Joe Biden's Presidential Ambitions: An Unprecedented Journey and the Naysayers
Joe Biden's journey to the presidency is a complex and multifaceted story. Throughout his political career, he has attempted to run for the highest office in the United States, finding success only once but facing numerous challenges along the way. The question often arises as to why Biden, despite his repeated attempts, did not secure the nomination for the presidency before becoming Vice President. To understand this, we need to delve into both his successes and failures in these earlier campaigns.
The 1988 Campaign
Biden attempted to run for President in 1988. At that time, he was a senator from Delaware and known for his criticisms of Ronald Reagan's policies and his own political ideology. However, his campaign faced significant challenges. The mainstream media, particularly newspapers, portrayed him as a buffoon and a shill for the credit card industry. Despite his efforts, the public perception of a Delaware senator who was not well-known nationally hindered his prospects. He was widely and accurately regarded as unsuitable for the position, primarily due to his inability to connect with the broader electorate.
The 2008 Campaign
The 2008 presidential campaign was a pivotal moment in Biden's political career. He ran for the Democratic nomination in 2008, but the race was fierce, and his campaign faced numerous setbacks. This time, he found himself in a different position. Barack Obama, a relatively unknown but highly charismatic candidate, attracted much more attention and support. Obama, recognizing Biden's importance in bolstering his campaign, offered him the position of Vice President. This decision not only provided Biden with a historic platform but also highlighted the limitations of his campaign in reaching national success.
Failed Campaigns and Challenges
Beyond the 1988 and 2008 campaigns, there have been other failed attempts. The 2020 presidential campaign, for instance, was marred by accusations of plagiarism and lying in his speech and campaign rhetoric. While he did run in various attempts, these campaigns were repeatedly derailed by the mainstream media and newspapers because of his dishonesty. Critics, including those in the mainstream media (MSM), highlighted his tendency to mislead the public on various issues. The frustration with his campaign's failures culminated in his supporters eventually being labeled as "idiots" and "spoon-fed," suggesting a lack of independent research and critical thinking.
Biden's Political Legacy and Perception
Despite the repeated failed campaigns, Joe Biden's legacy remains one of a seasoned and pragmatic politician. His failed attempts have not diminished his influence in the political arena. Adams and Delaware's television coverage, considered a backwater region in terms of national relevance, have often been overshadowed by the larger networks and major metropolitan areas. However, the joke about the importance of local news coverage in a state with no leading TV station underscores the challenge he faced in building a national profile.
Conclusion
The question of why Joe Biden did not run for President before he became Vice President remains a fascinating topic. His journey showcases the complexities of political ambition and the limitations of personal success in a national race. From the 1988 campaign to the 2008 nomination and the 2020 failures, Biden's political career is a testament to both his resilience and the influence of media in shaping public perception. Despite these challenges, his ultimate success as Vice President and his enduring legacy in American politics provide a nuanced understanding of his career trajectory.