The Democratic Party, led by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, is struggling to convince the public of their messaging during their national convention. Biden faced backlash after his poor performance in the June presidential debate, leading to pressure for him to step down. However, he denied being angry at those who called for his resignation, a claim that no one believes. Despite standing his ground for weeks, Biden eventually caved, leaving many skeptical of his sincerity. Similarly, Bernie Sanders, a prominent figure in the party, attempted to compare the track records of Donald Trump and Biden, but failed to offer a convincing argument.
During the convention, the Obamas tried to boost enthusiasm for Harris by evoking memories of the “hope” and “yes we can” mantra from the 2008 campaign. However, the comparison between Obama and Harris fell flat, as the two politicians have vastly different qualities and appeal. The claim that tapping Biden as his running mate was one of Obama’s best decisions was also met with skepticism, given the behind-the-scenes maneuvering that led to Biden becoming the nominee. The pretense of unity within the party, as highlighted by the Obamas’ speeches, was seen as disingenuous by many observers.
The narrative surrounding Biden as a “patriotic” and “good man” who selflessly bowed out of the race was deemed false by critics. Biden’s departure from the race was not voluntary, but the result of a ruthless coup by his peers within the party. The notion that Biden is a good man has long been questioned, especially in light of his past actions, such as his role in derailing Robert Bork’s Supreme Court nomination and his treatment of Anita Hill during Clarence Thomas’s confirmation hearings. The portrayal of Biden as a good father, in light of his son Hunter’s scandals, also raised doubts among the public.
Overall, the Democratic Party’s messaging during their national convention failed to resonate with the public, as many were unconvinced by the claims made by Biden, Harris, and other party leaders. The attempts to paint Biden as a selfless and noble figure, and to evoke nostalgia for the Obama era, fell flat in the face of skepticism and criticism. The party’s struggles to present a unified front and a coherent message reflected deeper divisions and challenges within the party, leaving many observers questioning the authenticity and effectiveness of the Democratic leadership.
