Some brief remarks about Biden's DNC speech Monday night

About a month ago, President Joe Biden announced that he would not be seeking the Democratic Party's nomination for a second term, even though he had more than enough delegates to accept the nomination. He was the candidate I had voted for during my state's primary this year just as I had done in 2020. Biden had been the man for the moment. His Presidential term was solid, and I would argue exceeded expectations. I might circle back to that another time. He had no serious opponents during this year's primary season and he had made it clear that he still believed he was the man for this moment. Unfortunately, the polls kept consistently telling a different story. And his performance at that first (and as it turned out, last) debate against Trump was nothing short of disastrous for both candidates. This was an election that very few were enthusiastic about. I was saddened at the news that Joe Biden had decided to step aside in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris, but also relieved. Harris is well-recognized, has plenty of governing experience, and she has the stamina to take on Trump. I am not thrilled with how the mass media pushed a narrative about Biden's age, and in the process set up the conditions for him to see no other choice but to step aside. But I also understand that the Joe Biden of 2024 is not quite the Joe Biden of 2020. He's still competently executing his duties, but he's clearly lost a step or two. I have elderly relatives. I get it.

His appearance tonight was truly a class act. He summarized his Presidency, VP Kamala Harris' role in the success of his Presidency, and laid out the stakes for the upcoming election. He was energetic and passionate. His sense of humor was very much intact. He even threw a little shade at the ageists in our society. Most importantly, he clearly articulated the sort of vision that gave us hope four years ago, at a time when hope was in short supply. It was, to say the least, a moving experience. His endorsement of Kamala Harris was sincere - at least it appeared so to me. If he held any ill will against colleagues and friends who had encouraged him to drop out of the race, he sure didn't show it. He hit the high notes, he articulated a vision that he felt confident his successor would carry out, since that vision is largely shared. After all, she is the woman for this moment. He gave his blessing. He rose to the occasion. It was one of his better speeches this year, and a good way to remember him, as he won't have many major speeches to give after this one.

Some visceral reactions. Have you ever watched the Biden family interact on stage at events like this? There's a lot of genuine love there. They are fairly tight-knit. They don't have to put on a show of pretending to like each other. They actually do. I have rarely seen that among families at this level. The Obamas? Sure. Definitely the immediate family unit. Although I have to stretch my memory just a bit (as I was just 10 at the time) the same could be said about the Carters. The Trumps were and are the antithesis. 

It was a good speech at a pivotal moment in our history. Kamala Harris is already rising to the occasion. I have no doubt she will when she gives her acceptance speech on Thursday.


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