In a notable announcement, Liz Cheney commended President Joe Biden for choosing not to run for a second term, highlighting his dedication to national service. Cheney’s praise underscores the belief that the American republic relies on presidents prioritizing duty over self-interest. However, this idealized vision clashes with the framers’ realistic safeguards against corrupt leadership, as Alexander Hamilton outlined in Federalist 69. He emphasized the impeachment process as a check on presidential power, ensuring accountability.
The Framers’ Real Intentions
Contrary to Cheney’s assertion, the framers designed the Constitution to protect the republic from dishonorable presidents. Hamilton clarified that a president could be impeached and prosecuted for serious offenses, differentiating the American presidency from a monarchy:
“The President of the United States would be liable to be impeached, tried, and, upon conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors, removed from office; and would afterwards be liable to prosecution and punishment in the ordinary course of law.”
The Dream of American Civil Religion
Cheney’s statement reflects the aspirational American civil religion, which elevates governance into a sacred duty. This ideal is strengthened when presidents act selflessly and is weakened when they don’t. The Watergate scandal and Nixon’s actions shattered the myth that the presidency ennobles its holder, a sentiment echoed in Theodore H. White’s writings.
Trump’s Divergence from Civil Religion
Donald Trump’s presidency marked a stark departure from this tradition. His inflammatory rhetoric and refusal to unite the nation during holidays contrast starkly with Biden’s efforts to maintain a sense of shared purpose. Trump’s response to Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race and his mocking of political adversaries further erodes public discourse norms.
Impact on Political Norms
Trump’s behavior has influenced Republican politics, with few expressing appreciation for Biden’s service. Even when Brent Leatherwood of the Southern Baptist Convention praised Biden, he faced backlash. The rise of MAGA represents a shift from the traditional American civil religion to a more combative and divisive political landscape.
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Biden’s exit evokes the crisis in American civil religion
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