Election campaign in the USA - First Lady in focus - Jill Biden fights for her husband
This is a scene that remains etched in memory: The most powerful man in the world stands on the stage, looking overwhelmed. His wife next to him showers him with excessive praise: "Joe, you did such a great job. You answered all the questions. You knew all the facts." The US President stands motionless. Joe Biden is likely already clear in this moment that his performance at the TV debate against his Republican challenger Donald Trump was not such a great job. Just before this scene in Atlanta in the US state of Georgia, the 81-year-old had delivered a disastrous performance before a million-strong audience. Now his wife praises him - almost like a schoolboy.
The Bidens have been married for almost half a century. The 73-year-old Jill is considered the closest confidant of the US President. After the death of Biden's first wife and his daughter in a car accident, she became a mother figure for Biden's sons, who survived the tragedy. The couple has another daughter together. Since the TV duel, there has been a debate in the US about whether Joe Biden is the right candidate for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination - or if he should make way for a younger alternative. And in the process, Jill Biden has come under scrutiny.
Great expectations for the First Lady
"It's time for Jill Biden to have a difficult conversation with her husband," wrote the "Washington Post" roughly. It's now time for the "tough part" of a marriage. "The part where the support of the spouse means telling him very, very hard things." But the teacher is at least publicly showing no doubts about her husband. Her unwavering support caused quite a stir in recent days. "Jill Biden refuses to drop out of the presidential race," joked the Christian-conservative satire website "The Babylon Bee" and made her the actual candidate. Jill Biden has announced that she will put her husband to sleep after the election and run the country in the meantime.
Jill, the woman with the strings in her hands? Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Republican Senator John McCain, had bitter words. "Jill Biden will not be remembered fondly in American history," wrote the conservative commentator on the internet. Among Trump supporters, the hashtag #elderabuse - meaning abuse of the elderly - trended.
High-gloss photo on the cover of "Vogue"
Then, on Monday, the new cover of the fashion magazine "Vogue" made headlines. The First Lady is seen on it in a white outfit by the designer Ralph Lauren. On the cover, she is quoted as saying: "We will decide our future." Whether this is good or bad timing - that's up for debate. The photos were taken some time ago, and the friendly text describes Jill Biden's support for her husband during the campaign. Before its release, "Vogue" asked Jill Biden about the TV debacle. She made it clear that "those 90 minutes" would not determine the four years of Biden's presidency. "We will keep fighting."
Naturally, no one knows what's going on behind the scenes with the Bidens. The US President had withdrawn with his family after the appearance. The meeting was long planned. The White House placed great value on the fact that the gathering was not a crisis session arranged at short notice. However, at least from the outside, Jill Biden tried to downplay the botched appearance. "There's no one I'd rather be sitting in the Oval Office with right now than my husband," she said on Friday at a joint appearance. Dressed in a striking dress with the words "Vote" written in white letters - in English, "Go Vote" - she spoke.
No Debate Free from Sexism
The more Jill Biden appeared or spoke in the past few days, the more ridicule there was on the internet. The accusations that she was only concerned with her own power and that she wasn't advising her husband in the most critical matters and difficult decisions were tinged with sexism. However, many are wondering why the First Lady apparently isn't advising her husband publicly. "It's not Jill Biden's job to advise the President in the thorniest issues and in difficult decisions. She was not elected for that. She was not elected, period," the "New York Times" stated in an opinion piece. Focusing on Jill Biden lets Joe Biden off the hook from his responsibility. "It's up to him to demonstrate the necessary self-reflection and character to make the right decision."
- Despite the criticism following Joe Biden's performance in the Atlanta debate, his wife Jill remains his strongest supporter, praising him publicly despite the backlash.
- As the US President's wife, Jill Biden has a significant role in the #USElection 2024 campaign, although there are discussions about her influence in the Democratic Party.
- The upcoming elections have put Jill Biden under scrutiny, with some, like Meghan McCain, questioning her role and potential impact on American history.
- The Washington Post suggested that Jill Biden should have a difficult conversation with her husband, highlighting the 'tough part' of marriage where a spouse must provide honest feedback.
- Despite the calls for Jill Biden to step down or take on a more prominent role, she has publicly expressed her support for her husband and their shared future in the White House.
- The cover of Vogue magazine, featuring Jill Biden in a white Ralph Lauren outfit, sparked debate, with some criticizing the timing of the high-gloss photo session.
- The Vogue interview revealed that Jill Biden dismissed the impact of the TV debacle, stating that 90 minutes would not determine the course of her husband's presidency.
- The headlines following Joe Biden's disastrous Atlanta debate have created a frenzy of online discussions and conspiracy theories, with some Trump supporters even using the #elderabuse hashtag.
- As the focus shifts to the 2024 elections, the debate around Jill Biden's influence and role in the Biden presidency continues, raising important questions about the balance of power in the White House.
