Joe Biden has Historically Done What's Best for the Country
But now, in his final act, he's focused on what's best for Joe Biden
First off I want to stress that I think President Biden has done this country many great services throughout his career with his greatest, by far, beating Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential race. In addition his administration has been one of the most impactful of any - even more impressive in such a closely divided country and Congress.
So kudos and thanks to President Biden.
Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly.”
― Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises
The Joe Biden we elected 4 years ago was older, but clearly still energetic and on top of his game. But age catches up with you. The worst thing you hear from your doctor is “you’re doing great for your age.” Everything becomes a little harder, takes a little longer, wears you out a little more. And it compounds.
President Biden is no longer up for the job. And that has become painfully obvious. Now 40% of the voters would rightfully select President Biden in a coma over Donald Trump. But 40% won’t win the race.
he [Biden] needs to get more sleep and work fewer hours, including curtailing events after 8 p.m
― Democratic Governor quoting President Biden
Put aside the deluge of recent anonymous comments and look to the Biden Team. President Biden has himself said he’s not up for the rigors of the most stressful job on the planet. They have not given him (or at least not released) a dementia test. They’ve waited almost 2 weeks before having him in an event where he has to take questions.
There are a lot of Republicans that are barely able to vote for the Democrat. Maybe, painfully… But they need to feel confident that Democratic candidate is up for the job.
Most independents, true independents, will find this a deal breaker. If they’re open to voting for either candidate, and one is not up for the job, they’re going to vote for the other.
President Biden may have a good interview with Stephanopoulos. It doesn’t matter. Even if there are no repeats of debate night, and that’s impossible, this remains hanging over him. And when there is a repeat, it will be devastating.
Can Kamela Harris win? We don’t know. But can President Biden win? No. Our least bad option is to go with the maybe.
President Biden needs to do one of the hardest things ever in his career. He needs to step back, look at this dispassionately, and realize that the best thing he can do for the country is withdraw from the race.
It sucks. But he can take comfort that, with time, it will be viewed as one of the most selfless decisions he made, putting the country before himself. And that’s one hell of a great legacy.
(Who is that in the picture? President Polk who declared up front he would serve 1 term as a transitional president. He was one of our most impactful presidents and completed his term respected & appreciated.)