Many Democrats these days are retreating into a cozy cocoon where the outside world of politics and government are far away. Unlike 2020 when memory was fresh and motivation was high, fear and overwhelm about the coming election is driving them away from being informed and getting involved. They just want it all to go away. Yet they’re terrified of another Trump presidency.
After the enormous push to get Biden elected, most of the country sighed with relief and settled into a time of observing two simultaneous and incongruent realities: the normalcy of Biden and the craziness of Trump.
Biden’s administration began governing with a rationality we had longed for after a pandemic that knocked many of us to our knees, changed life overnight, took friends and family, and created uncertainty on every level of our lives. We had gone through that turbulent time under a frenzied president who was detached from reality and the most basic democratic ideals and history we learned in school. With one horrifying executive order and statement after another, Trump left most of us feeling sick with worry. Biden felt safe and settled. We could try to restore our lives.
And that’s what most of the country has been doing over the last three years. Enjoying job growth, more stability in the main street economy, getting supply lines straightened out, watching the fed’s efforts to bring down inflation without a recession. We’ve been rebuilding our lives while watching the spectacle of Trump, his associates, and followers, face numerous civil lawsuits and criminal charges in courts around the country. It was easy to stay detached from the reality of Trump ever becoming president again. His actions in office so bizarre and out of line, they were like a nightmare we were trying to forget.
Now the 2024 election is staring us squarely in the face. And people are scared. Polls show Trump is still extremely popular among Republicans. Yet, most of my fellow Democrats put whatever effort they can muster not into anything productive, but into complaining that Biden is too old. Many say they plan to lay low because following the news and the election is just too soul crushing.
First, Biden is who we have. There is no younger, more charismatic person who is suddenly going to appear. Time is too short for that to happen. The nomination process is well underway and Biden is our guy. And even if there was time, there is no one out there who is ready and electable.
There are many exciting Democrats in Congress, as governors, in state offices, with tremendous ideas, strength of character, even presence and allure, but they are either too progressive to be electable or don’t have the national stage yet. We need to develop these people and get them not only on that stage but ready to lead. That is not going to happen by November.
One of the other problems with Biden is his VP. Unfortunately, Vice President Harris has not become the powerhouse many of us thought — leaving us wondering if she would be effective if Biden were unable to serve. While she hasn’t fulfilled all our hopes, I have no doubt she is fully competent and would seamlessly take over. We would not feel any disruptions in our economy or suffer a collapse in our way of life or form of government. Democracy would be safe. At no time in our country’s past have we needed to wonder if who we elect would ensure our form of government, but we are certainly there now.
Most importantly though, it’s time to acknowledge the explicit ageism and bias built into the statement – Biden is too old. We would not tolerate a comparable jab based on racism, sexism, gender, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or disability. Why is it so easy for people to accept ageism in their own opinions and coming from others? The law does not allow discrimination because of age in employment, yet people feel free to use age as a catch-all phrase to erase others’ opinions, preferences, right to hold a job or serve in a position, sometimes right to even exist.
Biden has lived a certain number of years, like we all have. He may have lived some or many more than you or I have. When I listen to his press conferences, I hear the depth and breadth of his understanding and wisdom on everything that impacts his ability to lead and govern as President. He may walk and talk a little slower, but he knows more and has more facility to move among important topics than almost anyone I’ve heard speak. I’m weary of hearing even my fellow Democrats put him down for being old.
Some young people believe that older people have had their turn and should make way for the younger generation. This is an insidious kind of age discrimination that also needs to be called out. Any form of discrimination that trades on negative stereotypes of a group to deny them opportunities is wrong.
If someone’s age is impacting their substantive ability to do the important aspects of their job, then make your case and give examples. Not comments about how they look, talk, or walk. And when it comes to governing, if you have a problem with someone’s policies, then make an argument on the merits. But it’s plain lazy and unethical to put anyone down for their age.
If you’re feeling discouraged and powerless about the 2024 election and the possibility that Trump could be elected again, begin with how things are right now, not how you wish they were. Start with how lucky we are to have an elder statesman as a candidate who is smart, experienced, and can lead. Build up Biden every chance you get and encourage others to do so. Remind people that ageism is just as abhorrent as any other kind of implicit or explicit bigotry. Bring elder respect to our communities and government, just as it’s found in our poetry and parables.
You may not be able to tolerate saturated media coverage of the election or volunteer for a campaign like you did in 2020, but you can do something positive to prevent Trump from being elected again – build up Biden.