The Biden presidency has been marred by two defining scandals: his catch-and-release immigration policies and the catastrophic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.
These events not only shaped his administration’s trajectory but also significantly eroded his public standing, pushing his approval ratings into a steady decline.
The immigration crisis, spurred by Biden’s catch-and-release policies, triggered a historic surge of illegal immigration at the southern border.
Critics argued that this was the first major scandal of his presidency, highlighting his administration’s failure to effectively manage border security. However, it was the Afghanistan withdrawal that profoundly damaged Biden’s credibility and leadership in the eyes of the American public.
The Afghanistan debacle culminated in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and countless Afghan civilians. This tragedy not only exposed flaws in the administration’s planning but also raised concerns about Biden’s decision-making abilities.
Critics, including the Washington Examiner, pointed to Biden’s declining mental acuity as a key factor in the chaotic withdrawal. His apparent inability to retain critical information and make sound decisions may have directly contributed to the loss of lives.
Days before the Kabul airport attack that claimed the lives of 13 soldiers, Biden made multiple false statements during a press conference. He incorrectly asserted that al-Qaida had been completely eradicated from Afghanistan, a claim the White House had to retract shortly afterward.
He also insisted that there was “no indication” Americans were unable to reach the Kabul airport, despite widespread reports to the contrary. These misstatements not only undermined public trust but also highlighted Biden’s detachment from reality during a critical moment.
Further revelations from the Wall Street Journal disclosed that concerns about Biden’s mental sharpness were prevalent even within his administration. As early as spring 2021, national security officials reportedly noted that Biden had “good days and bad days.” This erratic behavior often led to the cancellation of key national security meetings, raising alarms about the president’s ability to fulfill his duties effectively.
Biden’s decision to ignore the advice of military generals on Afghanistan further compounded the crisis.
Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), then chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, revealed that he was unable to gain access to Biden to discuss the situation, a stark contrast to his experiences with former President Barack Obama. Similarly, Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) disclosed that while he had engaged with Obama on critical issues, he had no direct contact with Biden. These accounts paint a picture of a president increasingly isolated from key advisors and resistant to input.
Biden’s diminished mental capacity became a recurring concern not only for his administration but also for the public. Instances of forgetfulness and confusion were frequent. He mistakenly referred to former British Prime Minister Theresa May as Margaret Thatcher, a leader who had been dead for years.
He forgot that Democrats already controlled the House of Representatives in 2022 and struggled to recall iconic phrases from the Declaration of Independence. His missteps extended to calling Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin the “Secretary of State” and inviting a deceased congresswoman to join him onstage during an event. These errors, while seemingly minor, cumulatively painted a troubling picture of a president struggling with cognitive decline.
Physical mishaps further fuelled concerns about Biden’s fitness for office.
His repeated falls while boarding Air Force One and his public tumble off a bike in Delaware became symbolic of his frailty. Instances of Biden appearing lost onstage after speeches only deepened the perception of a leader grappling with age-related challenges.
Biden’s verbal missteps also had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy. On two occasions, he declared that the United States would defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion, a stark deviation from the longstanding policy of strategic ambiguity. Each time, the White House had to clarify his statements, underscoring the challenges of managing a president prone to gaffes.
Despite these issues, Democratic leaders and media allies vigorously defended Biden’s mental fitness. Figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi publicly dismissed concerns, while media outlets such as MSNBC and CNN labeled critics as purveyors of misinformation. This staunch defense persisted even as evidence of Biden’s cognitive decline became increasingly difficult to ignore.
In hindsight, some Democratic officials have begun to acknowledge the challenges posed by Biden’s mental state. However, the extent of the administration’s efforts to shield the president from scrutiny and the media’s complicity in dismissing valid concerns remain contentious issues. As Biden approaches the end of his term, these revelations may prompt a broader reckoning about the true state of his presidency.
Ultimately, Biden’s tenure will likely be remembered for the dual crises that defined it: the border surge and the Afghanistan withdrawal. Both events underscored not only policy failures but also deeper questions about leadership, accountability, and transparency in the highest office of the land. Whether Democrats and their allies will fully confront these issues remains to be seen, but the implications for future administrations are profound.
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Read Also: WHO GOVERNS? EXAMINING SPECULATION ON A “CABAL” BEHIND PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
In the world of modern politics, power is rarely straightforward, and the intricate machinations behind major decisions are often obscured from public view.
The current administration, under President Joe Biden, has seen considerable conjecture about who might actually be pulling the strings.
As President Biden’s health and mental acuity have become topics of public discussion, speculation abounds on whether the U.S. government is truly being run from the Oval Office—or if a “shadow administration” is subtly guiding policy decisions and the nation’s trajectory.
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