I am lucky to have grown up in a military family. My father, Perry, was an Air Force Sergeant. My Uncle Stephen was stationed in Korea and Japan as a U.S. Navy pilot. And remarkably, not only both of my grandfathers served—George in the U.S. Army and Jerry in the U.S. Marine Corps—but also, my grandmother met Jerry while serving in the USMC on Okinawa. Beverly was among the first Americans to benefit from the Women's Armed Services Integration Act of 1948.
Naturally then, when I received an invitation to Monday’s event for Dr. Jill Biden featuring veterans and members of military families, I couldn’t have been more excited.
My name is Nathan Kuipers. I’ve been a Kossack since 2004, and in July, 2023, I filed to run for Florida’s House of Representatives. Please consider donating and learning more about my campaign at www.nathanforfl65.com.
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When I started understanding politics in the 90s and 2000s, Republicans' and Democrats' foreign policy were haunted by the Vietnam War. The misrepresentation of Democratsic support of service members is shameful. I refuse to accept the idea that working for peace is unpatriotic. I refuse to believe the Democratic Party is less capable of achieving national security goals. These beliefs fuel my deep gratitude for Dr. Biden’s event at the American Legion.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor gave a wonderful introduction for First Lady Jill Biden.
I know the press has been very focused on our President’s debate performance. The truth is that I am not. We have too much work to do, too many people to talk to, and too important a fight to get caught up in what elites are saying.
President Biden wasn't my first choice in the 2020 primaries--he wasn't even my fourth choice. Nonetheless, our President has led an impossibly effective administration with liberal values, despite a paper-thin Senate majority and a Republican House. I continue to trust our President's judgment.
Unless and until the Commander-in-Chief redefines our mission, the responsibilities of Democrats are crystal clear. This election couldn’t be more simple. We can continue allowing too-powerful interests to run roughshod over the rule of law, as in the Trump administration. Or we can support our President that beat Donald Trump before, and will again.
Dr. Jill Biden is a wonderful educator, a phenomenal First Lady, and she delivered a barn-burner speech firing up the military crowd. A Presidential election is not just about two men, but also their values, the people surrounding them, and the spiritual force of their cause. Every Trump campaign has been a soulless operation.
For me, I stand with President Biden, Dr. Biden, their family, and their values. This is not a Presidency that characterizes veterans as “suckers” and “losers.” This is a Presidency in touch with America’s values and American people.
It’s been a great ride so far, and I’m still ridin’ with Biden.
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