Biden’s withdrawal and the day after
Following an extended period of criticism and pressure, not from opponents but from friends and supporters, which made it particularly painful, came self-awareness and, finally, the difficult decision.
US President Joe Biden, 81, will not seek re-election. His age, but mainly his visibly troubling health condition, led him to withdraw from the race.
It was an obvious decision and should have been made some time ago, at least since January, before the primaries, instead of after a painful debate with Donald Trump in June. It would have been the right and dignified stance and would have been respected even by opponents.
All the signs we have seen indicate that his close circle resisted the idea of giving up power, trapping him in a situation that ultimately harmed both him and his party, and bringing Trump even closer to the presidency.
If Biden had announced early, at the beginning of the year, that he would not seek re-election, his role today would have been that of guarantor of unity and continuity, facilitating the smooth institutional process within the Democratic Party for selecting the presidential candidate, and ensuring the complete legitimacy of the winner in the eyes of both party voters and the American society at large.
In any case, the Democrats are being called on to nominate a strong candidate capable of standing “toe to toe” with Trump, while simultaneously ensuring that they rally behind this person and, by extension, support party unity.
Vice-President Kamala Harris is the front-runner to take the baton, having both the institutional advantage and the support of Biden, along with many other top Democratic leaders who have rushed to endorse her. She also has the advantage of immediate access to the funds raised for the Biden-Harris campaign.
Governors Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and JB Pritzker of Illinois, previously considered potential candidates for the nomination themselves, are also seen as possible vice-presidential picks if Harris ultimately becomes the presidential candidate.
In any case, the goal of the Democrats is for the presidential nomination to enjoy appeal beyond the party. It should attract moderate Republicans who feel alienated from their party, which – it is not an exaggeration to say – has essentially transformed into a Trumpian party.
It will not be an easy task, as the left wing of the Democratic Party is simultaneously pushing for an agenda in the opposite direction, emphasizing social issues, from immigration management to the rights of various social groups. These issues do not seem to have any traction with most of society, reducing the chances of victory in November.
