Today, on the historic day of Jan. 20, 2025, we witness the return of Donald J. Trump to the White House as he is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. This moment signifies not just a change in leadership but also a moment for reflection and perhaps a collective sigh of relief. Our long, national nightmare is over.
First and foremost, we must extend our gratitude to the outgoing President Joe Biden. We thank him, not merely for his service but for one very specific reason that has kept many Americans awake at night: he did not die before today. His health, which has been in the public eye given his age and the demanding nature of the presidency, held out long enough for him to be here for this moment, even if only physically and not so much mentally.
Why does this matter? Because had President Biden not been able to see through his term, Kamala Harris would have ascended to the presidency.
While some might argue the merits of such an event, it's clear from today's atmosphere that many Americans are relieved to see Donald Trump back in the Oval Office rather than facing a presidency under Harris.
It’s no secret that after the election, many on the left actually wanted Joe Biden to resign to allow Kamala to ascend to the presidency to spare her the humiliation of having to certify her own billion-dollar election defeat as if the presidency is some sort of consolation prize. How glorious that was.
The ceremony today will include all the pomp and circumstance one expects: the swearing-in by Chief Justice John Roberts, Trump's inaugural address, the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, and numerous inaugural balls. I wish I was there.
To Joe Biden, I say thank you.
Not for your leadership because you showed none.
Not for your decency because you lacked it completely.
Not for your accomplishments because they made America weaker.
No, pretty much the only thing we can thank you for is not dying during your term.
It may be unbecoming to put it this way, but let’s face it, I think most of us were worried that Joe Biden wouldn’t make it through one term and Kamala Harris, a San Francisco liberal, would ascend to the presidency. While Biden’s performance in the Oval Office left much to be desired, it’s hard to argue that Kamala wouldn’t have been an even greater disaster. Biden’s advanced age and cognitive struggles offered some explanation for his missteps, but Harris’s repeated failures stemmed from something far simpler: a lack of competence.
It was terrifying to think she spent four years a heartbeat away from the presidency when Biden’s advanced age and cognitive decline left more than one pathway for Kamala to replace Biden in the Oval Office via succession.
Today, as we look forward to what Trump's presidency will bring, we also look back with gratitude. The road to this day has been filled with political drama, national challenges, and global issues, but here we stand, united in our celebration of democracy.
The prospect of Biden’s untimely demise and the inevitability of President Kamala Harris loomed over the nation like the sword of Damocles for four years. By surviving, Joe Biden saved us from President Kamala. I'll give him credit for that as the one good thing he did in office.
Happy Inauguration Day, America.
Now let's make America great again!
