Competence or lack thereof seems to be the latest stalking horse for pundits aiming their indignation at President Biden for the sadly flawed exit from Afghanistan. Having enjoyed favorable polling numbers since his Jan. 20, 2021, inauguration, Biden has now suddenly become inept and incompetent for the messy departure from the Kabul airport more than a week ago.
The From and Fuller’s weekly interchange of opinions last Thursday in The Spy exemplifies the doom and gloom permeating the media over the Kabul uncoupling. I found it unsettling.
Fortunately, Craig Fuller proposed taking a long view; 20 years of futile combat accounting for nearly 2,500 American lives and thousands of invisible and visible wounds suffered by American soldiers offered Biden little choice but to stanch the literal and figurative bloodletting by pulling out American troops and citizens.
Fuller’s viewpoint, based on his extensive experience with disappointing and disorderly decisions made by our presidents, was refreshing. He brushed aside the “harsh” judgments.
So, this obviously poorly planned withdrawal has drawn a horde of critics questioning the competency of our president for the initially botched exit. While I agree that Biden and his team deserve criticism for a sloppy and deadly pullout, I cannot subscribe to the theory that the president is incompetent. Or that his presidency is doomed to an irrefutable perception of incompetency.
The undercurrent to the scathing attacks is Biden’s age (78) and the alleged decline of his cognitive abilities based on hearsay and unfounded rumors. As Biden is wont to say, “Hey, man, give me a break.”
Was the young President John F. Kennedy incompetent for his authorization of the ill-fated Bay of Pigs incursion in 1961—but suddenly brilliant (and competent) for his handling of the Cuban Crisis in 1962?
Was President George Herbert Walker Bush competent for his adroit leadership during the first Persian War in early 1991—but incompetent and ill-advised for agreeing with a Democratic Congress on a tax hike in 1990 that led to a strong economy under his successor, Bill Clinton? I well understand he disavowed any intention (“read my lips”) to raise taxes during his presidential campaign and then changed his mind when in office.
Was Franklin Delano Roosevelt incompetent for not anticipating Japan’s successful attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, but a paragon of leadership and resolve for overseeing the war-changing assault on the Normandy beaches on D-Day, June 6, 1944?
I could go on and on with other examples of competent vs. incompetent decisions by our presidents. Doing so would be unproductive. Not all decisions—including ones not made–are good ones. Nor are they always ruinous to a presidency.
My point is straightforward: in our poisonous political theater, the knives emerge quickly and contemptibly during a crisis. Sometimes the condemnation is justified. Sometimes it is premature.
A friend referred to the awful scene at the Kabul airport as “one of the most amazing system failures of our lifetime.” This friend is normally averse to apocalyptic statements. Not this time.
A system failure would be 9/11 when nearly 3,000 people, mostly Americans, were killed by terrorists who had hijacked four US aircraft. Well aware of Osama bin Laden and his effective Al Qaeda organization, our intelligence organizations failed to communicate with each other.
I do not believe that anyone accused President George W. Bush of incompetence. Instead, he drew praise for how he handled the response and comforted the nation.
As a longtime Republican who came to Washington as a young staffer with President Reagan and then as chief of staff to Bush 41, Fuller correctly opined during last week’s Spy that questions about Biden’s competency represented a “harsh judgment that was unwarranted…that his choices were terrible and worse.”
Amen, Craig Fuller.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Howard, Rapid and harsh judgement of Biden is indeed appropriate. Two humanitarian disasters (The southern border, with the “new arrivals” now showing a 14% covid infection rate, and of course this horror in Afghanistan.)
You mentioned 3,000 dead from 9/11. We had full coverage of that misery. We will know very little of the Taliban’s activities. Believe me, thousands will be tortured and executed after we are gone. Killers are killers, like the leopard, they do not lose their spots. They enjoy killing, just like the “gang bangers” in our dying cities.
Wish you were correct on the competency of Joe Biden, I truly do. Look at what would take his place.
Ah yes, the old line, “you can stick a fork in Joe Biden, he is done” Thank you
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Stephen. I believe that Craig Fuller’s perspective represents a longer, more sensible view than yours. But I respect your opinion, though one that is “rapid and harsh.”
Carol Voyles says
President Biden had lots of help:
General Frank McKenzie alerted the Pentagon that “Kabul could be surrounded within 30 days.”
President Ghani had assured everyone that he would stay and fight.
General McKenzie then flew to the Persian Gulf to meet with the Taliban and warn them to stay away from the perimeter of the airport when they were already there.
