We Need to Change the Narrative & Inspire America

Last night’s debate was heartbreaking for many Americans. President Biden needed to counter the frail image painted by his detractors, but instead, he unfortunately embodied it. Those of us fortunate to have seen our elders in their advanced years know that old age can have its good and bad days. This was a bad day to have a bad day, a stark contrast to his robust performance at the State of the Union in March, or the strong, smiling man who appeared today in North Carolina. The debate format allowed Trump to spread his lies and horrendous statements unchallenged, as Biden struggled to effectively counter him. This is why we must take Trump and MAGA’s Project 2025 seriously when they outline plans to strip reproductive rights, LGBTQ equality, racial justice, environmental protections, and free speech, while eroding checks and balances essential to democracy. Google "Trump Project 2025" to understand the gravity.

The narrative is bleak. Calls for Biden to "drop out" only reinforce Trump’s accusations, potentially demobilizing moderate voters and alienating Gen-Z. We need a new story—one that captivates and inspires. People love a heroic narrative, a fresh face rising to the occasion to save the campaign. We need to call upon successful and courageous leaders like Governors Gretchen Whitmer, J.B. Pritzker, Gavin Newsom, or Jared Polis to step into the national spotlight and answer this call to action.

The Democratic Convention on August 19 can be our pivotal moment. A hard truth needs to be accepted by President Biden, along with a solution that allows him to gracefully step aside and ensure a smooth transition to a capable successor on the campaign. This will preserve his legacy and bridge us to the future.

Let this ordeal lead to another’s call to action. They may refuse the call at first, but the road to and the convention itself could be the platform where they can cross the threshold, forge alliances, overcome obstacles, and confront the opposition. Let the media coverage run away with a new heroes story they can sell. Give the American people the story of a leader who unites us, overcomes obstacles not for themselves but because they are called to serve the greater good. Who seek, not only open the doors to the future but also equip the nation to walk through them.

We cannot fall into despair and let the narrative run away with a felon out to corrupt our nation's soul. The American People deserve to be inspired, and the Democratic Party must rise to the occasion and write a future that delivers the confidence not just to defeat Trump and MAGA fascism, but to lead a nation of hardworking, creative, loving people into a future where the progress we achieve together serves us all and enriches our country, our communities, neighbors, and selves.