The Last Days of Mr. Biden’s Life During his High-Posterior Life: The Search for the Soul of America
Mr. Biden’s address to the nation from the Oval Office on Wednesday night was all Joe, love him or hate him — the paeans to American exceptionalism, the evocations of family, the selective boasting about his record, the favorite lofty phrases about an “inflection point” and “saving our democracy,” and yes, the soft, raspy old man’s voice that no longer commands the room the way it once did.
He didn’t have much to say about his journey to this moment of indignity. Although he was focused on the soul of America, he didn’t reveal much of himself. The search for his soul was called off, if there was any soul searching over the last few days or weeks that were related to this difficult end to his long career in politics. The results were not reported.
He said he was going to give up the torch to a new generation, but did not say anything about his age or health, which caused many Democrats to desert him. He did not describe the journey from supreme confidence that he and he alone could beat former President Donald J. Trump to the conclusion that in fact he could not. He held back bitterness despite giving up his second term bid, but he did not give any explanation on how he made the decision.
Biden and others see that foundational American principle as lost on someone like Trump, who, when he visited Mount Vernon, Washington’s estate in Virginia, in 2019 with French President Emmanuel Macron, said of the nation’s first president, per Politico:
In his last address, Washington warned that “cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men” will be allowed to subvert the power of the people and to take control of the government, destroying afterwards the engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”
Biden’s Oval Office Address: “What’s the Best Way to Preserve Our Democracy,” explains NPR/PBS News/Marist
Biden sees the case as necessary for someone to make effectively because of Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the upcoming election and Biden’s belief that it is necessary for someone to make effectively.
In other words, Vice President Harris gives those who see former President Trump as an existential threat to that democracy the best chance to win because of Biden’s diminished capabilities to prosecute the case against him.
Biden said that he reveres the office, but he loves his country more. I think it’s important that democracy is protected, even though it has been the honor of my life to be your president.
It was quite a statement for Biden, 81, who has held public office for more than 50 years and run for president many times, most recently when Donald Trump became president, and is now the oldest person ever to be elected president.
America has to decide between moving forward or backward and between hope and hate. this moment, we can see those we disagree with not as enemies, but as fellow Americans. ”“The sacred cause of this country is larger than any one of us, and those of us who cherish that cause … a cause of American democracy itself, [we] must unite to protect it. The best way forward is for me to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way for us to come together. Let’s preserve our democracy by acting together.
Biden ran on the idea of unifying the country in 2020. But it hasn’t worked out that way. He’s been sharply criticized by the right and views of him — in this hyperpolarized environment where people get their information largely from sources that reinforce their previously held beliefs — are as partisan as any president before him, including Trump.
Just 43% said they had a favorable view of Biden, according to an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll taken before the debate between him and Trump. 42% of them were independent and 10% of them were Republicans.
Biden on the Day of his Oval Office Address: “I Know What I’m doing, but What I Cannot do to Save Our Democracy”
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all merited a second term,” he said, “but nothing, nothing can come in the way of saving our democracy. Personal ambition is included.
Biden cited his legislative achievements as an example of his abilities, but less than a quarter of respondents thought he would be remembered as an above average president or one of the best presidents. Half said he’d be remembered as below average or the worst.
It’s possible for those views to change as a president becomes no longer involved in politics. President Obama’s favorability, for example, has improved since leaving office and views of his signature legislative achievement, the Affordable Care Act, have hit record highs.
His dismal debate performance last month and how his political support had been destroyed in swing states led to this moment.
For the past few years, Democrats have been waiting for him to make a public appearance. They crossed their fingers that he would acquit himself at least decently well, but they knew one bad speech, interview or… debate… could sink his — and their party’s — chances to hold onto the White House.
Democrats were breathing easier after watching Harris’ first few days of campaigning, including her first speech before staffers and her first official rally.
She has spoken clearly and concisely, and there has been grassroots energy with her. It is still not certain whether that will work with swing voters or not.
Source: 4 takeaways from President Biden’s Oval Office address
Had Biden Step Away Earlier in the Second Day of the War? When Biden walked out of the room with a pentaquark
Biden didn’t explicitly lay out Wednesday night why he stepped aside, but watching what was an, at times, halting address, the contrast was like night and day.