President Joe Biden’s decision to not seek re-election has garnered praise from notable liberals, who view it as a selfless act for the greater good. However, it is important to recognize that Biden’s choice to step down is a reasonable one, considering his unpopularity with young people and swing states like Michigan. His unwavering support for Israel’s genocidal war has also tarnished his legacy.
While there is agreement among Biden’s supporters that a second Trump presidency would be disastrous, his weeks of intransigence and hubris have limited the time for Democrats to regroup and find a new candidate to challenge Donald Trump. Biden’s nomination was treated as a foregone conclusion by the Democratic National Committee, despite polls indicating that Democratic voters preferred other candidates. The party machine must take responsibility for perpetuating a gerontocracy as the only viable option.
It is true that Biden’s declining physical and mental abilities, evident in his poor debate performance and public gaffes, played a role in his loss of support among young people and minority voters. However, it was not solely due to his age but also his policy failures and questionable past, such as his support for segregationists.
While Biden has achieved some notable successes as president, such as climate legislation and pandemic stimulus packages, there are darker aspects to his record. He has increased funding for police departments and suppressed Black-led protest movements, despite the nationwide uprisings against racist policing. He has also hardened borders and shown unwavering support for Israel’s actions, while demonizing those who advocate for Palestinian rights.
The Uncommitted movement, which aims to push the Democrats to end support for Israel’s onslaught, emphasizes that their position applies to any Democratic nominee. It is crucial for the Democratic Party to listen to these voices and address the concerns of those who feel ignored by the system.
As Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to be Biden’s successor as the presidential nominee, she must not continue in his footsteps. It would be a moral failure and an electoral misstep to maintain unchanged Biden policies. The focus should be on pushing Harris and the entire Democratic leadership to change course. While it is important to beat Trump, the left should not invest blind hope in Harris, considering her past as a prosecutor. Biden’s departure from the race presents an opportunity to demand nonnegotiable voter demands, such as an immediate ceasefire and an end to U.S. funding of Israel’s war.
In conclusion, while some may view Biden’s decision to step aside as heroic, it is essential to critically examine his record and the reasons for his unpopularity. The focus should now shift to holding the Democratic Party accountable and pushing for meaningful change.
