Missed Opportunity for Democrats After Biden’s Term

The closing of a presidential term usually presents a prime chance for political parties to reflect on their performance, particularly after losing the White House. Yet, Democrats seem to be overlooking this moment. Instead, they have focused on Joe Biden, ignoring the broader issues that need addressing within the party.

His presidency has indeed revealed some significant structural challenges. A recent audio release from special advisor Robert Huar suggests that Biden’s grasp on power might have been quite tenuous.

Adding to this, news surfaced that Biden has been battling an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer. This information comes two years after he initially mentioned his condition, and following a year of vague health updates from his doctor.

While the White House had previously downplayed these concerns, framing Biden’s cancer as merely a removed skin issue typical for older individuals, they also appeared to mislead the public regarding his mental fitness.

However, these problems point to a deeper issue: Biden is not the only problem for Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris played a crucial role in the party’s campaign, driven more by her ideas than her short-lived candidacy.

Ahead of the release of “Original Sin,” a new book by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Axios’ Alex Thompson, the focus on Biden’s health and cognitive decline has turned into a hot topic. But, to many observers, the truths presented in the book have been visible for years.

It was evident that Biden struggled with recalling the names of top officials. Many noted his awkward pauses and moments of confusion, raising alarms about his cognitive abilities. Instances of him standing still and staring into space for extended periods were noted, while some dismissed concerns, attributing them to old age.

The book introduces a new angle suggesting Biden’s staff feared he might need a wheelchair after the campaign. Though historically important, it pales in comparison to the physical deterioration observed by many during the campaign.

So, did the seemingly declining candidate who lost the first major races manage to turn things around to secure the nomination later? This question not only hints at the structural problems within the party but also indicates a broader malaise.

Democrats have long had a top-down party structure. Leadership has historically maneuvered candidates around, as evidenced during the 2016 campaign against Bernie Sanders and the eventual support for Hillary Clinton. In 2020, this dynamic shifted toward Joe Biden, particularly following his victory in South Carolina.

Biden was not the first choice for Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton. He emerged as the safest option amidst a crowded stage of candidates. This tendency to gravitate towards the most “normal” candidate reflects the party’s underlying issues.

Consider the 2020 candidate lineup: Bernie Sanders, past his prime; Elizabeth Warren, a Harvard professor; techno-billionaire Michael Bloomberg; and various other less conventional candidates. Biden stood apart by opposing certain radical proposals, which ultimately helped him secure support.

After taking office, however, the party’s extremists resurfaced, pushing policies that many voters had previously rejected. Four years later, as Democrats faced Trump again, they found themselves in a precarious position.

This time, the apparent frontrunner, Kamala Harris, struggled to resonate with voters, essentially losing ground in the earlier races. While some Democrats point fingers at Biden for overstaying his welcome, it’s essential to recognize that Harris had all the credentials and media backing yet failed to connect with a significant portion of the electorate.

Harris presided over a government that deepened societal divides and proposed bold policies, but her record haunted her throughout her campaign.

While the media has chosen to downplay these failings, now is a critical moment for reflection and reassessment. Instead, many seem to pass the blame onto Biden for the party’s stagnation.

In the wake of these revelations, one might wonder: what comes next for the Democrats? Ignoring these undercurrents could lead to a more profound crisis for the party.