It seems like forever since we’ve had decent leadership in Washington, D.C. And sadly, we may be heading into yet another election season without any real prospect for changing this. Unless, of course, America completely surprises and votes in a Bernie Sanders or an Elizabeth Warren. Or both on the same ticket! Wow. Stranger things have happened, right, so why not?
One thing I’m certain of is that merely voting Trump out of office in and of itself won’t cut it. With so many really big issues that have gone unaddressed for years, I have to ask: do we even have time for a Joe Biden anymore? I’m thinking not. I’m hoping we won’t waste our time.
I had participated in 10 presidential elections by the time the 2016 election blew everything up. After seven straight cycles of voting Republican, there was just no way I could bring myself to vote for Trump. Or Hillary, ever. Two of the most highly toxic candidates in modern history—what kind of choice is that? Yeah, so I abstained and voted only on local and state issues.
Think what you will about that decision, but I guarantee you my conscience is clear. Of course I’m terribly sad about how the past three years have played out, but c’mon. Don’t blame me! The day Americans can’t vote their consciences, it’s all over anyway, man.
As it turned out, it was all for good. At least for me, personally. When I walked away from that voting booth, I left my “R” affiliation behind and never looked back. I now consider myself to be an Independent; though honestly, I will vote for just about anyone other than a Republican for the foreseeable future. They’ve lost their way, enabled much harm to our nation, and I want nothing to do with them anymore. No more “conservateev” doctrine, Fox News or talk radio.
And I feel so much better now! This ideological freedom sharpened my objective thinking, heightened my empathy, and reset practically all of my priorities. My sensibilities have come around full circle, back to my younger, idealistic college days. I’m old enough to be skeptical but still young enough to be optimistic. And by the way, I’m not afraid of the word “socialism.”
From now on, I’m all in for the “revolutionaries” who can think big. Indeed, the bigger the better, because we’ve got some really yooge problems to solve. Far beyond firing Trump (and hopefully putting him and his family behind bars, btw).
Which brings us to Joe Biden. What is his reason for running for President of the United States? Some presumed “electability” factor is what keeps coming up. But what else has he got going for him? There had better be a whole lot more! I tend to doubt that an “old school” Joe Biden-type politician could actually turn out enough voters to beat Trump in 2020.
But for now, anyway (we’ll see what happens with the developing scandal surrounding Biden’s son), the political power brokers and media elite seem to have already picked Biden. So unless he chokes on the foot that’s practically always in his mouth, or otherwise implodes; or unless all of the other primary candidates can eventually come together behind a single candidate who can rise up and take back control of the Democratic Party, then it seems we may well be stuck with this guy.
Joe Biden is clearly an ambitious, hard-charging, old political pro with standard issue delusions of grandeur and a typically oversized ego. And, just as the other candidates are, Joe Biden is surrounded 24/7 by strategists, donors, pollsters, pundits, reporters and crowds of supporters, all constantly telling him how great he is. Can you even imagine what that would do to your head?
And so, with all of this in mind, think how nearly impossible it would be for just about anyone in that situation to actually see themselves objectively, have the magnanimity and humility to realize (and then admit!) that they are not “the one”; and after all that to find the grace to step down, pass the sword, and throw one’s enthusiastic support behind the better man or woman for this moment in history. I mean, do we have any record of this ever happening?
For all of these reasons, I am certain that none of what I am about to advise would ever reach or ultimately resonate with a Joe Biden. Nevertheless, the following is what I would recommend if I could somehow catch his ear and appeal to his nobler self.
First, Joe, if the momentum does continue to carry you toward the Democratic Party nomination, promise that you will name each and every one of the other Democratic candidates to key positions in your future cabinet, administration, ambassadorships, Supreme Court, etc. And let Bernie have first pick. He’s earned it. He should have been the Democratic nominee in 2016, and would surely be the best this time around if it weren’t for the power of the D.C. Establishment.
If it has to be you, then be the kind of leader who percolates up the best ideas. Reality check, Joe—your ideas aren’t the best. Not even close. Never have been. And if nothing else, you’d at least have to admit that you’re out of step with the times in 2020. And if you can’t even admit any of that, then I’ll have just proven my point.
Pick three issues to measure each and every day of your presidency by. I would suggest: 1.) THE ENVIRONMENT-We need to do everything we can to reverse climate change trends and clean up the environment; 2.) ECONOMIC PROSPERITY-Do everything you as president can do to make things fairer, including capping and progressively taxing wealth and income, reversing market consolidation and concentration, bringing back anti-trust laws to break up monopolies, reversing Citizens United and resultant corporate political influence, aggressively regulating business practices, enacting something in the direction of Bernie’s Medicare for ALL ideas; and 3.) RESTORING OUR DEMOCRACY-Take giant steps to bolster democracy by getting money and lobbyists out of politics once and for all, eliminating gerrymandering, strengthening voter rights and protections, securing our elections; and restoring accountability, balance and respect to the three branches of government.
Finally, pledge to be a one-term president, Joe. This won’t make you a lame duck (only lame policies will). Rather, this would assure that you get elected in the first place.
I don’t think you’re the guy. I hope you’re not the guy. But if you are the guy, then put aside your ego and set us up to not only defeat T-rump, but to finally and forever move past the old, Neanderthal politics of today’s Republican party and truly remake our country into a place we can all respect and be proud of being a part of.
Do all of this and you would surprise and delight the citizens of the U.S. and the world. Do this and you would actually go down in history as a great president. Do this and you will have my vote. Continue being the Joe Biden we’ve always known… and good luck. You will need it. And so will we.
