The "Coup Against Biden": Conspiracy Theories Grip the Right After His Withdrawal
The unexpected announcement of President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race sent shockwaves through the political landscape. While the Democrats celebrated the potential for a fresh start and a new generation of leadership, the right wing erupted in a frenzy of speculation, conspiracy theories, and unfounded accusations, casting the decision as a "coup" against the incumbent president.
In the wake of Biden’s statement, a deluge of online commentary framed his withdrawal as a clandestine maneuver orchestrated by shadowy political forces, a "deep state" working to undermine the democratic process. This narrative resonated particularly within the fringes of the Republican Party, where distrust in government and the mainstream media is a common thread. The hashtag #BidenCoup quickly trended on social media, amplifying the reach of these incendiary claims.
One of the most prominent voices amplifying these theories was the far-right troll account End Wokeness, which proclaimed, “For anyone who still believes January 6th was a coup, take notes. You just witnessed a real one." This tweet, viewed over 1.5 million times, set the tone for the subsequent onslaught of conspiracy theories.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate known for his anti-vaccine stance and unconventional views, added fuel to the fire. Kennedy, echoing a common refrain among right-wing pundits, alleged without evidence that the Democratic Party was manipulating the process to pave the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to take over. “Many Americans fear that the same DNC elites are about to rig the nominating process again to get a monumentally unpopular vice president to step into President Biden’s shoes,” Kennedy wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, further fueled the flames, pushing the widely discredited "deep state" conspiracy. In a series of posts on X, Greene asserted that Biden’s withdrawal was a product of a "soft civil war" between the deep state and the elites in power. She went so far as to accuse the Democrats, the intelligence community, and the media of orchestrating a "coup" against Biden.
Conspiracy theories ran rampant, often lacking even the thinnest veneer of evidence. Speculation swirled that Biden had received a massive bribe to step down, was forced to sign his withdrawal statement at gunpoint by the "deep state," or that his departure was part of a cover-up for his alleged involvement in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Of course, none of these accusations hold water. There is no credible evidence to suggest that Biden was coerced, bribed, or otherwise forced into stepping down. The withdrawal appears to have been a decision based on the realities of his age, his declining health, and the political landscape.
Adding to the incendiary environment, Donald Trump, the likely Republican nominee for the 2024 election, seized upon the opportunity to spread misinformation and sow further discord. In a series of posts on Truth Social, his own social media platform, Trump asserted, without any evidence, that Biden "never had Covid. He is a threat to Democracy!" Trump also expressed frustration at having to restart his campaign against a new opponent.
Donald Trump Jr. joined the chorus of conspiracy-mongering, asking in a post on X, “What did they bribe Joe with or more likely what did they threaten him with that he would change his mind in a few short hours and just walk away?”
A similar sentiment was echoed by Rep. Claudia Tenney, co-chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, who wrote on X, “Biden’s resignation from the ticket likely happened due to an inside deal from Democrat puppet masters to the Biden crime family.” As with other accusations, Tenney offered no evidence to support her claims.
The relentless barrage of conspiracy theories emanating from the right highlights a dangerous trend: the erosion of trust in democratic institutions and processes. By rejecting legitimate explanations for Biden’s withdrawal and instead resorting to fabricated narratives, these individuals contribute to a climate of distrust and suspicion, damaging the fabric of American democracy.
The relentless focus on conspiracy theories also reveals a troubling lack of preparedness among Republicans to face a new Democratic candidate in 2024. While Trump and his team have been laser-focused on defeating Biden, they now find themselves having to adjust their strategy and campaign messaging to target a different opponent. This scramble for a new strategy suggests a lack of foresight and adaptability, particularly at a time when the political landscape is rapidly shifting.
Beyond the immediate fallout from Biden’s withdrawal, this incident serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of misinformation and disinformation. The spread of unfounded accusations and conspiracy theories not only undermines trust in governance but also fuels a climate of political polarization and violence.
As the 2024 election approaches, it is imperative to counter the harmful effects of these conspiracy theories. This requires a concerted effort to promote media literacy, critical thinking, and fact-checking, empowering citizens to discern truth from fiction in an increasingly complex information environment. Additionally, social media platforms must take concrete steps to combat the dissemination of misinformation, holding themselves accountable for the content they host and promote.
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with both individuals and institutions to preserve a healthy democratic discourse, rejecting the alluring but dangerous path of conspiracies and misinformation. The fate of American democracy depends on it.
