As we move into the next eight months, the question arises: which version of President Joe Biden will the American public see? Will it be the dynamic, charismatic leader who engaged with Republicans during his nationally televised address? Or will it be the well-intentioned, elderly man with a questionable memory, as portrayed by a special counsel?
A Dual Image of Biden
The assertive grandfatherly figure is embarking on a month-long tour of swing states, hoping to galvanize Democrats for the upcoming election. His itinerary includes campaign rallies in Philadelphia and Atlanta, cities in states that Biden narrowly clinched in 2020. His campaign is also launching targeted ad campaigns for Black and Hispanic audiences, as well as March Madness viewers.
Simultaneously, Special Counsel Robert Hur will testify on Capitol Hill about his observations of Biden’s memory lapses during the investigation into classified material found in Biden’s Delaware garage and other locations. This follows Hur’s February report that absolved Biden of criminal wrongdoing but highlighted his “significantly limited” memory during interviews.
Contrasting Impressions
The contrasting images of Biden present a conundrum for voters. If the dynamic State of the Union Biden is the genuine article, why haven’t his advisers done more to counteract the perception of him as a doddering old man? If he can respond to hecklers in real time, why doesn’t he do more interviews? If he can engage with people on the House floor long after his speech ends, why hasn’t he been more visible on the campaign trail?
Debating Trump?
Vice President Kamala Harris has not confirmed whether Biden will participate in debates with former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee. Instead, she pointed to the policy ideas Biden put forward in his recent speech, including protecting democracy, lowering prescription drug costs, raising the minimum wage, and guaranteeing paid family leave.
Controversial Language
During his State of the Union address, Biden used the term “illegal” to refer to the man accused of killing Laken Riley, a nursing student in Georgia. This language, which some perceive as derogatory and dehumanizing, has drawn criticism from some Democrats, including Rep. Joaquin Castro from Texas.
Hot-Mic Moment
After the speech, Biden was overheard promising Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado that he would have a “come to Jesus meeting” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding humanitarian aid into Gaza. This candid remark, while appreciated by Democrats concerned about Palestinians, is a departure from Biden’s public stance on Israel.
As Biden and his campaign navigate the coming weeks, they must find a way to maintain the momentum from a speech that will soon be overshadowed by other events.