A Chess Game and Joe Biden
I play chess every three weeks with a student I had 25 years ago. At our recent game he complained about “the President who says inappropriate things and has goofy hair.” He wasn’t talking about Trump.
I asked, “Goofy hair? That’s the orange guy. Not Biden.”
“Nope” said my ex-student. Let’s call the student J.D.
“What do you mean… Nope!” I asked.
“Biden says things that make no sense and have you seen that ducktail chunk of white hair on the back of his neck?” It sticks out and looks old-man-crazy.”
When I thought about it. I had in fact noticed.
I moved my chess piece. J.D. moved his in response.
J.D. and I went back and forth in our discussion and our game. I’m a retired teacher. Mostly a Progressive. Pro-union, Pro- Obama Care, Pro-Joe. A life long Democrat.
J.D. is more of a Libertarian whom as a group I tongue-in-cheek label as Republicans ashamed-to-admit-they-are-Republicans. Although the shame thing has seemed to evaporate lately.
J.D. took my rook. “There is no way Biden can win. Absolutely no way any more.”
“What makes you think that?” I pretty much knew what he’d say and knew I wouldn’t like any of it.
“Lots of young Progressives are not behind him. They see Israel as an occupying apartheid state. And they see Joe as an enabler of Israel.”
I didn’t say anything. I was worried about the game and the election.
J.D. went on, “And few are excited about Biden. Your dems will, in large numbers, vote Independent or not vote at all. Trump’s army loves Trump no matter what.”
I made a face at J.D. “Who taught you to argue so well?”
“The same old fart who taught me chess.” He pointed at me.
J.D. decided to rub it in some more, “Biden’s numbers are tanking and staying down. Michigan is a perfect example. Biden won it by over 200,000 votes. PBS claims there are 205,000 Arabs in Michigan. They are not happy with what is going on in Gaza. Same thing as young Progressives – they will not vote for Biden or perhaps not even vote at all.”
“Are you trying to distract me from this game?”
J.D. smiled. “Why not?” Hey, in the last election many people didn’t actually vote for Biden. They voted against Trump. Biden just barely squeaked out a win last election.”
“Well I read that according to actuarial data Biden and Trump have a 11% chance of kicking the bucket due to their age. So, it’s both of them.”
J.D. replied “That’s your come back? Biden easily looks his age. Question…you have any old farts sitting around the table on Turkey day?”
“Yeah.” And I knew where he was going.
“Well, my dad is 74, ex-Marine and he had a schnooze-athon right after the meal and almost during it. Kept nodding. It’s not a good Mr. K. It’s not good that Biden is so old.”
I had to agree.
J. D. continued, “And Harris OMG! If Biden pushes up daises she’s our Pres.! Then the Dems will push their machine to march lock step behind her as the nominee!”
Again, I had to agree and I didn’t want to.
“People don’t like her.” J.D.added, “She’s got no charm. Doesn’t seem sincere or articulate and has the same bad smell as Hillary. Right?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re not saying much Mr. K and that’s not like you.”
“I can’t. You just checked my king.”
He smiled, moved another piece and checked me again. “Then there’s illegal immigration, crime, transgender issues, books in schools. The Republicans got the Dems on the run on these. That stuff makes people vote. You only have two issues. You think you have three.”
I looked J.D. in the eyes. “Abortion works for the Democrats. And people will vote against Trump. What’s the third one you think we have but don’t?”
“The economy. Dems squawk about the good economy. Maybe on paper, but I don’t see it on the street. Gas is 5 bucks plus a gallon here. That supposedly good economy is invisible.”
I put my head in my hands and sighed. “Umm, your move.”
He moved a piece, “Want to bet $20 on your Joe and I’ll take the Orange Jesus?”
“I’m pretty sure you are in checkmate.”
J.D. stopped smiling. Stared at the chess board. “Well, aren’t you the sly old S.O.B? Ya got lucky.”
I pushed my chair back and eyeballed J.D., “Nah, old age has it’s advantages and yeah I’ll take you up on that $20 bet. I pretty much have to.”
As for Biden. Things do not look good for Joe. Maybe it’s time to for him to call it a stalemate and let somebody else run.
In all seriousness the country can’t afford for me to lose that $20.