Wasn’t There Something Important Missing From Biden’s Big Speech About Dropping Out?
He said a lot about democracy. But that’s not really why he quit.
By Jim Newell
July 25, 20247:30 AM
President Joe Biden delivered a brief, 10-minute address from the Oval Office Wednesday night explaining his decision to quit the presidential race. Well, at least purporting to.
In his speech, Biden—with a delivery that likely will not make many Democrats second-guess the decision to replace him atop the ticket—ran through his substantial record of accomplishments and outlined his plans for his remaining six months in office.
“I revere this office,” he said, “but I love my country more.”
He framed the decision “to pass the torch to the new generation” as one necessary for the “defense of democracy.”
“It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president,” he said. “But in defense of democracy, which is at stake—and is more important than any title. I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people.” He hit a similarly existential note toward the end of his speech.
“Whether we keep our Republic is now in your hands,” he said. “History is in your hands, the power’s in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”
What he was vague on, though, was: How did he arrive at the decision that dropping out was the best way to “defend democracy,” or offer the best chance of keeping the Republic? He didn’t seem to believe that a week ago. Does he believe it now?
What, in other words, does Joe Biden—who was stubbornly insistent that he was the candidate best equipped to beat Trump, until the second that he wasn’t—think about all of this? Perhaps he came to terms with the physical and mental grind of the rest of the campaign. Or perhaps he bowed out because Nancy Pelosi was going to turn to kidnappings next if he didn’t give in. Or maybe he was just persuaded that the polls showed he could not win.
slate.com
He said a lot about democracy. But that’s not really why he quit.
By Jim Newell
July 25, 20247:30 AM
President Joe Biden delivered a brief, 10-minute address from the Oval Office Wednesday night explaining his decision to quit the presidential race. Well, at least purporting to.
In his speech, Biden—with a delivery that likely will not make many Democrats second-guess the decision to replace him atop the ticket—ran through his substantial record of accomplishments and outlined his plans for his remaining six months in office.
“I revere this office,” he said, “but I love my country more.”
He framed the decision “to pass the torch to the new generation” as one necessary for the “defense of democracy.”
“It’s been the honor of my life to serve as your president,” he said. “But in defense of democracy, which is at stake—and is more important than any title. I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people.” He hit a similarly existential note toward the end of his speech.
“Whether we keep our Republic is now in your hands,” he said. “History is in your hands, the power’s in your hands. The idea of America lies in your hands.”
What he was vague on, though, was: How did he arrive at the decision that dropping out was the best way to “defend democracy,” or offer the best chance of keeping the Republic? He didn’t seem to believe that a week ago. Does he believe it now?
What, in other words, does Joe Biden—who was stubbornly insistent that he was the candidate best equipped to beat Trump, until the second that he wasn’t—think about all of this? Perhaps he came to terms with the physical and mental grind of the rest of the campaign. Or perhaps he bowed out because Nancy Pelosi was going to turn to kidnappings next if he didn’t give in. Or maybe he was just persuaded that the polls showed he could not win.
slate.com
