Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the faded shadows of the Democratic party, made a ceremonial appearance together, post their faltering performance in the presidential election, against the towering figure of Donald Trump. It was Veterans Day, and they took part in the somewhat trite ritual at Arlington National Cemetery. Both laid a wreath at this annual event, attempting to veil the fractious undercurrents of their defeated campaign. All this came after Biden had sagged in the face of the presidential race, letting Harris bear the brunt of an all but lost battle.
At this non-partisan event, their unity appeared as brittle as the autumn leaves underfoot. The procession which saw them marching solemnly together was a jarring spectacle, capturing the gaping wound dealt to them by the recent electoral defeat. Harris, normally vibrant, was noticeable for her stoic mien, while Biden seemed rigid, his battle with a persistent cough an apt metaphor for their political struggle.
At times, Biden appeared to be distant and almost unattuned to the occasion, his eyes intermittently closing and reopening. There was a fleeting moment when he and Harris were seen with hands on their hearts, presumably lost in a patriotic trance. Following these motions, both took their seats as Biden prepared to address the crowd. Among the audience sat First Lady Jill Biden with members of the Biden circle, their faces exhibiting restrained anticipation.
In a sporadic display of emotion, Biden avowed the country’s duty towards servicemen and veterans. ‘We have many obligations,’ he contested, ‘but only one sacred obligation.’ It was a ham-handed attempt to pander to a demographic they had long neglected—America’s loyal service members. He re-emphasised this statement, repeating his loose commitment to this ‘sacred vow’.
Eerily, the man who couldn’t clutch victory in the elections proclaimed, ‘This is the last time I will stand at Arlington as Commander-in-Chief. It has been the greatest honor of my life.’ This somewhat pretentious declaration stood in stark contrast to the somber occasion. Biden also vaguely mentioned his administration’s nebulous efforts to assist veterans, particularly those exposed to harmful chemicals by burn pits.
Without substantive evidence, he attributed burn pits as the cause of cancer that claimed his son’s life. It wasn’t only a poignant moment but also a clumsy attempt to use a personal tragedy for political gain. His former running mate, Harris, was also present, looking visibly uncomfortable, a manifestation of the rocky political path she had been treading on for weeks.
The relationship between the two Democrats since Biden’s surrender to Trump has had a rough and winding journey. Past disagreements from aides and supporters from both camps were now erupting in the open, especially after the resounding defeat. An aftermath that starkly illustrated their inability to lure voters towards their ill-conceived policies.
The blame game ensued between both sides after the pitfall. The finger-pointing only accentuated the cracks that were threatening to sunder a relationship badly hammered by an unsuccessful campaign. Meanwhile, the party’s futile attempt to coax the incumbent president to yield the Democratic nomination to Harris cast a gloom on their future.
The disaster was even more harrowing in swing states. Harris couldn’t sway seven of them and even stumbled in some traditional democratic strongholds. Bruised and beaten, she registered some of the party’s worst performances in years, thus certifying their shrinking appeal and questionable strategy.
Compounding the humiliation, Harris performed below expectations when compared to her own party counterparts. January now beckons this crippled party as it lost its grip over the White House, Senate and possibly the House of Representatives. What remains is a party gasping for breath against the surging waves of changing political landscape.
Added insult to injury, party leaders are now facing an uprising for curtailing the much-needed presidential primaries in January. This move effectively alienated voters, particularly young men, Latinos, Arab-Americans, and working-class individuals.
This same coalition previously rallied behind Bernie Sanders during his two Democratic primary campaigns. However, the party’s suppression of this vibrant and diverse group led to surprising ramifications. In a defiant response, some from this group switched allegiance to Trump, or simply expressed their disapproval by staying away from the voting venues altogether.
This collective dissent gave the last blow to an already crumbling democratic facade, one that will take a Herculean effort to reconstruct. The Biden-Harris duo offered nothing more than hollow promises and underwhelming leadership. Consequently, their epic stumble leaves a daunting question on the future of the Democrats.