Throughout Joe Biden's presidency, there have been persistent claims that he is being "managed" by a group of advisors and Democratic leaders who not only support him but potentially steer his policies. The frequent calls from former President Barack Obama to the White House have fueled this perception, suggesting that Biden's tenure is effectively Obama's third term – albeit a far more radical one.
Now, in light of the incumbent president's recent on-air stumble, it seems the proverbial smoking gun has been found. The president is functioning at a subpar level, while an extreme progressive group, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is driving US foreign policy. None of the issues concerning American citizens and those of other nations, such as Israel and Ukraine, are being adequately addressed or resolved.
In a world rife with aggressive forces, the unflattering image of an American president – the leader of the free world – appearing weak and incoherent encourages them to exploit opportunities. Biden's decline mirrors the collapse of his Middle East policy vis-à-vis Iran and its proxies, as well as the incomprehensible crisis at the southern border with Mexico. This porous region is drawing millions of migrants of all types into the United States, including criminal and terrorist elements.
Now, in light of the incumbent president's recent on-air stumble, it seems the proverbial smoking gun has been found. The president is functioning at a subpar level, while an extreme progressive group, led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, is driving US foreign policy. None of the issues concerning American citizens and those of other nations, such as Israel and Ukraine, are being adequately addressed or resolved.
Donald Trump didn't gain supporters following the televised confrontation early Friday morning. But Biden lost a great deal, according to the veteran Fox News commentator Bret Baier's simple summary. For many months, the question of whether Biden will actually be the Democratic presidential nominee has loomed large. Nikki Haley repeatedly stated that he won't be. Speculation abounds – if not him, then who? The situation has deteriorated to the point where New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman is pleading with Biden to step aside. A sad sight to use a word Trump is so fond of.
Serious reporters with extensive Biden coverage have repeatedly claimed that Biden is self-confident and doesn't entertain the thought of withdrawing from the race. Too arrogant, too stubborn. Even now, he justified his failure with the excuse that it's difficult to contend with a liar. Leaders are expected to deal with other leaders who are far worse than "liars" – mass murderers, for instance.
There was a point when it seemed that former President Obama and his allies in the foreign relations establishment and the party were comfortable having a president who was weak in many respects in the White House. This situation invites evasion of responsibility. Every mishap is filed away as an event that Biden can't be expected to handle. Conversely, those responsible for strategic blunders are not called to account.
The case of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stands out, where contact with him was lost until it was discovered he was hospitalized, and President Biden was completely unaware. The Defense Secretary! A person supposed to be responsible for world peace takes his hands off the wheel. Perhaps this is what Trump alluded to when he spoke about Biden not firing any generals.
The Democrats' problem now is that they have no candidate who can motivate their voters to turn out en masse at the polls or make an effort to fill out early voting ballots. Not even Biden himself. Kamala Harris intimidates people; California Governor Gavin Newsom hasn't logged enough miles on the national stage. And Michelle Obama? It seems too late for her to suddenly jump into the boiling political cauldron.
