The right pick for today’s America

Does the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris ticket have a chance?

I must confess to being a bit discouraged by the daily Donald Trump news conferences that have been rapidly evolving into a series of free campaign ads for Mr. Trump — an opportunity for him to proclaim how great he is, what he has done for the country and how bad the Democrats are. Although much of what he says is misleading and totally lacking in fact, I must admit that he is very skilled in the way he presents his case.

Unfortunately, the format does not effectively challenge his extremely biased and inaccurate message. I felt his message may be getting through and was concerned that he may be able to con his way into another November victory.

Then at about 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 12, something really significant happened. Joe Biden kicked off his 2020 campaign with his vice presidential pick, Kamala Harris, at his side. The setting was very different than what we have become used to with Mr. Trump. It was held in a gym where everyone was wearing a mask and social distancing was strictly enforced.

Mr. Biden, who is not always the best speaker, gave a great speech. Not only did he do a great job of introducing Ms. Harris, but he also offered a rational outline as to how he would get the COVID-19 virus under control, unite our country, get the economy back on track and re-establish the country’s standing as a world leader.

He then turned the microphone over to Ms. Harris, who also turned in a great speech. She talked about herself and her humble beginning and family, her eagerness to work with Mr. Biden on his agenda and was extremely effective in pointing out the shortcomings of the Trump/Pence presidency.

Seeing the two of them together made me recognize how they truly represent the makeup of today’s America. Although Ms. Harris was not my first pick, I left the presentation with the realization that she was indeed the best pick and that the Biden/Harris ticket will be able to give the current administration a real run for its money.

JACK PHILIPS

Point Breeze