, Columnist
Biden’s Debate Failure May Mean It’s Time to Step Aside
The president bet that he could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Trump and prove he was more vital and acute. He lost.
An unsettling performance.
Photographer: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Joe Biden could have started writing the final chapter of his political career a year or so ago, when he still controlled the narrative.
“I’ve capped my long journey in public service by defeating Donald Trump, revivifying our economy and moving the US past the Covid era,” he might have said. “Therefore, I’ve decided not to seek a second term so the next generation of Democrats can succeed me and secure the White House and democracy for the American people.”