I am two years younger than Donald Trump and five years younger than Joe Biden. I live in a retirement community, which is like a petrie dish for observing various impacts of aging. I am enjoying the third act of life very much and find role models in Richard Rohr, Parker Palmer, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Carter, and two who recently passed on, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. All of these people are now leading, or led, by the power of example and language rather than the power of office in their later years.
I supported Joe Biden, until the debate, as the best choice to defeat Donald Trump and because I think he has been an effective president. If those are my only two choices, I will vote for him again. But after the debate, I wrote to the White House: Just sent a letter to the White House: Dear President Biden, I am a registered Democrat who always votes in both municipal and general elections and voted proudly for you last time. I am a pro public school activist and co-founder of a group called Grandmas for Love. You have been an excellent president with many outstanding accomplishments. Thank you for a long career of faithful service to your country. Last night, however, scared me, and I am sure, millions like me. The 2024 election is a referendum on democracy itself, and we need a standard bearer able to handle the unfair lies of the other party and prevent Project 2025 from taking place. Please consider resigning in favor of a set of younger Democratic leaders from swing states who can activate the Black, Latino, and woman vote. The resignation speech you give to the nation will be so beautiful, will make us love you more and want to protect your legacy. Every American would watch the Democratic convention, and God willing, new leadership will arise, unify the party, and win convincingly in the fall. That is my prayer this morning. This is the hour for a new Profile in Courage. God bless you as you face this crucial decision.
I deeply appreciate the conversation. I view the world best through a spiritual lens, and your framing is refreshing and helpful compared to so much of what I’ve read post-debate.
We took a family trip to DC this past President’s Day to help us think about what it means to be Americans (I wrote about it here: https://collardspiritualdirection.com/spiritual-life-is-how-we-live/) What I hadn’t understood before that trip is how deeply unique and revered George Washington was specifically for ceding power. Back in February, I thought about the contrast between Trump and Washington in that regard, but now I’m wondering about the contrast between Biden and Washington.
I look forward to reading the thoughtful and diverse responses to your piece to help develop my own perspective.
Yes. Washington's voluntary relinquishment of power was a well-known story in the 19th century and inspired many works of art. I put a photo on Facebook of the Antonio Canova's sculpture of Washington depicted as the Roman emperor Cincinnatus after the debate last week. One reason we live in a democracy is that our first president voluntarily gave up power for the greater good of the country. When sculptor Antonio Canova searched for a way to represent his greatness, he chose Roman attire rather than a Revolutionary War uniform, and the action he depicted was of Washington WRITING, drafting his farewell address, a classic in American literature. "Washington was likened to the ancient republican hero Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, who, having won a war as a Roman dictator, stepped down and returned to his farm. Canova ultimately decided to show Washington drafting his farewell address to the nation." This farewell address is long. Since 1893 the Senate has observed Washington's birthday by selecting one of its members to read the Farewell Address.
I have never thought of Biden as being anything but altruistic, but I'm concerned that his ego and some arrogance might be getting the better part of him. A year ago, he might have been suitable to the arduous task of campaigning, but last week he showed tens of millions of TV viewers that he isn't now.
As an 81 year old enjoying this more relaxed and reflective time of life, I am heartened by your cogent and sensitive observations regarding President Biden and other notable wise elders. He has been a very competent, if not brilliant, president. His contributions to our nation and body politic should not be minimized but now may be the time to
I love this. I am currently traveling with my 83-year old mother. Her body has slowed down but her mind is as sharp as ever, and she is a fount of wisdom. I am grateful for her —we in America must find a way to learn from our elders in a way that respects their wisdom and physical capabilities.
you are, in my mind and as a 74 year old and learning the compexites of aging, right on the money. i willl continue to vote for biden and plan to send this emai to every single human I know. it is that good!! you do not abandon a person like joe biden because of one silly debate--just saying. I would have a hard time of it just standing next to that animal, trumph.
I have liked some of your readers comments here. They have captured my feelings with their comments. I don’t don’t believe Joe Biden would be doing that role at all - if he didn’t feel like he had to. I feel sad he’s having to work so very hard at his age and under so much pressure. Let’s support him because of his age and accept his limitations with good grace. Thanks so much for the conversation.
