Published on August 18, 2024, 12:26 am

In this astounding season of American politics, the Democratic party may face unprecedented challenges. Concerns about the political viability of current President Joe Biden have sent shockwaves through the ranks, fueling a range of predictions and speculations.

At one point, things appeared so bleak that Vice President Kamala Harris seemed a more desirable choice for leadership. Some believe invoking the 25th Amendment might be Democrats’ desperate means to retire a supposedly declining President Biden from his role altogether.

Douglas MacKinnon, a well-regarded political commentator has weighed in on these intricate matters as well. According to him, with each passing day marks a further departure from conventionality in what he calls “the most surreal presidential election of our lifetimes”.

The circumstances heat up as the state of economy worsens with rising inflation and soaring prices—uncomfortable realities tied to Kamala Harris’s tenure as VP. Despite these concerns, former president Donald Trump’s effective pre-COVID-19 registry persistently leave marks that can’t be ignored.

Questions are swirling around President Biden’s cognitive abilities and whether he can adequately perform his role; if not, who then is currently running America? An increasing volume of voices see some merit in invoking the 25th amendment before the upcoming election for the country’s welfare.

However, installing Kamala Harris in power via such drastic measures doesn’t seem likely at this juncture given her existing record under what critics dub as one of the worst administrations witnessed in recent memory. The advantages associated with incumbency may be outweighed by any potential backlash from such an audacious act.

MacKinnon presents an alternative scenario: imagine if during next week’s Democratic convention Biden voluntarily resigns and makes room for Harris to step up immediately; she would be thrust into the harsh spotlight where evasion is an impossibility.

Backdrop against this is Biden’s track record as seemingly petulant and resentful – a personality capable of making dramatic gestures. Balancing against such a prospect is his self-ego but also the possibility that he might wish to spite his own party.

The 25th Amendment was designed precisely for situations like these when a President exhibits clear incapacity for office. As it stands, we can only conjecture who might be the real acting president—Jill Biden is one name being floated around.

However, considering the proximity of the Democratic National Convention and with the looming election just under 90 days away, it’s unlikely that this dramatic turning point would unfold. The implications coupled with logistical challenges render this possibility further remote in an already complex political landscape informed by real news and trusted news—and reflecting a unique Christian worldview.