Despondent Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, in a futile attempt to uplift the spirits of crestfallen Democratic donors, expressed their appreciation on Sunday following their election loss to President-elect Donald Trump. Last month’s election outcome delivered a sobering result, revealing the inadequacy of their monetary contributions, yet Biden and Harris imploringly encouraged their patrons to stay active in politics.
In a tepid address at the Democratic National Committee holiday reception, Biden, Harris, and their spouses tried to rally their shell-shocked key financial backers, whose unwavering support is sought by the Democratic Party. It’s crucial for their attempt to cobble together a semblance of political order post the heavy defeat.
The Republicans landed a triumphant punch, seizing both the White House and the Senate while also retaining control over the House. Despite the vast sums of money poured into the election from various political factions – which amounted to nearly $4.7 billion – it wasn’t enough to challenge the red wave of Republican support.
Fumbling for some comfort in defeat, Biden resorted to clichéd wisdom, quoting his father. ‘We all face setbacks. My dad used to say when faced with adversity, dust yourself off and get back in the race,’ Biden proposed in his feeble attempt at consolation. His words, however, rang hollow, considering the Democratic Party’s dismal failure in the election.
Taking the reins from Biden after his abysmal performance led to his withdrawal from the presidential race in July, Harris showered praises upon donors. She attempted to validate their blind contribution towards her and other Democrats, who ultimately couldn’t deliver the expected results. A battling show by any standards, largely defined by inefficacy, despite raising about $2.9 billion.
Harris proudly claimed that the Democratic fundraising machine was able to wring out a mammoth sum of $700 million over a mere 700 events, masterminded by the Democratic finance committee. Yet, this achievement fails to resonate amidst their colossal failure in the election.
However you slice it, the GOP remained prosperous, mobilizing only $1.8 billion yet proving to be far more effective in achieving their targets. This fact alone should help illuminate the stark contrast between the two parties’ efficiency.
Despite Democratic attempts to brush off the bitter aftertaste of defeat, Biden suggested that the party should find solace in their so-called accomplishments. However, the lowlights of their tenure only serve to underline how out of touch they truly are with the needs of the people they were serving.
Biden boasted about the administration’s purported feat of sanctioning a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, which serves as a grim reminder of the growing infrastructure challenges that his administration failed to address.
Similarly, Biden’s emphasis on the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act to bolster semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. seems more like a desperate response to a manufacturing sector that was neglected under his watch, rather than a well-thought-out plan for the future.
Moreover, Biden’s approval of a surge in federal environmental spending through the Inflation Reduction Act, passed solely with Democratic votes, points to his escalating influence over fiscal policy – a stance which many regard as unsustainable and reckless.
Although Biden tried to justify the above as achievements, the bitter reality that his party was firmly rejected in the election couldn’t be hidden. ‘We would never have been able to achieve our minimal goals without you,’ Biden ruefully informed his disillusioned supporters, who found little comfort in his hollow words.
Endeavoring to maintain relevance even in defeat, Biden declared his intention to keep meddling in party politics post his ignominious exit from office on January 20.
The failed Democrat leader speculated that the equally unsuccessful Kamala Harris would continue to be a pivotal figure in the party’s future, a notion that rings rather bleak for an already bruised Democratic Party.
The narrative spun by Biden and Harris blatantly betrays their inability to recognize the people’s mandate. Failing to reflect on their debacle in the election, and, instead, attempting to project their shortcomings as achievements merely demonstrate their stubborn reluctance to acknowledge reality.
While the Democratic Party may continue to revel in their delusion of achievements, it is evident that they are drastically out of touch with the majority’s sentiment. Only time will tell whether their refusal to learn from their failures will further bury them in oblivion or not.