President Joe Biden seems to have taken the concept of “out of sight, out of mind” to a whole new level. After getting the boot from his own party back in July, the leader of the free world appears to have checked out entirely—at least that’s what many are speculating. Reports indicate that since being unceremoniously nudged aside, Biden has been wallowing in a mix of sadness and anger, believing he owes little to a party that so casually tossed him under the bus.
With the election dust settled, Biden has practically become a ghost. During a time when one would expect a president to make his presence felt in the public sphere, he instead opted for a low-profile existence. Questions surrounding his son, Hunter Biden, have been met with notable silence, and Biden’s absence was glaringly evident when he chose not to attend the grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral—a landmark moment—to send first lady Jill Biden instead. This decision has left many wondering just how capable he is of handling the rigors of public events.
The narrative surrounding Biden’s cognitive state is less than flattering. Back in February, a special counsel pointed out his struggles with memory, yet mainstream media let that slip under the radar until his dismal debate performance led to his exit from the race. While technically still the president for just a few more weeks, whispers are growing louder that Biden has already “left the Oval Office.” This raises questions about who, exactly, is in charge of the government as many mark his absence with a shrug.
In the wake of a unanimous electoral smackdown for the Democrats, Biden has gone full stealth mode. Stricken by political losses, he has been sticking to scripted remarks while dodging any unscripted interactions with the press. Meanwhile, the party lurches toward what can only be described as a leadership blackout. Speculation is rampant that, with Trump looming large on the horizon, Biden’s non-presence is contributing to a crisis of direction for the Democrats who are scrambling to find their way.
Critics, including former aides, contend that Biden’s cavalier attitude toward his remaining weeks in office epitomizes negligence. Complaints are surfacing about a leadership vacuum that has left lawmakers and party officials directionless. While Biden has a few speeches lined up—most of which will likely play like rehearsed soliloquies—his proactive engagement remains absent. Even Vice President Kamala Harris, who previously flaunted her ambitions as the next leading lady of the party, has all but vanished.
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Biden is 'Selfish and Rudderless' for not leading the party?
The man's mind is gone. He needs minders to get off a stage. Whoever sent him on his talking tour to keep him busy is guilty of elder abuse! He's not capable of leading a party, or a nation.
Who…— MisguidedC (@MisguidedC21) December 10, 2024
On the foreign policy front, Biden’s track record hasn’t done him any favors either. After Russia’s expansionist moves in Ukraine, prompted in part by Biden’s own foreign policy miscalculations, he finds himself cornered, defensively explaining his administration’s stance. His off-the-cuff remarks about needing to take action against Vladimir Putin illustrate a disjointed approach to what has become a volatile global stage, with promises of future speeches falling flatter than a week-old soda.
A ponderous silence from a president seemingly in retreat poses a real risk to the future of the Democratic Party as they flounder in the wake of Trump’s prowess. As the clock ticks down to January 20, there’s growing anxiety that Biden has turned his back on his responsibilities, leaving his party—and the nation—to fend for itself in the turbulent waters ahead.