June 27, 2024
After watching the presidential debate, I’m not here to argue who’s spryer or tell you who to vote for. Instead, let me share what I’ve come to admire about Joe Biden, regardless of who wins in November.
This is about the real Joe – the Joe I’ve come to know from afar, who feels like a kindred spirit. He’s the occasionally crotchety, f-bomb dropper, but straight shooter who’s been serving our country tirelessly longer than I’ve been alive.
Joe’s not your typical slippery smooth politician. The man detested fundraising and small talk he considered “baloney.” He’s a no-B.S. kind of leader who’d rather be out there doing the work than chatting up donors over fancy dinners. Joe values authenticity in others as well. That’s part of why he and Obama clicked so well – their “bromance” still makes me misty-eyed when I think about their friendship and devotion to each other through the best and worst of times.
Back in his Senate days, Joe approached politics like our grandfathers approached work: with the honor of doing an honest day’s labor. He’d hit the pavement, going door-to-door, genuinely enjoying meeting folks face-to-face. And yes, he was a bit handsy, but in that sweet, grandfatherly way that makes you feel seen, not creeped out. The kicker? He’d remember those families and residents even years later. That’s a senator truly devoted to his constituents.
Another thing I admire but think too many people miss about Joe is his humility. He’s had significant accomplishments throughout his career and authored legislation that’s saved millions, but you won’t hear him bragging about it. He just gets on with the job until it’s done.
So, allow me to share two examples that, to quote Biden’s reaction to Obama signing the Affordable Care Act, are “a big f*cking deal“:
- The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). This was Joe’s baby, and it was a game-changer. The first piece of legislation to tackle domestic violence head-on with actual funding. Biden took on this gargantuan task, got it done, and never gave up on it. To this day, he considers VAWA his proudest legislative accomplishment. And get this: since VAWA was enacted in 1994, intimate partner violence has decreased by 64% – that’s millions of lives potentially saved or improved.
- Behavioral and Mental health reforms. During his presidency, Joe’s been addressing our country’s severe mental health crisis like a bulldog. After nearly two decades of no significant federal policy movement, he’s made some innovative, potentially life-saving policy changes with bipartisan support. One standout achievement: his administration has helped launch the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which received over 5 million calls, texts, and chats in its first year, providing crucial support to those in acute crises.
Biden’s Work Can Be a Call to Action for Fathers
Everyone, but Dads particularly, can continue the work Joe started in two practical ways:
- Don’t use violence and teach your children not to. And don’t be a silent bystander to it.
A story Joe told about growing up in Wilmington still sticks with me. He says his dad taught him that the gravest offense one can commit is an abuse of power, and that using violence against another is one way power is abused. But the ultimate abuse of power a man can commit? Causing harm to women and children. This principle has guided Joe his whole life and kept him fighting for VAWA to get enacted.
- Take care of your mental health needs and help your children understand theirs.
Joe’s work on mental health reform is crucial for all of us to effectively attend to our mental and behavioral health needs—from depression to substance use disorders. These changes are particularly relevant for men who remain among the least likely to ask for help or get treatment. Dads, you must put your airplane mask on before helping your children. Prioritize your mental well-being. By doing so, you’re better equipped to support your family and model healthy self-care behavior for your kids. It also helps remove the shame and stigma around these issues.
These two simple yet powerful actions can make a world of difference. They embody the spirit of Joe’s lifelong commitment to protecting the vulnerable and fostering a society of mutual respect and care.
To get more resources and information on DV and mental health, there are loads on fatherhood.gov. Also please share any you have or utilize, or even lessons you’ve learned that may benefit other readers.
Final thoughts
Joe Biden is not perfect. He’s got a mouth on him that’d make a sailor blush, and he’s a bit salty, among other things. But damn if he isn’t a man who’s spent his life by and large trying to do right by the American people. This is what I’ve been thinking about the most after the debate.
Thanks, Joe, for your service, your wisdom, your tenacity, and the vast array of expletives. I’m quite a fan of those myself. ♥️🙏
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Gage Skidmore on Flickr under CC License
