Victor Davis Hanson
American Greatness
Joe Biden’s escalating dementia and the long media-political conspiracy to hide his senility from the public are the least of the Democrats’ current problems.
Biden’s track record as president may be more concerning than his cognitive decline. He has literally destroyed the U.S. border, deliberately allowing the entry of more than 10 million illegal aliens. His callous handlers’ agenda was to import abjectly poor constituencies in need of vast government services without regard for the current struggles of a battered American middle class and poor.
The widespread poverty of a vast new cohort of illegal immigrants could serve as indictments of a “racist,” “unequal,” and “unfair” America—as if the residents of East Palestine, Ohio or inner-city Chicago had anything to do with the centuries-long corruption and oppression of Mexico and Latin America that daily drives thousands of their own poorest citizens northwards to a society founded on very different ideas than those of their homelands.
Note that the left, neither in Mexico nor in America, never asks why millions of these impoverished people prefer to break into a supposedly racist America. Much less do they even distinguish those principles and values that once made America prosperous, free, and secure from their antitheses that have sadly made much of Latin America mostly poor, without freedom, and insecure.
Biden inherited near-zero real interest rates and inflation at 1.4 percent. Almost immediately, in nihilistic fashion, Biden did to a sound economy what he had done to a secure border. So, he recklessly printed money at a time of spiraling, quarantine-ending demand and supply chain disruption. Middle-class wages never caught up with Biden’s inflation, as prices for key staples are nearly 30 percent higher than when he took office.
The cost of servicing the ballooning national debt at high interest is now nearly $1 trillion per year. The world abroad is aflame, lit by Biden’s inexplicable withdrawal from Kabul, his mixed signals to Vladimir Putin on the eve of his invasion of Ukraine, his deliberate alienation of Israel, his appeasement of Iran and China, and his cuts in the defense budget, coupled with his woke war on mythical “racists” in the military.
Energy prices soared, even as Biden’s green agenda proved unworkable and prompted draining the strategic petroleum reserve and begging foreign oil despots before key elections. The “unifier” Biden by design needlessly alienated nearly half the country, and in his debate, he reiterated why Trump supporters do not deserve his concern. And more ominously and recently, Biden grossly told hundreds of his donors that “it’s time to put Trump in a bullseye”—just days before the attempt on Trump’s life.
The greatest absurdity of the Biden White House is the gaslighting talk of Biden’s “achievements.” Biden’s actions over the last four years are not offsets for his senility that warrant his continuance in office, but again, sadly, they serve as force multipliers, furthering claims of his dementia and for his removal.
Joe Biden is not just non compos mentis and in a sane world, he would be subject to 25th Amendment removal. He also increasingly seems unpleasant and obnoxious, if not sometimes simply weird. To achieve momentary clarity, Biden either shouts at his audience or stoops over and whispers in an eerie fashion.
He insults reporters and his own staff. Every few sentences, without warning, he begins screaming. His face is fixed in a permanent, angry contortion. As a result, the public sees their president as an off-putting, angry old man—and in his selfish dotage, an increasingly unsympathetic one. Even after more than 40 months of media hagiography, Joe Biden still cannot poll over a 40 percent approval rating, given that his rudeness is fueled further by the day due to escalating mental confusion.
Biden is, to be candid, a serial prevaricator. It is not just his ad nauseam repetition of Trump’s supposed slurs—the Charlottesville “both sides” lie, the “suckers” lie, or the “bloodbath” lie. He continues to peddle absolute falsehoods like the mythical nine-percent inflation he inherited and Trump’s supposed intention to ban all abortions, or his whopper that after welcoming in 10 million illegal aliens, Biden would have had a closed, secure border if not for those selfish Republicans who, for some reason, did not trust his ridiculous eleventh-hour, election-timed immigration proposal.
When he hammers Trump as a “convicted felon,” Biden has no clue that a majority of Americans equate that charge with Biden’s own warped lawfare assault on ancient customs, as well as a reminder that his now closest advisor is likewise a “convicted felon.”
When Biden rants near daily about the rich “paying their fair share,” he reminds us that his son is also facing federal tax evasion charges for unreported foreign income in the millions of dollars and that as soon as Biden himself leaves office, as a recipient of the same foreign cash, he may find himself in the same legal jeopardy. So, to use a Bidenism, “how dare he” accuse affluent Americans of the very crimes that his own family is knee deep in?
Biden’s prefaces of “no lie,” “here’s the deal,” “no kidding,” and “no joke” are little more than tics that forewarn us of complete fabrications about to follow, from the ridiculous story of an uncle supposedly eaten by New Guinea cannibals to his supposed heroics during the Civil Rights movement and his near childhood adoption by various minority communities.
