The political landscape is getting a bit rocky for President Joe Biden, according to some chatter from folks within his party. It’s not just the usual suspects throwing shade—now even some of Biden’s allies are starting to wonder where their leader has disappeared to. Amidst increasing tension about his leadership, critics have pointed out that Donald Trump seems to be the one making headlines one month away from the inauguration, while Biden looks more like an afterthought.
Biden’s absence from the spotlight is making people scratch their heads. It’s been said that a country should have only one person running the show at a time, and with Trump back in the media frenzy, some Democrats are feeling like their president is nowhere to be found. Even the famously liberal media is getting in on the critique. During his recent absence, Biden has been criticized for his handful of pardons rather than handling pressing matters or appearing at significant events.
Meanwhile, Trump is dominating discussions. He’s been busy with high-profile meetings and investment pledges, such as SoftBank’s commitment of $100 billion. This kind of engagement not only positions him as an active player but also leaves Biden looking a little sleepy amid an important event in France. While Biden took another leisurely break at the beach, pondering his next move, Trump’s agenda is pushing forward.
Inside the Democratic camp, there’s even more stirring of the pot. Some former campaign officials have voiced their feelings that mainstream media outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post are stuck in the past, only catering to their faithful readers who are already on board with Democratic candidates. This admission seems to have launched a full-on discussion about the future directions of the party, with leaders wishing they’d tap into broader audiences as midterms loom.
The frustrations don’t just stop with the presidency; they extend into party leadership as well. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her fiery communication skills, didn’t get the support she hoped for, which was attributed to former Speaker Nancy Pelosi making calls in favor of Jerry Connolly. This has ignited conversations about whether the party is truly ready to embrace fresh ideas or if they are still clinging to the same old guard.
In a nutshell, Biden’s diminishing presence is causing quite a stir, not just on the Republican side but among Democrats too. As the party grapples with its identity—as proven by the debates over who to back and how to communicate—questions arise about the effectiveness of leadership and strategy moving forward. With Trump looming large in the political narrative, Democrats may want to rethink their game plan before they find themselves sidelined even further.