The democratic process appears increasingly compromised.
The democratic process appears increasingly compromised. President Biden has withdrawn from the presidential nomination despite securing millions of votes, yielding to pressure from Democratic Party elites and major financial donors. This withdrawal occurred without Biden engaging in any debates with his challengers—an absence that could have revealed potential weaknesses or unfitness for office. Such a decision seems to be driven by concerns over his declining polling numbers and the desire of party leaders to mitigate potential risks.
In addition, Biden’s leading rivals, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West, are facing significant obstacles. They have been barred from debates, subjected to legal battles to remain on the ballot, and have received minimal media coverage. Media outlets that once supported them have significantly reduced their coverage, further limiting their visibility. This situation raises serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the democratic process.
While Biden has been criticized for his limited public engagement, the Republican candidates did make attempts to hold debates, even in the absence of former President Trump’s participation. Both former President Trump and democratic party challengers like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West have been notably more accessible to the public, contrasting sharply with Biden’s limited interactions throughout his campaigns and presidency. The effectiveness of Vice President Kamala Harris in addressing these issues remains uncertain. However, it is evident that scripted speeches and commercial appearances cannot replace the rigorous scrutiny provided by tough, unscripted interviews. We will see if Vice President Harris can demonstrate the skills she developed as a former prosecutor in a potential debate with former President Trump. Only time will tell if her past experience will prove effective in this high-stakes arena.