President Joe Biden’s record over the past 3 1/2 years makes him one of the most consequential leaders in our country’s history. Space allows only a brief and incomplete list of his accomplishments: created over 14 million jobs; prevented default on the national debt; capped some drug costs for seniors; expanded benefits for veterans; expanded affordable healthcare; created an infrastructure bill to address our crumbling roads and bridges; lowered families’ everyday expenses; expanded the NATO Alliance, rallied our allies to support Ukraine; increased U.S. manufacturing, preserved access to reproductive care; protected marriage for everyone; delivered on climate and environmental justice, and signed significant gun safety legislation. And, he did this while guiding us out of a deadly pandemic and avoiding a predicted, dire recession.

Now, with humility and grace, he has stepped aside. Instead, he will finish some of the work he started, including a cease fire in Gaza and the return of hostages. His predecessor and GOP presidential candidate, promises to attack every one of these accomplishments. A convicted felon, a sex offender, an admirer of authoritarians like Putin and Orban, an opponent of international organizations, and women’s reproductive freedom, he is the antithesis of Joe Biden who for more than half a century has worked tirelessly and unselfishly in Congress and the White House for all Americans, not just the rich and well-connected. Thank you, President Biden. In November, we’ll be voting for Democrats up and down the ballot.

Eleanor Cochrane

Hancock