While Biden has accomplished a lot, he has become a lightening rod for things he can’t control. And, against a younger candidate age could become an issue. Maybe now is the time to reach out to younger voters, new audiences…
IN A PREVIOUS post I observed that I did not think Donald Trump would be the Republican nominee and that it would come to either Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador Nikki Haley. I commented that with Trump out of the race, President Joe Biden’s age would play a more important part in the race. Today, a look at what could play out.
First, please sit down. If you are a devout Democrat and Joe Biden support, take a deep breath and promise me you won’t run screaming from the room. Promise me you will hear me out, read this through to the end.
Do we have a deal? Can we suspend judgment for a few minutes? I hope so.
Joe Biden should not run for president in 2024 if it appears Donald Trump is not going to be in the ticket. Maybe he shouldn’t run at all. There. I said it. I do not think for a moment that Biden or any of his strategists will ever see this, or they did would give it any notice. After all, who cares what a fat old geezer in West Chester, PA thinks? But, I am serious, so here goes….
First, when it comes to criticism of Biden, nothing is fair. From where I sit Biden has done a better-than-good job. If you list what the Administration has accomplished, with Republicans doing all they can to stop him, it’s pretty amazing. Alas, all his accomplishments have not gained traction.
Why not? First, there is one hell of a lot going on and it’s all working against Biden despite the fact his accomplishments aid people of all parties across all income levels. First, we have war in Ukraine that is dragging on and which has been portrayed by Republicans (many of whom support Putin) as somehow hurting folks at home. Then came the horrific events in Gaza. Of course, no US president has much control over either event but ultimately the president becomes the target of finger-pointing.
In the wake of Gaza we US voters in both camps who are blaming Biden. Could he lose Arab and Jewish votes? Possible. Additionally, for some reason a lot of people are buying the Republican line that somehow the economy isn’t working. To be sure, the economy has some problem areas but overall, it is working better than anyone ever dreamed of, and Biden can take some credit for that.
I HAVE BEEN looking at politics as a journalist and voter for well beyond 50 years. When I analyze things, I take the word “fair” off the table. If “fair” were in play Biden would run, he’d win. But, right now, whether he can win is uncertain.
Not only do we have the international and national events that too many voters lay blame on him for, we have a mess on the political landscape. We have the “No Label” group which claims to be seeking a middle ground but is backed by a lot of right-wing money. Bottom line, it’s aimed at taking votes from Democrats. Then we have third party candidates like Cornell West and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. If all the above tend to siphon votes from Democrats, Democracy could be in trouble in 2024.
Then, there are younger voters. They don’t like their choices. They are tired of voting for geezers. They are tired of bought and paid for politicians. Will they vote Democrat in 2024? If they vote at all and look at what life for them would be like with a Republican president and Republican Congress, one would hope so.
But, assuming Trump ends up on the sideline and Nikki Haley is the choice, or even DeSantis, age is going to matter.
So, what’s Biden to do? I suggest he take a page from Lyndon B. Johnson. I remember sitting in front of the TV those many years ago and hearing him make a major policy speech about Vietnam. Then came the WTF moment at the end…
“With America’s sons in the fields far away, with America’s future under challenge right here at home, with our hopes and the world’s hopes for peace in the balance every day, I do not believe that I should devote an hour or a day of my time to any personal partisan causes or to any duties other than the awesome duties of this office–the Presidency of your country.
“Accordingly, I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your President. “
I suggest, if the prospects of a DeSantis or Hailey at the top of the GOP ticket looms, Biden could do something similar. I suggest a speech that outlines just what he has accomplished at home and abroad, and all the reasons why Democrats need to continue in the White House and take total control of Congress. Then, at the end…
“Given all of the challenges we face abroad and at home and given the need to continue to enact and implement programs that are going to benefit all our citizens, I have decided that the American people cannot afford to have a president distracted by the demands of presidential campaign. They need a president who goes into his office every day and works to save Democracy here and abroad, who is laser-focused on working for the people who elected him.
“With that in mind, I have made the difficult decision to not seek a second term as your president. It is time for a changing of the guard. It is a time to listen to younger generations, to continue to create a party that reflects all of America. I will work tirelessly to assist in that effort, and to ensure that every day, the people’s work is being done in their White House. Thank you.”
THEN WHAT? It would mean Democrats would have an active primary season with plenty of time to get candidates and positions in front of voters. Of course, every candidate should run on Biden’s accomplishments. They should agree beforehand that in any debates, any ads, they will tout their qualifications and refrain from nastiness against fellow Democrats.
Who might some of these candidates be? Obviously, Vice-President Kamala Harris would be one. I don’t join with those who are harshly critical of her. But, for some reason she has piled up a lot of negatives. Add to that list Maryland Governor West Moore, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, California Governor Gavin Newsome, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, New Jersey Senator Corey Booker, the Castro bothers (Julian and Joaquin) of Texas and of course, Hakeem Jeffries, current House minority leader. Obviously, some names are left off this list.
Any of these candidates, paired with a strong vice-presidential candidate, could do a lot of energize Democrats and Independents across the country, something critical if the party wants to take back the House and retain the Senate.
I know this scenario is not going to be popular with party stalwarts, and I admit up front it’s unlikely national leadership would buy into it. But, I firmly believe the Democrats need to do a much better job of diversifying, reaching out to younger voters. We always say of such things “now is not the time,” and I admit to having said that myself. But, maybe the time is now. Maybe this is the perfect time, particularly if Donald Trump is put out to pasture.
Just sayin’….
Rich Heiland, has been a reporter, editor, publisher/general manager at daily papers in Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio and New Hampshire. He was part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team at the Xenia Daily (OH) Daily Gazette, a National Newspaper Association Columnist of the Year, and a recipient of the Molly Ivins First Amendment Award from the Walker County (TX) Democrat Club. He taught journalism at Western Illinois University and leadership and community development at Woodbury College in Vermont. Since 1995 he has operated an international consulting, public speaking and training business specializing in customer service, general management, leadership and staff development with major corporations, organizations, and government. Semi-retired, he lives with his wife in West Chester, PA. He can be reached at heilandrich1@gmail.com.
I agree with you. Thank you for saying it.