Joe Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, is facing increased scrutiny over his age and overall health, particularly in the light of his disastrous televised debate with Donald Trump on June 27th.
It was impossible to miss the President’s verbal missteps, memory lapses, and a somewhat tentative gait, fuelling speculation about his ability to manage the demanding responsibilities of the presidency.
Speculation has increasingly focussed on Parkinson’s disease, an incurable ailment.
Such concerns are not uncommon for public figures of advanced age, but they take on heightened significance when the individual in question is the President of the United States.
The issue of presidential health and capacity is not new to American politics. Historical precedents, such as Ronald Reagan’s second term amid growing concerns about his cognitive health, demonstrate that the public and political commentators often closely monitor the well-being of their leaders.
In Biden’s case however, the scrutiny has been intensified by the polarised political environment and the stakes involved in navigating a complex political landscape that includes two significant conflicts, and a European shift to the right.
Within the administration, key figures play crucial roles in shaping and implementing policy. Vice President Kamala Harris, a former senator and attorney general of California, for example, holds significant influence.
The vice president’s responsibilities traditionally include casting tie-breaking votes in the Senate and representing the administration in various capacities, both domestically and abroad. Harris’s position has led to speculation about her involvement in day-to-day decision-making and her readiness to assume greater responsibilities if necessary.
Despite her lacklustre performance as VP, it is reasonable to assume that she may still have an eye on the Oval Office.
In addition to Harris, other prominent members of Biden’s team contribute to the administration’s direction.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, a seasoned and highly regarded diplomat, oversees foreign policy initiatives and represents the U.S. on the global stage. He seems possessed of boundless energy, and his term in office has been unblemished.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, a former Federal Reserve chair, manages economic policy and financial regulation. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is also pivotal in advising the president and coordinating the administration’s efforts.
The administration’s structure and the established protocols for addressing presidential incapacity provide a framework for maintaining stability and continuity.
If it were the case that the President of the United States is non compos mentis, as increasingly appears to be the case, then we might assume that the aforementioned have actually taken control of the country.
The White House staff, comprising experienced professionals in various fields, would, we assume, ensure the continuity of governance regardless of the president’s condition.
These individuals, who often work behind the scenes, play a crucial role in policy formulation, strategic communication, and the execution of the administration’s agenda. Their collective expertise and institutional knowledge provide a stabilising force within the executive branch.
Critics of the Biden administration argue that the president’s perceived vulnerabilities necessitate a more transparent examination of the decision-making process.
They contend that the American public has the right to know who is exerting influence and making critical decisions on behalf of the president. Transparency, they argue, is essential to maintaining trust in government and ensuring accountability.
Supporters of President Biden, however, emphasise that the administration operates as a cohesive team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
They argue that the president’s ability to delegate tasks and rely on a capable team is a testament to his leadership style rather than a sign of weakness. This collaborative approach, they assert, enables the administration to tackle complex issues effectively and efficiently.
The issue of presidential capacity also underscores the importance of established protocols for dealing with potential incapacity.
The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides a legal framework for addressing situations where a president is unable to perform the duties of the office.
This amendment allows for the transfer of power to the vice-resident if the president is deemed incapacitated, either temporarily or permanently. The existence of this mechanism is a safeguard designed to ensure continuity of governance.
That the current vice-president has not been elevated may confirm the opinion held by many that she would be unsuitable for the role.
As the nation continues to navigate various challenges, from economic recovery and public health crises to international relations and climate change, the focus on leadership remains paramount.
The effectiveness of the administration in addressing these issues ultimately depends on the collective efforts of its members and the resilience of the institutions they serve.
While questions about President Joe Biden’s mental and physical capacity have led to speculation about who is truly running the country, it is clear that governance involves a broad and collaborative effort.
It would be interesting to know who is holding the nuclear launch codes at the moment….
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*Who Governs? Democracy and Power in an American City is a book in American political science by Robert Dahl that was published in 1961 by Yale University.
Main Image: The White House https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1664833036968443905
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