Hello everyone! Gather 'round, because we've got a fascinating twist in the political arena, courtesy of Kathleen Parker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist from the Washington Post. Parker has proposed an intriguing solution to the concerns many voters have about President Joe Biden’s age and fitness for office: bring Hillary Clinton onto the ticket.
In a piece written earlier this month, before what she termed the ‘Biden Horror Pictures Show’ during Thursday evening’s debate, Parker argued that the idea of Vice President Kamala Harris potentially stepping in to complete a Biden second term is actually a drag on the Democratic ticket as we head into November’s election.
A Politico/Morning Consult survey from late May found that only 40 percent believed Harris would make a good president, while 51 percent thought otherwise. Harris’ approval ratings aren’t faring much better, with FiveThirtyEight showing 49 percent disapproval and 39 percent approval, which is only slightly better than Biden’s 56 percent disapproval and 38 percent approval ratings.
President Biden, at 81, is already the oldest individual to serve as president, surpassing Ronald Reagan who left office at 77. An ABC News/Ipsos survey from February found that a whopping 86 percent of Americans think Biden is too old to serve a second term. Parker highlights that the issue isn’t just Biden’s age but the visible signs of decline, including stumbles, searching for words, and occasional blank stares, which are hard to ignore and are part of the natural aging process.
So, what’s Parker’s solution to avoid losing to Donald Trump? She suggests putting 76-year-old Hillary Clinton on the ticket with Biden, offering Kamala Harris a dignified exit by appointing her as Attorney General or another significant role in the administration. Given Harris’s experience as California’s AG, this transition wouldn’t be out of her depth.
Adding Clinton, Parker argues, could reassure voters who are worried about Biden’s ability to serve a full second term. Clinton’s extensive experience as a former Secretary of State could provide the stability and competence needed if Biden were unable to continue.
Even though Clinton might not be keen on the idea at this stage in her life, Parker notes that it’s hard to retire when you feel your work isn’t finished. Moreover, having Clinton ready to step in if needed could give confidence even to those who didn’t vote for her previously.
Interestingly, Clinton does seem to be making moves that could position her for a return. She recently endorsed Westchester County Executive George Latimer over Rep. Jamaal Bowman in the Democratic primary for New York’s 16th congressional district, a move seen as a nod to more centrist politics.
Additionally, Clinton has a new book, “Something Lost, Something Gained,” set to release in September, which could raise her profile just before the November election. The book is described as a “warning to all American voters” and shares her unfiltered views on politics, democracy, and the future.
So, folks, the next few weeks in the presidential race could get very interesting. Imagine this: Hillary Clinton back on a presidential ticket. Stay tuned, because this political saga is far from over!