3/26/2021

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Congratulations on your successful press conference yesterday! You avoided those gaffes that you are prone to make, & according to the WP you exuded self-confidence & made it clear your experience in DC is a big asset. I appreciated your observations that good presidents “know how to time what they’re doing — order it, decide on priorities, what needs to be done.”  I also liked your assertion that, “successful politics is the art of the possible.” I was disappointed that you didn’t put a word in about Myanmar. Maybe you’ll mention it today on your trip to Pittsburgh next week. I’m worried that the peaceful protestors are getting impatient & are talking about creating a “People’s Army.” We both know that WAR IS NOT THE ANSWER. It’s time for some creative diplomacy!!!

            I was surprised to see that today you are doing a virtual fundraiser for Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (KLB). I don’t remember seeing your predecessor ever doing a fund raiser for a mayor. Are you trying to make up for the fact that you didn’t appoint her to a high cabinet office? I hope she’s able to use her self-described “Black Girl Magic” to improve the housing situation in Atlanta. She might want to call Sacto Mayor Darrell Steinberg (DSS) to find out how he managed to get his City Council to get rid of single-family-home zoning. DSS is excited about the new Aggie Square development which my Chancellor Gary May (GSM) brokered on the UCD Health Canter campus. They’ve set aside $50 million for affordable housing in the neighborhood. You might encourage KLB to check in with GSM. He spearheaded Atlanta’s Technology Square project when he was at GA Tech. He might have some great ideas for her.

            GSM is doing a great job leading UCD. You might consider him for your next cabinet position.

            HYITL,