This photo of you with Jane makes the column shine in the midst of the darkness surrounding us. I adore you both! Meanwhile, see the current issue of the NY Review of Books, Kenneth Roth, “Crimes of War in Gaza”. DD
I agree with you. It doesn’t matter if it takes Joe Biden a little bit longer to come up with an answer or if sometimes he shuffles his feet. What matters is what kind of president he has been and people need to remember that the entire time he has been president people have been saying he’s too old to do it and yet a group of historians ranked him the 14th. best president in history.
Such a beautiful view. We all need to consider your generative approach to the strengths and substance of life, coupled with the complexities of life’s limitations.
I'm in my 75th trip around, and I KNOW I AM DIFFERENT. (Read Jenn Romolini's "Ambition Monster" for a clue to the kind of driven I was most of my long life) People my age are not - and should not be - the main character any more. We are the supporting cast. We are on our way to the exit. There's plenty we can do! And plenty more we should be leaving to people who are on center stage now - the younger ones.
Joe Biden has been on my $#!+ list since the Anita Hill days. IMO he is an ego monster masquerading as a humble guy, my absolute last choice in that crowded Dem primary field. He's done some good, not enough on the issues I care most about.
I'll cast a Weekend At Bernie's vote for him if the party decides to stick with him, but I hope for a new start with a new generation as the polls tell him to release his delegates and let the convention choose a younger person.
Spot on. So much I could say in agreeing with you here. Good elders are gold, surrounding yourself with good, conscientious people is an art. Biden is an adept artist in that realm. I’ve just been considering the role of the church in all this, and because I’m old myself that study from 1930’s Germany is fresh.
Love this piece - my weekly essay is also about honoring all of our life cycles. They are an opportunity to practice compassion no matter how many times we have circled the sun.
I find this perspective extremely refreshing. Falling Upward was an invaluable resource for me as I transitioned into new stages of my journey. I find your application of it her brilliant!
There isn't much I can add to what has already been said. I am 69, and there are things I can do as well or better than before, but at a a slower pace. There are also things I can't do anymore. The point is, it is always changing - and today's abilities are not the same as tomorrow's. This is true for President Biden as well. I would love to see Joe Biden step into a senior statesman role similar to the one Jimmy Carter filled so well for so many years.
I am two years younger than Donald Trump and five years younger than Joe Biden. I live in a retirement community, which is like a petrie dish for observing various impacts of aging. I am enjoying the third act of life very much and find role models in Richard Rohr, Parker Palmer, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Carter, and two who recently passed on, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou. All of these people are now leading, or led, by the power of example and language rather than the power of office in their later years.
I supported Joe Biden, until the debate, as the best choice to defeat Donald Trump and because I think he has been an effective president. If those are my only two choices, I will vote for him again. But after the debate, I wrote to the White House: Just sent a letter to the White House: Dear President Biden, I am a registered Democrat who always votes in both municipal and general elections and voted proudly for you last time. I am a pro public school activist and co-founder of a group called Grandmas for Love. You have been an excellent president with many outstanding accomplishments. Thank you for a long career of faithful service to your country. Last night, however, scared me, and I am sure, millions like me. The 2024 election is a referendum on democracy itself, and we need a standard bearer able to handle the unfair lies of the other party and prevent Project 2025 from taking place. Please consider resigning in favor of a set of younger Democratic leaders from swing states who can activate the Black, Latino, and woman vote. The resignation speech you give to the nation will be so beautiful, will make us love you more and want to protect your legacy. Every American would watch the Democratic convention, and God willing, new leadership will arise, unify the party, and win convincingly in the fall. That is my prayer this morning. This is the hour for a new Profile in Courage. God bless you as you face this crucial decision.
What a beautiful letter, thank you for sharing!
So well said, and who, of sound mind, could argue with it?
I deeply appreciate the conversation. I view the world best through a spiritual lens, and your framing is refreshing and helpful compared to so much of what I’ve read post-debate.
We took a family trip to DC this past President’s Day to help us think about what it means to be Americans (I wrote about it here: https://collardspiritualdirection.com/spiritual-life-is-how-we-live/) What I hadn’t understood before that trip is how deeply unique and revered George Washington was specifically for ceding power. Back in February, I thought about the contrast between Trump and Washington in that regard, but now I’m wondering about the contrast between Biden and Washington.
I look forward to reading the thoughtful and diverse responses to your piece to help develop my own perspective.
