Post Debate

It's Still a No-Brainer

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash

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Well, it certainly didn’t go the way I’d hoped.

After a strong SOTU speech earlier this year, I was looking for my candidate to come out swinging, which should be easy to do against a:

• Twice-impeached

• Four-times indicted

• Convicted felon (34 counts)

• Abjudicated sexual abuser

I expected Donald Trump to be restrained by the changes in the format: no audience AND an automatic cutoff of the mic when his turn to speak was over. It seemed to work. At least compared to the last time when he constantly interrupted and talked over his opponent.

I expected Trump to lie incessantly and he didn’t disappoint.

I didn’t expect Joe Biden to appear frail and, at times, confused. He didn't look into the camera much to make eye contact with the TV audience. He didn’t flash that bright smile or shake his head incredulously at Trump’s ridiculous assertions.

Biden seemed subdued and tired, not at all ‘jacked up’ as the Trump camp predicted. I wish he had been.

However, as president, he maintains a rigorous daily schedule, which is undoubtedly a challenge for anyone, let alone an 81-year-old. We heard after the debate that he was suffering from a cold, and we all know how miserable that makes us feel. Biden didn’t have the luxury of resting this week; rather, he was in debate-prep mode.

That came on the heels of a trip to France for D-Day and his son’s conviction, both emotionally draining, I’d imagine.

I know from caring for elderly parents that when they get sick, it knocks them out. You don’t bounce back as quickly from illness or injury as the years go on.

So, despite my shock and anxiety over his compromised performance, I was more upset at the Democratic overlords, who immediately entertained the thought that he should ‘step down.’

I think these fair-weather fans are too ready to give up on our standard bearer. This could easily be a one-off event, and Biden recovers his previous energy and vitality.

If that doesn’t happen in the upcoming weeks, then we have a situation that must be addressed. If Joe decides he’s not up for another four years, the party will nominate an alternate.

But I’m unwilling to give up on a guy who recognized a viable threat to our country and chose to sacrifice his golden years to eradicate it. He felt that he was the best bet to beat Donald Trump, and he did. I sure as hell wouldn’t want the job, so I’m grateful some people are willing to do it.

Credit: NY Times

Especially when those people are experienced and honest and haven’t forgotten where they come from. When they’re not raised to feel entitled or better than anyone else. When they’ve already accomplished so much for ‘we the people’ instead of the corporations, hedge fund guys, special interests, etc. Instead of favoring more tax cuts for businesses that already don’t pay their fair share but begrudge free lunches to poor kids.

Look, I believe there should be age limits on who holds this and other government offices. I hate to say it because it’s ageism, and I’ve been a recipient of it. (Of course, the jobs I applied to didn’t affect the entire country.)

But here we are at this moment.

I think President Biden should be given some grace. God knows he’s earned it. The whole team (including his family and doctors) should take some time to process last night's circumstances and make an informed decision.

While I hope for the best for the President and our country, my vote is decided. It’s a no-brainer. I will not vote for a:

• Twice-impeached

• Four-times indicted

• Convicted felon (34 counts)

• Woman-hating, abjudicated sexual abuser

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

I want a President who believes that ALL people are created equal and is willing to protect individual freedoms.

I’m voting blue no matter who; after all, it IS my favorite color.

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