In August 2020, The New York Times reported that a remarkable yet accidental encounter took place in 2019 that would come to represent the heart and character of Joseph R. Biden Jr. Long before he secured the Democratic nomination for president, as he headed for an interview with the Times editorial board, Biden shared an elevator with Jacquelyn Brittany, a star-struck 31-year-old security guard who couldn't contain her admiration. "I love you," Jacquelyn told the former vice president. It was a candid moment she didn’t realize was captured by a film crew for The Weekly, an FX show produced with the Times. While Biden did not receive the Times’ endorsement during the Democratic primaries, his easy rapport with Jacquelyn resonated across social media.
In August 2020, Jacquelyn Brittany was selected as the first person to nominate Joe Biden for president at the Democratic National Convention. It's been four years since that heartwarming elevator exchange, but the story still captivates. As it did then, it offers a glimpse into the authenticity and kindness of the president. It's worth revisiting this special exchange from the past, and reflecting on the transformative impact of President Biden's leadership.
But that's not all. We must also look at the economic progress achieved during his tenure.
As reported earlier this month by The Washington Post, in September, the U.S. economy created 336,000 jobs, defying economists' expectations. The unemployment rate remains steady at 3.8 percent, while wage growth outpaces inflation to the benefit of American workers. These statistics underscore the success of President Biden's economic policies, creating a stronger and more prosperous America.
And this isn't just about the numbers. These figures represent the lives of hardworking Americans like Jacquelyn Brittany and are the culmination of 33 consecutive months of job gains, offering a glimpse into the resilience of our labor market. Beyond the statistics, this means that Americans have been consistently finding job opportunities, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and its fallout.
According to the Post, although the unemployment rate has inched up recently, it's a reflection of robust job postings, drawing workers back into the labor force, indicating that President Biden's economic initiatives are succeeding. “Bidenomics is about investing in America and investing in American workers,” Biden recently said. “We’re creating good jobs in communities all across the country, including in places that have been left behind.”
In a world where we often see leaders disconnected from the realities of ordinary Americans, President Biden stands out. He is a leader who not only talks about empathy but embodies it, connecting with people from various backgrounds and experiences. Economic policies affect the everyday lives of people like Jacquelyn Brittany, so having a leader who genuinely cares for the American people is of paramount importance. President Biden’s work to date has transformed not just the economy but the lives of countless individuals across our nation.
In 2020, none of us could have predicted the myriad challenges that lay ahead — a global pandemic, economic uncertainties and political divisions among them. But President Biden rose to the occasion to steer us through those turbulent times.
The American people will decide the course of our nation, but one thing remains clear: President Biden is a leader who understands the collective aspirations and needs of the American people. He connects — he’s approachable. And if Jacquelyn Brittany’s experience is any indication, he also listens to those he serves. Isn’t that what we all want in a president? Someone who listens and who is prepared to lead us to becoming a better, stronger and more united America?
Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.
