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Mr. President, cut and cut cleanly
Relinquishing power wouldn’t come easy for Biden, who has served the public for most of his life.
U.S. President Joe Biden reacts as he attends a press conference during NATO's 75th anniversary summit, in Washington, U.S., July 11, 2024. / REUTERS/Leah Millis
For the past two weeks, the Democratic Party is agonizing over its presidential candidate in the November elections. The context is all too obvious. The first Presidential debate was a solid disaster for the incumbent President. There is universal agreement on that. However, there is considerable ambiguity when it comes to the question of who should represent the Party in the 2024 race.
The Democratic dilemma is real. There are all types of scenarios being talked about within the corridors of power in Washington and beyond. If an alternate is to be chosen, it will have to be quick. Time is running out for the Democrats. Of all the potential candidates, Kamala Harris appears to be the most formidable amongst many others in the fray. Here’s why?
Vice President Kamala Harris, being a woman, does have great appeal among women voters. Apart from gender, her background as the daughter of an African American father and an Indian American mother, adds to her appeal among African American and Asian American voters. Voters in these three categories have been loyal to the Democratic Party for decades. But no one should take their traditional loyalty for granted in this election.
If the Democratic candidate is a White man, the party is certain to disappoint voters from all of the above categories. Risking any of the core voting blocs would be suicidal.
Women have been waiting long to see one of their own to occupy the oval office. Just as in 2008, the aspiration to have a choice other than a White Man can be a compelling factor for voters in the upcoming election, especially women. Many in the inner circle of Trump fear her as a formidable opponent. Recent polls confirm such fears.
Another factor that could aid Harris is her experience in the White House. After all, candidate Biden chose her as VP because of her credentials to lead the country in case anything happened to him. She has interacted with world leaders for almost 4 years. President Biden’s foreign policy preferences, especially regarding China, Israel and India, are not Greek to her. So far, she has resisted the temptation to tow the lines of fringe elements within the party. In addition, if she is able to continue that path and steer clear of toxic progressive agendas, she may well be able to garner strong support among independents as well.
After the debate fiasco, the public had been genuinely concerned about the President’s health, more particularly his mental capacity to lead the most powerful nation on the planet. If there was any doubt among few people, it was settled once and for all today. Introducing Ukranian President Zelensky as President Putin yesterday was the last thing an embattled President was looking for.
Regardless of the Party’s eventual choice, one thing is certain. President Biden has no future in American Politics. The decline in his popularity was exacerbated by a seemingly insignificant event last year. The President tripped and fell on the floor during a commencement ceremony last June, at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.
But relinquishing power wouldn’t come easy for a person who has served the public for most of his life. It is here he may find guidance from an incident few decades ago.
In 1986, the Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos was facing domestic revolt. Corazon Aquino, a charismatic female politician, who mobilized the opposition emerged as a powerful popular leader. When faced with discontent at home, Marcos turned to the US for help. President Reagan was not in a mood to accommodate the aging Filipino leader, who had already lost the confidence of his people. So, President Reagan let his friend, Senator Paul Laxalt, do the talking.
Marcos, who couldn’t imagine a life outside of the Presidential Palace in Manila, was a sad man indeed. He was hoping for American support to quell dissent and retain his power. It was then, at a moment of heightened desperation, he received a call from Senator Laxalt. Marcos is believed to have asked the senator what he should do. Quit or remain. The Senator conveyed the America’s decision without mincing words. “Cut and cut cleanly. I think the time has come”, he told Marcos. It was sane advice. Bloodshed and uncertainty were averted.
President Biden is also facing a growing internal rebellion, albeit within his own party. Many have publicly asked for his exit from the presidential race. They include some of his loyal supporters like George Clooney. Many are whispering their frustration in private. It may be perfect time for the President to cut and cut cleanly right now. His time has come.
The author is an Atlanta based economist, political commentator and human rights advocate. He is the founder of several Hindu and Indian American organizations.
(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad or any other organization.)
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