One is inclined to say it was flickering pragmatism of Biden that won over the dogmatic consistency of Sanders but it was more like the usual suspects behind Biden’s status quo victory – money and powerful forces pulling strings to given the party reign to one of the worst candidates from the primaries where clearly Sanders and Warren had the most substance. It should also be pointed out that just like Trump, Biden is also currently facing sexual harassment charges from a woman who has filed a criminal case in the state of California.

By Promod Puri

In the rest of the news from across the border last week, leading Democratic contender Bernie Sanders quit the Presidential nomination race.

He hung up his hat and let Joe Biden take the party’s presidential ticket in a November race where the foregone conclusion is President Donald Trump would have an easy win unless some divine intervention happens.

One is inclined to say it was flickering pragmatism of Biden that won over the dogmatic consistency of Sanders but it was more like the usual suspects behind Biden’s status quo victory – money and powerful forces pulling strings to given the party reign to one of the worst candidates from the primaries where clearly Sanders and Warren had the most substance. 

It should also be pointed out that just like Trump, Biden is also currently facing sexual harassment charges from a woman who has filed a criminal case in the state of California.

Nonetheless, it is the second time in a row that Sanders has dropped out to the disappointment of many looking for a real political change in the USA.

Americans expected this change from Barrack Obama. But more words were delivered by him than actions during his two-term at the White House.

With Biden, there is hardly a difference of red and blue in the baggage he carries. The contents of the baggage have enough of his personal choices that are in line with the Republican Party from wars in foreign lands to the domestic social or economic issues.

Will the November presidential election would be a battle between the two-in-one political figures or based on some real ideological differences?

So far, being a “moderate” candidate, Biden has not demonstrated a distinct approach to challenge the style of rule with Trump stamp on it.

What can Biden do to offer a marked difference in the election fray?

He can pick up where Sanders has left his progressive agenda related to domestic and foreign policies. He must adopt those elements that appealed to the young voters.

Early this week, Sanders has endorsed Biden by declaring, “We need you in the White House. We’ve got to make Trump a one-term president. I will do all that I can to make that happen.”

It is not clear under what policy agreements and concessions. Sanders has stepped forward to support Biden. Perhaps that part has been left to the working groups to sort out how much Biden would take from the Democratic Socialist Left agenda of Sanders. The latter is leaving behind a legacy that his followers would like to see in the election campaign of Biden.

In that respect, Biden can seriously consider Elizabeth Warren as his vice-presidential running mate because she echoes many of veteran socialist’s policy statements.

If not, the upcoming presidential vote would turn out to be a predictable and bland one.

Promod Puri is a journalist, writer, and author of Hinduism, beyond rituals, customs, and traditions. Websites: promodpuri.com, progressivehindudialogue.com