For reasons that are all too common, and all too human, Biden can be forgiven for not recognizing that he was in no shape to run against Trump. But what about his advisers? What about Harris? What about the media? They all knew and kept their mouths shut. Had it not been for the debate, he would still be running for president.
Like another commenter, I thought this was a lovely, meaningful, sensitive piece, but I'm not sure I agree with your characterization of Biden having overcome human pride. It's possible, and the most flattering explanation, but it seems more likely that he was forced out by a revolt from donors and the rest of the party leadership. He made a point of emphasizing in his Oval Office address that he thinks he's done great, is doing great, and deserves to be reelected without any acknowledgement that he's lost a step or what legitimately alarmed people about his debate performance.
Biden had to concede a little weakness about himself, if privately, to bow out as he did. The isolation of Rehoboth allowed him space to reflect and realize he wasn't up to the challenge to defeat Trump. Part of his realization was surely due to that party revolt, but he had to make the decision himself. And that meant swallowing pride. He just didn't let us see it when he gave his speech unfortunately. Likely politics outweighed moral leadership here because he wants to finish out his term and not be subject to the 25th amendment. Though that's not stopping some people from pushing the issue.
Speaking as someone who's been involved with some big PR rollouts, the coordinated professionalism of the Kamala rollout alongside Joe's very carefully crafted speech suggests that the decision had been made and that wheels had been turning for many days, perhaps even weeks, before the formal announcement was made. Winston Churchill said that the truth has to travel with a bodyguard of lies, so I don't expect the public will ever get a definitive account of what actually happened.
Pretty sure no one can *force* him to bow out. So at a certain point, he had to have made the decision, and overcame his pride to do so. What we don't know is if he actually came to accept that he was no longer fit to be re-elected, or if he simply was convinced that he couldn't win.
I agree with the overall sentiment of the piece about the challenges of aging, but in the context of the President of the United States, I just don’t care about his unwillingness to let go. It resulted in a default candidate who I would vote for over Trump if I was in a swing state ( I am not and will not vote for president), but who the President’s enablers foisted on us by hiding him from the public.
For reasons that are all too common, and all too human, Biden can be forgiven for not recognizing that he was in no shape to run against Trump. But what about his advisers? What about Harris? What about the media? They all knew and kept their mouths shut. Had it not been for the debate, he would still be running for president.
Like another commenter, I thought this was a lovely, meaningful, sensitive piece, but I'm not sure I agree with your characterization of Biden having overcome human pride. It's possible, and the most flattering explanation, but it seems more likely that he was forced out by a revolt from donors and the rest of the party leadership. He made a point of emphasizing in his Oval Office address that he thinks he's done great, is doing great, and deserves to be reelected without any acknowledgement that he's lost a step or what legitimately alarmed people about his debate performance.
Biden had to concede a little weakness about himself, if privately, to bow out as he did. The isolation of Rehoboth allowed him space to reflect and realize he wasn't up to the challenge to defeat Trump. Part of his realization was surely due to that party revolt, but he had to make the decision himself. And that meant swallowing pride. He just didn't let us see it when he gave his speech unfortunately. Likely politics outweighed moral leadership here because he wants to finish out his term and not be subject to the 25th amendment. Though that's not stopping some people from pushing the issue.
Speaking as someone who's been involved with some big PR rollouts, the coordinated professionalism of the Kamala rollout alongside Joe's very carefully crafted speech suggests that the decision had been made and that wheels had been turning for many days, perhaps even weeks, before the formal announcement was made. Winston Churchill said that the truth has to travel with a bodyguard of lies, so I don't expect the public will ever get a definitive account of what actually happened.
This article was very helpful. I linked to it in an earlier draft of my piece.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/21/us/politics/biden-withdrawal-timeline.html
Pretty sure no one can *force* him to bow out. So at a certain point, he had to have made the decision, and overcame his pride to do so. What we don't know is if he actually came to accept that he was no longer fit to be re-elected, or if he simply was convinced that he couldn't win.
I agree with the overall sentiment of the piece about the challenges of aging, but in the context of the President of the United States, I just don’t care about his unwillingness to let go. It resulted in a default candidate who I would vote for over Trump if I was in a swing state ( I am not and will not vote for president), but who the President’s enablers foisted on us by hiding him from the public.
The universal resonance of Democrats' struggle to be honest about the reality of their politicians being fit for office.