Staff Reports
The wheels are coming off the Biden express. President Joe Biden is facing the fight of his political life, scrambling to convince the ever-slippery Democratic base that he is still fit for the presidency. After a less-than-stellar debate performance against Republican juggernaut Donald Trump, the Biden camp seems more like it’s patching holes in a sinking ship than running a coherent campaign.
Rumor has it, some of his financial backers are delaying or outright canceling upcoming fundraisers. Imagine that – Democrats clutching their wallets tighter than a miser during a recession. A confidant hinted to The Associated Press that Joe Biden’s poor showing has them putting their money back in their pockets.
DECISION 2024: President Joe Biden is working to salvage his imperiled reelection campaign, telling a White House at a July Fourth barbecue “I'm not going anywhere." https://t.co/4pDukDB1cA
— Local 3 News (@Local3News) July 5, 2024
During a July Fourth barbecue on the White House South Lawn, Biden assured the crowd that he isn’t going anywhere. One can almost hear the uncomfortable laughter in response. In a recent meeting, the president admitted he needs more sleep and fewer late-night events to keep up with the demands of his job. Perhaps not the best assurance for a nation wondering if their leader needs a nap more than a re-election.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, not exactly a pillar of political stability himself, suggested that Biden’s mention of early bedtimes was more of a lighthearted comment on staying healthy. Newsom even generously agreed, saying it’s nice when a president admits they’re human. The bar might be set a tad low when just acknowledging humanity counts as a positive trait.
At a recent radio interview, Biden elevated the stakes, arguing that democracy, freedom, and the economy are all on the line. That’s a lot to put on the line for a man who can barely hold it together during a debate. His so-called media blitz is seen as a desperate scramble to salvage his imperiled campaign.
While greeting military families at the July Fourth event, Biden abruptly grabbed a microphone and informed the crowd he had to cut it short due to security reasons. This moment almost perfectly embodies the confusion and chaos that seems to plague his administration.
As Biden gears up for more public appearances – including an interview with George Stephanopoulos and a full news conference at the NATO summit – whispers are turning into shouts. Who should replace him if (or when) he bows out? The Democratic National Committee is already planning for contingencies, just in case their candidate doesn’t make it past the next crucial media appearance.
Biden is trying to paint himself as a promise keeper, but even his own party members are skeptical. Quiet conversations about a potential replacement never ceased and names like Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, and Gretchen Whitmer are floated around.
Meanwhile, Trump is ready for round two, calling for another debate and wasting no time mocking Kamala Harris. His confidence underscoring the stark contrast between a Republican party ready for battle and a Democratic party struggling with in-fighting and indecision.
Biden’s team is resisting calls to release more comprehensive medical records, which isn’t exactly quelling fears about his fitness. With challenges mounting and time running out, the question isn’t just whether Biden can right the ship before the iceberg, but whether he should even be at the helm in the first place.
