Up To Date with Ethan Callender Entry 3: Good Ol' Uncle Joe

Up To Date With Ethan Callender Entry 3: Good Ol’ Uncle Joe

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past three months, you’ll know that it is damn near certain that the Democratic nominee for President will be Joe Biden. He will be running to win the highest office in the land at the expense of President Trump. As you can see, both of these candidates have a lot in common. They’re both white men over 70 who have valid doubts raised against them about their mental fortitude and competence. However, one of them has previous experience, a decent track record, and isn’t a narcissistic man-baby with sociopathic tendencies. No points for guessing who.

So, let’s go over Biden’s track record, both good and bad. To begin, let’s go over what hasn’t aged very well. For one, opposing school desegregation through busing in the 70s was unfortunate, as children throughout the nation, privileged or not, live with the consequences of that decision to this day. Also, supporting an infamous 1994 crime bill that helped ramp up mass incarceration was rather problematic, but that was the mindset of the people at that time. It was wrong, but at the time, the people thought differently, making the law what it became. A few years before that, the Anita Hill scandal rocked the nation, almost dooming a Supreme Court appointment and promptly being swept under the rug. If that sounds familiar, I bet you’ve heard of Brett Kavanaugh. That aside, this was another massive blunder, but a few major mistakes will happen in any 40-year career.

On to the good, he was Obama’s Vice President, and reversed an economic tailspin that preceded his term. This was done through networking to many of those who he served in the Senate with previously. Sure, the bill was carefully crafted to refuel a sputtering economic engine, but without Biden, the bill might not have passed, and who knows where our economy would’ve gone? Without his help, we could have had a second Great Depression resulting from the ‘08 crisis. Given the economic divisions our nation faces now becoming potentially ruinous in COVID’s wake, a strong economic record is highly important.

Now, let’s talk about the gaffes. These seem to have become a thing of the past in recent months, but I still find it mildly worrying. Or at least I would if Trump didn’t exist. Seriously, Biden’s gaffes remind me more of the infamous “Bush-isms” that #43 would often mistakenly utter. It’s not the best thing in the world, but it’s funny and often harmless, on top of much of the population not really caring. Remember, people were fine with Bush for his first six years or so, and only then did the bottom fell out. Granted, these quotes were not the biggest reason why, but they didn’t ever help. Same goes with Biden.

Is Biden a perfect candidate? Nah, I wouldn’t even call him great. However, in situations like these, it helps to consider the competition, and who else has a viable shot at victory. Only one other person does, and he’s the current President. If you think Trump’s administration has been little more than a reign of error soon to become a reign of terror, then vote for Biden. There were certainly better options, but we got to support who we have, or else Trump will take the next step. That next step could be the death blow to our liberties in all but name. In the words of Eminem, we have one shot, one opportunity. Let’s not squabble and waste it.