Staff Reports
President Joe Biden decided to treat himself to a little self-congratulation party last Monday as he touted his Afghanistan policy, much to the dismay of families mourning fallen soldiers. In a move that could only be described as tone-deaf, he declared that he was “the first president in decades who’s not leaving a war in Afghanistan to his successor.” One can almost hear the collective sigh of those who lost loved ones during the chaotic withdrawal, as they grappled with the reality that their sacrifices were reduced to a footnote in Biden’s victory lap.
Biden continued his monologue by asserting the wisdom of bringing troops home, painting a glorious picture where ending the war allowed the administration to tackle “urgent challenges.” It’s worth noting that these urgent challenges may include the soaring inflation and border chaos, but hey, who’s keeping track? He seems to believe that pulling out of Afghanistan was a masterstroke, a claim that has family members of the deceased rolling their eyes so hard it could be a new Olympic event.
While he paid lip service to the lost lives, he made sure to dodge mentioning the Kabul bombing specifically. Instead, he pivoted to a victory narrative, asking Americans to believe that ending the war was a noble act—one that supposedly prevented delight among nations like Russia and China. One can only assume that this “victory” was meant to be celebrated over a slice of cake, with Biden as the guest of honor.
Darin Hoover, father of Marine Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover, who tragically lost his life due to the suicide bombing, was not amused by Biden’s self-praise. He articulated the disbelief many feel when confronted with such misplaced pride, dubbing Biden a “disgusting man” with a complete lack of integrity. It’s a sentiment mirrored by countless families thrust into grief after the debacle, who feel their sacrifices have been swept under the rug of convenience.
'He Is Satan': Gold Star Families Blister Biden After Unreal Afghan Speech via @WestJournalism https://t.co/Fv5GKE8nWE
— william silk jr (@willdo5555) January 16, 2025
Adding fuel to the fire, Christy Shamblin, whose daughter-in-law was also killed, expressed deep disappointment in Biden’s failure to face the realities of the situation. She pointed out the disastrous consequences, namely an empowered Taliban and a rise in terrorist activity, and condemned Biden for claiming success in the very arena where he should instead be admitting failure. Rather than addressing the aftermath of the withdrawal, it seems the president would rather bury his head in the sand—or perhaps in the latest approval ratings—while calling for national security measures that don’t involve his current, chaotic foreign policy.
As bizarrely ironic as it may seem, Biden’s self-affirmation amidst such grief paints a striking picture: a leader convinced of his grandeur while clinging to narratives detached from reality. American families are left to cope with the lingering pain, while history, in their eyes, will remember this president not as a harbinger of peace, but as a misguided strategist who turned a blind eye to the devastating fallout of his decisions.
