Biden’s first speech since leaving office

Biden just gave a speech about Social Security where he talked about first encountering “colored kids”.

It’s endearing when elder-folk say things people aren’t supposed to say.  They can be refreshingly candid because they are channeling their younger self or they don’t give a shit anymore.

Nobody minds because the old person is telling it like it was, and no offense was intended. Also, it’s done in private, amongst friends and family.

The Guardian reports that new books chart Biden’s downfall. Few people doubt that Biden’s mental capacity wasn’t up to a second term as president. People who were on Biden’s staff are now acknowledging that he lost his grip during his first term.  That’s a problem, but not for Joe Biden since his brain isn’t holding up.

Jill Biden should know better.  It’s understandable, but disgraceful, that Jill enjoyed the White House lifestyle enough to put herself before her country by encouraging President Biden to remain in office and to pursue a second term.  There is no reason for Jill to encourage or allow Joe Biden to make public speeches.

Public appearances by Joe Biden may go fine, or they may highlight his decline and further damage his legacy.  There is nothing to gain.  It’s time to step away from the national stage, and let the next generation take over.  He can retain a carefully managed public presence. 

Jill and I are fellow educators, so perhaps she will accept my suggestions for how Biden can successfully navigate retirement. 

Step 1:  Forget about politics and government.  That is something that Joe used to do.  It’s none of his business now.

Suggestion 1:  Biden has a Corvette Stingray and famously likes classic cars.  Visit Jay Leno’s garage.  Leno is a nice guy, is in a working retirement and has almost 300 vintage cars.  Leno is a creative guy, so have fun with it.  Do short video clips, dress up in period attire, whatever.

Suggestion 2: Biden played football in high school and is a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies.  Attend games, sit up in the loge and wave at the camera.  Invite old, retired athletes as guests.  Issue press releases with casual photos and a short commentary by the guest athlete.

Suggestion 3: Raise your damn dog.  Joe’s got that German shepherd that keeps biting people.  That isn’t normal.  This is more of a private activity, but if Joe wants the publicity, do short clips training the dog.

Suggestion 4:  Don’t attempt to appear vital and energetic.  That just smacks of trying too hard.  Act your age.  It will be tempting to release photos of Joe swimming or reading to little kids.  Skip all that.  It’s boring and unpersuasive. 

Joe Biden is a creature of establishment Washington, but always tried to portray himself as a regular Joe.  Fortunately, he has long-held hobbies that appeal to regular people.  Lean in to that.  Most former presidents just play golf, so he has an edge.

Jill remains a problem.  As a fellow educator, I know that anyone with a PhD in Education, who insists on the title of “Doctor”, is a prick.  Jill wants to be recognized as smart, but she isn’t.  The best she can do is remain in the background with the grandchildren.