Texas Senator Ted Cruz has stirred political debate by suggesting that President Joe Biden may be “delighted” by Vice President Kamala Harris's recent election defeat to former President Donald Trump.
The comments, which came during Cruz’s podcast Verdict, have sparked widespread reaction from both conservative and liberal commentators, with many examining what this perceived shift in Biden’s mood might mean for the Democratic Party’s internal dynamics.
Cruz’s Remarks: "The One Democrat Who Isn’t Sad"
During his podcast episode, Cruz claimed that Biden might be the “one man in America on the Democrat side who is not sad” about the election outcome. With a wink and some humor, Cruz stopped short of directly naming Biden, instead saying, “I’m not going to tell you his name, but it rhymes with Boe Jiden.”
His co-host, Ben Ferguson, joined in, suggesting that he had “never seen a bigger grin” on Biden’s face than in recent appearances, implying that Biden’s upbeat demeanor might reflect a sense of personal relief or satisfaction about Harris’s loss.
Biden’s Own Political Shift: Withdrawal Amid Party Pressure
Biden’s demeanor has been in the spotlight since he announced on July 21 that he would not seek re-election, a decision reportedly influenced by senior Democrats after his disappointing debate performance against Trump. This move, seen by some as an indirect push from within his party, has led to speculation that Biden’s exit from the race may have inadvertently set the stage for Harris’s loss.
With Biden stepping aside, Harris took up the mantle, but her eventual defeat prompted conservative commentators like Cruz to speculate on Biden’s emotional response, casting him as potentially “indulging” in a moment of satisfaction.
Biden’s Rose Garden Speech: Assurances and Unexpected Smiles
In his first public appearance following Harris’s loss, Biden spoke from the White House Rose Garden, assuring Americans of a "peaceful transfer of power" to the incoming Trump administration. Biden congratulated President-elect Trump on his victory and emphasized that his administration would work closely with Trump’s team to ensure a smooth transition by January 20.
Despite the traditionally somber nature of such a speech, many noted that Biden’s demeanor was relatively upbeat, with the president smiling at several points throughout his address. This shift in Biden’s tone was notable enough to draw widespread attention, with conservative pundits like Ben Shapiro posting a smiling image of Biden to X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption: “Joe Biden is the happiest man in America today.”
Biden’s lighter demeanor was a point of contention, with some seeing it as reflective of internal Democratic disagreements and others questioning if he might feel vindicated after being sidelined in the race.
Broader Conservative Commentary: Internal Democratic Friction
For conservatives, Biden’s alleged “joy” at Harris’s defeat speaks to larger perceived rifts within the Democratic Party. With Biden reportedly “pushed out” of the race and Harris falling to Trump, commentators like Cruz and Shapiro see a narrative of internal discord, where Biden might feel both relief and satisfaction after facing pressure to step aside.
Many on the right have interpreted Biden’s apparent “happiness” as a subtle expression of disagreement with the direction taken by other Democratic leaders, framing it as an unusual moment of introspection for the Democratic establishment.
White House’s Silence on Cruz’s Remarks
As Cruz’s comments circulate widely, the White House has not yet issued an official response. Newsweek confirmed it had contacted the White House for a statement on Cruz’s remarks, though no reply has been forthcoming.
While Cruz’s remarks may add fuel to ongoing debates about party loyalty and leadership choices, Biden’s unexpected cheerfulness remains the subject of scrutiny, symbolizing for some a moment of complex emotions for the outgoing president and his allies in the Democratic Party.
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