The day after President Trump ordered a travel ban from the origin of COVID-19, ex-VP Biden tweeted, “We need to lead the way with science-not Donald Trump’s record of hysteria, fear-mongering and xenophobia." Now excuse makers split hairs about whether or not Joe opposed the ban and called Trump a racist. Going back, Joe seems to need someone to explain what he “really meant.”

So what about Joe’s accomplishment going back nearly 50 years on the public payroll? The National Re-investment and Recovery Act in 2009 was according to the Obama White House website, “an unprecedented effort to jumpstart our economy and create millions of jobs.” Joe Furman, deputy director of the National Economic Council, said, “He (Joe Biden) was behind the scenes making sure it (the Recovery) actually worked (A. Khalid, NPR, April 12, 2020)."

Economists said that federal stimulus came up empty in every way (Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, June 11, 2011). Forbes called it the $787 billion mistake and reported Biden publicly stated economists agreed it was working when they didn’t (Forbes, June 9, 2009). Someone was needed to tell us what Joe really meant.

Now Joe promises he would raise corporate taxes if elected. Who in their right mind would add further burdens to closed, burned and looted businesses struggling to reopen during a pandemic? That would build back to the Obama days of 2009-2014 when median income actually fell. How is that better?

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump is met by large enthusiastic crowds of supporters. If it weren’t for social distancing, Joe’s events could be held in a phone booth. In Kenosha, Wi., he avoided looted and burned businesses, instead rambling breathlessly about taxes and inequities. In Michigan, he said over 119,000 in the military contracted COVID while 6,000 died. Later in a zoom, it was revealed that his prepared questions and answers were on teleprompters.

Unlike the ABC town hall where the “moderator“ debated Trump, Joe’s town hall on CNN was like a visit with great-grandpa. One question did trip Joe up when he was asked if he was against fracking. Joe said, “I’m not against fracking.” Anderson Cooper reminded Joe he wanted to end fracking. Joe replied, “Well I will!” Later Biden went into a tirade blaming the President Trump for all the COVID deaths. All the COVID deaths? That really highlights Biden’s issues.

With the passing of Justice Ginsburg, the stakes became even higher. That’s why a bewildered Biden dragging a teleprompter around just before the election is also disturbing. AOC recently let it slip that Joe could be pushed in a more progressive direction if he’s elected. What kind of leader is that? The answer may have been revealed by his running mate when she referred to a Harris administration with Joe Biden as president. That must be what building back means.

Ralph Miller