View From the Editor’s Desk: Biden’s Thanksgiving Message of Hope and Unity
“We can have different political views … we’re the finest, greatest nation in the world. We should focus on dealing with our problems and being together, and stop the rancor. We have to bring the nation together, and we have to treat each other with a little bit of decency.” -President Joe Biden, Thanksgiving 2023
Another Monday morning, another review of the Trump rants over the long Thanksgiving weekend.
Isn’t anyone in the Republican Party tired of listening to these depressing, negative, discombobulated ramblings from the former president? Outside his adoring followers, most are aware of the cognitive decline that is obvious in Trump’s social media screeds and angry rallies. It’s Trump’s world of negativity.
It’s sure the heck not Republican Ronald Reagan’s shining city on a hill.
It’s sure the heck not Republican George W. Bush’s compassionate conservatism.
It’s sure the heck not Democrat Barack Obama’s message of hope.
It’s sure the heck not the America that Democrat Joe Biden and most Americans see, as heard on Thanksgiving when President Biden called into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and talked with parade host Al Roker:
MR. ROKER: Welcome back to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And on this most American of holidays, we have very special guests about to join us by phone. Right now, we have the President of the United States, Joe Biden, and the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Happy Thanksgiving to both of you.
THE PRESIDENT: Happy Thanksgiving, Al. It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without you.
THE FIRST LADY: Happy Thanksgiving!
MR. ROKER: Oh, thank you. And, of course, a belated happy birthday, Mr. President, as well. And thank — thank you so much for taking the time to be here. First of all, what is your — what’s your Thanksgiving message for all of our viewers?
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I think we have to remind ourselves how blessed we are to live in the greatest nation on the face of the Earth. And that’s real. We’re an extraordinary — made extraordinary progress. There’s nothing beyond our capacity when we work together. So, today is about coming together, giving thanks to this country we call home. And thanks to all the firefighters, police officers, first responders, and our troops — some of whom are stationed abroad. I’ve never been more optimistic, Al. We’re delighted to be with you even though it’s by telephone.
MR. ROKER: Well, we’re thrilled to have you–
THE FIRST LADY: And I think, Al —
MR. ROKER: Go ahead.
THE FIRST LADY: Thank you. And I think it’s important that we all commit to an act of kindness today. So, call someone and wish them a happy Thanksgiving or do something kind.
MR. ROKER: Yeah. Mr. President and First Lady, we’re at a time right now where there are a lot of divisions. A lot of folks — you know, a lot is going on right now. What’s the message on this Thanksgiving Day?
THE PRESIDENT: On this Thanksgiving Day, Al, we have to come together. You know, we can have different political views, but there’s — we have one view. The one view is: We are the finest, greatest nation in the world. We should focus on that. We should focus on dealing with our problems and being together, and stop the rancor. You know, we have to bring the nation together. And we have to treat each other with a little bit of decency. And so I think that’s who the vast majority of the American people are.
MR. ROKER: Thank you, and happy Thanksgiving to both of you. I hope you enjoy your time with your family, as we will with all of ours. Thank you so much, Dr. Jill Biden and the President of the United States, Joe Biden. Thank you so much for joining us. We appreciate it.
THE FIRST LADY: Thank you. Thanks, Al.
MR. ROKER: Thank you, thank you.
THE FIRST LADY: God bless our troops.
MR. ROKER: Absolutely. Well said.
The message of hope and unity has been a continuing theme of this President since he took office. As an optimist, it is a message I like to hear from the leader of our country, whether it’s from a Republican or Democrat.
Block out the negativity. Elevate the positiveness.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Onward to Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa!
~Lynn
