Opinion: Joe Biden Isn't The Democratic Candidate That We Need | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Opinion: Joe Biden Isn't The Democratic Candidate That We Need

Old, white, and moderate? Been there, done that.

439
Opinion: Joe Biden Isn't The Democratic Candidate That We Need

Recently, former Vice President Joe Biden officially announced his run for president in 2020. There's been a big mix of emotions over his candidacy from the left—some love the idea, some hate it, and others are somewhere in between.

Here's my take: Biden is not the Democratic President that we need. His campaign so far looks to be running on a platform of only two main things:

1. Defeating Trump.

2. Helping out labor unions.

While both of these are obviously important to Democrats, many of the other candidates are focusing on a much wider array of issues, and are willing to take much more progressive stances than Biden. Bernie Sanders, for example, is running again; and while his candidacy faces the same age-related issue as Biden's (Sanders is 77 and Biden is 76), he still holds a much more liberal agenda than does Biden. Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Tulsi Gabbard, and Beto O'Rourke, among others, are other candidates who have platforms that are more progressive.

It's also impossible to ignore the case involving Anita Hill, where Biden completely mishandled her trial, to say the least. Hill was testifying against judge Clarence Thomas, claiming he had sexually harassed her when they worked together in the 1980s. While presiding over the hearings for this trial, Biden allowed members of the committee to attack Hill and didn't do a decent job calling forth witnesses that could have helped Hill's case; in summary, Hill did not receive what many of us would deem a fair trial. Biden, to this day, has not issued her the adequate apology that she deserves. We can claim that this is "nothing" compared to the stacks of sexual assault/harassment accusations that our current President has stacked against him. If you ask me, though, I'd like to finally see a President that actively condemns anything involving sexual misconduct and the way it's so commonly mishandled in our country.

Granted, it's easiest to picture Biden winning the presidency and getting Trump out of office, which is a big priority for Democrats and even some Republicans. Biden's been vocal about his disdain towards the Trump presidency and about his goal to get Trump out of office, which is definitely an effort that I and many others on the left appreciate. Additionally, his centrist-leaning views, appeal to the working class, and his focus on the morality on our country could definitely help him win the Republican votes he'll need to get Trump out of office.

However, the question becomes this: Is it enough just to kick Trump out of the White House? It's certainly a very important first step in getting this country on track, but there's so much more to address once that actually happens. There's so much more, not just on Democrats' agenda, but on the country's agenda. What is the next President going to do to combat climate change? Where will they stand on Medicare? Are low-income families going to get the assistance that they need? Will student-loan debt continues to skyrocket, or will our next President finally help us broke college students out? These are issues that many of the other Democratic candidates have discussed as some of their main party platforms; meanwhile, Biden has yet to touch on these.

The campaign season has yet to begin, so candidates have yet to fully develop their platforms, and it's still early to see who's going to come out on top. I don't know yet which Democrat I'll be giving my vote to, but I know that out of the 20 runnings so far, my vote won't be going to another old white man with a moderate agenda. We need someone young and progressive to make a change, and in my opinion, Biden just won't cut it.

Report this Content
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1172
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

714
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199852
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20658
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments