Staff Reports
“The Death of Stalin,” acclaimed as one of the most hysterically grim comedies of recent times, is back in the news, and not just for its uproarious portrayal of power struggles in the wake of a dictator’s demise. Instead, it’s serving as a rather uncanny reflection of current American politics, specifically concerning the ongoing drama of the Biden administration. With less than a year until the next presidential election, the parallels between the chaotic world of Stalin’s successors and the current crop of Democrats are becoming glaringly obvious.
The film, which chronicles the machinations of Soviet officials scrambling to fill the power vacuum left by Stalin’s unexpected exit—thanks to a stroke that quickly did the job—could easily be recast to include our very own Democratic leaders who seem equally clueless about leadership: Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Gretchen Whitmer could easily slip into those roles, vying for control amid their self-inflicted crises. These figures showcase a comedic level of ambition and vanity that wouldn’t feel out of place in an Iannucci film, proving that perhaps they’re not scoffing at cinematic absurdity but rather drawing inspiration from it.
Is anyone else thinking he had a massive stroke late last night and the whole damn West Wing is cosplaying The Death of Stalin?
— Stephen Green (@VodkaPundit) July 22, 2024
In an unexpected turn of events, a recent health scare involving Joe Biden suggests that the United States is closer to a 1953 Soviet-style political crisis than most Americans would be comfortable admitting. Reports emerged detailing a serious medical situation that led to rapid responses from the Secret Service, stirring speculation that Biden’s condition went beyond the mundane threats of COVID. The operation to relocate him to John Hopkins Medical Center feels eerily reminiscent of the cloak-and-dagger opaqueness one would expect in the halls of Kremlin power plays.
As conspiracy theories swirl, questions about Biden’s health loom larger. A transient ischemic attack, or TIA—often referred to as a “ministroke”—has reportedly affected the president. This condition, typically brief but ominous, raises serious questions about how many of these episodes he has experienced. Notably, symptoms like slurred speech and dizziness present a stark image that many onlookers are starting to associate with his increasingly erratic public appearances. Surveillance of his health has produced fodder for predictions that the Democratic Party might be less interested in Biden’s recovery than in what happens next.
Interestingly, there appears to be a growing list of parallels between the entertainment world and real-life political scenarios. The sheer level of dysfunction at the top of the Democratic hierarchy might compel some to ruminate on whether their leadership resembles those bumbling Stalinist officials too engrossed in power struggles to recognize their incompetence. This begs a wider consideration regarding the future of Biden’s presidency: Are they waiting for an opportune moment to make their move, or simply crossing their fingers that the Democratic machine can keep moving despite a failure to present any coherent leadership?
So, while the comical portrayals in “The Death of Stalin” might be lighthearted, the implications of neglecting leadership responsibilities can lead to dire consequences. The Democrats appear to be entrenched in their unique absurdity, managing to evoke laughter while simultaneously eliciting concern. At the same time, America waits to see just how serious Biden’s health crisis might become. Let the comical chaos continue, as history shows that those in power often have the most difficult time letting go.
