Last Awe of Sentries

I got up this morning (as I usually do), made coffee (as I usually do), and then unplugged my phone from its overnight charge to check for any emails, texts, or whatever (as I usually do). No crises. 

I turned on MSNBC's Morning Joe (as aI often do) for a dose of the television equivalent of doom-scrolling. I think I was as surprised as the hosts were when Joe Biden called in for a lengthy interview/discussion and to insist that he was not dropping out of the race.

Look, I wish there was some other progressive candidate in the race who could challenge and defeat Trump. But with Biden insisting on staying in the lead, and with the delegates needed to win the Democratic Convention all but locked up, any attempt to replace him will be contentious and divisive. Whoever emerges from the Convention other than Biden will not be everyone's choice and will have precious little time before Election Day to consolidate support among Democrats, much less the rest of the electorate. Whoever emerge may not be fully vetted and subject to some "October surprise" that could diminish their chances. And most worryingly of all, these is no candidate, even the most obvious contender, the Vice President, raising their arm and saying, "I'm in. Pick me."

Who would run? Kamala Harris? She's already considered the embodiment of ineptitude by most Republicans, and relatively few Democrats have expressed warm support for the idea of her candidacy. Personally, I like her and firmly believe she could do the job and do it well, but I worry about her electability. Gavin Newsome? Mr. California? The whole race will become a referendum of California's abundant problems, and voters in many states will vote to keep, say, Missouri from becoming "another California." Pete Buttigieg? Hakeem Jeffries? Gretchen Whitmer? Elizabeth Warren? AOC? 

Fine candidates all, and I like them - some for reasons other than the rest - but none are hands-down, slam-dunk favorites to replace Biden in August's convention, and then run a successful campaign in the 70-or-so days between then and Election Day. 

We need to wrap our hears around the reality that the candidate is Joe Biden and then, not only that, get fully behind and support that candidate. Biden, for his part, needs to help us by stop hiding behind press releases and teleprompter speeches and do more candid conversations like today's Morning Joe interview. Stop with the gaslighting ("I had a cold," "I was jet-lagged," "One bad day in June won't decide the election") and help us get behind and support him.

One more thing: I've heard and seen a disgusting amount of ableism and ageism from both sides of the political spectrum regarding Biden. His age isn't the problem, and age isn't a problem. Bernie Sanders is 82 and Elizabeth Warren is 75, and no one's complaining about their age. Shit, Marshall Allen is 100 fucking years old and still blowing the roof off stages with his fiery saxophone playing in the Sun Ra Arkestra. 

Age isn't the problem - the rightful concern is potential dementia. Age isn't the problem - but holding on to outmoded ideas and solutions could be. Age isn't the problem - but health and longevity are rightful concerns. To say Biden is "too old," is like saying Obama was "too black" or Hillary "too female." Criticize any of the candidates all you want for their policies but race, gender - and age - are not their liabilities. Stop with the goddamn ageism, already!!