US Democracy in Danger

For the life of me I cannot see Joe Biden successfully challenging Donald Trump in the US election that will take place in November. His lamentable performance in that first televised debate with Donald Trump will not be forgotten by the media or the Republicans. Consequently, no amount of damage repair will persuade undecided American electors he is capable of governing for another four years as president.

The major problem is that for many months the media and the Republicans have been determined to highlight Biden’s well-known verbal lapses while ignoring much worse failings by Donald Trump. Indeed, Trump’s cognitive state is so much more pronounced than Biden’s that it’s scary to think that someone that demented could become the next US president.

Although it’s imperative that Biden step aside to allow a younger contender, such as Kamala Harris, time to gain the public recognition needed to draw attention away from Donald Trump, Biden seems to think that he alone is able to defeat Donald Trump. This is nonsense. A competent, recognised Democratic contender would contend with Trump given all the baggage he carries.

If Biden continues to deny reality, he will drag down the other Democrat candidates. No-contender so far behind in the polls in an election year has ever been able to succeed. Does Biden not understand that if he fails, as seems likely at this juncture, American democracy will cease to function? Has he not read Project 2025’s manifesto? Will he allow his ego to destroy his legacy and what remains of America’s greatness?

It seems so.