Sometimes it’s just a small step between success and failure. Joe Biden literally experienced that on Thursday, albeit in reverse. After his speech at the Air Force Academy graduation ceremony in Colorado Springs, the 80-year-old US president tripped over a sandbag on stage and fell to the floor.
Biden was quickly back on his feet and apparently unharmed. However, the video of the incident went viral. Because it was not the first stumbling block of the elderly president, who moves more and more like a robot. Even Kevin O’Connor, the White House doctor, admitted that Joe Biden’s gait was “stiffened.”
Furthermore, the president is fit and in good health, the doctor emphasized. He is also mentally up to the task, although Biden continues to make mistakes. Still, the question inevitably arises as to whether the oldest U.S. president in history should seek a second term. He recently announced his renewed candidacy.
Tired faster than before
Joe Biden knows his weaknesses. In Colorado Springs, he himself joked about his age: “After graduating from high school 300 years ago, I applied to the Naval Academy.” His associates pointed out that he personally delivered the diplomas to all 921 Air Force cadets within an hour and a half.
According to Politico, people around him say that Biden has not held up mentally, but that he is tired faster than before. Therefore, he appears more vulnerable than he actually is. His working days should be adjusted accordingly. The question of his age will be “an ongoing challenge,” former Obama adviser David Axelrod said.
The big deal maker
But there is also the other side. This became apparent on Thursday evening when the Senate passed the bill to raise the debt ceiling with a clear majority. This ticks off this annoying subject until after the next election. It was a big win for President Biden – and for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Even the leading media could hardly believe that such a compromise is still possible in today’s highly polarized American politics. It’s another testament to Joe Biden’s deal-making ability, which he’s honed to near perfection in more than 50 years in Washington. And above all, it is not his only success.
Impressive performance
In the less than two and a half years since he was sworn in, the Democrat has pushed several major projects through Congress. These include the Covid relief package, the restoration of ailing infrastructure, the law to boost US semiconductor production or the Inflation Reduction Act with its social and climate protection projects.
With his continued financial and military support, Joe Biden is enabling Ukraine to resist the Russian aggressor. His visit to Kiev in February was unforgettable. For the first time in United States history, a president traveled to a war zone without the protection of the United States military. No one before him had dared.
Americans are angry
Probably no US president since Lyndon Johnson’s Civil Rights and Welfare Acts in the 1960s has had such an impressive record. Yet Johnson became a tragic figure as he led the US deeper and deeper into the quagmire of the Vietnam War. Should Joe Biden fear a similar fate to the Texan?
In any case, his achievements are not reflected in the popularity ratings. You’re at rock bottom. The living conditions of many Americans have worsened due to inflation – which has been falling recently, however – and the rise in mortgage rates. They blame the president for that.
Where are the alternatives?
There is also the issue of age. Joe Biden would be 82 if sworn in again. According to a poll by ABC News and the Washington Post, 68 percent of Americans think he is too old for a second term. Even a majority of Democratic Party voters prefer a younger alternative.
Just wondering who that should be. So far, two people have emerged as challengers to the Democrats: Marianne Williamson, an author of self-help books, and the president’s cousin Robert Kennedy Jr., a once-respected environmentalist who has dabbled in the covid conspiracy scene. Both are considered completely useless.
Quarrel between the Republicans
More serious challengers hold back. Some seem to be focusing their ambitions on the 2028 election (Pete Buttigieg, Gretchen Whitmer, Raphael Warnock). Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, could be “lurking” in the background. He was unequivocally re-elected last year and has been trying to raise his national profile ever since.
However, as long as Joe Biden sticks to his renewed candidacy, he has little to fear. In the Republicans, on the other hand, more and more wannabes are venturing beyond cover. Next week, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and ex-Vice President Mike Pence are expected to announce their candidacy for the 2024 election.
Rematch against Trump?
Only Donald Trump, who can count on his dedicated fan base, can be happy about this. And indirectly Joe Biden, because against Trump he would have a good chance to win the election again. The prospect of a rematch between the two old men isn’t the only thing Americans dread. But the president seems to be speculating.
If inflation and interest rates weaken further, that will help him further. Although a banking crisis is still looming, the US economy has so far stubbornly ‘refused’ to slide into the predicted recession. And you should not underestimate the old fox Biden anyway. He just shouldn’t fall flat on his face too often.
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
