Joe Biden and History

On Tuesday, following President Biden’s speech at the DNC Monday night some pundits were quick to say that Joe Biden’s legacy will be determined by the outcome of the next election.

What?!?

That’s all? Not the things he’s accomplished in his 50+ years of serving the country in one position in government or another?

The definition of the word “legacy” has no mention of what a person is remembered for; primarily it refers to what a person is leaving to his or her offspring. This from Miriam Webster: “In its basic meaning, a legacy is a gift of money or other personal property that’s granted by the terms of a will—often a substantial gift that needs to be properly managed.

“But the word is used much more broadly as well. So, for instance, much of Western civilization—law, philosophy, aesthetics— could be called the undying legacy of ancient Greece. And the rights and opportunities that women enjoy today are partly the legacy of the early suffragists and feminists.”

So, I find what the pundits are saying disrespectful to a man who has served the people of the United States for so long and so incredibly well. Nobody in government service should have their legacy measured by a political yardstick. It should be measured by what they’ve left for generations to come.

If, heaven forbid Kamala Harris doesn’t win the presidential election in November will it be Joe Biden’s fault?

When I heard that put forth as an opinion on a podcast from The New York Times, I cringed. Never before have my opinions been so far to the other side of the Times reporters. They need to stop and focus on the reality that there’s so much more at play in a campaign and election than the actions of one man.

Now a few days later, I’m still still hearing people say similar things and I’m angry. How dare they reduce the accomplishments of a man such as Joe Biden to a singular historical event when he has done so much to foster goodwill within the United States and abroad.

He has done so much to foster accord with Nations around the world and try to keep peace.

He has done so much to hold this country together in the last four years, inheriting so many problems from the previous four years.

So I put forth a legacy for Joe Biden that includes the honor and respect he shows to the military, the statesmanship he embodies that is hardly seen in a government leader anymore, the devotion he has to the well-being of the people of the United States; and his wonderful example of a man dedicated to Faith and family.

And, yes, even dedication to his party exemplified by him having the wisdom and courage to step aside rather than see the party erupt into infighting.

Joe Biden is a kind, peace-loving man, and I have often equated his statesmanship to that of Jimmy Carter. Another kind, loving man who brought those elements into the highest office of this country, and made so many of us believe again in government.

As we remember, Joe Biden let us never forget everything he has accomplished and everything he embodies. That is his legacy and my hope is that historians will honor that legacy by placing him as one of the top United States presidents ever to hold that office.

When your current term ends, Joe, I hope you enjoy the years of retirement.