President Joe Biden is set to present at the National HBCU Week Conference occurring this Monday. This occasion intended for historically black colleges and universities is coinciding with a time in our nation’s political landscape that is fraught with disturbances. Notably, an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump adds to the political turmoil. The alarming incident, which transpired just nine weeks following a previous danger where a bullet barely missed the previous Republican president during a rally in Pennsylvania, certainly punctuates the ongoing chaos.
The aforementioned sequence of events paints a pretty grim picture of the current state of affairs. The presidential race, already on shaky grounds due to infighting and controversial measures, was further marred when the news of yet another attempt on Trump’s life came to light, just when certain states were beginning the early voting process.
As Biden departed on a so-called duty trip to Delaware (followed by a subsequent trip to Philadelphia), his remarks reflecting his relief over Trump’s safety were surrounded by mild sardony degradation. Emphasizing the struggles of the Secret Service being dangerously under-resourced, Biden suggested that Congress step up and allocate further assistance for the agency. The question remains, why has the necessary support not been extended so far in his presidential tenure?
Following suit, Biden addressed his staff in a public statement on Sunday night, charging them with the task of ensuring the Secret Service receive everything they need to carry out their protective role. The timing of this declaration indicates how the Biden administration waits for a crisis moment to act, only implementing reactive measures rather than any form of proactive strategy.
Douglas Brinkley, a historian from Rice University, referred to the unfolding events as ‘deeply troublesome’. Given we are in the midst of a pivotal year, with an imminent election adding fuel to the fire, the characteristic uncertainty has begun to spread across the land, sowing seeds of discord.
Brinkley laments the advent of the year 2024 as if it is unraveling in a disconcerting way that instills fear, owing to the alarming and unconventional events that fill the news cycle. The constant onslaught of grim and absurd events leave no room for stability, underlining once again the prevalent deficiencies in the current leadership.
In times like these, it doesn’t seem farfetched to argue that situations like these only seem to amplify under leadership that either fails to predict or act promptly, or perhaps both. One doesn’t have to look too far for examples – the slow response to the failed assassination attempt without any proactive actions beforehand speaks volumes.
Leadership determines the state of a nation, and it’s quite telling of the current leadership when the general sentiment of the public shifts from anticipation to constant apprehension. The sad reality is that most individuals are finding it impossible to grasp their daily lives because of the relentless grim news cycle.
This sentiment of cyclical chaos and dismay is further echoed by Brinkley’s commentary. It can’t be ignored that this is indeed becoming the new norm, as a grim news cycle continues to churn with little to no respite for those seeking a semblance of stability and order under the Biden administration.
With 2024 already unveiling in such a chaotic and fearsome demeanor, one can’t help wondering about the degree of uncertainty that awaits our nation. The biggest worry is, how far can this go? And do we have an administration capable enough to put a stop to it given their track record?
At such times, reassurances from the leaders are of utmost importance to prevent panic or fear from magnifying. Unfortunately, it seems that our current leaders prefer to ride the wave of chaos instead of taking charge and offering solace. With every passing moment, concerns regarding these uncertainties grow.
It’s a critical juncture, and all eyes are on our current leaders, especially Biden and Harris. Can they step up to the challenge or will they continue to falter and fail, thereby enabling the descent of this country into deeper chaos?
The troubling times demand swift, decisive actions over rhetoric. Biden’s move to push for added resources for the Secret Service in the aftermath of another attack belies the fact that the need for such resources should have been addressed much earlier.
Reacting to situations as they arise seems to be the default mode for Biden and Harris, rather than proactively planning and implementing strategies to prevent such instances. The perpetual state of chaos under their leadership places a glaring question mark over their ability to rule effectively.
As the nation braces for 2024, it’s impossible to overlook the daunting uncertainties that lie ahead. Amid the various challenges, the role of leadership is critical. Will Biden and Harris rise up to the occasion or will their lackluster performance continue, contributing to the spiraling instability?
While Brinkley’s declaration that ‘it’s impossible for anybody to gain a foothold in their daily lives with a news cycle that is so constantly grim and absurd’ might be alarming, it indeed sums up the prevalent mood of dread that has seized the nation in the current political climate.