Joe Biden. We think we know him pretty well, right? Obama’s VP. Uncle Joe. Amtrak Joe. Gaffe machine.
As we head toward what is undoubtedly the most consequential election that we have ever faced, or will ever face, Biden has gained yet another identity: the guy who’s not Trump. Americans of different stripes are lining up to vote for Joe, and we need them all to counteract any Trump cries of wolf.
One thing we can always count on from Democratic voters, however, is to bicker over policy details. Truth is, we Democrats are complex thinkers, thus we will always disagree on the best way to effect policy and bring about change. And therein lies the problem: if we get caught up in the differences, we will only succeed in tearing each other down to the GOP’s benefit.
So what should we focus on when it comes to Joe Biden’s candidacy? My answer is simple: the big picture – what Biden’s win would mean to the United States at this particular point in time. Without a Biden win, we will be looking at a nation forever changed and essentially diminished.
Biden’s Leadership
After the countless assaults we have suffered under the Trump administration, Biden may be the best political player to heal the country. Democrats like and respect him; likeable, genuine, stands up for ordinary people, and patriotic – these are the words people used to describe him in a recent YouGov poll. (All the candidates were considered intelligent.) He has the ability to reach Democrats across the spectrum, which is critical to his victory. Unlike Trump, who drew his vote primarily from just a few categories of voters (whites, men, people over 50, and non-college graduates), Biden will need to appeal to more groups of people. And once in office, he will work for all Americans, not for himself.
The kind of leadership that’s guided by knowledge and experience, honesty and humility, empathy and grace. That kind of leadership doesn’t just belong in our state capitals and mayors’ offices. It belongs in the White House, and that’s why I’m so proud to endorse Joe Biden for president of the United States.”
Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States
“Soul of this Nation”
Biden launched his campaign with the declaration, “We are in the battle for the soul of this nation,” targeting Trump and the need to right his numerous wrongs. Coronavirus has widened the necessary cures, and when Biden takes office, he will have to quell the pandemic, repair the economic fallout, and eradicate the systemic racism that infects every corner of society. With his personal history of loss, Biden epitomizes the idea of resiliency; Biden did not give up when his wife and young daughter were killed in a car crash; he did not give up when his adult son died of cancer. “Purpose,” Biden said about how he got through these losses. “You’ve got to have purpose.” Because of his background set against tragedy, Biden is poised to lead the nation back from the despair of the Trump years and help us rebuild our nation.
…I’ve often said that politics at its best is more than policy. It’s soul craft and so it’s fitting that I am joining to support a campaign that speaks so often about the soul of this nation.”
Pete Buttigieg, Democratic candidate for President
Unity Party
When Amy Klobuchar and Pete Buttigieg dropped out of the race the weekend before Super Tuesday and joined Biden’s rally, we stood on the brink of a turning point; we just didn’t know it yet. No pundits predicted the breadth of Biden’s victory on primary eve, yet he won 10 of the 14 states. Since then, he has garnered widespread support from former rivals, Democratic Party leaders, and Barack Obama. Support also extends to independents, who favor him according to a June YouGov poll, as well as certain groups of Republicans including Never Trumpers, alumni from the George W. Bush administration, and the conservative Lincoln Project Republicans. There is even talk of a future Republicans for Biden group comprised of office holders.
Biden is now the presumptive Democratic nominee and he has our support. Biden has the experience, the attributes and the character to defeat Trump this fall. Unlike Trump, for whom the presidency is just one more opportunity to perfect his narcissism and self-aggrandizement, Biden sees public service as an opportunity to do right by the American people and a privilege to do so.”
Lincoln Project Republicans
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When it comes to actual policy, Biden’s is certainly better on every single count than Donald Trump’s. Given the crises that the United States faces right now, however, it’s worth taking a moment to delve into how Biden addresses issues that impact Americans across the country.
Black Voters
Biden has the support of 9 out of 10 Black voters, which is not surprising since, as The Root noted in its evaluation of presidential candidates and their Black agendas, “[I]n almost every area, he can point to actual legislation and policy that he has passed or enacted during the Obama administration.” Biden’s “Lift Every Voice” plan focuses on eliminating systemic disparities and advancing equality and economic security. During his campaign, Biden is actively engaging the Black community: listening to leaders, speaking directly to voters through targeted advertising, and hiring campaign staff.
Our challenge is making the greatness of this country accessible and affordable for all,…nobody with whom I’ve ever worked in public life is any more committed to that motto, that pledge that I have to my constituents, than Joe Biden.”
Rep. Jim Clyburn, House Majority Whip (D-South Carolina)
Coronavirus Crisis
Biden believes in science. He already laid out an effective, strategic plan to combat COVID-19 in the New York Times on April 12. (That’s the same day Trump tweeted, “We are winning, and will win the war on the Invisible Enemy!”) Biden worked with Obama to stop the Ebola and swine flu threats, and now looks to scientific experts and medical professionals to save people’s lives. The country needs coherent, rational leadership to deal with a crisis of this magnitude; Biden’s embrace of the mask and virtual campaigning show he understands the demands of these times.
And as we face coronavirus, Joe has been a voice of reason and resilience with a clear path to lead us out of this crisis.”
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House
To close, I turn this platform over to a Joe Biden delegate:
