“A patriot of the highest order.”
Those are the resounding words of praise for President Joe Biden from former President Barack Obama, adding, “For him to look at the political landscape and decide that he should pass the torch to a new nominee is surely one of the toughest in his life. But I know he wouldn’t make this decision unless he believed it was right for America.
“It’s a testament to Joe Biden’s love of country — and a historic example of a genuine public servant once again putting the interests of the American people ahead of his own that future generations of leaders will do well to follow.”
Obama’s words speak to the heart of what matters most about Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race: Integrity. For the first time in a long time, Americans get to watch as the most powerful politician in the world makes the tough decision to put his country above personal ambition.
It’s a truly astonishing act of selflessness that many weren’t sure was still possible in an era of extreme selfishness.
In a nutshell, it’s hope.
Some will challenge this assertion, claiming Biden was forced out and that he had no choice but to leave. This is largely true, yet it renders his decision to leave no less remarkable. No amount of calls by Democrats for Biden to step aside would ever make it more palatable for Biden to leave, especially this late in the game.
Others will point out that Biden’s legacy is actually best maintained by him stepping aside to avoid the risk of losing to Trump. This is also true, and yet again, it’s not the full story.
How many times have we watched someone who knows the right thing to do who then makes the wrong decision anyway? Such is the way of human nature, where even the best of intent can fall prey to immediate needs over rational thought.
Not Biden.
It’s for these reasons and more that there is no doubt in my mind that Biden is making the decision to step down for us, not for himself. In doing this, he has given us the ultimate gift. He’s proved once and for all that Democrats can offer voters the one thing that today’s Republican Party never could: The real version of America First.
The next steps are admittedly fuzzy. These are unprecedented waters for Democrats amid unprecedented times. There are likely to be a few blips along the way, and the next several months will test the Democratic Party in a way it hasn’t been for a very long time. That’s OK. Perhaps even good.
But despite the hurdles, one thing remains certain: Democrats will stand by their new candidate — whoever that might be — and we will be more united thanks to Biden’s leadership and blessing. It’s exactly what we need to move forward in this critical moment, and yet one of the most difficult things for Biden to have done.
So thank you, Mr. President, for all of your service. You have given us decades of hard work and we know you will continue to do so as you close out the next few months. For all this and more, we see you. We thank you. And we will do everything in our power not to let your final service be in vain.
Trish Zornio is a scientist, lecturer and writer who has worked at some of the nation’s top universities and hospitals. She’s an avid rock climber and was a 2020 candidate for the U.S. Senate in Colorado.
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