President Biden Gave a Speech for Two Turkeys and Used it to Draw Our Nation Together in Common Cause

Joe Biden, White House photo

A standard and absolutely ridiculous United States custom is for the President of the United States to kick off Thanksgiving season by offering a presidential pardon to two turkeys. This year, the turkeys were named Liberty and Bell. Rising above the silly situation, Biden used the opportunity to give a short speech to remind us of American values and ambition. He asked us to work together. He gave a good message. Is anyone listening? For Biden reminded a nation (a nation that is not listening) of this great commonplace:

“… let us remind ourselves that we are blessed to live in the greatest nation on this face of the Earth. (Applause.)”

Biden wandered happily along, praising the Liberty Bell, honoring Americans who have passed away, and praising the farmers who provide the magnificent harvests for which we are so grateful today.

Critically, however, Biden ended his speech by asking Americans to overcome the divisions that have marked us so harshly:

“And let’s remember: We are the United States of America, and there is nothing — nothing, nothing — I mean this sincerely — nothing beyond our capacity when we work together. We’ve never come out of a situation, a bad circumstance not — without being better off when we come through it. And this is always who we are as Americans.”  [italics added]

As American politics are increasingly wracked, not only by political conflict, but by increasing numbers of bizarre conspiracy theories, Biden reminded all of us that we can accomplish anything “when we work together.” With so many Americans today denigrating the very concept of government, Biden’s message that we need to work together in unity resonates with depth and power.

Of course, a simple speech honoring two turkeys attracts little attention from the public. Is that Biden’s fault? Or is it ours? Should he have made his point on a better occasion? Should he have spoken more forcefully? Or should we and the press listen more carefully? The press meekly notes that the president participated in a silly ritual. Ignoring the values lesson, Fox News obsessed that Biden mixed up entertainers Taylor Swift and Britney Spears.

President Biden expressed an important value, the value of common cause, but his mild, positive speech could hardly compete with the cacophony of conspiracy theories about the January 6th Capitol riots or Donald Trump’s wild promises to imprison his political opponents. While manufactured outrage dominates our political discourse, simple patriotism fades into the distance. Is it too late? Or can we, indeed, accomplish anything if we work together? Or, is no one listening?

by William D. Harpine

Earlier Posts:

Joe Biden's Juneteenth Speech Used Values to Support Policies

Was Biden Divisive When He Defended Constitutional Government?

________________

Alternate transcript of Biden's talk. 

________________

Copyright © William D. Harpine