As predicted, the much-touted June 27 presidential debate did little to give American voters clarity on how the two presumptive presidential candidates will address the issues that concern voters, whichever candidate is elected in November. Instead, voters were subject to 90 minutes of dismal political theater that left millions wary of the effectiveness of the two men who are poised to be nominated to contest the presidential elections.
Both the Democratic and Republican parties have a responsibility to nominate candidates of integrity and sound mind, capable of leading the country to maintain its democratic principles and reputation as the leader of the free world.
Voters have the responsibility of assuring they elect a president from either of the parties, who they think is of sound mind, with the integrity and the capabilities to provide a better standard of life for them and maintain America’s reputation as the leader of the free world.
Even before last week’s debate, a significant percentage of Americans had serious concerns about the capabilities of both presumptive nominees to effectively lead the nation in these crucial times, primarily based on their advanced ages.
The presidential debate was the first time in four years millions of Americans were seeing both candidates side by side, ostensibly to debate crucial national and international issues. But what America saw did little to allay the concerns about these two candidates. One seemed inarticulate, and confused, like a deer caught in very bright motor vehicle headlights, the other blatantly side-stepping questions on crucial issues while resorting to persistent mendacity.
But while Republicans have continued to offer their support to their presumptive candidate, Donald Trump, with absolutely no suggestion of replacing him, Democrats fear the reality that Joe Biden could be defeated, and the country left to a president who has vowed revenge on his opponents, are running around confused and uncertain. Immediately, after Biden’s dismal showing in the debate, some Democrats were very vocal about wanting him replaced before or at the Democratic Party convention scheduled for August 19-22 in Chicago.
Unlike the Republican Party which seems unified in its support for Trump, the Democratic Party appears fractured with varying views regarding support for Biden.
A large percentage of Democrats are confident Biden has proven himself, despite his advanced age, to be an effective president who has accomplished much for the country in his three-and-one-half-year tenure. They are confident he can continue to be an effective leader and should be reelected. They firmly believe Biden can again defeat Trump.
Another percentage of Democrats, although believing Biden has been effective as president, do believe his advanced age is affecting, and will continue to impact, his ability to remain effective. They are concerned if Biden is reelected, he’ll be physically and mentally compromised in an era when America needs a strong, effective leader. These Democrats are genuinely concerned Biden will be unable to defeat Trump and would prefer a younger candidate represent the party as its presidential nominee.
There’s yet another segment of Democrats, mostly young people, who although having voted for Biden in 2020 are disappointed with aspects of his presidency, and want him replaced. These Democrats seem less inclined to turn out to vote if Biden remains on the ticket.
Although there’s opinion Biden can be replaced at the Democratic Party convention, this isn’t as easy as it seems. Biden would have to agree to step down and willingly release the delegate’s commitment to him to support an alternate candidate. If he doesn’t agree to this, he remains on the ticket.
Although there are reports some influential Democrats have suggested to Biden that he step aside, it has also been reported other major Democrats like former Presidents Obama and Clinton are supporting his candidacy. Moreover, there’s evidence Biden’s family, led by his wife, is determined he should remain in the presidential race
But is Biden really being an unselfish American patriot? Is he genuinely committed to putting country and party over his, and his families’ ambitions? If he’s genuinely concerned about the leadership of the nation falling into the wrong hands and is aware of the growing concerns of millions of voters, why wouldn’t he step down? After all, he has proven to himself that he can be a very effective president. Why not be magnanimous and make way for a candidate who many voters would be more likely to have confidence in and would be willing to vote for?
America has reached a very critical crossroads and needs a very strong, competent, respected president to lead the nation. The Republican and Democratic parties owe it to the nation to nominate the best candidates to represent each party in the ensuing elections. What America saw in the recent presidential debate wasn’t the best candidates. Not by a very long shot. They are both flawed and, frankly, need to be replaced.
