๐๐ฎ๐ . ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ I think President Biden is being selfish and the Democratic Party is acting like a bully. (Submitted to Chicago Tribune on this date, but declined. I was prescient.)
I voted for Joe Biden in 2020. Iโve been proud of his accomplishments as our President. And when Barack Obama was president, I was grateful Biden served as his Vice President.
Thatโs 12 years of White House service. Enough, President Biden. Itโs time to step aside and let another qualified Democratic run in 2024.
Iโm old, 84, so you canโt accuse me of ageism. But why are we handing over a playbook to the Republicans? Theyโre making no secret theyโll be focusing on Bidenโs age. While Democrats will be touting all the Biden administrationโs accomplishments, Republicans will be featuring his every gaff and misstep.
And why does the Democratic Party seem timid to suggest the above? The polls, with Biden behind the horrific Trump, should be evidence that a great economy, favoring access to abortion, and being a hero for those disadvantaged and threatened, doesnโt move his approval numbers upward.
Itโs not as if we have an empty bench. For starters, letโs consider Gov. Gavin Newsom of California and Gov. J.B. Pritzker of my home state, Illinois,
These two leaders, who enjoy large constituent support, recently made statements that groomed each more attractive to me. Gov. Newsome declared that California would be manufacturing insulin, thereby bypassing the high and unconscionable prices of current providers. Several members of my family are diabetic and depend upon the lifesaving drug.
Gov. Pritzker announced that Illinois would be a haven for those seeking abortions but are banned by their home states. The monstrous men who have judged they know what's best for women's bodies must be stopped. Additionally, Pritzker is Jewish. What a mitzvah it would be to finally see someone of my tribe achieve the presidency.
Gov. Newsome is 55 and Gov. Pritzker, 58. They are closer to the age of my adult children. I have seen firsthand how that particular stage of life can be especially creative, fruitful, and compassionate.
And if others show potential in the Democratic race in 2024 -- let's say Stacy Abrams or Pete Buttigieg -- I'll cheer for their arrival on the field, too.
So, dear President Biden, consider the alternative to running. Youโll go down in history as one of the most successful leaders our country has had. Why not take the trophy and exit the stage. And as to the Democratic Party, lay off bullying members and admit you have the same wish.
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