Time for the "shitty part" of the Biden marriage?
After the TV showdown with Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden is facing criticism. His wife Jill stands by him and receives much mocking for it. In the USA, there is now a discussion about whether she should speak to her husband's conscience.
This scene is etched in memory: The most powerful man in the world stands on the stage, looking overwhelmed. His wife beside 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 remains unmoved. Joe Biden is probably 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 at the TV spectacle before a million viewers. Now his wife praises him for it - almost like a schoolboy.
The Bidens have been married for almost half a century. The 73-year-old Jill is 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 debate, there has been a debate in the US about whether Joe Biden is the right candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination - or if he should make way for a younger alternative. And in the process, Jill Biden has come into focus.
"It's time for Jill Biden to have a difficult conversation with her husband," wrote the "Washington Post" approximately. 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.
Jill Biden wants to "keep fighting"
Her steadfast support caused much ridicule in the past few days. "Jill Biden refuses to drop out of the presidential race," mocked 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 until after the election and in the meantime run the country herself.
Jill, the woman with the strings in her hands? Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Republican Senator John McCain, found bitter words. "Jill Biden will not be remembered fondly in American history," wrote the conservative commentator on the internet. Among Trump supporters, the hashtag #eldersabuse - meaning abuse of older people - trended.
On Monday, the new title of the fashion magazine "Vogue" made headlines with the First Lady. She is seen on the cover in a white outfit by designer Ralph Lauren. The quote from her is: "We will decide about our future." Whether this is good or bad timing is up for debate. The photos were taken some time ago, and the friendly tone of the text describes Jill Biden's support for her husband during the campaign. Before its release, "Vogue" asked Jill Biden again about the TV debacle. She made it clear that "we will keep fighting."
"It's not her job"
No one knows what's going on behind the scenes with the Bidens. The US President had withdrawn from public view after the appearance. The meeting was planned in advance. The White House emphasized that this was not a crisis meeting. At least on the outside, Jill Biden tried to downplay the botched performance. "There's no one I'd rather sit in the Oval Office with right now than my husband," she said on Friday at a joint appearance. Dressed in a striking outfit with the words "Vote" in large white letters - in English, "Go Vote" - she appeared more frequently in the past few days and spoke out.
The mockery in the net grew in proportion to Jill Biden's increasing appearances and statements. Criticisms that she was only about her own power and that she should advise her husband, were tinged with sexism. However, many wonder why the First Lady apparently does not openly advise her husband.
"It's not Jill Biden's job to advise the President in the most difficult matters and in tough decisions. She was not elected for that. She was not elected, period," the "New York Times" states in an opinion piece. Focusing on Jill Biden lets Joe Biden off the hook for his responsibility. "It's up to him to demonstrate the necessary self-reflection and character to make the right decision."
- Despite facing criticism after the debate with Donald Trump, Joe Biden continues to receive support from his wife Jill, who has also became a topic of discussion in the ongoing discussion about his candidacy for the US presidential election 2024.
- The role of Jill Biden in the US presidential election 2024 has been a subject of debate, with some questioning if she should speak to her husband's conscience, while others see her as a source of support and strength for Biden.
- In response to the criticism and mockery she faced for her support of her husband, Jill Biden has reaffirmed her commitment to "keep fighting" in the US presidential election 2024, emphasizing the importance of the couple's unity and working towards a common goal.
