Johnny Hit and Run Pauline— X

#365Songs: July 21

Well, that was a day — wasn’t it, boys and girls?

We’re witnessing history, things that will fill the pages of hundreds of books. I’m no political historian. As I tell my wife in every instance where I’m not an expert in the thing in question… “Not a doctor. Just a writer.”

As in, a conjurer of bullshit.

But if I can reflect for a moment on this page. It’s the topic of the day, after all.

President Joe Biden stepped aside because he felt it was right thing to do for his party — and thereby the country. Non-partisan scholars have rated him as the 14th best president in American history based on his accomplishments in three years and change. His tenure has been marred by lies from the dog-whistle right-wing media. Nonsense, repeated ad infinitum, conjured by tfg and Fox News. By addressing these claims and mollycoddling willful ignorants, the mainstream, centrist media has given credence to even the most absurd claims against Biden and his government.

Likewise, Biden’s end came as a result of hyperbolic rhetoric about his supposed unfitness to serve — except these claims came from within. (A house divided against itself cannot stand.) The party’s donors publicly refused their support. Celebrities told the president to stand down.

Some of this was driven by panic. Some of this was driven by fear. But it was not driven by any consideration for his resume and accomplishments. Was he fit? Everyone said yes. The donors said no.

One bad night. Off with his head. That’s the kind of crazy spawned by tfg.

Listen — I’ve said multiple times I’d vote for a toaster over the rapist, insurrectionist, felon, cult leader, existential threat to democracy. He told us who he was long before January 6th. Long before he was convicted of 34 felonies.

Our highest office should be filled with someone that respects our country, our values, our diversity, that respects the duty of governing our mismatched and adversarial states. He should be better than all of us. Joe Biden was that guy when we needed him. I didn’t always agree with him — that’s not remotely reasonable (POLITICS ARE NOT A TEAM SPORT) — but I always respected him as a public servant and an example of what a President should be.

The comparisons to Washington and Lincoln hold Biden to an anachronistic standard of selflessness. But there’s truth in their underpinnings. The true public servant surrenders to the public good. To unite a fractured, flailing party, he stood down.

Is this ultimately a good thing?

Fuck if I know. I already told you.

Not a doctor.

Here’s a song from X. California-baked Chuck Berry-inspired punk might not sound like the soundtrack to today’s SERENITY NOW, but serenity comes in all shapes and sizes.

This is just where we are.

~

Start following the #365Songs playlist today, and listen to each new song with each new article!