There is an expression in
politics referring to how legislation is made; it is likened to the making of
sausage, the public display of which is not generally desired. Furthermore, it
is unrealistic and even counter-productive for the American electorate to know
the intricate mechanisms by which a bill makes its way through Congress before
being signed by the president to become a law. Nevertheless, the strategic and
self-interested manipulation of public perception by elected representatives in
order that the electorate will have an overstated positive view of its
representatives, who can have more discretion and thus power with the vote of
confidence, is counter to an effective democratic republic, which after all is
distinct from direct democracy. I contend that the desire to falsely manipulate
popular opinion went into President Biden’s address on his decision to serve
only one term, as well as in the comments of high ranking members of his party
in support of his decision not to run for reelection. That there might be more
political capital, not to mention a better legacy, in being straight with the
American people is a possibility that seems to elude American politicians.
The full essay is at "President Biden's Retirement Address."
