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The Crisis in the US Ruling Class: Biden's Withdrawal and the Democrats' Desperate Maneuver

In a stunning turn of events that underscores the deepening crisis within the American political establishment, President Joe Biden announced on July 21, 2024, his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. This move, detailed in a letter posted on social media, came amid mounting pressure from within his own party and a cascade of unfavorable polls following a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump. Biden's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor has been portrayed by the Democratic Party apparatus and its media allies as a seamless transition, but a closer examination reveals it as a frantic attempt to salvage a faltering campaign while concealing the profound rot at the heart of bourgeois politics in the United States.

The announcement was not the result of some principled reflection or grassroots democratic process, but rather the culmination of a behind-the-scenes conspiracy orchestrated by leading figures in the Democratic Party, Wall Street, and the intelligence agencies. For weeks, influential voices—ranging from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Hollywood mogul George Clooney—had been publicly and privately urging Biden to step aside. This pressure intensified after the June 27 debate, where Biden's cognitive lapses and incoherent responses exposed what many had long suspected: the 81-year-old president's diminishing faculties rendered him unfit to lead a campaign, let alone the world's most powerful imperialist state.

Biden's letter, addressed to "My Fellow Americans," framed his withdrawal as a selfless act in service to the nation and the party. He claimed to have initially intended to seek reelection but concluded that stepping down was "in the best interest of my party and the country." He pledged to focus on his remaining months in office, emphasizing ongoing efforts in foreign policy, economic recovery, and domestic reforms. Yet, this rhetoric masks the reality that Biden's presidency has been defined by escalating militarism abroad and austerity at home. His administration has funneled billions into the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, overseen Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza with unwavering support, and pursued aggressive policies against China, all while presiding over skyrocketing inflation, wage stagnation, and a healthcare system in shambles.

The swift pivot to Kamala Harris represents a calculated gamble by the Democratic elite. Harris, who has served as Biden's vice president since 2021, is now positioned as the presumptive nominee. In her response, she expressed gratitude for Biden's endorsement and vowed to "earn and win" the nomination. Democratic leaders, including governors and senators, quickly rallied around her, with figures like California Governor Gavin Newsom and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro issuing statements of support. The party's rapid consolidation suggests a pre-orchestrated plan, designed to prevent any genuine debate or challenge at the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

However, Harris's elevation is fraught with contradictions. Her own political record is one of opportunism and alignment with the most reactionary elements of the state. As California's attorney general, she oversaw a draconian criminal justice system that disproportionately targeted the poor and minorities. As a senator, she positioned herself as a progressive on issues like criminal justice reform, only to abandon those stances when convenient. In the Biden administration, Harris has been a loyal enforcer of imperialist policies, from the border crackdown on migrants to unwavering support for NATO's provocations in Eastern Europe. Her selection is not about representing the interests of working people but about maintaining the facade of diversity and progressivism while advancing the agenda of war and corporate plunder.

This maneuver exposes the fraudulent character of the two-party system in the US. Both Democrats and Republicans serve the interests of the ruling class, differing only in tactics and rhetoric. The Republicans, under Trump, peddle fascist demagogy and appeals to ultra-right elements, while the Democrats cloak their pro-war, anti-worker policies in the language of identity politics and "defending democracy." Biden's withdrawal is symptomatic of a broader crisis: the inability of the ruling class to maintain popular legitimacy amid growing social inequality, endless wars, and the erosion of democratic rights.

The media's role in this spectacle has been pivotal. Outlets like The New York Times and CNN, which for years downplayed concerns about Biden's age and mental acuity, suddenly reversed course after the debate, publishing editorials and op-eds calling for his ouster. This about-face was not driven by journalistic integrity but by signals from the Democratic establishment and financial elites, who feared a Trump victory would disrupt their global operations. The same media now promotes Harris as a fresh, dynamic alternative, ignoring her complicity in the administration's crimes.

Internationally, Biden's exit has ripple effects. Allies in Europe and Asia, reliant on US imperialism for their own aggressive postures, expressed measured support for the transition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Biden's "tough but strong decision," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fresh from addressing a joint session of Congress, likely views the change as inconsequential to continued US backing. Yet, the instability in Washington signals weakness to rivals like Russia and China, potentially accelerating geopolitical tensions.

From a socialist perspective, this episode highlights the bankruptcy of reformist illusions in the Democratic Party. Figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who have repeatedly capitulated to the party leadership, now endorse Harris without reservation. Sanders, in a statement, lauded Biden's "transformative" presidency, conveniently overlooking its role in escalating the risk of nuclear war and suppressing strikes by railroad workers and others. The so-called "progressive" wing of the Democrats functions as a safety valve, channeling opposition into harmless electoral channels rather than independent class struggle.

The working class must reject this charade. The real issues facing billions—poverty, climate catastrophe, war, and exploitation—cannot be addressed through the ballot box under capitalism. Biden's withdrawal is not a victory for democracy but a desperate bid by a ruling class in decay to prevent a revolutionary upsurge. Workers and youth must build a mass movement against both parties, oriented toward socialism and internationalism.

The historical parallels are striking. Just as the Watergate scandal in the 1970s masked deeper systemic crises, today's political theater distracts from the underlying contradictions of American capitalism. The US economy, buoyed by massive deficits and speculative bubbles, teeters on the brink of recession. Inflation, driven by corporate profiteering and war spending, erodes living standards. The pandemic, which claimed over a million lives under Biden's watch due to profit-driven policies, continues to mutate, yet public health measures remain inadequate.

Moreover, the threat of fascism looms large. Trump's campaign, fueled by grievances over economic decline and stoked by his "stolen election" lies, positions him as a pseudo-populist alternative. His survival of an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, has only bolstered his messianic image among supporters. The Democrats' response—doubling down on anti-Russia hysteria and portraying Trump as a unique threat—serves to justify their own authoritarian measures, from censorship to surveillance.

In this context, Harris's campaign will likely emphasize "joy" and "unity," as her initial rallies suggest, while avoiding substantive policy discussions. She will court big donors, promising continuity in tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation. On foreign policy, expect more of the same: escalation in Ukraine, provocations in the South China Sea, and blank checks to Israel amid its onslaught on Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands with US-supplied weapons.

Yet, cracks are appearing. Polls show widespread disillusionment, with many voters viewing both candidates unfavorably. The convention in Chicago could see protests, reminiscent of 1968, especially given the ongoing genocide in Palestine and domestic unrest over police violence and economic hardship.

Ultimately, the Biden-Harris transition is a symptom of imperial decline. The US ruling class, facing challenges from rising powers and internal decay, resorts to ever more reckless adventures. Workers must organize independently, building rank-and-file committees in workplaces and neighborhoods to fight for their interests. The fight against war, inequality, and fascism requires a revolutionary party, grounded in the principles of Marxism and the heritage of the October Revolution.

This crisis demands not passive observation but active intervention. The socialist movement must expose the lies of the ruling class and mobilize the immense power of the international working class. Only through such a struggle can humanity avert catastrophe and build a society based on equality and genuine democracy. As the 2024 election farce unfolds, the path forward lies not in endorsing lesser evils but in forging a new, revolutionary leadership. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full World Socialist Web Site Article at:
[ https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/07/28/bqdr-j28.html ]