I have been watching the White House's damage control effort after President Biden's catastrophic debate performance two weeks ago. The White House staff and the Biden campaign are doing what they must as good political operatives – insisting that President Biden is all in for the upcoming Democratic Convention and November election – but the response from the candidate himself is not robust enough to eliminate concerns about his fitness for office.
On July 5th, President Biden gave an exclusive interview to ABC's George Stephanopoulos intended to reverse the damage done at the June 27 debate. The reviews were not complimentary, except for The Washington Post, who raved over Stephanopoulos' sensitive interview technique, but in the main ignored the candidate's performance.
The situation grew more dire on July 8 when it was discovered that White House visitor logs showed that a Parkinson's expert from Walter Reed had made eight visits to the White House in the last year. White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor later that day confirmed that the expert, Dr. Kevin Cannard, had seen President Biden three times in his three and a half years in office as part of his annual physicals, but did not elaborate whether Cannard was consulting about President Biden during his other visits.
(While this may seem cryptic and vague from the White House, it should be noted that under the Trump administration, the previous voluntary policy of disclosing White House visitors was rescinded, so there is no public record of what physicians or medical providers visited the Trump White House. Moreover, there have been military inspector general investigations into Trump's medical team, led by now Congressman Ronny Jackson, involving improper personal behavior toward subordinates, and improper handling of controlled medications. Jackson, a naval officer, was demoted from the rank of rear admiral to that of captain as a result.)
I am not unsympathetic to those who endure chronic health conditions. In fact, I am one of them. I left the Navy 25 years ago with a 60% disability rating. I have a condition that is a best pesky and at worst incapacitating. I make a point of disclosing it early in my relationships with business partners. I learned recently that I am not fit for jury duty because of it.
If I am unfit for jury duty, I am probably not up for the rigors of the Presidency. I know accommodations can be made, and I have long championed the cause of employment and career opportunities for disabled people. That said, I know my own limits. Prominent Democrats are starting to see President Biden's.
I remember thinking when he came into office at the age of 78 that President Biden was a fine "transitional" commander in chief. He could reset the country to normal operating status and go enjoy a well-deserved retirement. I confess I was surprised that no one at the DNC seemed to have a plan for 2024 past Joe Biden.
It seems they are coming up with one now. And they must, if they want to win. Biden's numbers in key states are slipping, even in once-safe New Mexico, since the debate. I, myself, would be very interested to see a candidate under 70 with some decent policy points.
This means a Biden replacement cannot be a member of the Squad. The Democratic nominee must be more centrist to balance Trump's own move to the center (Project 2025? Never heard of it!). I'm not sure Vice President Harris has the energy to draw the votes needed to beat Trump at this point in the race. Democrats need to get over "whose turn it is" and focus on winning at all costs.
I've not often agreed with Joe Biden throughout his five decades of public service. However, he has served his state and his country with general good will, I believe. It's truly uncomfortable to watch him in his current state of decline. He should be released from this dilemma.
Merritt Hamilton Allen is a PR executive and former Navy officer. She appeared regularly as a panelist on NM PBS and is a frequent guest on News Radio KKOB. A Republican, she lives amicably with her Democratic husband north of I-40 where they run one head of dog, and two of cat. She can be reached at
