Democrats avoid tough calls on leader fitness problems

Daily Report December 24,2024

Listen To Story Above

During a recent NPR “Morning Edition” interview, Democratic Representative Adam Smith from Washington addressed concerns highlighted in The Wall Street Journal’s report about President Biden’s leadership capacity. Smith pointed to a broader issue within the Democratic Party regarding their reluctance to make critical assessments of leadership abilities.

Biden was so tired and drained that he skipped out on an important call with then-House Armed Services Committee Chair Rep. Adam Smith in 2021, right before the United States pulled out of Afghanistan.
(Article below) pic.twitter.com/ebMELw5IhQ

— Jake H (@jake22_h) December 22, 2024

/div>

The congressman offered a candid perspective on what he views as a significant weakness in his party’s approach. “[T]he Democratic Party sometimes struggles to make judgments about people. It’s not disrespectful for someone in a high position — me, for that matter, okay? I’m the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. If it gets to the point where people question whether or not I’m up to the job, they should take me on,” Smith remarked.

SEE IT: Confused 81-year-old President Biden to Pennsylvania, “I have a message for you: send me to Congress!” WATCH pic.twitter.com/i8Tb1eyokI

— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) March 9, 2024

Further emphasizing his point, Smith highlighted the contrast between the two major political parties in their willingness to address leadership capabilities. He noted, “I think Democrats, much more so than Republicans, have a tendency to not want to make those kind of judgments and force that kind of competition. And I think it does hurt us.”

The representative’s comments shed light on what he perceives as a cultural difference between Democrats and Republicans in handling questions about leadership competency and succession planning.