And General Mark Milley reiterated,”There was nothing that I or anyone else saw that indicated a collapse of this army or this government in 11 days.”
The most important question now would seem to be:What have we learned so that we don’t do this again?
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Carol. Your perspective is informed. And, yes, lessons learned are critical.
Carl C Pergler says
I cannot imagine a more disgraceful and disgusting display of immoral and unethical behavior by an American President. Mr.
Fuller’s apologist article shows a total disregard of human empathy and sympathy for the American citizens left behind, much less the Afgans to we pledged to protect.
Howard Freedlander says
I believe that Craig Fuller does feel empathetic. No one could feel otherwise. He simply advises a reasoned perspective when chastising President Biden for making the right decision to leave Afghanistan, while agreeing that the pullout was chaotic and flawed.
Glenn C Baker says
Howard,
Have you been able to watch a press conference with the President where he takes questions? I know there have not been many.
“based on hearsay and unfounded rumors” this comment from you suggests that one of the following has happened. You have Democrat blinders on. You haven’t seen the mans inability to finish his thoughts or sentences. You like me fear who would replace the President if he is not competent to complete his term.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Glenn. Though hardly a worthy benchmark, Biden’s predecessor’s comments during news conferences were nonsensical, if not downright dishonest. My only blinders are ones that filter harsh, premature judgments. I only fear, Glenn, a return to an immoral, corrupt presidency.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Bonnie, Every President faces difficult challenges, in rapid succession.
Joe Biden’s disasters were of his own making.
Stephen Schaare says
Howard, We already have an immoral, corrupt Presidency.
How did Donald Trump destroy your family? Please share.
Howard Freedlander says
We disagree, obviously. Joe Biden is neither immoral nor corrupt. I know not what fantasy you are pursuing. Are you still riding the Hunter Biden horse? Did you consider Trump a constructive force in our country? If so, I would love to know why. Did you admire his family values? If so, I would like to know what they were.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Howard, No, I did not consider Trump a destructive force. We would not have these two disasters were Trump in office. I realize(unlike many others) that Trump is a former President living in Florida. Going back and constantly comparing Trump to our current leader does not Address the issue at hand. Is Biden competent? Based on what I see, the answer is NO.
These challenging circumstances have exposed the character of old Joe.
George Stephanopoulos mentioned people(Afghanis) falling to their deaths from the departing C 17 aircraft.
Biden reacted “that was four, five days ago”. In fact, it was two days prior.
The reaction of a concerned, compassionate liberal should have been- oh yes, that was a tragic event. Our hearts go out to their families. What an cold, uncaring reaction.
Yesterday, amidst this misery, simpleton Joe comes out to speak of his “build back better” agenda. Clueless.
Oh, as I end, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump “remain in Mexico” policy must be reinstated.
For the record, I have given you two direct answers to two direct questions.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Does the most despicable POTUS in modern history have to destroy one’s family to be despicable? Not the question to ask. How about, “how has Trump polluted everything good about our nation? Particularly anything civilized and anything dependent on us to survive?” Like the earth.
Give it up. You have lost the argument.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Deirdre, I have asked the “family” question many times before.
I am simply trying to understand the level of hatred and contempt for the former President.
I have never comprehended such loathing. Were you disturbed by his “tweets”? Did he, in fact, seize all your assets, home, vehicles and family dog.
Several days ago, last week, you stated right here, that 4,000-6,000 evacuees were leaving Afghanistan daily. According to MSNBC,at that point, the largest number had been “nearly 1,600 in a single day”. Looks like some “fuzzy math” on your part.
Back to my direct question. How did former President Trump destroy your life?
Thank you-Steve.
David Reel says
Trying to spin a narrative that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are competent is increasingly at odds with reality. Time for Biden- Harris supporters to acknowledge that harsh reality.
As a top communications advisor once said after resigning his position with a totally inept Attorney General in Pennsylvania (who also ultimately resigned from her office):
“It just got to the point where I could no longer try to explain the inexplicable. You know, when you’re dealing with an ordinary crisis, the general rule is to fess up and fix it. In this case, every crisis seems to have led to a new crisis, more controversy.”
These words were from a partisan political operative who was widely viewed and respected by partisans in both political parties for his commitment to doing the right thing and doing things the right way.
America needs and deserves leadership who will not require never ending explanations of the inexplicable.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, David. Did you find his predecessor’s remarks credible and coherent? Did you empathize with the press secretaries who had to explain what DJT meant, if he really understood the impact of his more than 20,000 lies?
