Written by Vin Bhat
June 27, 2024: The night of the first presidential debate, and what would turn out to be a pivotal moment for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign. The cracks, long whispered about in the corridors of Congress, became glaringly undeniable. While Biden stood behind the podium, offering a defense of his policies and navigating pointed criticisms, an underlying tension pervaded the stage. The debate, though ostensibly about policy, represented something more: a referendum on Biden himself. Just 25 days later, Biden announced he would not seek re-election.
Biden’s decision sent shockwaves through the political landscape. At 81 years old, while concerns about his energy, mental acuity, and ability to handle the rigorous demands of the office had become an unavoidable topic, even among his supporters, they had remained quiet whispers in deference to the office of the president. These quiet whispers turned into loud conversations after the debate, where he appeared fatigued and stumbled through some responses. Though Biden didn’t step down from the presidency itself, with only a few months left on his term, his choice (or lack thereof) to exit the race for re-election marked a historic moment of reckoning — not only for his own political career but for the institution of the presidency and the nature of American democracy.
In many ways, Biden’s announcement was both surprising and unsurprising. Surprising, because it’s rare for an individual in power to relinquish it. In fact, the modern presidency has always carried with it an implicit expectation that incumbents will seek to extend their tenure in office. Since World War II, only two other presidents have voluntarily opted to not seek re-election. Lyndon B. Johnson famously chose not to run in 1968, citing deep divisions over the Vietnam War. Biden, facing his own set of challenges, may have seen parallels between his situation and Johnson’s, and recognized that sometimes, the best way to preserve one’s legacy is to leave before tarnishing it further.
But Biden’s decision was also unsurprising. The past few years have weighed heavily on the country, with Biden’s solitary term being consumed by America’s deepest and most troubling anxieties. What may have begun as a desire to be the steady hand guiding the nation back to normalcy post-pandemic soon transformed into a relentless series of battles — many of which seemed intractable. From the Covid-19 pandemic to a faltering economy, racial unrest in the wake of George Floyd protests, and an increasingly polarized political climate, Biden’s presidency has been marked by crises on all fronts. Biden’s own health and age only added to his list of woes. His announcement to not seek re-election, while publicly positioned as one made in the best interests of his party and the nation, may in fact have been a quiet concession to the reality that, despite his experience or intentions, he could no longer navigate the ceaseless demands of the modern presidency.
However, this moment is about more than just one man. Biden’s decision forces a reflection on the state of the presidency itself. The office, once viewed as a symbol of American strength and unity, has become increasingly beleaguered by the very structure of the political system that upholds it. The 24/7 news cycle, the explosion of social media, and the deep partisan divisions have transformed the president into someone more than just a public servant — they are now the ultimate scapegoat and the target of much blame, critique, and scrutiny, both deserved and undeserved. In a sense, Biden’s withdrawal symbolizes the broader erosion of the office’s power to effectively govern a country that seems at war with itself. Is it even possible for one individual to lead a nation in the throes of such internal and self-inflicted strife?
Biden’s decision also prompts deeper reflections on the state of democracy in America. The choice to not seek re-election, while a personal one, reflects a broader sentiment that many Americans feel: disillusionment with the political system. The partisan bickering, gridlock in Congress, and growing distrust of institutions have left many rightfully wondering if the democratic system itself is broken. Voter turnout continues to be a major concern, and the polarization of the electorate has made it difficult for any leader, regardless of party, to govern effectively. With Biden stepping away, many understandably question if the presidency itself is capable of healing these divisions — or if it has become merely a ceremonial figurehead trapped in a dysfunctional system.
The last decade has also left many questioning the efficacy of our political system and its ability to facilitate a smooth transfer of power. Why can’t America transfer power in a week, let alone a month? We cannot tout America’s reputation as one of the strongest democracies if, for over two months following the election, our government is run by a head of state that the citizens no longer want in office. Any decisions the president takes, whether it relates to foreign policy, domestic matters, or even who they choose to pardon at the eleventh hour, only serve to raise more questions about our political system.
In the end, Biden’s not so quiet quitting is less a retreat and more a call to action — for the presidency, for the people, and for democracy itself. It asks all of us to reflect on what we want from our leaders, and whether we, as citizens, are willing to engage with the challenges ahead. The presidency may belong to one person, but the fate of democracy belongs
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