Remember WAY back to July 20? Remember how depressed we had all been about the election? Remember when Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race and immediately backed Kamala Harris? Remember how some people thought Dems should have some sort of debate or primary or something to pick a candidate rather than just anointing Harris? Why Harris?!?! Remember the spontaneous outpouring of money and support that organically happened within 24 hours of this moment? What did Joe know that led to this series of events?
Joe knows Kamala Harris.
Joe has been in the Situation Room with her. Joe trusts her to talk to foreign leaders on behalf of the United States. He knew her through her friendship with his son Beau. He knows she does her homework. He’s watched her interact with everyone from world leaders to children with ease and comfort. He knows that she’s sharp and articulate.
He knew exactly who she was when he threw his support behind her. And he obviously believed that she was the person who could beat Trump.
While many people (average citizens, reporters, us, etc.) are somewhat shocked by how easily she has embraced and adapted to her new role, I would guess Joe Biden is not. He saw the qualities we are just beginning to truly see in her. Her joy. Her empathy with others. Her fierce support of issues that are dear to her. Her intelligence and work ethic.
And I suspect he knew this prosecutor could trounce felonious Trump in a debate. And that she could change the tone of the conversation.
We all owe Joe Biden a huge debt of gratitude for his support of Harris AND lining up others behind the scenes to also back her. We also need to acknowledge that this seasoned, shrewd politician had faith in her that she could not only win the election but would also be a great president.
We have watched her surge in the polls, break fund-raising records, inspire huge numbers of Dems to volunteer, draw massive crowds, motivate young people to register to vote, and now, soundly defeat Trump in a debate. I cannot think of a single Dem who could have done all of this.
Joe Biden knew exactly what he was doing when he supported Kamala Harris. So today, as we are all on cloud nine after the debate, take a moment to thank Joe for selflessly stepping aside so that someone else could step up who had the energy, personality, and stamina to successfully go after Trump. It must have been an agonizing decision on his part, but he did what he thought was right for the country based on what he knew.
Eternal thanks, Joe!
