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Joe Keeps Surprising Me [1]

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Date: 2024-07-22  

I didn't know much about Joe Biden in 2020. I knew he’d been VP. I knew he’d been in politics for ages and was likely to be the Democratic nominee. I thought, ok, whatever. As long as he can beat Trump. If he wins the primary, he’s electable by definition, and that's all that matters.

I didn't pay much attention to the primary debates. Something about a contentious exchange with Kamala Harris about bussing. I tuned out all the discourse of “was she too combative?” “Is he out of touch?"

Gahhh, who cares, just pick a cheese sandwich and I’ll vote for them.

Soon after, he surprised me by choosing Harris as his running mate. And I thought “wow. He is good at this politics thing.” What better way to change the narrative, signal unity, and get us excited about his ticket?

Three historic firsts in one. First woman, first African American, first Indian American VP.

The choice told us: Look, we Democrats can disagree. We argue because we’re passionate about the issues. And we’re stronger for it.

It worked! It got me excited.

Then the 2020 debate. I don't know if you remember, but he was really good in that. He hit just the right note. Sincere. Pained. Folksy and no-nonsense. He kept his cool with Trump yelling at him, in a way that evoked sympathy while holding firm.

I thought: Dang. We can brand this. He’s likable. Even I like him now, and I didn’t even want to.

After the election, I’d have settled for a return to normalcy and after the non-stop emergency of the previous administration. A few years to catch my breath and gear up for the perennial uphill struggle of progressive activism. What could a President Biden achieve with tiny majorities, a pandemic, and four years of damage to undo?

Only the biggest investment in climate action ever, and the first gun legislation in decades!

I think Joe Biden’s skill is listening: to experts, to stakeholders, and to his team, and building strategy with the coalition you have. I don’t agree with all his policy decisions, but it was and continues to be a pleasure to watch a good politician in action. Good at politics, and using politics for good.

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