Oh, here we go again! President Joe Biden just won’t quit. In an interview on Wednesday, he doubled down on staying in the presidential race unless doctors give him a medical red flag. Seriously, Biden, are you waiting for a doctor’s note to tell you it’s time to hang up the hat?
Biden sat down with Ed Gordon of BET News on July 16 in Las Vegas. When asked if there was anything that might make him reconsider running, Biden said he’d step down if doctors diagnosed him with a severe medical condition. The very next day, he tested positive for COVID-19. How’s that for timing? He canceled all his Vegas events and returned to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, to isolate.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Biden’s age and mental fitness. He admitted making a big mistake during the first debate with Trump on June 27. No kidding, Joe! It’s no secret that some lawmakers and Democrats are pushing him to reconsider his candidacy after that lackluster performance.
Top Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have reportedly asked Biden to step aside. But Biden’s not budging. According to White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, Biden told them he was the nominee and had plans to win. He’s eager to work on his 100-day agenda to help working families. Sure, Joe, but maybe listen to the growing voices within your party?
In his BET News interview, Biden reminisced about calling himself a “transitional candidate.” He thought he’d be able to pass the baton, but he didn’t expect the country to become so divided. He’s clinging to the idea that age brings wisdom. Well, Joe, wisdom or not, maybe it’s time to recognize the writing on the wall.
Biden insists he has more to accomplish. He believes he’s shown he can get things done and doesn’t want to walk away now. In 2020, he called himself a “bridge” to future Democratic leaders. When asked if he’d be willing to pass the torch to Kamala Harris, he dodged, saying only if there was a medical reason.
The Democratic National Committee is planning a virtual vote to nominate Biden before the convention on Aug. 19. Still, the vote won’t happen before Aug. 1. Meanwhile, some Democrats, like Rep. Adam Schiff, are voicing serious concerns about Biden’s chances against Trump in November. Schiff thinks it’s time for Biden to step aside. But others, like Rep. Ro Khanna, call for unity and decency, urging Democrats to wish Biden a speedy recovery without using his illness to push their agendas.
During the BET interview, Biden swiped at Trump’s choice of J.D. Vance as his running mate. He thinks this move signals that MAGA Republican politics are the future of the GOP. Biden described Vance as a hardworking senator but very conservative. Well, Joe, maybe it’s time to focus on your house before criticizing the neighbor’s decor choice.
Biden’s sticking around despite growing pressure to step down. With COVID-19 thrown into the mix, his journey to the 2024 election is anything but smooth. Whether he can unify his party and convince voters, he’s still the man for the job remains to be seen. For now, it looks like the drama is just getting started.
