As the threat of a government shutdown looms just days before Christmas, President Biden's absence from the political fray has drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. A 1,500-page funding bill, crucial to maintaining government operations, was unveiled on Tuesday. However, President-elect Trump's demands for renegotiations, including adjustments to the debt ceiling and cuts to specific spending programs, have complicated the situation.
While these developments unfolded, President Biden was attending a memorial service for his late wife and daughter in Wilmington, Delaware. He is expected to return to Washington D.C. later Thursday. The President has yet to publicly address the budget impasse, although White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement criticizing Trump's approach.
This silence has led to accusations of "quiet quitting" and a lack of leadership from Biden. GOP strategist Colin Reed criticized Biden for being on vacation while the country faces a potential fiscal crisis. Reed expressed little surprise at the administration's apparent lack of engagement, referencing the recent election results as an indicator of public sentiment.
Criticism also came from unexpected quarters. Former aides to President Obama, known for their liberal-leaning podcast, expressed concern over Biden's low profile. They noted that it's becoming increasingly easy to forget that Trump isn't president yet. This sentiment echoes a recent New York Times report that described Biden as appearing "a little older and a little slower" in the final days of his presidency.
GOP campaign expert David Kochel compared Biden's absence to "quiet quitting," citing not only the spending battle but also Biden's absence from the reopening ceremony of Notre Dame Cathedral, which was attended by numerous world leaders, including President-elect Trump and First Lady Jill Biden.
Despite these concerns, several of Biden's Cabinet members have voiced confidence in his capacity to complete his term. However, others, like Michael Chamberlain, director of the ethics watchdog Protect the Public’s Trust, argue that a lack of leadership has been characteristic of the Biden-Harris administration. He pointed to issues with ethics, transparency, and scientific integrity as examples.
Earlier this month, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients circulated a memo to staff outlining the administration's remaining priorities, urging them to "finish strong." The coming days will reveal whether the administration can effectively navigate the current crisis and conclude its term on a positive note.
