The New York Times columnist Bret Stephens recently urged President Biden to not run for reelection in 2024. He also asked that he announce his intentions as soon as possible to allow potential Dem candidates to begin to make preparations to succeed him.
Stephens, a constant critic of Donald Trump, wrote that Biden’s age and cognitive condition needed to be openly discussed. It wasn’t healthy for him, his office, the Dem Party, or the country to continue in uncertainty about what to do if Biden decides to not run again.
Stephens also claimed that Biden’s announcement of his decision not to run for president would be “liberating”, and would help to energize the listless Dem Party. He asked if Joe Biden was a good choice to run for reelection 2024? If he wins, would it be a good idea for the United States of America to have a president at 86 — that is the age Biden would turn at the end of a second term?
Stephens said that while it was fair for journalists to ask Ronald Reagan about his age in the 1980s, he had won reelection at the age of 70. However, it had become “horrible ways” to raise similar concerns regarding Biden, who turns 79 this month.
Stephens mentioned an article published by The Times this week, which claimed that there was no shortage of talk about possible replacements for Biden in Dem circles.
Stephens stated that Biden’s expectation of being a “transitional figure” would eventually lead to a newer Dem face feeling betrayed. However, things could have been different if Biden had gotten off to an even better start as president. He said that the man who once gave his Party hope now weighs on the party’s fortunes as a pair of cement sneakers, referring to Biden’s low poll numbers and the economic challenges facing the country.
Stephens also pointed out that Vice President Kamala Harris’ poll results were worse than any other modern vice president. This would give the party every reason to panic if she was elected default nominee.
Stephens suggested that Biden should declare, sooner rather than later, that his intention to not run for another term. He argued that, even though it would make Biden a lame-duck president, it would still improve his prospects. He wrote that he’s worse than a lame-duck because potential Dem successors can’t make calls, find their lanes, and appeal for attention.
Stephens stated that Biden would feel more state-like if he made such an announcement.
It would end the endless speculation in the media. It would infuse enthusiasm and interest in a neglected Dem Party. He wrote that it would allow him to focus on the immediate problems of the country and not worry about reelection.