Yes. Washington's voluntary relinquishment of power was a well-known story in the 19th century and inspired many works of art. I put a photo on Facebook of the Antonio Canova's sculpture of Washington depicted as the Roman emperor Cincinnatus after the debate last week. One reason we live in a democracy is that our first president voluntarily gave up power for the greater good of the country. When sculptor Antonio Canova searched for a way to represent his greatness, he chose Roman attire rather than a Revolutionary War uniform, and the action he depicted was of Washington WRITING, drafting his farewell address, a classic in American literature. "Washington was likened to the ancient republican hero Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, who, having won a war as a Roman dictator, stepped down and returned to his farm. Canova ultimately decided to show Washington drafting his farewell address to the nation." This farewell address is long. Since 1893 the Senate has observed Washington's birthday by selecting one of its members to read the Farewell Address.
I have never thought of Biden as being anything but altruistic, but I'm concerned that his ego and some arrogance might be getting the better part of him. A year ago, he might have been suitable to the arduous task of campaigning, but last week he showed tens of millions of TV viewers that he isn't now.
As an 81 year old enjoying this more relaxed and reflective time of life, I am heartened by your cogent and sensitive observations regarding President Biden and other notable wise elders. He has been a very competent, if not brilliant, president. His contributions to our nation and body politic should not be minimized but now may be the time to
I love this. I am currently traveling with my 83-year old mother. Her body has slowed down but her mind is as sharp as ever, and she is a fount of wisdom. I am grateful for her —we in America must find a way to learn from our elders in a way that respects their wisdom and physical capabilities.
you are, in my mind and as a 74 year old and learning the compexites of aging, right on the money. i willl continue to vote for biden and plan to send this emai to every single human I know. it is that good!! you do not abandon a person like joe biden because of one silly debate--just saying. I would have a hard time of it just standing next to that animal, trumph.
I have liked some of your readers comments here. They have captured my feelings with their comments. I don’t don’t believe Joe Biden would be doing that role at all - if he didn’t feel like he had to. I feel sad he’s having to work so very hard at his age and under so much pressure. Let’s support him because of his age and accept his limitations with good grace. Thanks so much for the conversation.
This photo of you with Jane makes the column shine in the midst of the darkness surrounding us. I adore you both! Meanwhile, see the current issue of the NY Review of Books, Kenneth Roth, “Crimes of War in Gaza”. DD
I agree with you. It doesn’t matter if it takes Joe Biden a little bit longer to come up with an answer or if sometimes he shuffles his feet. What matters is what kind of president he has been and people need to remember that the entire time he has been president people have been saying he’s too old to do it and yet a group of historians ranked him the 14th. best president in history.
Such a beautiful view. We all need to consider your generative approach to the strengths and substance of life, coupled with the complexities of life’s limitations.
I'm in my 75th trip around, and I KNOW I AM DIFFERENT. (Read Jenn Romolini's "Ambition Monster" for a clue to the kind of driven I was most of my long life) People my age are not - and should not be - the main character any more. We are the supporting cast. We are on our way to the exit. There's plenty we can do! And plenty more we should be leaving to people who are on center stage now - the younger ones.
Joe Biden has been on my $#!+ list since the Anita Hill days. IMO he is an ego monster masquerading as a humble guy, my absolute last choice in that crowded Dem primary field. He's done some good, not enough on the issues I care most about.
I'll cast a Weekend At Bernie's vote for him if the party decides to stick with him, but I hope for a new start with a new generation as the polls tell him to release his delegates and let the convention choose a younger person.
Thank you for the Weekend at Bernie’s reference.
Spot on. So much I could say in agreeing with you here. Good elders are gold, surrounding yourself with good, conscientious people is an art. Biden is an adept artist in that realm. I’ve just been considering the role of the church in all this, and because I’m old myself that study from 1930’s Germany is fresh.
Love this piece - my weekly essay is also about honoring all of our life cycles. They are an opportunity to practice compassion no matter how many times we have circled the sun.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/lisa+kentgen/FMfcgzQVxRJWgbWrpPlZpjBLfQtdxLjw
So heartened by your generosity . We have so long to go and you uphold a perspective as a woman heading into my third act I find uplifting.
This is a wonderful post. Thank you for writing it.
I find this perspective extremely refreshing. Falling Upward was an invaluable resource for me as I transitioned into new stages of my journey. I find your application of it her brilliant!
There isn't much I can add to what has already been said. I am 69, and there are things I can do as well or better than before, but at a a slower pace. There are also things I can't do anymore. The point is, it is always changing - and today's abilities are not the same as tomorrow's. This is true for President Biden as well. I would love to see Joe Biden step into a senior statesman role similar to the one Jimmy Carter filled so well for so many years.