The defeat of 2024 presidential elections didn’t occur with a single, catastrophic event. Some may argue, though inaccurately, that the significant cause was the unenthusiastic approval of Vice President Kamala Harris, while others may symbolically link it to an unsuccessful attempt on Trump’s life. But in retrospect, the real roots of this defeat trace back to the aftermath of the midterms, when then-octogenarian Biden decided to go against the concerns surrounding his age and seek a second term.
Biden was never in favor of being a one-term president, and he made his intentions very clear. Despite criticism and worries about his advancing age, he coined himself a ‘generational bridge.’ His aides tried justifying his moves publicly. However, his unforeseen success in the midterms, despite predictions of a red wave, left the Democrats complacent. Consequently, the Democratic primary calendar was rearranged to discourage potential challengers, thus creating a preordained path for Biden.
Biden justified his candidacy by arguing that the stakes of the election were high, and he was supposedly the best person for the job. However, his credibility was compromised by his own aides. Their reports suggested Biden was only effective between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., undermining his capacity to fulfill presidential duties. Further, the first debate showcased the cracks in Biden’s facade, after which speculations about his declining stamina couldn’t be ignored anymore.
These concerns wouldn’t be so alarming if they could be explained away as mere denial. Biden proclaimed himself as the guardian of the nation’s ‘soul’ and maintained a delusion that only he was capable of winning the election. However, the reality was a stark contrast. Biden’s insistence on staying in the race long past his prime not only threatened the Democratic brand but also facilitated Trump’s path to victory.
The problem wasn’t just Biden’s refusal to step aside; his stubborn attitude translated into severe damage to the Democratic brand. Being so out of touch with reality, he forced Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to intervene. The National gerontocracy reached its peak under Biden. Rather than uniting the nation, he led it into an era challenged by age-related issues.
Biden’s tenure may have seen some progress domestically, but the reality was marred by continuous signs of his deteriorating health and performance. This situation made the Biden reelection bid an uncomfortable spectacle. He appeared to be a grim reminder of our mortality, surrounded by an air of sorrow and concern.
The once-sturdy Biden increasingly struggled, both physically and mentally. Where his weaknesses could have been humanizing, they had become politically damaging. An overarching sense of emotional heaviness shadowed Biden, and this weight extended to his approach towards foreign policy, causing a historical forfeiture of moral responsibility.
The descent into apparent desolation under Biden wasn’t just confined to domestic issues but extended globally. His advocacy for a so-called ‘rules-based international order’ was abruptly shattered. His tenure witnessed an alarming increase in Israeli aggression without receiving much resistance from the U.S. administration.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seemed to have no boundaries in his actions. During this volatile period, Biden seemed to be the only one oblivious to Netanyahu’s uncontrolled ambitions. It appeared that Netanyahu, originally from Philadelphia, was toying with Biden to reach a more favorable president.
Despite the dire consequences of his actions, Biden stayed far beyond his effective tenure. This stubbornness damaged those who desperately needed strong leadership. Consequently, the ramifications of his actions have left a mess for the world to clean up.