Thank you, Obama and Biden.

[lostnfound]

Taking the oath of office may feel somewhat like willingly walking into some cage today, for such reponsibility to a nation in a time of crisis will be inescapable to a man of character who assumes it. You AND your family will be under the microscope, and you won't see them enough. In your new life, you won't be able to wake up and decide to take the day off, or usually, even the afternoon off; and if the pressure gets to be too much some days, there are few opportunities to let off steam. Long ago you gave up runs on the shores of Lake Michigan; recently you've given up your ritual trips out to the ordinary tasks without an entourage of security; now they want to take your blackberry too. Seemingly the most powerful job in the world strips you of the most ordinary of powers.

I feel so grateful that you have been willing to take on this task. The right man at the right time and we badly needed to feel some hope about America again.

And to Joe Biden, perhaps it seems odd to be standing at the side of such a shining star who is stealing all the limelight -- but I feel very grateful also for you. I understand why Obama would have wanted you in that job. The main job of the VP is to carry on in the event of the unthinkable. Your intellect is broad enough, your listening skills deep enough, and your experience strong enough that a Biden administration would be able to carry on, if it had to, in a path not so different from an Obama administration. I am grateful to know that you are there as an insurance plan and I hope as an advisor. The perks of being VP aren't as great as being the Pres, but you took it anyway, and it seems clear to me that it's because you are a loyal American who cares about our country and its people. I hope you find your role as VP satisfying and fulfilling, but even if you don't, I hope you know that just being there is of great service to the people.

PS To both of you: Prosecute torture. It's the American way.

[izzie]

1. I am so glad Biden is with Obama. Good people

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