The role of the President of the United States is unparalleled in its demands and responsibilities. It is a position that requires constant vigilance, sharp mental acuity, and the ability to make critical decisions at any hour of the day or night. Given these requirements, Biden’s recent comments according to Newsom, that he will be limiting his schedule to ensure he gets enough sleep raise significant concerns.
This revelation comes at a time when President Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history at 81, is already facing intense scrutiny regarding his age and health. His comment that he needs more sleep and his joke about his mental fitness, while possibly made in jest, have not been well received. These remarks, coupled with his poor performance in a recent CNN debate, where he appeared hoarse and at times unintelligible, have exacerbated worries about his capability to handle the relentless pressures of the presidency.
The presidency is not a job that can be confined to regular working hours. Crises, whether domestic or international, do not adhere to a schedule. A president must be ready to respond to emergencies, engage in high-stakes negotiations, and make decisions that affect millions of lives at any time. For instance, the decision to raid Osama bin Laden’s compound came late at night, requiring then-President Barack Obama to be fully alert and decisive in the early hours.
Comparisons to past presidents, such as George W. Bush going to bed at 9 p.m. or Obama having dinner at 6:30 p.m., miss the mark. These presidents maintained a rigorous schedule that balanced rest with the demands of their office, but they were also known for their ability to handle late-night crises and early-morning briefings. The job of the president is not just about maintaining a schedule but about having the resilience and stamina to manage the unpredictable nature of the role.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s defense of President Biden, emphasizing his humanity and the behind-the-scenes work he does, is understandable but does not fully address the core issue. The presidency requires a unique level of endurance and mental sharpness that cannot be compromised by the need for excessive rest. The fact that Biden’s debate preparations did not start before 11 a.m. and included time for naps, as reported by The New York Times, only adds to the concern.
The ability to govern effectively and respond to crises is paramount. The president must be a pillar of strength and reliability, someone who can inspire confidence and trust in their ability to lead the nation through any challenge. As voters and citizens, we need to critically assess whether the current president can meet these demands, especially in light of increasing signs of fatigue and declining mental fitness.
The presidency is undeniably a 24/7 job. It demands an individual who is always prepared, always sharp, and always ready to lead. While acknowledging human limitations is important, the unique responsibilities of the presidency require a leader who can rise above these challenges. George Washington was only 57.
Abraham Lincoln was just 52. It is not unreasonable to question whether someone who needs frequent naps and struggles with late-night events can truly fulfill the demands of this high office. The future of the nation depends on having a president who is fully capable, both mentally and physically, of meeting the relentless demands of this critical role. Choosing between a 78 year old and an 81 year old begs the question, Is the President really running the country or are they just puppets.
