The last word about, and from, Joe Biden

The Democrats’ theme for Monday’s Night One was “For the People,” which is Kamala Harris’ tagline, reflecting how she introduced herself in court when she was a prosecutor.

I call it Losers Elders Night, with the two biggest names being losing Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and nudged-into-retirement President Joe Biden.

The Dems are flying high, with Kamala’s polling numbers higher than Biden’s in almost every category. 

With that said, there was an overwhelming sigh of relief gratitude for Joe Biden.

It was kind of like when a rich, boring uncle comes to visit. You love having around, but can’t wait for him to leave.

But speaker after speaker sang his praises and accomplishments to the skies, paving the road for him to deliver his own eulogy. It could have been like a Stockholm Syndrome moment.

It wasn’t. For more than 45 minutes, looking fresh and alert, Biden uncorked a great speech, divided between a list of accomplishments, and attacks on the character and policies of Donald J. Trump.

But that was preceded by a full five minutes of cheers and chanting from the crowd in the Union Center. Even during his address, the crowd chanted “We love Joe,” and “Thank you, Joe.”

Toward the end, he touched on the forbidden fruit of the last month — why he stepped down.

“I love this job, but I love my country more,” adding it was “not true” that he was pushed out.

He took several opportunities to praise Kamala, whose selection he called the “best decision” he ever made.

He seemed sincere.

Along the way he scattered some Bidenisms, such as, abour his wife Jill: “I love her more than she loves me.”

I know what he meant, but it was a screwy construction.

Then, as always, “No, I’m serious. Think about it. Not a joke.”

And then, with hearts full of love, and eyes full of tears, grateful Democrats wished good riddance luck to their former chief.

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One of the best lines came from Maryland congressman Jamie Raskin. He told Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance there was a sudden opening “Because they tried to kill your predecessor,” Mike Pence.

He was referring to those on Jan. 6 who were carrying a gallows and shouting, “Hang Mike Pence.” 

Bittersweet moment. After a video tribute to him, Rev. Jesse Jackson was wheeled out in a wheelchair, able to feebly wave, but apparently too feeble to speak. He is among the last of the civil rights lions of the 1960s. The Philadelphia Daily News endorsed his candidacy for President in 1988, partly out of conviction, partly a stunt to draw attention to ourselves.

Best name-calling. New York Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called Trump a “two-bit union buster.”

Best self-discovery. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, noting Trump’s mocking of Kamala Harris’ laugh, said, “Sounds familiar.” She did not laugh out loud as she said it.