Staff Reports
In a recent address from the Rose Garden, President Joe Biden displayed a level of joy not seen since Election Day 2020. This sentiment is noteworthy, considering the political upheaval he’s experienced since being ousted from the top spot—first replaced by Kamala Harris as the nominee and now facing her unexpected defeat in the latest election. For Biden, this might feel like a bittersweet moment, where he can both savor the defeat of his old running mate while grappling with the frustration of being unceremoniously removed from a position he barely had time to enjoy.
Biden’s optimism could stem from a sense of vindication. He was the one who supposedly halted the “Trump train,” but now he finds that the successor he reluctantly backed has floundered in spectacular fashion. His ideal situation would have been to either win re-election or at least exit gracefully from the presidential stage with a sense of accomplishment. Instead, he is left feeling like a middle reliever who got yanked before the game went sideways—and to top it off, the one who took his place was someone he seemingly never respected in the first place.
Kamala Harris’s turbulent tenure as vice president included pointed criticisms of Biden during the 2020 primaries, where she labeled him a racist and suggested he should step aside due to allegations of misconduct. These past grievances echo in Biden’s mind as he grapples with an unsettling reality: he was effectively replaced by someone he seems to think is significantly less qualified. The tension isn’t just personal; it reflects a broader fracture within the Democratic Party that’s now more visible than ever.
The simple fact is that Harris’s selection was always about optics—she was meant to bolster the Democratic ticket with her identity rather than her political prowess. Biden chose her to appeal to specific demographics in the party, assuming that could carry them both to victory. As events have unfolded, it seems this gamble hasn’t paid off. The political reality is that Harris, despite her demographics, has always struggled to connect with a broad base, reducing her effectiveness when the stakes were highest. Biden’s glee might be a smokescreen for a deeper resentment towards the party establishment that pushed him in Harris’s direction.
Now, as Biden prepares for the remaining days of his administration, there is a genuine fear of what policies he might pursue as a “lame duck” president. The Democratic Party, as fractured as it is, could lead to erratic decisions reminiscent of Barack Obama’s last days in office. Obama capitalized on his waning influence to push through controversial executive actions, and one can’t help but wonder if Biden intends to follow suit—especially now that he perceives a victory in Harris’s defeat.
In conclusion, Biden’s exuberance suggests more than just personal relief; it indicates deep schisms within the Democratic Party that may take years to heal. His happiness is tinged with irony as he watches the ambitions of his successor unravel while simultaneously grappling with his controversial legacy. In the grand political theater, Biden’s unexpected happiness might just mask an underlying turmoil that could impact the Democratic Party for years to come. As for Republicans, this spectacle could be a golden opportunity to capitalize on the chaos within their rival camp.
