For the first time since President Joe Biden’s campaign-ending debate performance in June, he seems to have satisfied his party’s expectations.
“I believe my record as president, my leadership in the world, my vision for America’s future, all merited a second term,” Biden said, sitting behind the Resolute desk. “But nothing, nothing, can come in the way of saving our democracy. That includes personal ambition. So I decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation.”
The overwhelming pressure was finally off of the president as he addressed the nation from the Oval Office. The scrupulous and unrelenting media focus on Biden’s campaign has been redirected to Vice President Kamala Harris’ near-certain ascension to the top of the Democratic ticket. Anxious Democrats and opportunistic Republicans who have been fixated on every Biden stutter and gaffe had less reason to hang on every word.