Before you pop the champagne, keep in mind that the presidential election is still likely to be a cliffhanger. But still, we can now breathe a little easier. At least now we have a fighting chance.

First a word about Biden. He is getting much deserved praise from all corners of the Democratic Party. He has been one of the most effective American presidents in terms of legislation and perhaps the most effective one-term president ever.  He deserves the praise. His legacy is intact, and historians will be kind. He should have announced his decision to pass the torch about 18 months ago (as he said he would do when running in 2020 and as I had advised him to do), allowing a contested primary to happen showcasing the stars of the next generation, but better late then never. And it turns out that having the announcement follow the Republican convention was great timing. It has thrown the Republican Party into turmoil.

So, what’s next? I have been glued to the news channels starting around three on Sunday and most of Monday. (Ok, I fess up, mainly MSNBC). The consensus is that Kamala Harris will be the official Democratic presidential candidate. I am fine with that. She will destroy Trump if there is a debate. I believe she will be a strong candidate, will win, and be a good president. But that does not mean that she will have an easy time or that there will not be more surprises or nail biting moments. There is disagreement as I write this post as to whether an abbreviated, contested mini primary followed by an open convention would help or hurt. Some argue that it would toughen her up, hone her skills for communicating, and help her reach out to undecided voters. Others say that with the endorsements she already has—now including a strong one from Nancy Pelosi– and no one (now) willing to challenge her, she will win anyway, so why open up the possibility of a messy conflict within the Democratic Party? What we Democrats desperately need is unity.

And whom might she choose for a vice presidential candidate? Many are suggesting a tough white guy from a battleground state—like Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona or Governor Roy Cooper from North Carolina–or maybe Governor Andy Beshear from Kentucky, who has been able to triumph in a solid red state. All three look good to me, but there are many more strong possibilities—men and women– waiting in the wings.  Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro’s name seems to be coming up a lot. 

So buckle up. Here we go again. I do not need to remind anyone how high the stakes are or what would happen if Trump and Vance were to get elected. God help us.

Speaking of God, Trump asserts that it was God Almighty who directed him to turn away at the split microsecond that the bullet would have pierced his scull. Many of his hard core MAGA followers believe the same thing, some even believing that Trump is divine. Biden on the other hand stated publicly that only if God Almighty directed him to bow out would he withdraw from the race. Since Biden withdrew, presumably God weighed in.

Hmmm.