
President Joe Biden on Monday sought to scare the American public into voting for him, arguing that those turning out to vote in November would be deciding the way America looks long into the future. But that sounds about right for Biden, doesn’t it?
Sitting behind the Oval Office desk – with that usual blank stare– the president made the comments as he announced insane new Supreme Court reforms, the president stressed that the outcome of the upcoming elections will shape the nation’s future and identity. In his remarks, marking the end of his long tenure on Capitol Hill, he stated his intention to pass the leadership baton to the next generation of Democrats.
Biden called on all Americans who cherish democracy to unite and protect it from malicious threats. Reflecting on his time in office, he argued that his vision for the country warranted a second term. Yet, he firmly stated that “saving American democracy” was the ultimate priority. He acknowledged the importance of experience but also recognized the need for fresh voices. To unify the nation, he concluded that the best course of action was for him to step aside.
As part of an outgoing speech, the President said he would continue to work until his term runs out next year. He also addressed political violence and insisted there is no place for it in America or its future. Immediately after those remarks, President Biden enthusiastically endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris and described her as “an incredible partner to me.”
Biden is the first US President not to seek re-election since Lyndon Johnson in 1968, who decided to depart the Oval Office under pressures related to the Vietnam War. Other former leaders who chose not to seek a second term were James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, Calvin Coolidge, and Harry Truman.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris’s campaign got off to a strong start, with early polls showing a lead over Donald Trump. The first poll, from Ipsos, placed the Vice President ahead of Trump by 2%, and since then, surveys show she has gained renewed support from black and Latino communities. Surveys of non-white voters showed 63% for Harris, which is higher than President Biden’s 51% but lower than the 73% he won in 2020. Enthusiasm among Democrats, however, has exploded from 37% who were excited about Biden to 81% who say the same about Harris.