Joe Biden has applied for the position of President. Management finds that the pros and cons of his application have a substantial overlap.
Pros – Biden’s strongest assets are that (1) he is likeable and seems authentic, and (2) he could jump right in without needing an education, given that he’s been in politics since 1753 and has even been vice president.
Cons – Biden’s greatest weaknesses are that (1) his go-along-to-get-along, affable, deal-making personality is not what we need in this time of crisis, which cries for someone who is braver and willing to step on toes if necessary to save the country, and (2) he’s been in politics since 1756 and does not seem to have Kept Up with Things.
Leader in the Polls. Biden is the current front runner. This is a point in his favor, but the rankings will surely change and change again.
Can he win? Maybe.
On one hand, people who dislike the current president won’t be “afraid” to vote for him. They won’t associate a vote for Biden with a dangerous leap into some hitherto unknown presidential demographic (a gay French Hindu juggler!).
On the other hand, Biden will neither excite anyone nor bring a new generation on board. Nor would any demographic, even his own, be thrilled that – at last! – an old white man will have a chance.
Then there is the question of age. See the post of April 14 that I would link to if I remembered how, “Are Some 2020 Candidates Too Old For the Demands of the Presidency?”
Nominating Biden feels like admitting that we lack vision, guts, bravery. On the other hand, he is the current front runner.
Conclusion: Biden will not be invited back for a second interview at the moment. However his application is retained for further review.
Many Happy Returns 