After Hours

across difficult divides, to show respect for everybody at the table, and to help find a safe way forward. After forty-five years in office, that basic conviction still gives me purpose.” He ended up deciding not to run in 2016 after careful consideration, taking time to be with his family and focus on other initiatives after the White House.

Twelve years ago I wrote a column in which I reviewed books by and about each of the presidential and vice presidential candidates. Joe Biden’s book published in 2007, Promises to Keep, is an excellent and clearly written review of his early life, career, and family. I would recommend it too if you want to find out more or know enough to make phone calls to voters to convince them that he is up to the incredibly difficult task of becoming President of the United States.

In 2015 and 2016 I went to see Donald Trump and then–Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speak. I also went to see Joe Biden when he came into the area to stump for Hillary. Donald Trump kept his crowd waiting. At that time I did not know what to expect, although I greatly disliked his racist birtherism and knew that I would never vote for him. He was surprisingly boring, verbally bouncing all over the place like a toddler while complaining about “the failing New York Times,” a familiar refrain. He also told the crowd that there were thousands of people outside who couldn’t get in. I left early and walked outside to see six souvenir vendors. Whining and lying were on full display.

In contrast, Hillary’s event was well-planned and coherent. She looked calm, controlled, and self-possessed in one of her apricot pantsuits, but more importantly was articulate and impressive in displaying her great-onpaper, and great-in-real-life, qualifications. The venue was full but not packed. I don’t remember what she said, but I enjoyed the event.

When I attended Joe Biden’s speech, where the venue was only half full, I was surprised to find that the so-called “gaffe master” gave by far the best speech of all. He supported Hillary Clinton despite the underlying tensions they had when deciding whether to run for the nomination against each other. He declared that we might lose the international relationships we had if Trump were elected. As the main point person in strengthening our support for Ukraine as Vladimir Putin invaded Crimea, he also warned of the dangers of Russian interference in our election.

At that time, out of nowhere, I was struck by his warmth and passion. I knew about him and had thought him to be a good choice for Vice President, yet I did not know who he was as a person. At that time, and ever since, I have hungered for sincerity in our politicians. I am sick of cynicism, and he struck a chord in me. My BS detector is strong, and authenticity goes a very long way with me. I know it does with many others, particularly after the last three and a half years. I was so happy to feel on a gut level that he meant what he said.

Promise Me, Dad accords with all I saw and heard that day. Joe Biden comes across as a decent, loving man with his own extensive width and breadth of public service in all policy areas. He is not a flashy marquee candidate, and he does not radiate big charisma over the cameras. He is by far the best man for the job, and he has made an excellent choice in picking Senator Kamala Harris as his candidate for Vice President, a woman who can correct and help fulfill his vision to serve all the people, no matter what color or creed, while establishing a place of her own in the sun.

So I take the liberty, for the first time ever, to endorse the former Senator and Vice President Joe Biden for President. My views do not reflect those of the Old Town Crier.

If you are voting for him but know someone who does not often vote, such as a disengaged relative in her twenties or a disgruntled,

disenfranchised friend, I hope this column will spur you on to give them a call, or talk to them about voting, even if you normally never talk about politics. I hope it spurs you on to distribute literature or volunteer to make phone calls or texts to support his and Kamala Harris’s candidacy. I also hope it spurs you on to have hope for our uncertain future. As Biden said to help support President Obama during his presidency’s worst moments, “The country can never be more hopeful than its president. Don’t make me ‘Hope.’ You gotta go out there and be ‘Hope.’” I believe that Joe Biden can make America hope again.

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AFTER HOURS

"The Music Is Back" Please check with these fine venues to see who is playing!

Birchmere 703.549.7500 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave. birchmere.com The Blackwall Hitch 571-982-3577 5 Cameron St. theblackwallhitch.com Carlyle Club 411 John Carlyle Dr. 703-549-8957 thecarlyleclub.com Chadwicks 203 S. Strand St. 703.836.4442 Evening Star Cafe 703.549.5051 2000 Mt. Vernon Ave. The Fish Market 703.836.5676 105 King St. fishmarketoldtown.com La Portas 703.683.6313 1600 Duke St. The Light Horse 703.549.0533 715 King St. lighthorserestaurant.com Murphys Irish Pub 703.548.1717 713 King St. murphyspub.com O’Connell’s 703.739.1124 112 King St.

Rock It Grill 703.739.2274 1319 King St. Shooter McGees 703.751.9266 5239 Duke St. shootermcgees.com Southside 815 703.836.6222 815 S. Washington St. St. Elmos 703.739.9268 2300 Mt. Vernon Ave. Taverna Cretekou 703.548.8688 818 King St. TJ Stones 703.548.1004 608 Montgomery St. tjstones.com LaTrattoria 703-548-9338 305 S. Washington St. Two Nineteen 703.549.1141 219 King St. Village Brauhaus 710 King St. 703-888-1951

These establishments offer live entertainment. Call to confirm show times, dates and cover charges. Check our advertisers’ websites.