The uproar over Biden's health and age amplified by his dismal performance during the first debate of 2024 is something that I find aggravating to no end. Now, that doesn't mean that I support Biden unconditionally, or that I advocate for him to spontaneously combust. I tend to look at this situation from a strictly analytical perspective, so, here is that.
Pros:
1. Biden has accomplished many legislative wins that support Americans from all walks of life.
2. The number and type of scandals during Biden's presidency have been milquetoast at worst.
3. The USA's standing in the global community is bolstered by an administration with decades of good-will behind it.
4. He beat #45 once before.
Cons:
1. Biden is extremely old. The oldest serving, and the oldest ever to run for reelection President.
2. The Biden administration has blindly supported horrendous acts by Israel and seems unwilling or unable to even discuss not doing so.
3. The messaging from Biden and his team has been abysmal regarding his accomplishments and overall policy, including domestic and foreign policies.
4. The polling and general media narrative are fueling his downturn and the attempts to push back have been for naught.
Whether "right" or not, we have a system that favors two major parties. This is not something to be distracted by; it is something to embrace and work within. This means finding the will to support the candidate that best represents your values, beliefs, or political alignment. Is Biden a great candidate? No, he clearly is not. Is Biden a better candidate than the alternative? If you have to think about it, you shouldn't be reading this. This perspective may be reductive and simplistic, but it is functional, pragmatic, and politically viable. Any statement to the contrary is disingenuous and verging on delusional. Is Harris better? Well, maybe, but if Biden doesn't step down, or is replaced through some untested mechanism between now and the end of the convention, we may never know.
Like it or not, these are our choices and realities as of this posting. As a voter since 1996, I can honestly say this will be the first time I will be as reluctant to vote as I have ever been, but I also fully recognize it may in fact be the most important occasion for me to vote.
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