Open Up the Race

 

While Joe Biden’s popularity ratings in recent times have been among the lowest for US presidents, I’m happy he has been in charge the past couple of years. We certainly have been much better off, considering the alternative. Faced with many simultaneous challenges and the seemingly unrelenting polarity of our politics these days, few could have done much better than Mr. Biden.

That said, I hope he reconsiders his plan to run for a second term. While he has had some wins, the opposition will hang his missteps on him like cinderblock necklaces: Afghanistan. Hunter. And most recently, the MBS fist-bump. It will be pretty ugly.

Then there is the age issue – and yes, it IS one, whether anyone admits it or not. Biden will be into his 80s in a new term. Now, that’s just a number, which can be superseded by the projection of energy, great wisdom, or universal connectedness. But I do think it’s time for someone younger, not necessarily white or male. Those things shouldn’t really be issues either.

Though I think Biden has no real choice right now but to pursue a second run, it could be a different story after the midterms. I wouldn’t mind hearing him say, “Thank you, we’ve come a long way, but it’s time for a new leader.”  He could also say, “My Vice President is certainly qualified to succeed me, but I am NOT making an endorsement in this race, and will leave the choice up to the voters.”

I am no politics expert, and you might be saying, that’s not realistic, it’s walking straight into lame-duckism. But I see it differently. Aside from being statesmanlike, such a move would open up the presidential contest on both sides, so that voters would have an opportunity to pick the best candidates. Whether they would or not is another matter, but at least the option would be there. It could also be freeing for Mr. Biden himself, who would still be able to lead for two years without worrying quite as much about pleasing various factions.

How many times have sports fans suffered through decorated athletes not knowing how to hang it up when they’ve done their best and have passed their personal peaks? That applies in the realm of politics too, and I think an open field in 2024 would invigorate the electorate, which sorely needs invigoration.