In this regard, senility served oddly as a crutch for Biden. In the past, he paid dearly for his plagiarism, cheating, racist rants, and prevarications, losing three presidential bids and earning a reputation as the empty-suit blowhard of the Senate. Now his press handlers conveniently chalk up his long-standing habitual untruth as momentary mental “confusion.”
Given all the above, remember that Biden was to be the “savior” of the Democratic Party. To this day, celebrities demanding his withdrawal from the race throw him the bone that “he saved the country by stopping Trump”—as if no wars, stability abroad, no inflation, low interest, and low energy costs were something to fear.
Yet Biden’s four years pale in comparison to what in 2016 might have been a Harris, Buttigieg, Warren, Booker, or Sanders candidacy or presidency. No wonder Democrats concluded that there were no viable alternatives to a cognitively challenged Biden, precisely because Biden was the only available fig leaf to the new Democratic Party and its neo-socialist agenda—that, if transparent, would have terrified the country that it was soon to nearly destroy.
Biden’s Democratic critics have it all wrong: removing Biden is wise and needed for the country’s sake, but it will not solve the growing public anger at the left. Without the veneer of even a tottering old Joe from Scranton, there will be no camouflage. And then, the true leftist agenda will be served raw to the American people—open borders, woke/DEI racial polarization, transgendered obsessions, inflation/stagflation, wars a plenty abroad, an inert Pentagon, unaffordable energy, partial-birth abortions, and crazy ideas like packing the court and making Puerto Rico and Washington, DC, states.
So, what is the Democratic strategy to win the 2024 election? Certainly, an “open” convention would not produce a moderate Democratic nominee or even a suitable replacement façade. There are no moderates in contention. If there were any hale candidates to offer cover, the party would be in permanent war with its shrill and angry woke base. Joe is the last of his generation to offer a credible front. There are no more Diane Feinsteins or Bill Clintons to package the hard-left agenda. If Harris cannot serve as Biden’s replacement, someone like her or further to the left would appear on spec.
The Democrats have no plans to run on their record. Their tripartite strategy is as simple as it is tired and worn. First, expect a third chapter to follow the 2016 Russian collusion caper and the 2020 laptop disinformation ruse—likely some October revelation from the administrative state’s “experts” and “authorities” that Trump is a criminal, a traitor, or a spy or plans a coup, to destroy NATO or nuke something. Perhaps there is another Access Hollywood tape, a porn star on ice, anything to avoid discussing the damage done since 2017.
Second, there is still a last gasp to a dying lawfare. Never underestimate the last-gasp judicial effort to inactivate, gag, bankrupt, or jail Trump, however counterproductive such attempts so far have proved.
Third, when all else fails, remember that in many of the swing states, 70 percent of the electorate will not be voting on Election Day and will not be presenting IDs. Millions of their ballots will be harvested or cured by third-party activists. Last time around, the leftist journalist Molly Ball bragged about their “cabal” and “conspiracy” of big money and big tech that had “saved” Americans from Trump.
Those post-election confessions were not just high-fiving but also a confident forewarning of what is to come.
The greatest absurdity of the Biden White House is the gaslighting talk of Biden’s “achievements”
At one time this caused me great confusion. Sort of like “how stupid do they think we are”. Then it dawned on me. By their anti American, anti capitalist, DEI, blame white supremacy world view the Biden administration is wildly successful in implementing the kind of progressive agenda that Obama only dreamed about.
Six days after Joe’s exhortation to “put Trump in a bullseye” the expected assassination attempt occurred.
Those were demoKKKrat code words. Sounds like treason to me.
Another brilliant summary by Victor Davis Hanson. Nothing is left unsaid.
I think this is the biggest threat to a Trump victory in November: “… when all else fails, remember that in many of the swing states, 70 percent of the electorate will not be voting on Election Day and will not be presenting IDs. Millions of their ballots will be harvested or cured by third-party activists.”
FYI, I think the correct pronunciation is “Muhzlim” not “Mooozlim.”
And before Muslim, they were Moslem, and before that, Mohammadans, and before that Barbarians, as in Barbary Pirates. Tomato, tomahto.
“Yet Biden’s four years pale in comparison to what in 2016 might have been a Harris, Buttigieg, Warren, Booker, or Sanders candidacy or presidency” and “anything to avoid discussing the damage done since 2017”. Did you mean 2020 and 2021?
Thank you for boldly presenting clear, cogent summaries of what is happening in the US.
Always reassuring to read Victor’s commentary, that someone else thinks the same way. The radical left needs to be crushed in upcoming elections, so that we can get back on course. We need to turn out the vote for a landside victory & mandate.
