#223: If I Advised Biden
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There's a reckoning due later this year: Does Joe Biden go out on a high note; or is he remembered as a minor character who didn't know when to quit?
Here's the sad sack scenario:
* currently, about one out of every three Democratic voters back him
* many are older, low-information, name-recognition supporters
* come this year's debates, voters will see and like the other candidates
* for many years, Biden was known for his gaffes; debates bring them out
* because his focus will be 'big picture', he'll have nothing new to offer
* 76-year-old minds can be relatively slow, especially when picked on
* he'll likely lose support after each debate, ending the year halfway to done
Here's the winking wizard scenario:
* when choosing wisely, near-77-year-old minds are miraculous
* with his lead in the polls, Biden--like George Washington--could step away
* he alone has the pull to form an all-star team to back the eventual nominee:
* say, Hillary at State, Harris at Justice, Castro at Homeland Security,
* Inslee > EPA, Warren > Treasury, Beto > Energy, Buttigieg > UN, Hickenlooper > SBA,
* Jerry Brown Interior, Abrams HHS, Klobuchar Ag, Booker HUD, and Biden Defense
* all candidates would likely agree to the deal, if unveiled soon
* an all-star Team Democrat would be near unbeatable
Why would the other candidates agree? A team is a powerful force. For the unlikeliest candidates, being a team member removes the dread of losing. For the likelier candidates, the apparent front-runner is suddenly out of the way; which is why the-sooner-the-better for Biden, before he loses altitude. Bernie--and Trump--would then be left as the odd-men-out, being well into their 70s.
Who becomes the nominee? The nine candidates currently running, besides Biden, would continue doing so, along with the also-rans. The winner would be the nominee, and her or his place in the All Star line-up would be taken by someone else. The same goes for Veep, if chosen from among the above.
Why appoint a cabinet prior to the election? Because a team approach means less infighting, a much more competent image, star power, and communities whose candidates don't 'lose', but transition to a new phase. Each cabinet post's assignee would simply be offered the job before other contenders are considered--assuming Team Democrat wins.
Is Biden capable of a selfless exit from the stage? Power is hard to turn down, even when the writing's on the wall, as it is for a man who'll be 78 on Inauguration Day. But Biden may welcome the team leader role. For one thing, it means he can be sure he won't lose.
Is selflessness possible in the age of Trump. Stepping aside could possibly be the signature move that truly inspires voters: this is how good politicians act; like Washington. Biden, in one fell swoop, invoking the best interests of his country, would redeem her honor, and point the way out of crisis and disfunction.
This could all happen at the first debate, this summer on June 26th. Biden could announce his team, live, having hinted at and promoted his announcement in the days leading up to it. Baseball's impending All Star game would provide a likely metaphor, especially since nearly half the current government is without a guiding cabinet secretary.
Audience numbers and impact would be immense.
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