World News: A French Perspective of Biden’s Decision to Stand Down

Details

Category: World News - Europe

Published on Monday, 22 July 2024 10:15

Written by Olivier Longhi

United States President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race leaves the field open to Vice President Kamala Harris. It is now up to her to counter the contentious Donald Trump and his angry-man campaign.

Should we see this as a gesture of Fate? Joe Biden's renunciation of the 2024 Presidential election has naturally shaken up the Republican and Democratic camps, which expected, even if the Democrats were pushing the wheel, that the current occupant of the Oval Office would abandon the race for re-election. And among the most surprised Republicans, without a doubt, is Donald Trump.

Beltway Insider: Biden Bids Adieu, Trump Nominated, Names Vance VP, Menendez Guilty, Lou Dobbs

By withdrawing from the race and giving way to his vice-president Kamala Harris, who must first be recognized as the official candidate of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump loses his best enemy. An easy target weakened and diminished, Joe Biden would certainly have been gradually crushed by Donald Trump, with insults, humiliations, or various comparisons.

Worst Opponent

In concrete terms, by keeping Joe Biden as the Democratic Party's candidate, some were already imagining a stinging defeat next autumn.

World News: Political Chaos and The Decent of the Political Process

But by presenting Kamala Harris, an African American and Asian-American woman (Francophone), senator, outgoing vice-president, familiar with the files, attorney general of California (one of the most populous and Democratic states in the United States), the Democratic Party knows how to elevate an opponent beyond the reach of Donald Trump.

Biden's surprise move has forced the businessman and convicted felon to rethink his approach, pull out his 2016 disinformation campaign playbook, and begin his usual smear tactics as he has now inherited the worst opponent he could imagine facing before, and after the televised debate scheduled for September.

From now on, the words of the former president of the United States will have to be weighed in an America still crossed by the whiff of puritanism and seduced, for the Democratic camp at least, by a candidate who is in line with Hillary Clinton in 2016.

Former President Donald J. Trump Found Guilty on All Counts

But will Kamala Harris' recognized charisma and professionalism be enough in the face of Donald Trump, who has been crowned with his martyr's status after the assassination attempt?  It is likely that many voters will closely study the proposed programs, Donald Trump has focused on the immigration issue while the Democrats are not focused on this issue.

Mainly, the domineering white man will play on the fear of social downgrading, for which migratory flows are responsible for some without providing relevant evidence, Donald Trump is now forced to change his strategy.  

Not in terms of program content, although Kamala Harris' in-depth knowledge of the issues could force him to deepen his proposals at the risk of appearing limited in terms of solutions to be provided, but in terms of posture. Donald Trump, who embodies the white, virile, ruthless, and domineering man, will have to weigh this macho attitude against a candidate diametrically opposed to the social scheme that the former president wants to defend.  

Beyond an opposition of program, it is also an opposition of style and model of society that is being played out on the other side of the Atlantic, with the United States once again having the opportunity to put a woman at its head. What greater symbol of emancipation on a global scale, this election would embody if Kamala Harris managed to win this election!

World News: French Elections Result in No Clear Majority

Bio: Olivier Longhi has extensive experience in European history. A seasoned journalist with fifteen years of experience, he is currently a professor of history and geography in the Toulouse region of France. He has held a variety of publishing positions, including Head of Agency and Chief of Publishing. A journalist and recognized blogger, editor, and editorial project manager, he has trained and managed editorial teams, worked as a journalist for various local radio stations, was a press and publishing consultant, and was a communications consultant.