
<p>We hear a lot about the similarity between President Johnson’s withdrawal speech and President Biden’s. Other than the fact that both Johnson and Biden ended their campaigns for reelection in the face of a potential defeat, there are no similarities.</p>



<p>Johnson faced political reality when he was losing ground to the competition in the Democratic primaries – most notably from Minnesota Senator Eugene McCarthy. ; Biden breezed through the Democratic primaries but later faced the growing realization among party leaders over his odds of getting reelected were zero.</p>



<p>Reading the writing on the wall, Johnson gave up early – and without any apparent pressure from Democrat colleagues. Johnson stepped aside more than three months before the Democratic National Convention. That left time for real competition in the remaining primaries – mostly between McCarthy and New York Senator Robert Kennedy, who entered the race and seemed to be on his way to the nomination when he was assassinated.</p>



<p>On the other hand, Biden remained adamant in his pursuit of a second term – even after his disastrous debate and after virtually the entire Democrat establishment publicly called on him to step down. ; Although it was Biden’s decision to make, he did not exit the stage voluntarily – or out of a sense of public good. ; He reluctantly succumbed to insurmountable pressure from political leaders and donors &#8212; and the realization that he was going to lose badly and hand the Senate, House and down ballot offices to the Republicans.</p>



<p>While Johnson was in trouble in terms of his election numbers, they were not so bad that he could not have won. ; Where Biden was clinging to his bid tenaciously, Johnson seemed tired and unwilling to carry on. ; ; That is why Johnson’s withdrawal came as a surprise and Biden’s was inevitable. ; Johnson could have won, Biden could not. ; At least that was the consensus of top Democrats.</p>



<p>Also, there was no question of Johnson’ physical and mental ability to campaign and serve another four years. ; Biden’s mental decline &#8212; that was seen by political insiders and the general public &#8212; was the political coup de grâce.  ;By all measures, Biden was losing to Trump before the debate – and according to top Democrat sources &#8212; was being crushed by Trump following the debate. ; The narrative that Biden was the only person who could beat Trump was no longer remotely believable.</p>



<p>Even their speeches were remarkably different. Johnson was resolute, firm and specific, while Biden’s tended to reflect his weakened condition. His voice was weak. He had the demeanor of an old man. There was not vigor.</p>



<p>Johnson is remembered more for his accomplishments than his withdrawal – whether people liked them or not. He presided over the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. He launched the Great Society, the War on Poverty and passed Medicare. These are all actions of enormous historical significance.</p>



<p>As I noted in a previous commentary, Biden lacks any accomplishments that are likely to stand up to the test of time. ; The Infrastructure Bill, the Chips Bill and the so-called Inflation Reduction Act –his greatest achievements &#8212; loom large today, but pale when compared to the truly monumental and historic achievements of many previous presidents – including Obama, Reagan, Nixon, Franklin Roosevelt and a dozen earlier from further in the past.</p>



<p>Biden said he was withdrawing for the good of the country, but he was not specific on what harm would result from his carrying on. Was it simply that he could not beat Trump? Was it his recognition that his manifest aging issue would prevent him from carrying out the duties of the office?</p>



<p>Many Democrat leaders still allege that Biden does not have a mental acuity problem. ; That it was simply a pragmatic issue of losing to Trump.</p>



<p>It can be fairly debated whether Biden could have – or would have – beaten Trump. But all indicators suggested that he was poised not only for defeat but a catastrophic drubbing. </p>



<p>In his speech, Biden offered platitudes, but no specific reason why he decided to withdraw. ; But &#8230; he had previously said that he would only end his campaign if he had a health problem, or he could not win. ; As it turned out, he had a health problem AND could not win.</p>



<p>Yes, both Johnson’s and Biden’s decisions were dramatic, but Johnson is best remembered for what he achieved. ; Biden has done nothing that will hold the attention of history,</p>



<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>

Biden’s farewell speech not like Johnson’s
