Biden addresses the folks
Biden says it’s not about the past. Oh well ok then. Just wipe that whole thing out then, yeah?
But if it’s not about the past why would anyone even pay attention to Joe Biden? He’s running on his past, specifically on his gig as Obama’s comic relief.
Joe Biden just spoke at an event in Chicago, addressing his exchange at the debate with Kamala Harris about his past comments about segregationist senators.
“30 seconds to 60 seconds on a campaign debate exchange can’t do justice to a lifetime committed to civil rights,” Biden said.
Is that what Biden’s lifetime has been devoted to? That’s not what I hear.
At the debate Thursday night, in response to a question about race and policing, Harris interjected and said that she had a right to respond as the only black candidate on stage. She directed her comments to Biden, denouncing his record on race.
“I do not believe you are a racist,” Harris said, looking directly at the former vice-president. “But,” she continued, “it is personal. And it was actually hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and career on the segregation of race in this country.”
Speaking at a labor luncheon on Friday, Biden said: “Folks, the discussion in this race today shouldn’t be about the past. We should be talking about how we can do better, how we can move forward, how we can give every child in America an opportunity for success stories.”
Meaning, his past might not make him look good, so let’s ignore it.
I abhor the ‘forget the past, look to the future’ crap. Yes, if somebody’s made mistakes – and everybody has – but has honestly and sincerely apologised and worked to make amends and correct the mistakes, then it would be wrong to continue to beat them over the head with the past. The past would still be a factor, but if a person can be seen to have learnt from their mistakes and put things right then by all means forgive them and maybe give them the second chance they’re asking for if they’ve earned it.
However, when it’s used merely as a way to try and shirk responsibility for their errors, to get the slate wiped clean without even attempting to put things right, then no, neither forgive nor forget.
Whenever I hear somebody say ‘That’s all in the past so just forget about it’, I get an urge to give them a punch on the nose then say ‘Oh, stop going on; it’s in the past, just forget about it.’ I never have, but the thought of doing so amuses me.
“Can I get a mulligan?”