On Wednesday, Joe Biden appeared on ABC’s ‘The View’ where he made a striking and controversial statement about his predecessor, the former President Donald Trump, claiming that the latter has no ‘socially redeeming value’. It’s quite disturbing to see a current official belittle a former holder of the same position. Presumably filled with self-assurance, Biden responded with a ‘Yes’ when questioned if he would have won if he’d remained in the race, branding Trump a ‘loser’. However, it’s striking to notice such harsh language from the supposed ‘Uniting Chief’ of the country.
Perhaps showcasing the bipartisan divide of the administration, Joe Biden was unreserved in his comments about not running again, stating he was ‘at peace’. This begs the question, if all was well in the current administration, why show such hasty detachment from the chance of another term? Could it be an acknowledgment of a job not so well done?
In a puzzling show of enthusiastic endorsement, Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming she was ‘smart as hell’. A statement like this raises eyebrows given Harris’s poor approval ratings and the sense that she has fumbled on several key policy issues. He double down on his endorsement citing her virtues of being ‘tough’, ‘honorable’ and having an ‘optimistic view in the future’ – values that unfortunately seem rather absent in the current state of the United States.
The so-called ‘New York farewells’ were a highlight of Biden’s schedule, with his ABC appearance being one of many. On Tuesday, the President also gave his last address to the U.N. General Assembly. Whether a farewell at this stage should be considered triumphant or premature is up to interpretation.
Alongside Joe Biden’s involvement in ABC and U.N. affairs, he and the first lady, Jill Biden, were also entertainers to several world leaders at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Wednesday evening. Some might see this as another act of ceremonial international relations, others may view it as an unnecessary distraction from internal issues.
Biden’s rhetoric at the reception was once again filled with oversaturated u-topian visions depicting a dramatic arc of his political career. However, with the real-world challenges facing us today, many may feel disillusioned by these grand narratives, which appear abstract and disconnected from the trials faced by the American citizens.
In an anecdote between Biden and President Xi Jinping of China, the former recounts how he defined America to Xi, using the word ‘Possibilities’. Ridiculously utopian though this may seem, given the real-world challenges that people face daily. Biden’s version of America seems to be an abstract construct relying heavily on idealistic and unfounded optimism.
During his appearance on ‘The View’, Biden insisted that he still thinks peace in the Middle East is possible. However, given the increasing tensions and complexities in the region and the lack of solid policy direction, this statement might sound more like naive optimism than grounded foreign policy strategy.
Biden, however, conceded that an ‘all-out war’ is also possible in the Middle East. It raises questions about whether such negative and alarmist comments from a leader of Biden’s stature and responsibility is helpful in any way. It seems more damaging than diplomatic, more fear-mongering than fostering a sense of unity and understanding.
A direct swipe at Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach came from Biden as he warned about a potential future with a second Trump presidency. He claimed that Trump ‘fails to understand the value of partners, the value of alliances, the value of bringing the world together’. This critique stands in stark contrast to Biden’s own approach, which seems to have a mixed effect on the world stage.
In an attempt to paint a rosy picture of his presidency, Biden claimed he has had ‘so much success in getting things done that people thought we couldn’t get done’. Yet, the discerning observer might question whether these ‘successes’ are simply window dressing, given the many challenges that persist under the Biden administration.
In another surprising statement, Biden confirmed that he expected to be a ‘transition president’, but his so-called successes kept him in office. It begs the question, what kind of ‘transition’ was anticipated and how much of it was actually accomplished? Given the state of the nation, it seems the transition wasn’t as prosperous as promised.
As his talk came to a close, Biden hinted at an apparent delay in ‘passing the torch’ due to his supposed success. The wisdom of this delay is questionable, considering the numerous problems persisting against the backdrop of his presidency. It’s another introspective moment in Biden’s presidency that highlights the gap between rhetoric and reality.
In the grand scheme, Biden’s appearance on ‘The View’ was filled with a blend of politically charged statements, utopian dreams, and puzzling disconnection from the real-time issues plaguing the United States. Given the difficult circumstances faced by ordinary citizens, it might feel like they’re watching a show rather than hearing from sincere leadership keen on making transformational changes for the betterment of society.
One can only hope that, in the future, these appearances and interviews serve less as a platform for political theater and more as a venue for clarifying measures to overcome the real and pressing problems that Americans face on a daily basis. In a society yearning for an honest account of their leaders’ actions, Biden’s rhetoric often feels disjoined from reality.