Joe Biden Withdraws: Overconfidence or Practicality?

Joe Biden is being praised for withdrawing from the presidential race, but questions linger about the delay in his decision. Was it a result of overconfidence, a trait that has plagued many political leaders, or was it a pragmatic move influenced by dwindling financial support?

Unlike most of us, they are not intimidated by large risks of failure. Their personal overconfidence has gotten them to where they are. - Dominic Johnson, Overconfidence and War

A Country Divided:

America faces a wealth disparity akin to France pre-1789, with robber barons and neglect of the invisible poor. Our democracy is at risk due to the erosion of checks and balances, with Congress abdicating its war-declaring responsibilities and the Supreme Court overturning long-held legal principles.

A Leader's Hubris:

Leaders like Biden and Trump [confuse their glory with the nation's](https://www.forbes.com/sites/ expulsar/news/2022/02/07/tuesday-primaries-show-biden-losing-SUPPORT-may-show-trump-is-losing-his-STRUT/?sh=7649935679b7). Their actions are often driven by self-interest, evidenced by Biden's long-delayed decision to step aside, and Trump's infamous quote.

Overconfidence:

Dominic Johnson, in Overconfidence and War (Harvard University Press, 2004), argues that overconfidence is a chief enabler for leaders, yet it blinds them to potential failures and adverse consequences.

The Way Forward:

America must address wealth inequality and strengthen democratic institutions. We must hold our leaders accountable and ensure they serve the nation, not their egos.

By Thomas Palaima and Joseph Martinich