Bill's Focus

A desperate plea

Dear President Biden, 

I believe you have been the best president of my lifetime (I am 77). 
But it is time for you to take a step back.  
 
Please listen to America. Your advisors and your family will tell you what they think you want to hear. They won’t challenge you because they love you. Open your ears and hear us.  

I believe that in a second term, you would govern very well. I believe in you. If you are the nominee you will have my vote and my donations.

But it is time to recognize the reality that you could easily lose this election. A convicted felon would enable Project 2025. That would bring fascism to America.  

Donald Trump is a weak candidate. He is a crook. His reputation is a monstrous joke. Ask yourself why you are not leading him in every poll by double digits? I think the polls are often wrong. But still, in a matchup with such a ludicrous candidate, the polls should be indicating you would garner at least 60% of the vote.

I am not worried about your stutter or inability to engage with a bellicose combative liar. But millions of other voters are VERY worried. Too many may stay home on election day. 
 
I think you have performed extremely well on the international stage. You have signed legislation that is the most important since the time of FDR. You guided us wisely out of the Pandemic. You signed bills that are rebuilding our infrastructure and bringing important jobs to Americans. Our economy is vibrant – the best in the world. Well done!
 
But many younger people do not feel that way. Time for the next generation to take the reins. Withdraw from the contest now and allow another candidate to rise to the top. 

You could spend your remaining months working on executive orders to improve the lives of Americans. Advance climate crisis policies, negotiate peace in the Middle East, support Ukraine in any way you can. You could pardon thousands of prisoners who committed nonviolent drug possession or small money crimes. This would relieve the overburdened prison system and offer some long overdue justice.

You could guide your successor with your decades of experience and wise counsel.
 
When you ran for president in 2020, you said you wished to be a transitional president. It is time to assist the next leaders with your wisdom, experience and support. It’s time to transition. Our generation needs to pass the baton. Do the right thing. Let Democrats choose a new president. 

Release your delegates before the convention. Recommend that the Democratic National Committee draw up a list of potential presidential candidates. Our bench is deep. There are Governors, Senators and House Representatives who are experienced and could hit the ground running as a candidate. And there is VP Harris who could be an excellent ground breaking president. After all, look at who has been her teacher.
 
The convention delegates could vote using a ranked choice voting system. In a matter of days, the campaign would have powerful new energy. Funding would flow and we would be victorious in casting aside the greatest threat to our nation since Andrew Johnson.  

The “conventional wisdom” is that a new candidate would not have the necessary name recognition and there wouldn’t be enough time to drum up support. That is nonsense in a world where the internet and social media can bring a person to higher prominence in a matter of days. For most of our history, the political parties have selected their nominee at a convention. Not ideal. It will be messy. But can’t we be nimble?
 
This would be democracy in action. Your legacy would be that you put your country ahead of your ego and ambitions. That’s the stuff of heroes. Please, for the nation, for the Planet Earth – do the right thing. 
 

With respect and admiration, 
Bill Alstrom 
Massachusetts Democrat