Kathie Rogers says
How anyone watching Biden speak or try to speak not see there is a competency problem is beyond me. The man cannot answer questions without rambling, he needs notes, and only calls on friendly reporters. His family is involved in crimes and no one is holding them accountable. He and his family are a National disgrace!
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Ms. Rogers. A “national disgrace?” Did his predecessor and family bring you pride and comfort? Did you support the voicing of more than 20,000 lives? Just wondering.
Bonnie Lang says
Right on, Mr. Fuller! President Biden has one difficult situation to deal with after another in quick succession.
Jess Haberman says
What is unfolding in Afganistan undoubtedly is tragic. Much of the criticism of Preside Biden though seems highly partisan. I wonder if any President could have withdrawn all Americans without significant issues like we see today. And I think that realistically the jury is out on how this President did. No politician should be exempt from criticism, or is perfect,but look at Thomas Friedman’s commentary on this matter – it was very well done. Finally, I have to ask where is the concern about human life in America – over one thousand people are dying a day from covid and the tools to protect Americans are well known and readily available. Some of my fellow citizens appear to want to have the freedom to kill me, or have their constituents kill me, seemingly because they hate Democrats.
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Jess, A tad harsh. Fellow Americans do not want to kill you because you are a Democrat. C’mon now.
The largest demographic that remains unvaccinated are people of color. These folks vote overwhelmingly for the Democratic candidates.
Jess Haberman says
Thank you Stephen for reading my comment. And I agree that perhaps I was a little harsh. I would say that my fellow Americans who can but don’t mask or get vaccinated, and certain political leaders who insist that freedom means not masking and not getting vaccinated, don’t want to kill me specially. Rather they don’t care that over 1,000 of their fellow citizens are dying every day from covid.
One more thing – I’ve got to correct you when you write that the largest demographic that remains unvaccinated are people of color. It’s true that people of color are overrepresented in the numbers of people who are unvaccinated. According to the recent census, 76.3 percent of people in the US describe themselves as being solely white. That means that 23.7 percent of people in the US describe themselves as being of color or mixed. And according to the Kaiser Family Fund report published last week of CDC data, 43% of the adults who have not gotten vaccinated are people of color. So approximately 23.7 percent of the population account for 43% of those unvaccinated. That definitely means they are over-represented. There are a couple of caveats though – first in comparing percentages of the total population by race to the percentage of unvaccinated adults by race, and second the fact that the CDC reported that race/ethnicity was known for only 58% of people who had received at least one dose of the vaccine. But if you are going to accept CDC statistics, and I don’t know what you would accept otherwise, that people of color are over-represented, then you must also accept CDC statistics that whites are the largest demographic that remain unvaccinated – 58%. I think you will agree that any demographic that accounts for more than half of anything must be the largest demographic.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Jess. Your comments are rational and reasonable.
Mr. Schaare seems focused on why so many people, including many Republicans, loathed Trump. It seems that “did he destroy your family?” is the only reason that Mr. Schaare would accept for hating DJT, ignoring the 20,000+ lies, the mishandling of the Covid crisis,
the absurd efforts to overturn the election results and his incitement of the Jan. 8 assault on the US Capitol.
Rev Julie Hart says
Let’s roll the clock back friends. Vietnam. This current situation is an exact parallel to the draw down and exit from Vietnam. Exact. Even some newspapers have been showing political cartoons and editorials to that effect. As I’ve said before, how sad that we do not learn from history.
The current Administration did not start this war. This war was dumped not only on the current Administration, but previous Administrations. I recently read that the previous Administration had planned to have troops out by May 1 of this year!! Quite a few months ahead of the current schedule. Would it have gone any better under that regime, or at another time? Military Top Brass has said, NO. It was going to be a mess, period.
Yes, I hear and see in my mind’s eye the helicopters and aircraft attempting to get the soon to be refugees out of Nam. It’s an all too familiar scene. It’s a shame that it had to once again be relived.
We need the olive branch of peace, and no more saber rattling. A time…
“…when swords will be beaten into plowshares and there will be no more war…”
Rev Julie Hart
Stephen Schaare says
Hi Julie, Enjoy your sentiment and idealism. Sadly, the Taliban have a different view.
So many will be killed the moment the last aircraft has “wheels up”.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Julie. We don’t seem to learn from our mistakes. The specter of Viet Nam still looms over us, including the ugly exit from Saigon. Perhaps we should narrow our foreign excursions and avoid nation- building.