Staff Reports
First Lady Jill Biden recently took the stage at the Democratic National Convention, presumably stepping in to reassure the party’s faithful that her husband, President Joe Biden, hasn’t completely lost his grip on reality—though many might disagree with that assessment. As rumors circulated regarding her dissatisfaction with party insiders pressuring her husband out of the race, Jill made a valiant attempt to spin the narrative in her favor while reiterating her husband’s long-standing endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. The stage was set for an evening filled with obligatory party loyalty and political theater.
In her role on Night 1, Jill Biden delivered a lackluster tribute to her husband’s “50-year legacy” in public service, an impressive feat for anyone who still thinks wearing masks in public was the pinnacle of governmental achievement. While Jill went on about her husband’s storied career, it’s hard not to notice that more Democrats seem eager to shove Biden aside for the fresher faces of the party. Despite her alleged private frustrations with party officials who didn’t back Biden’s re-election, her public demeanor was all smiles and support for the current ticket, which now features Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Tearful Joe Biden passes Democratic torch to Kamala Harris in farewell DNC speech #frontpage
US President Biden declared “I gave my best to you” as he passed the torch to Kamala Harris. Read about his emotional speech: https://t.co/ItRVCMvkwg pic.twitter.com/vJM4b9Ar94
— The Standard (@EveningStandard) August 20, 2024
Before she spoke, the Democrats rolled out a glitzy promotional video highlighting Jill’s accomplishments, complete with the sight of a tearful child getting emotionally swept up in the charm offensive. One can only wonder how much actual gratitude could be distilled from a ‘Biden Family Values’ montage when most Americans are more concerned about high grocery bills and inflation than the glamorous lives of politicians. Jill’s choice of attire raised eyebrows too—was it a nod to the modern club scene or a hopeful signal of a Biden comeback in 2024? Fashion decisions aside, her speech was surprisingly brief, likely blessedly so for anyone trying to endure the length of the event.
In a subsequent moment of political acrobatics, Jill Biden reflected on her nearly 50-year marriage to Joe, claiming to “fall in love all over again” at various moments in their lives. Good luck finding anyone who believes that struggling through decades of gaffes and apparent mental confusion would evoke such feelings, but it made for a nice sentimental touch. Amidst the predictable praise for her husband’s contributions to the country, Jill hinted at her husband’s decision to step aside in favor of Kamala Harris, a move that would surely send shivers down the spines of those who actually care about the future leadership of this nation.
In a stunning show of circular logic, Jill drew parallels between her husband’s supposed commitment to sacrifice and Kamala Harris’s values, hoping against hope that voters would overlook Harris’s history of incompetence. Claiming that both she and Joe recognize the “courage, determination, and leadership” of Harris seems like a hefty stretch, given that many Americans wouldn’t characterize Harris as a beacon of strength or competence. Her pep talk to Kamala and Walz—about inspiring a new generation and fighting to win—felt more akin to a high school pep rally than a serious political endorsement.
If political rallies are a reflection of the underlying sentiments in a party, the Democrats’ current state might best be summarized by the phrase “Democrats fall in line.” Jill Biden’s appearance and perfunctory speech painted a picture of forced loyalty and perhaps even desperation—hardly the enthusiastic backing that a “normal” political party would showcase. For a party that champions progressive ideals, it seems that the only thing they’re truly united behind is the gilded image of the Biden brand, a brand that’s rapidly losing its shine.
