It may go down as one of the worst campaigns in American history. Built on nostalgia, name recognition, and carefully managed appearances, the strategy seemed simple: Let voters see less of the candidate and remember more of one they once admired. The only mistake free campaign is one where there’s no actual campaigning.
I am speaking, of course, about Joe Biden. Who did you think I was talking about?
For months, Democratic leaders defended Biden’s fitness while his inner circle carefully managed public appearances, limited unscripted exchanges, and dismissed legitimate questions about his age. Loyalty became a substitute for scrutiny. Leftist media circled the wagon and claimed he had never been sharper. Those in his inner circle claimed that he had endless energy and that they could barely keep up with him.
Special counsel Robert Hur raised concerns about Biden’s memory in February 2024. The White House pushed back. Critics were accused of playing politics. Then came the June 27 presidential debate, when millions of Americans saw what political handlers could no longer explain away.
Suddenly, the party confronted a problem many voters had been discussing for months. Biden eventually withdrew from the race. The political establishment acted shocked, which may have been its most convincing performance of the campaign.
Republicans were quick to criticize. Democrats promised lessons would be learned. Yet Washington’s aging political class remains remarkably bipartisan.
Apparently, both parties recognize the concerns about aging officeholders, but neither seems particularly eager to address them.
Age alone does not determine competence. Judgment, honesty, stamina, and accountability matter far more than birthdays. Voters deserve to see, hear, and evaluate their candidates and elected officials for themselves.
Which brings us to another Washington tradition: kissing the ring. It means pledging unquestioning loyalty to someone powerful, often at the expense of independent judgment.
Both parties have perfected the ritual. Question the leader, and you risk becoming the enemy. Defend the leader, and almost anything can be excused.
That is not leadership. It is political submission dressed up as party unity.
America does not need more politicians demanding loyalty or party loyalists willing to surrender their independent judgment. Surely, Tennessee with our Scots-Irish heritage and love of freedom are more discerning.
Respect should be earned, not commanded. Loyalty belongs to principles and the Constitution, not politicians. And no elected official should ever be considered indispensable or irreplaceable.
Senator Mitch McConnell disappears for weeks with no credible proof of life and ultimately returns in a semi-vegetative state as his unelected hired staff carries out his duties.
Iowa Senator Charles Grassley recently indicated he intends to run for another six year term. He will be 101 years old if he survives the whole term!
House Members Maxine Waters and James Clyburn are 86 and 84 respectively! Waters will Chair the critically important House Financial Services Committee if Democrats gain control of the House. Republican Hal Rogers of Kentucky and Chairman of Appropriations is 87.
Aged politicians serving thanks to name recognition, power gained through seniority and serving endlessly despite health and mental infirmities is a bipartisan problem. Sadly, the only ones who could impose term limits, are the ones who benefit most from the absence of any limitation on the extent of their time in public service.
Steve Gill is editor and Publisher TriStar Daily.
