My friend Milton Shinberg has a letter to the editor in today’s Washington Post. I have copied and pasted it below:

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“David Ignatius’s Feb. 15 op-ed, “3 crises give Biden a chance to prove his doubters wrong,” argued

that President Biden’s successes can get him reelected. As is becoming increasingly evident, the optics of his aging make that highly unlikely. It’s time for this wise and accomplished president to take credit for his accomplishments, and they are tremendous, and then make space for a more likely 2024 victor.

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Unlike many presidents, he accomplished his overarching goals. He returned to elective office to prevent Donald Trump from retaining the presidency in 2020. He did it. He aimed to get the economy back on track, and he did that, too. He swore to champion the values that are America at our best, and he has done that eloquently.

But now it’s time to take his bow. He has earned it, not only for his job as president but for many decades of dedicated service. Of all people, this president can’t be the person who reopens the Oval Office door to Mr. Trump, the very person he correctly identifies as the greatest threat to our country. The Democratic Party, and the appeal of its leaders and ideals, should not be underestimated. Other heroes will step up and carry on Mr. Biden’s battle, but that handoff has to happen now. The time for a new hero, one who can build on Mr. Biden’s worthy legacy, is running out. It’s time for a graceful, gracious and well-earned exit — and our deepest appreciation.”

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I could not agree with Milt more.

And time is growing short. I did look this morning at the most recent polls in battleground states such as Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina on Real Clear Politics. Nothing is changing – or if it is, it is changing in the direction of Trump.

How this can be is baffling; we all agree with that. But, baffling or not, this is what is happening and the Trump civil verdicts of over $500 million for various civil infractions do not seem to change this is any way. In fact, Trump supporters are raising money to pay Trump bills.

We need Democratic vision, Democratic vivacity, Democratic charisma. We don’t need someone who, even if he is compos mentis today, may not be tomorrow, and who looks like he may not be today. Perception is so important in politics.

Milt makes a number of good points in his short letter. One is his list of Biden’s primary accomplishments and what will be viewed as his legacy. If he runs against and loses to a felon, or potential felon, and a man a half billion dollars in debt, who is a prime example of what you don’t want your children to be, and who sidles with our “enemies” as he tries to disrupt all of the policies that have so far kept us in good stead, what will be his legacy then?

When I looked at Milt’s comments on line today, I saw there were 276 comments. There are undoubtedly more now. I am going to scan them – maybe you should, too. Something must be done before it’s too late – the Democrats keep relying on public opinion changing – but to those Blacks, Hispanics, young voters and Independents who think Biden is too old and too doddering, there will be no change.