Excellent sequence of facts and summation. We agree with you, we lived it. Now, if only there was a little more hope and a a bit of optimism included..
Excellent as always VDH!
Once again, Mr. Hanson nails it!
I write letters to our local paper and was wanting to do one on the 14th Amendment and just what it means as to illegals coming into the country and what are their rights under our laws
Thanks
I had a dear sweet friend who fell to the ravages of dementia. In his later stages he would easily become angry and volatile. We were actually afraid to set him off. So much of Biden’s behavior parallels my friends last days. It is so sad to have witnessed the deterioration. What we are seeing in Biden today is the best he will be. His mental and behavioral conduct will only get worse. He should be no where near the Oval Office.
Professor Hanson,
Now we have the attempted assassination in PA that will get a lot of mileage and the Republican convention and appointment of JD Vance as VP. Still too early to call it but Trump should feel some brief euphoria until the Dem convention and further announcements of Biden/Harris future. One thing I am hoping for is more a shift towards policies and issues and away from inflammatory rhetoric.
You have written a perceptive and, sadly, accurate account of the maladministration our country has suffered these past three and a half years under the Biden presidency. One prays that this dismal president is an aberration; and that a fitter, more visionary and energetic, one will turn stop our national decline and restore America’s standing in the world.
Fortunately, many voters saw the debate and will simply judge Uncle Joe “past his prime (too”
Unfortunately, too many Democrats will vote Biden because the Party works around their personal ability to make a sound judgement (themselves). It is the fear the Founding Fathers saw in given everyone the power of the vote in the beginning. Can we keep it (a Republic) or will democracy win-out in the long-haul?
Maybe as Yogi Berry illuded to. “If you come to a junction, TAKE IT!”
We’re definitely there, whether “left or right”.
Theron Few
Raleigh NC
919-845-3189
Love Vh!! But cannot read City Journal links because i “appear to enjoy” them too much.
Scott, thought you had it worked out so we could read your “Picks.”
Subscribe. It is well worth the 50 bucks a year.
America’ voice of reason.
Biden and the progressives say MAGA is dangerous and violent. When George Floyd was killed, the left made him a martyr and went on a 100 day+ rampage of violence. When Trump was shot….no riots and no violence by MAGA in response. So who really poses a threat.
I came across this yesterday I’m not into rap, never of him before but I’ve been sharing because of 2 special lines:
Thank God the left can’t aim
Thank God the right don’t riot
He wrote & recorded within 24 hour of the attempted assassination
https://youtu.be/FE0kWBMlcwc?si=6YwN8abae-PeoeUb
Thank you for that observation Terry Reed.
Sadly, the MSM and the democrats will not notice and they don’t really care.
Oh soooooo true
Biden will push us over the precipice
We NEED Trump
Shakespearean Interpretation of “The Biden Titanic”
In the political stage, a frail king doth reign,
His mind a tempest, his realm in disdain.
Borders breached by ten million souls in flight,
Poverty’s shadow cast in broad daylight.
Economy undone, inflation’s cruel bite,
Middle-class despair, burdened with blight.
Foreign lands afire, alliances strained,
The cost of folly, in blood it’s stained.
Energy scarce, the green dream’s deceit,
The people’s trust, shattered beneath.
The sovereign’s anger, a visage grotesque,
Gaslight and falsehood, his tongue’s daily quest.
In senile whispers, the truth’s disdained,
His legacy, a kingdom profaned.
Beautiful !!!
Thank you for the effort and the resulting Shakespearean interpretation of the Biden Titanic.
Well done !!!
Well they tried to take out Trump, that didn’t work. The next play? Doing what they did in 2020. Let’s see how it goes.
I think you meant the 2020 election, not 2016.
I think you meant the 2020 election, not 2016. Good essay, as usual.
Right on
Spot on Victor. Well done my friend!
Victor – a impactful article for all American citizens to read, truly understand and react to.
How can we miss it? – Rather – ‘How can it be missed’? VDH talent for bringing order to confusion never ceases to amaze me. I believe his talent comes in large part from his ability to frame much of his perspective on what has gone before – – a love of, and respect for history – – both ancient history and the founding principles of our country – – that which has proven precious and should be preserved, and that which has proven destructive, and should be condemned – – a sound philosophy and sense of value.
How did we become so polarized? To grandly oversimplify, How did a Biden World-view, and a Trump World-view ever emerge to face each other? How were we manipulated to divert our attention from noble pursuits for the greater good of humanity, to face-to-face antagonism?
