Among the dense discourse coming from the US and washing over the world, one phrase stands out as particularly grating these days: "Leader of the Free World." Questions like, who will be the leader of the free world, will President Biden run again for President of the US and leader of the free world - things like that.
Really? Is the choice between a man whose consciousness is somewhat obscured and a rascal who will defeat whoever is placed against him a choice for the "leader of the free world"? No. It is a choice between two individuals who, due to the pressures of the times and complex combinations of political and social constellations, will head the American administration. Nothing more.
Can either of them personally influence the fate of millions worldwide? Absolutely. The President holds immense power. Does that make him the "leader of the free world"? Absolutely not. Not even the leader of the US, and not even the leader of his specific party. If that were the case, it should truly worry millions around the world.
So enough already with the "leadership." No one elected to their positions is a "leader." No one follows them, and the ship will continue to move even without them—these days prove it.
These are days of democratic soul-searching. Not just for the American Democratic Party, which is in a terrible slump, but for this institution as a whole, everywhere. The impossible situation that American politics has reached, sacrificing all its values, beliefs, fears, and essentially its life on the altar of political positions, should serve as a platform for democratic reflection, examining the basic definitions of the system: Can the world observe indifferently the political battle raging in the US?
It is worth remembering: In this battle, a man stands at the head of the administration, with many signs indicating that his consciousness is clouded, and who, due to a political power structure, is protected by his party. In this battle, a man who in no normal constellation would or should have been able to reach the White House is poised to return there—but due to the need to defend against the political opponent's aggression, millions choose to push him back there. There is no debate at all about any candidate's ability to fulfill their role—only about their ability to get elected.
For several years now, this has been the situation. We always knew it was the case—then this summer stretched it to its limit. Billions around the world watch the system's failures, which, though there is no better one, secretly, in hushed tones, long for a good old-fashioned dictatorship.
The crisis of 2024 should be a point that redefines fundamental principles. Not practically, but conceptually. It is necessary to redefine the power of the elected, invest enormous efforts within the democratic framework for the intelligent dispersion of this power, and at the same time - not harm the absolute freedom of choice. This can be done, and it doesn't even require too much political drama.
Let's start with the understanding that leaders are not leaders. At best, they are managers, and at worst, drivers. The less pathos, the smaller the risk.
