The Democratic National Convention had Joe Biden bidding farewell to the stage rather unceremoniously on Monday night. His valedictory speech, wherein he claimed, ‘I gave my best to you’ received a wave of insincere enthusiasm, a reflection of the relief felt by many Democrats as he made way for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden, at 81 years, was by no means embraced enthusiastically by his own party weeks prior as whispers of him stepping down from his reelection bid were rife. The switch in narrative, commencing at the convention in Chicago, provided an exit strategy for a faltering Biden, paving the way for Harris and an imminent standoff with Donald Trump.
Irrationally, Democrats frame this inter-party duel with Trump as an existential threat, instead of seeing it as the democratic reality of political discourse where two sides present their views. Biden, nevertheless, proclaimed that he bore no resentment about his impending retirement, contrary to myriad reports.
Biden mentioned having made numerous errors during his career but optimistically hoped he had delivered his best. The assertiveness of his delivery was more of a political throwback to his 2020 win, rather than an accurate reflection of his dwindling cognitive abilities which catalyzed his reelection downfall.
Biden took to the stage, apparently assertive, met by arguably obligatory applause and chants of ‘Thank You Joe,’ to which he sentimentally replied, ‘America, I love you.’
He touted his choice of Harris as his running mate as ‘the best decision’ of his career in a self-congratulatory manner, perhaps forgetting the missteps his administration made throughout its tenure. ‘She’s tough, she’s experienced and she has enormous integrity,’ he declared, downplaying the areas of her leadership that have been widely critiqued.
Biden commended Harris, stating that her story represents the ideal American narrative, while glossing over the fact that her approval ratings have been less than stellar. The hidden implication that her stint as vice president would aid her in being president seemed unusual, considering his own often criticized presidency.
Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, stepped onto the stage to embrace Biden and his family. ‘Joe, thank you for your historic leadership,’ she said, managing to reference Biden in a positive light, an oddity considering the widespread dissatisfaction with his administration.
To account for Biden’s rather late-night address, convention organizers had to nix a performance from music legend James Taylor. This shows how the convention seemed more focused on political posturing rather than genuine appreciation for the achievements they claim to have made.
Biden celebrated his administration’s supposed ‘successes’, like a marked increase in infrastructure spending and a cap on insulin prices. However, the claimed benefits mostly flowed into Republican-favored states, undercutting his party’s narratives about delivering for all of America.
Recalling events that persuaded him to run for presidency seems to be a favorite theme for Biden. For example, he tends to stress on the infamous 2017 ‘unite the right’ rally. However, the exploitation of such somber events for political reasons raises questions about his sincerity and intent.
First lady Jill Biden talked vaguely about ‘falling in love’ with her husband ‘all over again’ once he decided to no longer seek reelection and instead endorse Kamala Harris. The emotional sentiment seemed more compelling than any real consideration of the potential consequences of this decision.
The night’s agenda involved several high-profile speakers attempting to link Biden and Harris to what the party considers the incumbent duo’s notable accomplishments. However, this tends to distract from the very real critiques many Democrats and much of the American public have about their leadership.
In conclusion, it can be argued that the convention was a platform designed to rewrite the narrative around Biden’s presidency and to build up Harris for her future political faceoff. Regardless, the cracks in Democratic unity and leadership were still blatantly evident.