Kamala Harris stepping up as the presumed 2024 Democratic nominee. Instead of giving a straight answer, Jean-Pierre insisted that anyone suggesting Biden is “done governing” just doesn’t understand the political game. Apparently, the press secretary believes that a lack of public appearances is merely “strategic silence” rather than a red flag waving in the air.
Meanwhile, Harris is hitting the ground running. She’s been busy providing statements after high-profile meetings and will take on the solemn duty of delivering a eulogy for Texas Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. This is a task traditionally held by Biden, who seems to be busy with other high-priority matters that mysteriously remain under wraps. Oddly, Biden has refrained from commenting on the assassination claims surrounding Hamas leaders during an uneasy ceasefire, which feels like a strategic decision to avoid controversy.
Jean-Pierre paraded out Biden’s late-night chat with reporters after returning from Texas as proof of his “vigorous governance.” Because who doesn’t wake up craving some late-night political banter at 1 a.m.? Biden also received a daily intelligence briefing, devoured lunch with Harris, and was briefed on the Inflation Reduction Act. However, because of mysterious White House rules, none of these riveting adventures were open to the press. One has to wonder if there’s a secret “no cameras” policy whenever Biden is around.
Curiously enough, when pressed about when Biden and Harris would appear in public together, Jean-Pierre claimed she had “nothing” but good wishes to share. When asked how the president felt about stepping down, she confidently stated that he was “proud” of his decision, as if that reassures the public. The confidence act seems a bit flimsy, especially considering Harris’s ability to draw larger crowds and contributions while Biden keeps the public in suspense. It’s almost as if Harris is auditioning for a key role in the Democratic party, while Biden is left backstage, answering the phone while the show should be underway.
