Why Not Drop Out of the Race?

“You’re too old.” “Pass the torch.” “Do what is best for the country.” “You’re the oldest person to ever run for president.” “You have a low ceiling—you’re too unpopular.”

Considering these ominous warnings, would the candidate drop out? Would he put the country first? When considering the ultimate seat of political power, the American presidency, I imagine it is not very easy for a sitting president or presidential candidate to relinquish a potential four years in the White House. It is a place of honor where a distinguished few have served their country over the past 235 years, most trying to do an impossible job in the best interests of the American people. Only a few have abused power and governed in their self-interest.

What would the candidate’s party do? Would they support him through election day? Would they see their country suffer despite his apparent diminished capacity? That was the ultimate question for the candidate’s party. Would they encourage him to step down? Would they rally around a younger, energized, highly qualified candidate or stick with the old guy despite his low ceiling, diminished capacity, horrible debate performance, inability to unite his party’s voters, unpopular policies, and other negatives?

Last Sunday, Joe Biden and the Democratic party sacrificed for the good of the country. A sitting president relinquished power in the best interests of the American people. However, this post does not refer to President Biden.

Biden’s opponent, Donald Trump, is a deranged 78-year-old senior citizen well past his prime. He is a convicted felon, sexual assaulter, and businessman who files fraudulent tax returns and loan documents; a serial liar who inspired an insurrection that caused millions of dollars in damage to public buildings and precious government artifacts and spun false doubts in the integrity of the 2020 election. He refused to concede, exposed his vice-president to a vicious mob, and contacted election officials to “find” enough votes to support his lies. As president, he terminated or restricted women’s rights, voting rights, and access to equal justice. He embraced white nationalists and their anti-minority agenda and mocked and denigrated disabled people and immigrants.

He promised unity and gave us division. He is not only the worst president in American history; he is the worst Republican candidate in party history. Indeed, some in the party would repudiate this vile man, reject his candidacy, and turn the page to nominate a younger, less offensive, less divisive candidate who, at the very least, has integrity.

Well . . . no . . . while the Democrats praised President Biden’s courage and sacrifice for party and country and rallied around his highly qualified replacement, the Republicans doubled down on Trump. The November election will pit an outstanding public servant—attorney, former state prosecutor and attorney general, United States Senator, and Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, against a convicted felon, serial liar, fraud, sexual predator, and twice-impeached former POTUS, Donald Trump—the prosecutor takes on the felon for all the marbles. While the Democratic Party and its chosen candidate acted for the good of the country (and, perhaps, the health of our sitting president), the Republican Party convened, nominated, and rallied around a despicable and dangerous narcissist named Trump.

My fellow Americans: Which party or candidate deserves your praise, especially your vote? I’ve made the clear and reasoned choice to support the Democrats and Kamala Harris. Join me, won’t you?