Thank you, Joe Biden.
You have accomplished so much in almost four years, and a grateful nation is in your debt. My hunch is you will experience an outpouring of love and support in Chicago during the Democratic National Convention, August 19-22.
The night you won the election, there was a hope that the end to the chaotic regime of Donald Trump was coming to an end. The peaceful transfer of power was a question in my mind, an idea seemingly ludicrous to contemplate in the history of the United States.
It turned out the notion was not far-fetched, and what happened was far from peaceful.
Just a few minutes ago, Biden’s decision not to seek re-election was announced. I heard it from Jen Psaki, an MSNBC commentator who served as his press secretary. She pointed out many of the president’s accomplishments.
Gun Safety
Infrastructure
Global initiatives accomplished
Taking on the pharmaceutical industry, capping the cost of insulin
Fighting for women’s reproductive freedom
Said Psaki:
“He is a remarkable person, a remarkable president, and he defied expectations. People didn’t think he could pass an infrastructure bill, and he did…”
She added: “Joe Biden is a deeply good human being.”
Contrast
The contrast couldn’t be more stark between the Republican party (in name only) and the Democratic party. The response between a deeply flawed human being (rapist, cheater, liar, convicted felon) as a candidate versus an elderly leader, whose physical liabilities were not denied but called out for the good of the country.
The watershed debate between Biden and Donald Trump had Democrats in tears and panic. They didn’t shut up and fall into lockstep, with a wannabe dictator, they pointed out the emperor had no clothes. Biden could not withstand the rigors of four more years in office.
Moments after the debate, Former Iowa U.S. Senator Tom Harkin was one of the first to go on the record (in this Potluck column), to name the problem and offer a solution.
In my opinion, the best move Democrats can make at this moment is to rally around Vice President Kamala Harris. There is so much work to be continued, thanks to Joe Biden and his vice president.
Let’s see a small ‘d’ and capital ‘D’ demonstration of democracy in the next few weeks and months until we elect the first woman president of the United States of America on November 5.
I hope to see this in my lifetime.
The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Political Panel will meet on Wednesday to discuss this and other pressing issues. If you would like to support this critical work, please, please do.
It’s imperative to have these conversations. Now, and in the state of Iowa.
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Our Monday Zoom call will be with , our new columnist with the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. We will also make room to talk about Joe Biden, his presidency, and your thoughts.
Thankfully the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative is full of measured, experienced and wise writers to help us understand and process what may be ahead.
Totally agree with Julie!