Staff Reports
Biden’s presidency continues to resemble a masterclass in absence, as reports indicate he hasn’t exactly been burning the midnight oil. It seems even a semi-retired leader can take the term “not running” to extraordinary lengths, leading to speculation that he could teach a course on the art of doing little. The former vice president, now embracing a post-presidential work ethic that could be described as leisurely at best, has demonstrated the ability to effectively vanish from the political scene, seemingly in a game of peekaboo with the American people.
Political commentary has recently shed light on Biden’s lack of public engagement since he announced he wouldn’t seek re-election. In a rather astounding revelation, the president’s last notable appearance occurred nearly a week prior. It involved an exhausting 15-mile ride to Joint Base Andrews to meet a handful of repatriated Americans who were mere props in the evolving narrative of diplomacy with Russia. It could be said that his performance displayed all the enthusiasm of a man who just realized he left the oven on—a precarious blend of horror and apathy.
Kamala and Walz have hijacked Biden’s YouTube channel.
Where is Joe? pic.twitter.com/dNELEpps3v
— Sarah Fields (@SarahisCensored) August 7, 2024
The timeline of Biden’s public appearances leaves much to be desired. Following a rare outing where he managed to stay upright for a couple of hours while addressing the LBJ Presidential Library’s anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, it appears that jet-setting has become his most rigorous activity. Between leisurely flights and fancy bed rest at the White House, the semblance of a leader actively engaged in government affairs is hard to find. This begs the question: what, exactly, is the president doing during his presumed downtime?
With the world teetering on the precipice of chaos, Biden’s administration opted for a photo op in the Situation Room instead of substantial engagement with pressing global issues. This theatrical staging might have satisfied the need for optics, but it certainly doesn’t inspire confidence in effective leadership. It looks more like an attempt to convince the public that there’s still a command presence in Washington, all while the vice president is apparently too busy catting around the campaign trail to fill the apparent void.
As the nation watches the clock tick away, with Biden shuttling between Delaware and Camp David as though he’s on a never-ending vacation, one can only wonder who is steering the ship of state. With geopolitical tensions mounting and domestic concerns skyrocketing, the American people deserve more than vague assurances and social media cut-and-paste jobs. Instead of a robust leader with direction and purpose, they’re left with a semi-retired president who seems more interested in R&R than rolling up his sleeves to tackle the crises of the day. It all begs the question—will Biden shock the nation with a surprise return to political vigor, or is this the final act in a poorly scripted political drama?
