Rending of Garments
How long will it take? Will he have to die before he is honored by his rivals for a life of service and dedication?
Like Jimmy Carter whose reputation was damaged by the hostage crisis in Iran, Joe Biden has the albatross of Afghanistan hung on him. Both events, the failure of the rescue mission in Iran and the chaotic and tragic withdrawal fromAfghanistan cursed the public perception of their legacies.
Now, with enough time passed to reconsider Carter’s record of achievement he has won the praise and admiration he deserves even from his former critics.
It will be the same with Biden. He labored his entire career with a charisma deficit. He was never a handsome actor. He never radiated appeal like a Reagan or Clinton. He was plain looking not handsome, without that movie star quality. His voice did not resonate. It was sshrill. He struggled all his life with his speech impediment that always distracted from the message he was conveying. At times it made him sound like he had loose dentures. And even with his personal story of tragic family loss he was not rich, powerful, or magnetic. But, unlike too many lesser men, he was diligent, studious, thorough, dedicated, insightful ,and intelligent. And he embodied integrity and devotion to our country.
He is older now but still vital if a step or two slower. So how long will it be for him to receive the honor he deserves for his life of service?
We may not have to wait very long. It may be only in two years, certainly within four. And when the time comes to compare what we had to what replaced it ater he was gone, there will be a gnashing of teeth, great wailing, the tearing of hair, and rending of garments at what was lost. And what will remain will be sadness and regret for what might have been.