Joe Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in modern history. He assumed the role amid a devastating worldwide pandemic, rescuing our economy from almost certain recession, presiding over historic infrastructure relief, expanding and protecting labor rights, shoring up and expanding on the Affordable Care Act, normalizing accommodations for disabled Americans, appointing the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, and of course, not only choosing the first woman but the first Black and Asian American woman to be vice president.
Joe Biden has lived a life of service to this country, and never has his love of country been more apparent than this week, as he stepped aside to reduce the chances that America does not fall into the hands of extremists. In that moment, Joe Biden did what Joe Biden has always done: He put country first and moved us closer to an ideal America when he elevated a highly qualified successor, a Black API woman, to be our party’s nominee.
This week was gut-wrenching for many of us who are proud of his accomplishments, character, and genuine love for this country. However, it was also a testament to his patriotism. He is passing the baton to a younger generation, and it is now OUR task to pick it up and run as hard as we can with it.
We must not only elect Kamala Harris but also re-elect Senator Bob Casey, Congressman Chris Deluzio, and State Representative Rob Matzie. We must also elect Ashlee Caul and Kenya Johns as state representatives, Kate Lennen as state Senator, Erin McClelland as state treasurer, Malcolm Kenyatta as state Auditor General, and Eugene DePasquale as state Attorney General. The stakes have never been this high, and we must ensure each candidate is victorious in November.
When we vote, we choose a vision of the future for our community and our children. You all know I always say it is not our job as parents to change our children to fit into a world that was not designed for them. It is our duty to build a world that is instead worthy of our children. In this moment, it is imperative upon us to be good ancestors- to take another step towards that better world. That is what Joe Biden is doing by passing this baton to Kamala Harris. We MUST take up that charge with renewed hope and energy to ensure that future.
YOU can help by donating, volunteering with us, bringing friends along, and talking to your neighbors about what is at stake. We are re-energized in this moment and extraordinarily excited for the opportunity to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, especially at the top of the ticket, Kamala Harris as our next President of the United States. Please join us. We have work to do.
In solidarity,
Erin Gabriel
Chair, Beaver County Democratic Committee
