Joe Biden By Linda Stowe
I am not a stubborn person. When it comes to a persuasive argument, I’m all ears. That could explain why I have been married three times. I’m open to change.
That doesn’t mean that I am inconsistent. It only means that my mind isn’t closed. But my decisions are driven by logic, not feelings. Feelings are reactions, not facts. Feelings are transitory. Facts rarely budge.
That is why at this point, I’m riding with my buddy, Joe Biden, and I’ll tell you why:
I reject the fact that he’s too old to be president. There are many things he’s too old for, but not this job. He’s done if for three years so successfully that his presidency has been compared with LBJ and FDR, both men known for leaving the country better off than when they started.
His track record shows that he has the leadership ability to attract exceptional people to his administration. Trump’s administration was a revolving door. According to the Brookings Institution, Trump’s turnover rate of senior officials was 92%. Biden’s rate is 13%.
Biden has the experience on the national level. He has been president for three years, was vice president for eight years and a senator for 36 years. In these roles Biden has forged national and international ties. He knows the job and, judging from the fact that he keeps getting elected, he does it well.
Over the course of his presidency, Biden has not only brought the country back from the shambles Trump’s administration left, but he also has moved it forward in significant ways that position the country for a strong future.
A final note about Biden’s age. I know what it feels like to be 80 years old. Sometimes it is painful and often physical compromises have to be made. Physically I am on the decline. But in terms of intelligence, experience and wisdom I am still going strong and where I am in these areas pales in comparison with Joe Biden.
It is true that the presidency takes a toll. We’ve seen it with other presidents who have completed their term of office. But Biden has strong personal support and it shows no sign of eroding.
I don’t pretend to know what is in Biden’s heart, but I suspect that another term of office would not be his choice if there were alternatives. That’s why whatever decision Joe Biden makes, I trust it.
An afterthought about the image of old people and cognitive decline. Most people’s knowledge of old people comes from interaction with an older relative who is in a rest home or living alone and who is experiencing some decline. What do you suppose brought about the decline, age or lack of stimulation? At the age of 86, my mother lost her sight and had to go into care. Before that, she was living an active life of which she was in full control. After she went into care her cognitive and physical decline began.
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Polly here. I’ve been feeling and saying that Biden needs to be replaced since seeing the debate. But Linda’s argument leaves me wondering if I might be wrong. I still feel that there are younger, better candidates within the Democratic Party. But I’m not sure any of them could gain enough steam to do any better than Biden. That said, I think too many people are having doubts about Joe. I’m not sure he will not be able to win this election. I hope I am wrong. Linda’s piece has given me some hope.
Joe Biden By Linda Stowe
