Staff ReportsJoe Biden’s antics in the White House Rose Garden have provided a treasure trove of analysis (and amusement) for those in the know about his recent political fortunes following the general election results. The president’s seemingly cheerful demeanor during his remarks raises eyebrows, especially considering the humiliating reality of his party’s trouncing and the fact that he likely preferred to hang up his cape rather than support Vice President Kamala Harris as she faced Donald Trump.
In his optimistic speech, Biden praised America’s long-standing tradition of self-government, though one might suspect that he was more interested in letting the public know he thinks history will remember him fondly—despite being a placeholder for the incoming Trump presidency. In a moment of political theater, he expressed goodwill toward Trump, ensuring a peaceful transition of power, which sounded more like a concession than a celebration. Clearly, Biden’s heart was elsewhere, potentially glad to see the back of Harris and whatever walker she’d need to chase after the White House.
While the complete Democratic Party is morning Kamala Harris’ epic defeat, Joe Biden looks positively giddy.
Perhaps they got his meds right, perhaps it’s the Harris comeuppance for unceremoniously forcing him out of office. The world may never know pic.twitter.com/Db1rIvhcjm
— Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) November 7, 2024
The social media commentary surrounding Biden’s expression of glee paints a picture not often seen during his tenure. The twinkle in his eye seemed to many as a signal of relief and perhaps a hint of joy at the prospect of his party’s defeat. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro noted Biden’s unprecedented happiness, suggesting that Harris’s loss seemed to light a spark in the sleepy president. While other viewers noted Biden’s newfound sprightliness and articulate delivery, they also speculated that the Harris campaign’s fallout might have him reveling in their predicament.
However, beneath Biden’s cheer lies a reality check from those in the trenches of political commentary. Scott Jennings, a contributor at CNN, made a compelling observation about the irony of Biden’s legacy: Donald Trump, effectively the phoenix of the GOP, has risen from the ashes stronger than ever under Biden’s watch. This is apparently the legacy the Biden administration has crafted—a reign that inadvertently solidified the very force they aimed to eradicate. As Jennings noted, Trump and his movement have never enjoyed such vitality as they do now.
As America gears up for a new chapter, one can’t help but chuckle at the full-circle nature of Biden’s situation. The conservative audience is left with an intriguing thought: Did Biden’s affable performance mask a deeper disappointment with the Democratic Party’s failings? The wider implications are ripe for speculation, but suffice it to say, those on the right are delighting in their rival’s misadventures as they watch the circus unfold. Biden may profess calm and unity, but beneath the surface, it’s clear that even the most cheerful of presidents can sometimes wear an expression of forced optimism while secretly applauding the election results that, oddly enough, might grant him a reprieve from the political chaos that he and Harris have fostered.
