Since the State of Union address is behind us, and South Carolina has moved to the head of the line for scheduled primaries in the 2024 election season, the title question only gets more scrutiny.
Pres. Biden is 80 years old (born Nov. 20, 1942) and will be just short of his 82nd birthday come the election and 83 at the inaugural. If reelected, he would be closing in on 90 at the end of a second term.
He has had a turbulent tenure in the White House. His aging mental agility and fitness will further bring suspicions on his ability to lead.
Democrats praise his accomplishments, which is no surprise. Yet, many privately wonder if the party would be more likely to succeed with a different presidential candidate.
Republicans are not inclined to praise but more to denounce many of his policies, executive orders, and actions. They will have their own problems as the field is pointing to multiple presidential primary challengers. Former Pres. Trump, Ron DeSantis, Glenn Abbott and Chris Sununu are early favorites, not to mention Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio with Niki Haley ready to jump in. By summer or early fall, the list may swell.
So, the question presents itself, if not Joe, who? Most political pundits on both sides of the aisle do not believe that Vice Pres. Harris will either benefit the ticket or be a viable candidate for the top job. Recycling Hilary, or Bernie is out of the question in most political circles. Their time has passed. As the Dems wait on Joe’s decision, the hopefuls might include Stacey Abrams, Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Ro Khanna, Amy Klobuchar, J.B. Pritzker, Gavin Newsom, Josh Shapiro, and Gretchen Whitmer.
Handicapping that list narrows to Buttigieg, Newsom and Klobuchar in the lead positions with the rest far behind. If Biden runs, they will all have to fall in line and be the good supporters they are required to be.
This quadrennial contest for the most powerful office in the world requires challengers with vision, vitality, and comportment equal to the office. Whether or not Biden seeks a second term, the country needs a leader who understands the greatness of America with all its warts and blemishes and recognizes our past and the improvements we have achieved over the last 247 years. Without that, the United States will wither into something that the founding fathers would not recognize.
Choosing a president is the most important civic responsibility we have. Be critical of the rhetoric and pandering and do your own due diligence before you make that vote. Your country is up to you.
Greg Demetriou is the owner/CEO of Lorraine Gregory Communications.
Opinion
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