Back in the day, when GIs were nearing the end of their enlistment, or the end of their time posted at a particular base or fort, their behavior would sometimes be a little “off” and they’d explain “I’m short.” It was GI slang for “I won’t be here long, and I don’t give a rip.”
It most particularly referred to troops within days of completing their required one year tour in Vietnam, after which they were headed elsewhere, often home.
After spending his life in government I’m betting that is how Joe Biden is feeling. The President gig isn’t fun anymore, his “duck” is so lame it’s crippled, and he’s looking forward to some new things in his life.
He will no longer be stalked by press shouting questions at him. He keeps his security detail, if not quite so hover-y as now. He can go from being semi-retired on-the-job to completely retired off-the-job.
Given his unpleasant physical and mental challenges, that’s got to be a relief. Jill can lay off the Edith Wilson act and stop worrying about Joe embarrassing himself and her.
He’s been one of the worst Presidents of my political memory, which goes back to Ike. Failure to get reelected is the public’s judgment that they agree, few presidents fail that test.
The presidency happened to Joe too late in life and you could almost feel sorry for him. I’m not young myself, and know facing up to and accepting one’s progressive inability to do today things at which you once excelled is painful and sad.
