In deciding not to seek reelection, President Joe Biden has shown much grace, an admirable quality in a leader that’s too often underrated.
Before he came to grips with reality, Biden often seemed like a brittle old man. Just two weeks ago, he said only the “Lord Almighty” could convince him to quit.
Maybe Biden’s wife, Jill, succeeded in helping him change his mind. Or the crescendo from the chorus of Democrats did the trick, when insisting on younger, sharper, more vibrant candidates with better shots at beating Donald Trump.
Eventually, Biden listened. He pondered. A religious man, he sought guidance. Again, that grace.
The point is, Biden arrived at his final decision. It took some time, as it can in persuading elderly people that some tasks can’t be done as well anymore.
Yes, Biden faced the serious prospect of losing. But the general election could have flipped the other way, too, because Americans are dug in and determined to vote along party lines.
He might very well have been reelected.
Consider the polls immediately after Biden’s dismal debate performance. CNN and 538/Ipsos found that Biden and Trump’s favorability ratings remained largely unchanged, just as they did in the aftermath of Trump’s conviction on charges in New York that he illegally participated in a hush money scheme to influence the 2016 election.
Fascinating but not surprising.
Sure, since the debate, Biden has demonstrated moments of feebleness, stumbling over words and botching his delivery. But for many, a “yes” vote for Biden would really have been a “no” vote against Trump.
For putting the country over personal vanity, Biden deserves all credit bestowed on him. It’s got to be tough to give up the most prestigious and powerful job on the planet. Yet, there’s much strength and wisdom in knowing when to let go, when to step aside, especially for the betterment of all Americans.
His choice went beyond politics. It’s an example for all of us, Congressional members notwithstanding. How can we be more generous in letting others do the work who hold the promise to be better at it?
How can we genuinely – not just show more grace – but live it?
No matter that Vice President Kamala Harris inherited Biden’s $96 million campaign war chest, we like the idea of an open Democratic convention in August, which hasn’t happened since 1968. Meanwhile, top contenders California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have endorsed Harris, as other Democrats rally around her. So it’s unlikely.
Stepping into the spotlight, Harris, though, is sharp as California’s former top prosecutor and senator, and now vice president. A skilled, no-nonsense debater who would shine in a matchup with Trump.
Don’t underestimate her. Like a junkyard dog, she would go right to Trump’s questionable, unlawful actions, and bite down hard and not let go.
Vegas bets would be on her.
While Harris attracts attention and the volume turns up, more quiet will eventually surround Biden. The accolades will come less frequently. He’ll likely grieve what could have been. After all, his substantial first-term record proved he knew how to get good work done.
He’ll miss that victory lap of a final term, accomplishing unfinished business, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. Final gatherings of thanks and farewell and good wishes.
In capping his career by choosing not to run for reelection, Biden demonstrated true leadership. Now, that’s grace. Hard to come by these days, especially in politics.
