The Democratic Party and the Greater Good: Is Joe Biden's Presidency Best for the United States?
In recent times, the United States has seen intense debates regarding whether it would be beneficial for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the Democratic presidential race. Democratic Senator Peter Welch’s call for Biden to step down for the good of the country has sparked significant discourse. However, the question remains: is it truly in the nation’s best interest for Biden to withdraw?
What Are the Arguments Against Joe Biden Remaining in the Race?
Senator Welch expressed his belief that President Biden may no longer have the necessary stamina to lead the party and maintain the peace essential for democracy. Joe Biden has been instrumental in several economic and social initiatives that have benefited the middle class and supported foreign allies. Nonetheless, Senator Welch suggests that the fight for the Democratic Party is not within his strength. This viewpoint highlights the tension between personal capabilities and the broader political good.
It is essential to recognize that the struggle between good and evil is a significant aspect of current political discourse. Many associate Democratic candidates with ethical and moral values, contrasting them with the opposing party. While this can be a powerful appeal to voters, it also raises questions about the practicality of electing leaders based solely on personal characteristics rather than their policies and platforms.
Why the Current System May Not Be Perfect
Call for transparency and reform within the Democratic Party is necessary for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Senator Welch advocates for a federal referendum between all Democratic candidates, which would provide a clearer picture of the electorate’s preferences. However, the absence of a mechanism to facilitate such a referendum poses a significant challenge. This debate brings to light the need for a more democratic process within the party to ensure that the nominee represents the will of the voters.
Proposed Contract with America
To address some of the issues and build a more robust democracy, a “Contract with America” could be proposed. This contract would outline four key structural changes to the government to improve the governance and strengthen democratic values:
1. Improved Healthcare Accessibility
Single payer healthcare is an ideal goal, but a priority should be to enable a buy-in to Medicare, which would cost nothing and save significant money. This would help to reduce healthcare costs and increase access to medical services for all citizens.
2. Fair Taxation and Economic Equity
Implementing a progressive tax system where everyone pays close to the same tax rate, eliminating the cap on payroll taxes, and limiting deductions could ensure economic fairness. Furthermore, increasing the corporate tax rate would distribute the burden more equitably.
3. Transparency and Integrity in Politics
Gifts to elected representatives or judges should be strictly reported and limited to prevent the perception of corruption. This would help restore public trust in the political system.
4. Reform in Campaign Finance
Campaign finance regulations should be reformed to ensure that only American citizens can contribute a maximum of $3,000 per year. No ads should mention any candidate or legislation without being considered a campaign contribution. This would isolate the undue influence of corporations and focus on individual contributions.
Concluding Thoughts
While Senator Welch’s concerns are valid, the Democratic Party must consider whether these issues can be adequately addressed through internal reforms rather than by withdrawing a candidate. By focusing on these reforms, the Democratic Party can align itself more closely with the principles of democracy and hold the government accountable to the people. Ultimately, the key is not just to elect a ‘good guy’ but to build a political system that is just, transparent, and representative of the broader public interest.
The battle for democracy is ongoing, and it is the responsibility of all political actors to ensure that the system is resilient and responsive to the needs of the people. The Democratic Party must embrace these changes and work towards a government that serves the greater good of the United States. While the path forward may be challenging, the benefits of a more equitable and transparent political system are well worth the effort.