Even as Donald Trump has been confirmed as the Republican candidate for the US presidency, the Democrats are in a tizzy over continuing with President Joe Biden. Even heavyweight democrats like Barak Obama believe Biden’s chances of winning have greatly diminished. And, indeed, fate seems to be taking a hand too, first, by saving Trump from a bullet; then, by infecting Biden with Covid. Given his already questionable physical and mental condition, it will be difficult for Biden to enter the campaign.
It would have been better if Biden had opted out, voluntarily, after the ‘poor’ performance in the one-on-one debate with Trump. It was not that he was wrong in any way – he just seemed overwhelmed. And politics is all about the impression voters get. The demand for his removal from the ticket picked up after that.
The Democrats do not lack for good candidates, as it is a more representative party in terms of ethnicity, social groups, geography, etc. It is just that some supporters could become so put off by Biden’s lackluster performance that they might not turn out to vote. It is voter enthusiasm that counts in US democracy, which is evident from the response to Trump’s choice of a successful, working-class background VP candidate, JD Vance. Further spice has been added by Vance’s Indian origin wife. However, this does not in any way improve Trump’s worldview, security policy and understanding of economics. Every one of his speeches contains falsehoods and misrepresentations, which just need to be called out specifically by someone who the people are willing to hear.
The problem for the Democrats is that they would have to first consider Kamala Harris’s candidature. Unfortunately, she has been a neither here nor there Vice President, who was never given the opportunity to show her true colours. To overlook her candidature would be to accept that her choice as Biden’s running-mate was mere tokenism, a tip of the hat to the minorities. The Democrats could display some character and loyalty by standing by her. Otherwise, a truly charismatic personality will have to be chosen who can overcome this early setback – maybe Michelle Obama; but there are also several others. The effort should also be made to present before the people the true picture of Biden’s performance in his four years, as well as that of Trump during his presidency. It should be ensured that people don’t get taken in by lies and overcome with prejudice.
