First Impressions of President Biden

Rob Carr Getty Images https://www.politico.com/gallery/2021/01/20/inauguration-day-2021-in-photos-003741?slide=0

I wanted to write down my first impressions of President Biden while they are still fresh in my mind and before they are influenced by anything else that happens.

• I think what impressed me the most was the deep concern that President Biden displayed for other people. He seemed outwardly focused on those around him and concerned about their needs. He showed it in small ways such as helping his wife, who was wearing "killer heels", descend steps, and how he courteously opened the car door for her. He also showed his concern for others in his warm greetings to people, having as much of a "normal" inauguration as possible in his inauguration speech, and in his Presidential actions taken on his first day in office. These actions give me hope that our needs will not only be seen, but responded to soon.

• It was evident that President Biden had close relationships with his family. He enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren. I could tell that they come first in his life. This never losing sight of what is most important in life, an awareness of true priorities, gives me confidence that he can make wise decisions. It was also good to see him running over to greet people along the parade route. It assured me that he has the energy to fulfill his responsibilities.

• Knowing that President Biden has dealt with his first wife and his daughter dying in an accident and with his son dying of cancer just a few years ago, I feel that, as the Bible says, he is a person who "has been tried in the furnace of affliction".  He kept going, and kept serving others. Even a pandemic will not cause such a man to flinch, for he has shown that he has the strength of character to deal with whatever comes. 

• Another thing which is helping me to have confidence in President Biden is his faith. Though he does not force it on others, neither does he hide it in shame. It simply is his strength and the foundation of his character. I know that people who believe in God, of any faith, can access the power of God to do far more than they could have done otherwise. I have experienced this power in my life, and it is evident that President Biden has also. This faith will enable him to solve problems far beyond his own abilities. 

• I was also impressed that President Biden had both the support of and warm relationships with most of the past living Presidents of the United States. I later learned that he had worked with each of these proceeding Presidents helping them to get legislation passed that they wanted. There seems to be the possibility that our past living Presidents would we willing to assist and counsel with President Biden.

• It wasn't just the other presidents that I felt would support President Biden, but I witnessed many friendly greetings between our new President and other members of Congress. They seemed to be long standing friends who even joked together. I could see that our new President, who spent 36 years in Congress and eight as Vice President, worked well with Congress and has many friends there. I thought, "If anyone can get the Democrats and Republicans to work together, it just might be President Biden." 

• I was impressed that President was deeply concerned about helping the people in the United States get the vaccine to help us survive the Covid-19 pandemic and in helping our economy recover. Learning about all the humanitarian causes he has supported and of his lifetime of service, gives me confidence that he will be focused on our needs instead of  political ambitions. 

• I was impressed that even at the end of a long first day, President Biden began his Presidential duties by trying to repair damage done by the previous President. It gives me hope that he is trying to get the Covid vaccine out to the people, is getting us back into the world organizations, is proposing economic relief measures, and is trying to make immigration laws more humane and fair. It is heartbreaking as a mother and grandmother, to know that children were taken away from their parents and that over 500 children still have not been returned to their families. I have hopes now that these children will again be with their families, and that the United States will be able to regain a position of respect and influence in the world. Making the effort to take action on his first day makes me feel that President Biden is taking his responsibilities seriously and intends to do his best to help the American people.

• I was very impressed with the respect and nearly equal attention that was given to Vice President Harris. She seems like a very strong person who has, and will, stand up for what she believes to be right. She said she would tell the President what she thought, and she would "be the last person to leave".  I believe she will do that. I was impressed that President Biden did not seem to expect her to be a mere decoration, or to melt into the woodwork, but treated her as a full participating partner. 

• I liked seeing that Vice President Harris seems not only to have a close relationship with her husband, but her actions showed concern for others. It is great to have the role model for our young women of a woman who is both warm and caring, and strong and capable. Having a woman who is not only Black, but also of Asian descent, in a position of power assures me that women and minority groups will have more of a voice in our government.  

• I was very impressed with the tenderness and closeness between President Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden. The moment that they stood together on the porch of the White House with tears in their eyes and hugged, sharing that they had finally made it, was special and shows the depth of their relationship. She seems like a very strong woman whose presence will be felt in the White House and who will be a great strength and help to her husband. I was impressed that her husband supported her becoming a doctor of English. I think it reflects his respect for and acceptance of women's abilities. 

• I found President Biden's Inaugural address to be inspiring, calming, and optimistic. I liked that he challenged us to work together. I saw the same spirit of love and hope in all those who spoke, sang, or recited as did our poet laureate who read her marvelous poem. The entire event expressed a spirit of hope, unity and healing. 

• After watching President Biden all day, I felt that he was a person who could, and would, work with others to get the help we need so desperately at this time. I feel that he will listen to the counsel of his advisors, and that he will delegate responsibilities. I think we has shown strong leadership qualities which he will use to help the American people. 

• Since I have never approved of everything any President has done, it is likely that I will not agree with everything that President Biden does either. Yet, I do feel that we have a President who will try his best to help make things better for the people of our nation.