September 14, 2020--Empathy

When it comes to running for president of the United States, being empathetic can get you quite far. Though likely not elected. Even when running against a narcissist such as Trump.

Let's think, then, about candidate Joe Biden who is about as empathetic as it gets.

The contrast between the two was on vivid display recently when a day apart they visited Kenosha, Wisconsin, because of the protesting and violence there that was a response to an African-American man being shot seven times in the back by the local police.

Without evidence that would justify this, Trump supported the police more than the victim, even going out of the way, while there to comment about another shooting--a 17-year-old self-described white supremacist "vigilante" who, without provocation, used an assault weapon to shoot and kill two unarmed protestors.

Trump did not visit Jacob Blake's family whereas Joe Biden spent time with them, spoke with Blake on the phone, and attended a church service with the family.

Politically, anyone who wants a president who can "feel one's pain" has, in Biden, someone who from his life experience has faced a lifetime of loss, and is exceptionally good at sharing what he has learned from it and is comfortable literally embracing people who are struggling with grief.

Many of Biden's supporters say they will vote for him because of what this reveals about his character.

Others, who have national security concerns, are looking for more, something additional from the former vice president. They are seeking someone who they feel will also be a formidable commander in chief. A strong leader for times of peace and a courageous and effective leader when we are directly threatened. When more than empathy is required. 

They may have questions about Biden's ability to assume that role. Recall, he was the only senior staff official during the Obama administration who did not support the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound. From this example alone some are concerned that he does not have the chops to protect us from the world's bad guys. 

What he needs to do then, and soon, is include in his stump speech and in more formal settings how he would deal with ongoing threats such as those represented by Iran, Syria, and of course, best for comparison purposes, Russia and North Korea. The content needs to be tough minded and the presentation muscular. 

Joe can and should remain the empathetic Joe (as if he could change his nature) but he needs also to show his steely, self-confident side.