The overall sense of doom is laced with the suspicion that
1. It did not happen quickly
2. It did not happen accidentally
3. Those who encouraged the divide did so not for the betterment of mankind, but with nefarious intent.
We really DO have to start talking with each other – – –
V D H must be appointed as senior advisor to D J T. The Biden saga is the attempted murder of America. Keep up the good and honest work Victor.
Brilliantly written. Thank you sir for your time and effort!
What if “DEI Incompetence” is just an easy way to have your rival shot to death? “we did the best we could with what we have”. But what you have is an inferior protective force. Is it any wonder that everything appears to be breaking down now? Just put the junior varsity on the Trump detail and see what happens.
How do you get rid of 10 million illegal aliens? I would suggest penalizing those who hire them or support them. If we get a Republican House and Congress then they should pass a law indicating that anyone who hires an illegal pay for 4 years of income tax at minimum wage per person hired (4 years as in the 4 years Biden waived them in). And this should apply to persons who hire an illegal even if it is for 1 hour of pay. There should also be a financial penalty for any organization using federal grant money to support illegals and tariffs on any country who allowed illegal immigration to the U.S. If these illegals can get in on there own they can get out on their own or let their home country pay for getting them back.
November 5th is just the beginning. We’ll never secure our elections until we secure our inaugurations. Coffee is for closers.
In the interim, the Senate needs 18 Democrats to join with Republicans to convict and remove Biden administration officials impeached by a majority of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
Thank you Professor. The words “ served raw” were well chosen and impactful. The future Democrat bench is made of weak narcissists susceptible to control by dark forces . It will only become worse if they succeed, and your clarity strengthens the resolve of anxious Americans to bravely face the challenges ahead and ultimately achieve victory. Our founders are depending upon us, and we must not fail them.
I have never understood why the left does what they do until I read Saul Alinsky’s rule for radicals. To summarize, the left is unprincipled, practices moral relativism and the end justifies any means so that they “have” power. It is hard to imagine a more destructive force. I read this book because VDH references fairly frequently and for me it was the key that unlocked my understanding of the left. I recommend anyone who seeks a deeper understanding to read it
Prof Hanson is generally correct but the left is likely to use all the illegal aliens as a means to increase the number of registered voters, since proof of citizenship is not required. They don’t care if the illegal alien votes or not, they just want a name associated with a ballot that they can harvest and manipulate.
The now iconic photograph of President Trump raising his fist is the perfect bookend to the American Empire which began with the iconic Flag Raising on Mount Suribachi 79 years ago. A human life span is a good run for an empire which was so ambitious and warlike. It was bound to come to an end soon and now Donald Trump has the opportunity to be an American Caesar. The republic is fake anyhow and as republics forment violence, in the form of factionalism, assainations, civil strife and revolutions Trump can put a stop to all that and save the US from about a century of civil war and eventual dissolution into about 15 different countries all of them third world style dictatorships. He is old but Vance or Trump Junior can act as a bridge for Prince Baron when he is a bit older.
Pamela Geller, look at this opinion on what is about to happen with the Dem nomination:
https://pro.paradigmnewsletters.org/p/awn_chaosrally_0324/LAWN4763/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=daily&utm_campaign=20240717&h=true
Pamela Geller, look at this opinion on the Dem nomination:
https://pro.paradigmnewsletters.org/p/awn_chaosrally_0324/LAWN4763/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=daily&utm_campaign=20240717&h=true
Time for Republicans to place local ‘Trump Ballot Police”, TBP’s, at ALL drop boxes, trained and prepared to make ‘citizen arrests’ with “Biker’s for Trump” as ballot ‘screeners’ !!! (All video taped naturally).
Play their game for a change.
maranatha, come Lord Jesus………..<
Rev. Roy……….<
Thank you Victor. That was a brilliant and concisely written essay. One of your best.
Professor Hanson, this is a flawless piece of writing,. It is accurate, frighteningly accurate of what can happen in the next election. The Left has no grasp on the truth and isn’t interested in integrity or goodness. Anything that can help them win is acceptable. I am very concerned that there will be another attempt on President Trump’s life and believe it will take a miracle to have a genuinely honest election. God help us all!
We now know that Biden has stepped down in the run for the 2024 Presidential election. Unfortunately the damage has been done. Since Biden has said he will finish his term as the 46th President (I seriously doubt), how much more damage might he attempt to do.
At least the courts are blocking his spending spree to buy young votes. Let’s hope they stiffen in that resolve.
I would not be surprised if Biden walked away from the Presidency after the Nov election just to make Kamala Harris the first woman of color president, if only for 2 months. BTW that would make my Trump 45/47 hat bogus since Harris would become the 47th (how moronic can we get)!