In the topsy-turvy world of Democratic politics, it seems the party is constantly in search of direction or, at the very least, a coherent strategy. Recently, the buzz is about former President Joe Biden reemerging as the supposed savior of the Democratic Party. He’s being portrayed as a white knight, one that cruises in to sort things out with his mere presence. However, this idea is met with skepticism and a tinge of irony, as Biden—despite the noble imagery—is not seen saddled on a horse but rather a bicycle from which he has famously toppled.
One has to wonder about the Democrats’ plan here. Who exactly is clamoring for Biden’s return to the spotlight? After overseeing an administration that allegedly burned through an astronomical $3 billion alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, it’s hard to believe that donors would be eager to pour even more money into their coffers. It’s an expensive gamble that doesn’t seem to inspire much confidence from anyone watching, especially those with any kind of fiscal prudence.
There’s also the embracing call for younger leadership—a breath of fresh air, if you will. Some of Biden’s former staffers have gone so far as to suggest the man deserves a relaxing retirement at the beach, rather than another shot at political relevancy. It brings into question whether the Democratic Party can even admit that perhaps Biden is more retired racehorse than noble steed these days. Promoting worn-out figures only underlines a lack of new ideas and fresh faces, as well as a certain resistance to change that the party really can’t afford.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the political divide, former President Donald Trump gets in a jibe or two, delivering quips that are laced with his trademark humor. When asked about Biden’s big return, Trump remarked on his ability to doze off in public, implying that Biden’s most notable skill might be nodding off rather than energizing a political movement. It’s these kind of zingers that make one wonder why the Democrats think pitting Biden against a man who thrives on making others the butt of his jokes is a good idea.
In an interesting twist, Kamala Harris pops up in the discussion, seen as potentially vying for the top spot herself. This development evokes a sort of wishful thinking from the Republican side. After all, Trump not only triumphed over Biden but arguably Harris too, making it a double victory in a single election cycle. The narrative suggests a certain overconfidence in the Democratic imagination, betting on candidates who, to many, bested only their party’s chances of success. The jigsaw puzzle that is the Democratic strategy remains a mystery—perhaps even to themselves.
