10/13/2024
My dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,
My dad’s mantra was “Keep Smiling.” We associate it so strongly with him, that we can’t resist buying mugs, plates & dish towels with that expression. I speculate that reminding himself to look on the bright side prevented him from unleashing his wrath. He admitted to me once that his temper scared him & he had to work hard to keep it from flaring up.
I believe you fight the same internal battle & have developed a similar strategy. You work hard to hold your anger in check & aspire to remain cheerful. I hope you persist in this endeavor for the next 22 days.
Today, you have to overlook the NY Post’s article quoting “pundits” who say, you are “sabotaging Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign after being forced to drop (your) re-election bid.” They note a “growing tension … over her dueling interest of remaining loyal … while also promoting herself on the campaign trail as representing change.” I’m sure it‘s hard to stomach that kind of thing, but I hope you can let it go.
As you fly over the West Coast of FL today, please take a close look at Bradenton & consider whether the area near the beach should be rebuilt. My son-in-law’s parents live there & evacuated for both hurricanes. They have decided living there isn’t worth the hassle & plan to move to PA. Others in the area call themselves “resilient” & plan to stay. I’m not convinced that’s a good investment.
On other matters, congratulations on the sympathetic portrayal you received in Bob Woodward’s latest book. The NYT provided this nice quote that you provided “an example of steady & purposeful leadership.” I agree.
As you lead regarding issues in SE Asia, please echo Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s sentiment that "ASEAN should send a unified message to all parties in Myanmar that there is no military solution. It is time to start talking." Please clarify that an “election” under the junta will be a sham.
Keep smiling,
BYBS,
