Numerous freshly published works examine the tail end of Joe Biden’s seemingly troubled presidential tenure and his startling turn of events resulting in his exit from the presidential race of 2024. These writings shed light on allegations of a noticeable mental decline, causing Biden to be stripped from the Democratic ticket of 2024 after a catastrophe of a debate performance against his opposing candidate, Donald Trump.
Despite a medical professional categorically stating in February 2023 that Biden was a ‘physically strong and mentally steady 80-year-old man who is capable to efficiently perform the duties of the presidency’, doubt about his overall wellness only heightened as he embarked on rigorous campaigning for a second term. The escalating concerns culminated during the campaign’s maiden debate held on June 27, 2024.
Post the debate, Biden scrambled to reassure voters of his suitability for another tenure. However, the following interview only strengthened the opinion that his candidacy was floundering. A mere month after the debate, precisely on July 21, Biden rescinded his candidacy for re-election, promoting Vice President Kamala Harris as the new torchbearer for the Democratic ticket.
Insider reports reveal that Harris’s top aides even drafted a contingency plan in case of Biden’s untimely demise during his tenure. The existence of a list of federal judges, ready to take oath and step into Biden’s shoes if necessary, hints at the deep-rooted concern within the administration.
A recently launched book uncovers the fact that high-ranking Democrats were discreetly strategizing as early as 2023 to manage Biden’s precarious re-election bid. This planning ensured that the party was equipped for any possible situation that saw Biden discontinuing his campaign.
The book narrates the cynicism of one seasoned operative who epitomizes the quiet desperation of Democrats apprehensive of a Harris leadership yet desiring a change from Biden was quoted as saying: ‘Well, at least she has a pulse,’ presenting a rather dismal prospect of their political future.
Certainly noteworthy is the forthcoming book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, providing a detailed retrospective of Biden’s fading presidency. Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager and Isaac Arnsdorf’s penmanship will lead readers through the narrative of how Trump reclaimed his residency at the White House.
In his monumental withdrawal speech from the 2024 race, Biden tactfully evaded addressing the widespread concerns over his physical health and mental sharpness. Instead, he admitted that his many years of political service no longer held the same advantageous weight in carrying out presidential responsibilities.
He further mentioned how he felt the need to unify his party for this high-stake endeavor. Biden was heard nostalgically reflecting on his belief that his presidential track record, global leadership, and vision for America’s future were all deserving of a second term. However, he admitted that nothing, including personal desire, should jeopardize the preservation of democracy in the country.
Biden finally conceded saying that he had determined the best way to move forward would be to hand the reigns over to a younger generation. In a surprising display of self-awareness, he commented how it was not just the time and place for newer and refreshed voices, but more importantly, those voices should also belong to younger leaders.
While Biden’s retreat from the 2024 Presidential race could be viewed as a bid to promote unity, it clearly exposed his diminishing confidence in his abilities to optimally perform his duties as the President. His cognitive abilities were publicly questioned, and his stand was frequently ridiculed, reflecting the perception of the majority.
Interestingly, his endorsement of Kamala Harris as the Democratic party’s new front-runner made one wonder if her selection was based on genuine confidence in her abilities or a reluctant last resort. This move further entrenched the belief of several Democrats that they were left with no better alternative.
The narrative surrounding Biden’s final stint in his political career and his replacement adjacent to the significant roles of leading figures paints a not-so-positive picture. It remains to be seen how these events will shape the political landscape of the United States in the near future.