July 21st 2024.
As I sit down to write about President Joe Biden's decision to step aside, my initial urge is to delve into the pressing matters at hand - the Democratic Party's search for a new leader and the far-reaching implications of this pivotal moment, both in the US and across the pond in the UK. But amidst the flurry of political discussions, intricate narratives, and closed-door conversations, I find myself wanting to say just one thing: Thank you, Joe.
Amid the drama and chaos of the past few weeks, it would be all too easy to overlook the remarkable contributions of Joe Biden. Not just during his four years as president, but throughout his entire life in public service. His career spans an impressive 54 years, characterized not only by its length, but also by its immeasurable depth. And let us remember him as one of the most consequential presidents in history.
But what makes Joe Biden's legacy truly remarkable is not the number of job opportunities he created, his unwavering support for Ukraine, or his efforts to combat climate change by rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement. Nor is it his focus on infrastructure that resulted in much-needed upgrades to public transportation. No, the true depth of Joe Biden's commitment to his country goes far beyond these achievements.
He was the first president to join a worker's picket line, and he made significant investments in women's health, reduced insulin costs, and expanded mental health services. He also signed marriage equality into law, fought for reproductive care, and worked to close the achievement gap for children from low-income families. But above all, the defining principle of his presidency has been empathy.
In a world plagued by harsh rhetoric and division, Joe Biden consistently demonstrated a profound ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level. This was evident when he met 12-year-old Brayden Harrington, who struggled with stuttering, at a campaign event in New Hampshire. Recognizing the overwhelming nature of the event, Biden invited Brayden backstage to offer guidance and support. He even shared personal techniques he had developed to manage his own stutter, such as highlighting his speech to indicate where to pause and take breaks. Brayden later endorsed Biden for president on live television, using a script he had written with these techniques.
But this was not a one-time occurrence. Joe Biden made time to meet with many children who shared his struggle with stuttering. His willingness to speak openly about his own personal grief - losing his wife and daughter in a car accident and his son to brain cancer - has also helped countless others feel seen and understood during their darkest moments. When he met with Fred Guttenberg, the father of Jaime, a victim of the Parkland school shooting, Biden shared his own experiences of losing a child and offered words of comfort and guidance. As Fred later wrote in a blog post, Biden's words and advice kept him going during his darkest days.
These moments truly illustrate Joe Biden's character - one marked by remarkable empathy and compassion. And this empathy has not only informed his policies, but also his leadership style. With Biden at the helm, the White House has once again become a beacon of inclusivity and compassion. These qualities have endeared him to many in the US and around the world.
I remember the sense of hope and anticipation that swept over me on election night in 2020, as I joined a mammoth 101-hour Zoom watch party with friends. From the moment the polls closed to the moment Biden was declared the winner, we remained together, committed to witnessing this historic victory. We even slept, ate, and exercised on the call, taking shifts to stay awake around the clock and eagerly sharing any significant updates. This level of hope and anticipation was a testament to the impact of Biden's candidacy, even across the pond in the UK.
Joe Biden's presidency has brought a sense of direction and purpose that seemed to be at risk under his predecessor. He championed progressive policies that resonated worldwide, and his leadership style - defined by empathy, dignity, and a commitment to democratic values - stood in stark contrast to that of his predecessor. He is truly a man of immense resilience, who has served a lifetime in public office with heart and humanity.
But today's announcement - his decision to step aside - may be his ultimate act of service, even if some believe it should have come sooner. It highlights his selfless dedication to his country and his unwavering commitment to global democracy, which have been the hallmarks of his career. And while the stakes for America have never been higher, and the Democratic Party must now quickly select his successor, it is important that we take a moment to recognize and thank Joe Biden for his service.
As we move forward and continue to champion the principles he stood for, let us honor his legacy with a renewed determination for a future that promises empathy for all. But before all of that, and above all else, let me say it again, because it can't be said enough: Thank you. You did it, Joe.
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