Here’s the gist of a letter I sent to my representative and senators in Washington.
I’m writing to ask you to help the Democratic Party find its way to a new ticket for this year’s presidential election. Of all the presidents since Reagan, overall I think Joe Biden has done the best of them all. I’ve spent the last few months defending him.
Last week, in a high stakes moment, he let the country down. In so doing, he strengthened what was already one of his biggest vulnerabilities in the election: the perception of his age and frailty. There is clearly some reality behind that perception.
I’ve heard many arguments why we should not change horses midstream: the polls aren’t showing that the debate definitely matters; debates usually don’t much make difference in election outcomes; any replacement would have weaknesses of their own; the Biden coalition can’t be reassembled around someone new; replacing him now would be an admission that opponents’ criticisms were right; going with someone new would be risky. Yes, it’s risky! We are in a truly dire situation. But given all the uncertainties of this unprecedented situation, let’s not rely on dubious calculations. Instead, let’s take the responsible and defensible path of putting forward a candidate with the vitality to lead. Let’s be the side that doesn’t have our heads in the sand.