Every day, presidents say a lot of stuff. It goes with the territory. Most of what they say is soon forgotten, but some comments last forever.
The list of never-to-be-forgotten presidential statements would include the following:
Richard Nixon: “When the president does it, that means that it is not illegal.”
Bill Clinton: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.”
And George W. Bush: “Wine is like beer, except different.”
Now add one more memorable quote to the list, from Joe Biden during last week’s interview with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos. There’s only one way he’d drop out of the 2024 race, Biden insisted: “If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down.”
Invoking the divine is risky for any president, especially Biden. Because the Good Lord might have a different message than the one he wants to hear.
Take it from me. I have a degree in theology. I know scripture. And, given Biden’s dismal performance in his debate with Donald Trump, I’m pretty sure what God, the ultimate straight shooter, might tell Biden.
“First, Joe, let me acknowledge what a good man of faith you are. A real Christian. You never miss weekly Mass. You carry a rosary with you every day. For you, family comes first. And you treat all people with respect. You’ve read the Gospels and you reflect the example of Jesus in much that you do.
“For more than 50 years, as senator, vice president and president, you’ve been the model public servant, heeding the message of the New Testament by directing the powers of government to help those who most need help. You’ve been a champion of the poor, of working men and women, of people of color, of women, of LGBTQ Americans, and of immigrants.
“In 2020, Joe, you saved this nation from another four years of perhaps the least-Christian-like president this nation has ever seen. And, as president, you’ve accomplished a great deal, restoring America’s strength at home and abroad. For all of this, you deserve credit.
“But, let’s be honest, Joe. Blame it all on me if you want to, but you’re simply not as sharp as you once were and, fairly or unfairly, most Americans no longer believe you’re up to another four years on the job. So,now’s the time to put your personal feelings aside and turn back to the scriptures you know so well.
“There is a time for everything, the Book of Ecclesiastes reminds us: ‘a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot…a time to search and a time to give up.’ For you, this is not the time to search for more power, Joe. This is the time to pass the torch.
“Of course, that’s not easy. It wounds your personal pride. But, with so much at stake in November 2024, refusing to do so is nothing but selfishness on your part. Remember St. Paul’s admonition to the Philippines (2/3): ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourself.’
“The only way to value others above yourself, Joe, is to do what’s best for the country. Step aside, and let the Democratic Party rally behind a younger, more energetic candidate who can save America from four more years of Donald Trump.”
“Pride goeth before the fall, Brother Joe.” Thus saith the Lord.
Bill Press hosts “The Bill Press Pod.” He is the author of “From the Left: A Life in the Crossfire.”