In a surge of exhilaration, jubilation, delight, and possibly evoking ecstasy, we’re en route to Chicago. However, tensions are high and moods are sour despite the seemingly festive atmosphere. High-ranking Democrats are simmering with bitterness even as they attempt to display unity at the United Center in the Windy City. Influential Democrats stealthily manipulated proceedings to nudge a current president out of the competition, causing about as much drama as a community theatre production of “Julius Caesar” in Rehoboth Beach.
This internal upheaval had significant consequences. Even though it was necessary, given that Joe Biden’s capacities to campaign or to function effectively as the president for another term were evidently insufficient, the move took many by surprise.
After facing dwindling popularity in public opinion polls, Democratic elders opted to prioritise the wellbeing of the party and the nation, disregarding the president’s ego and his illusion that he was the sole contender capable of triumphing over Donald Trump. It was also an open secret that Biden’s cognitive abilities were deteriorating far quicker than he, his family and his advisors were willing to admit.
Biden could win against Trump in two ways. First by competing against him and then by his absence. As soon as Kamala Harris skillfully secured her position as the nominee, the party was engulfed in a whirlwind of optimistic anticipation.
It was undoubtedly disappointing for Biden that the Democratic Convention swiftly shifted from four days of mourning, as James Carville expressed, to a joy-filled celebration with Kamala Harris as the centrepiece.
Numerous Democrats, once loyal to Biden before plotting his downfall, had to admit to television interviewers that they were cut off by the president who was retreating into isolation. In a bid to gloss over their calculated overthrow, party leaders lauded Biden in overly elaborate terms. James Clyburn told CNN that Biden possessed an unmatched presidential record, while Pelosi suggested on CBS’s ‘Sunday Morning’ that Biden’s face deserved a spot on Mount Rushmore.
Despite such ostentatious praise, Joe, Jill, and Hunter remained unswayed and unsatisfied. Regardless of the Democrats’ desire to bury their internal disputes, the abrasive figure leading the Republican party refuses to let them brush it under the carpet. Trump bellowed on Truth Social, asserting that Kamala had no wish to associate with Biden and that he had been ejected from the presidency.
Despite Pelosi’s concern for Biden, her priority remained upholding the welfare of her treasured House of Representatives. This indifference towards Biden was evident during interviews promoting her latest book, ‘The Art of Power.’ Despite her reputation as a merciless and effective strategist, Pelosi appeared uncomfortable with turning her back on her old friend and conflicted as to whether she should claim responsibility. This surely must have felt like a betrayal to Biden.
When queried by David Remnick about the viability of her long-standing relationship with President Biden, Pelosi expressed hopes, prayers, and even tears for its survival, admitting it caused her sleepless nights. Biden, however, showed no interest in the affection Pelosi claimed her family held for him across three generations.
The incumbent president harboured deep-seated feelings of hostility towards Obama because the latter had ostracised him in favour of Hillary. Adding fuel to the flame was his fury at Hillary for wasting an opportunity and losing to Trump. Despite Obama’s inconspicuous attempts to maintain his reputation, Joe expressed outrage due to feeling bypassed on two occasions by Obama.
There was a falling out between Michelle Obama and Biden when Biden’s family estranged Hunter’s first wife and Michelle’s friend Kathleen. This was a contributing factor why the well-admired Michelle was noticeably absent from Biden’s campaign trail.
Moreover, Kamala was likely disgruntled as Obama, Pelosi, and Schumer displayed hesitation to endorse her, favouring more moderate contenders for a preliminary small-scale primary. Biden and Harris’ teams also exhibited friction, as Kamala integrated her personnel.
The thought of possibly defeating Trump still lingered in Biden’s mind, raising questions on how he will handle being sidelined. Biden’s long-time adviser, Ron Klain, expressed discontentment to Anderson Cooper, hinting at the dissatisfaction prevalent in Biden’s camp.
Klain deemed it unfortunate that despite winning the nomination in a fair and square manner with fourteen million individuals voting for Biden, he was pressured into stepping down due to calls from elected officials and donors. He considered this action as inappropriate.
On a positive note, those who urged Biden to step aside should feel accomplished for preventing a probable overwhelming loss, thereby stopping Trump’s re-entry and subsequent desecration of democracy. This manoeuvre also kept Biden from being included in Rushmore.