Biden Forced to Step Down... Concerns Over 6-Month Lame Duck Period

'Abandoning Reelection' Unprecedented Crisis
Is Former President Johnson Following the Same Path?

As U.S. President Joe Biden withdraws from the Democratic presidential race, analysts say he is inevitably facing a lame-duck period for the remainder of his term. The unprecedented situation of resigning after winning the party primary has intensified turmoil toward the end of his tenure.

On the 21st (local time), The New York Times (NYT), The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), and others reported that Biden, pressured by calls for his departure both inside and outside the party, abruptly decided not to run, thus becoming a "lame-duck president."

The White House issued a statement that day affirming President Biden's intention to complete his term scheduled until January next year.

However, some analysts suggest that Biden may follow in the footsteps of former President Lyndon B. Johnson during his remaining term. Johnson announced he would not seek re-election and focused more on managing foreign affairs than domestic politics.

In 1968, as opposition to the Vietnam War grew, President Johnson's approval ratings plummeted, and the margin between him and his primary challengers narrowed, leading him to forgo re-election. He then concentrated on resolving the Vietnam War during his remaining term. Similarly, major foreign media outlets have analyzed that President Biden may focus on diplomatic issues such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and support for Ukraine.

There are also opinions that the confusion caused by the de facto power vacuum could worsen this time. John Bolton, former National Security Advisor under the Donald Trump administration, wrote in an op-ed for the WSJ that the transition period will be nearly 100 days longer than previous administrations, raising concerns about the U.S. government's role in international affairs over the next six months.

While it is difficult to predict how Biden's remaining term will unfold, Bolton foresaw, "Considering the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as high tensions with China, the outlook for conflicts shadowing Biden's lame-duck period is clear."