Veteran New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd has drawn attention with her bold claim that the Democratic Party’s decision to replace President Joe Biden as the 2024 nominee was effectively a “coup.” In her latest column, Dowd describes how party insiders worked to sideline Biden, even as they publicly praised his leadership and accomplishments.
Dowd argues that while Biden’s declining health and effectiveness made the move necessary, the manner in which it was carried out shows the ruthlessness of party power dynamics. She describes how influential figures like Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Barack Obama played key roles in orchestrating Biden’s removal, with some admitting that they had trouble reaching the president as he reportedly sulked after realizing he was being pushed aside.
Dowd notes that despite their behind-the-scenes efforts, these same leaders publicly “whitewashed the coup” by extolling Biden’s achievements. “Democrat after Democrat who had been close to Biden before conspiring to push him out had to confess to cable anchors that they had not been able to talk to the president,” she writes, highlighting the irony of the situation.
While Dowd acknowledges that replacing Biden may have saved the Democratic Party from a significant loss in 2024, she criticizes the hypocrisy and secrecy involved in the process. Her column provides a candid look at how political expediency can override loyalty, with top Democrats prioritizing electoral success over allegiance to a sitting president.
