The gap between the image of Joe Biden that is peddled in the press and the reality of Joe Biden as he exists here on earth has always been uncomfortably wide, but, as we hurtle toward the end of the third year of his presidency, the gulch has come to resemble the Mariana Trench. There is a point in every breakup at which the partner who has fallen out of love comes to realize that, for some time now, he has been more attached to the idea of his paramour than to the actuality. It has developed in fits and starts, and been a long time coming, but, at long last, the American electorate seems to have reached that point with this president. On the questions that matter, there will be no more fluctuations. They know who Joe Biden is, and who Joe Biden is not, and, after extended consideration, they do not like him.
Given the parlous state of the Republican Party, it is more possible than it should be that Biden will win a second term. If he does so, it will be in spite of his public image, not because of it. In 2020, Biden’s marketing team cast the candidate as a decent, honest, vigorous man, who would unite the country, restore competence to the White House, and deliver an economy of which all Americans could be proud. In 2024, such claims will inspire bitter laughter. Today, Biden serves one purpose, and one purpose alone: to beat Donald Trump. The rest is stuff and nonsense.
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