Staff Reports
President Joe Biden’s upcoming Oval Office address is set to be a masterclass in wishful thinking, particularly given his recent decision to back out of the 2024 race and pass the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris. This unexpected maneuver has transformed Harris into the presumptive nominee for the Democrats, effectively marking Biden’s retreat from the political battlefield. The upcoming speech, just four days after this strategic withdrawal, is Biden’s attempt at maintaining some semblance of relevance during his final months in office—though many are left wondering why he still believes he can pull this off.
Reports indicate that Biden is keen on shaking off the “lame duck” label that has started following him like a bad smell. His Oval Office speech, which is poised to last between eight to ten minutes, is designed to showcase a president who is still in the game, alert, and somehow engaged in making what he calls “tough decisions.” Of course, with a growing conflict in Ukraine looming overhead and the specter of his own diminishing influence, it’s tough to take this PR stunt seriously. It’s almost as if Biden believes that the American people still view him as a serious leader, rather than a figure lost in the pages of history.
Just a week ago, the octogenarian found himself sidelined by the coronavirus while on the campaign trail in Las Vegas—a perfect symbol of his presidency, which has been more about avoiding disaster than taking charge. His announcement that he’s not going anywhere came through a phone call where he sounded more tired than triumphant. Despite his declarations of vigor and ambition, it’s hard to ignore the reality that many Americans view him as yesterday’s news who simply refuses to acknowledge the date on the calendar.
Biden’s aspirations remain grand, promising to tackle issues like gun violence, child care, elder care, and climate change—all of which seem more like lofty ideals than actionable policies, especially as he prepares to step away from the spotlight. Notably, while he’s busy declaring his intent to broker peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict, a significant diplomatic snub looms: Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu is opting for a private meeting with Harris rather than Biden. This sends a clear message that even international leaders see Biden as in the rearview mirror.
So… he’s going to yell at us, one last time ?
Angriest president ever. 😤Reports: Biden Determined to Defy ‘Lame Duck’ Status with Oval Office Address https://t.co/8gXcMIgB10
— Wagamemnon (@GlennJurena) July 24, 2024
Amidst all this, even political scientists are cautioning against the inertia typically associated with a “lame duck” presidency. This scenario has prompted Speaker Mike Johnson to call for Biden’s resignation, arguing that if Biden isn’t fit to run for reelection, he certainly isn’t fit to remain in office. As Biden promotes his intentions to rally behind Harris, many wonder if this is merely a desperate attempt to sidestep the inevitable—his waning power as he transitions out of presidential duties, paving a troubling path for the party he leaves behind.
In the end, while Biden might paint a picture of an active president ready to “finish the job,” the reality speaks volumes. He may be trying to hold onto his narrative, but the American public seems more focused on who will actually take the reins next. It’s tough to convince the nation that one is still leading when all signs point to a future where he will be just a footnote in history textbooks.
