Last week I was heartbroken that Elizabeth Warren, our supreme presidential candidate, dropped out of the presidential race. Electability felt like a dirty word. Would I see a woman president in my lifetime?
We walked to Starbucks to meet friends for coffee, as we do every Tuesday and Thursday morning. A young woman in a t-shirt walked in. She changed everything for me. I asked to take her photo. I wished I had asked her name.
Her message lit up my brain. I’m sick of the daily onslaught of lies from the narcissistic thug in the White House. I’m sick of a bone-deep fear of losing any democracy we’ve traditionally claimed. I’m sick of a make-believe president who cares about the stock market more than the health of millions.
An influential voter
I’m feeling relieved. Joe Biden isn’t a sociopath. I like his talk about restoring our values, caring about other people, and connecting with the rest of the world.
Standing with black voters who have had it, too, I understand why many are so supportive of Biden. They watched him stand behind Barack Obama for eight years. At what other time in our history has a white man so sincerely sang the praises of a black man? It’s primal for African Americans, not a political tool like when Biden tossed in Barack’s name during the debates.
So what happens next? Bernie gets one more opportunity to test Biden at the Phoenix debate this Sunday. I hope Biden preps sufficiently. I hope Bernie influences Biden on health care, a wealth tax, and equal rights for all.
Biden correctly calls himself a bridge. I’m betting he’ll choose Sen. Amy Klobuchar as his vice-presidential candidate. I’d support Minnesota’s Democratic governor appointing former Sen. Al Franken to her seat. Hasn’t he been punished enough for having been an obnoxious comedian in his previous life? A fifth-generation Minneapolis woman told me Franken was the best senator Minnesota ever had. Bring him back.
Bring on Minnesota nice. I’m all for it.
Tucson Writer Editor 
with you on this!
Thanks Amy!
Right on, sister. Agree with your post 100%. I was really sad E. Warren dropped out. Was ready to vote for her and it took me awhile to come to that conclusion.
I voted for Warren as soon as I received my mail-in ballot, although a few friends admonished me: “What if she drops out before AZ primary March 17? Didn’t matter. I wanted to vote for her!
I agree with everything you said. Yes to Joe. I was in Delaware at the U of Delaware when he was elected to the senate and then lost his wife and daughter. The entire state rallied behind him, a freshman senator. He is a nice guy. He needs to hire lots of these amazing candidates to work for him to provide a bridge and a move forward for our country. Let’s keep it positive and move forward. Thanks I also love Elizabeth.
Thanks JoAnn! I recall when that horrible accident happened. It was so sad. Yes, if Biden offers a cabinet position to everyone who’s been on the debate stage with him we would be in great shape. Imagine having qualified people in charge of the federal government! Also, compassion and empathy would serve us well.
Thank you, Sheila, for a very fine piece. I appreciate your mention of how Biden could learn from Bernie and how Biden stood so loyally behind Obama. We learn from each other, and so should the candidates. I especially appreciate learning from your piece that the Minnesota governor is thinking of appointing Al Franken. I really liked him, and I believe that New York’s Ms. Gillibrand did us all wrong by initiating the ouster of Franken. We don’t get perfect candidates; however, we can hope to get ones who are willing to learn from others and from their own mistakes. My hopes are high that our election will return some common values and also usher in some new ones.
Thank you for your kind words, Cheryl! I have no inside knowledge about what the Minnesota governor might or might not do. I’m only imagining/hoping that he would appoint Al Franken to fill Amy Klobuchar’s senate seat, if Biden selects her as his running mate.