I want to preface this diary by saying this isn’t about Joe being the nominee, he very well may not be because we have a huge, extremely talented field. I have also said I believe he is too old, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. He has amassed an amazing amount of goodwill, affection, and respect not only in this country but in the world. He is uniquely qualified to take on Trump and this is the theme of my diary.
If you haven’t seen Biden’s announcement video please do, he throws down the gauntlet, lays it on the line and previews what is likely to be the political equivalent of the cage match of the century.
There is a horse racing term, the rabbit. The horse who goes out in front leading the pack which usually allows the rest of the field to run their race, set their pace and be there at the finish line. I see Biden as the “rabbit”, his willingness to go toe to toe with Trump means the other candidates in the field don’t have to and can concentrate on the issues. For the rest of the field attacking Trump or making Trump the centerpiece of their campaign is a loser for them and for us because it can be so easily flicked away as sour grapes and honestly Americans want to know what the candidates will do for them, we already know Trump is bad. Biden, on the other hand, is a known quantity, his patriotism and basic decency isn’t questioned so it will much harder for Trump or his talking heads to brush off Biden’s attacks without hurting themselves.
Biden can also speak to the squishy middle in an honest manner hitting home with them. He can school us on why the House investigations are so important and what they mean, why the rule of law matters not just today but forever and for everyone. He can help build public opinion for impeachment, a good thing.
Biden vs Trump polls, Biden wins by 5-7%, but the age group where it is virtually tied is among those of us who remember WWII, whose parents served and fought Nazis. As Biden exposes the ugliest parts of Trump I would expect that number to start favoring Biden, old people have a gag threshold too. This illustrates where he can make significant inroads against Trump's supposed base. This helps every Democrat running from dog catcher to president.
Biden going after Trump is going to lift our collective spirits, let us feel hopeful for the future for the first time in a long time. He will be our voice against the candy-coated Nazis in the West Wing, our venial, racist criminal usurper behind the Resolute desk and reassure our allies and the rest of the world, America is going to be OK. Right now I believe Biden’s candidacy is a real gift to us.