President Biden’s frequent use of the phrase “Don’t compare me to the almighty, compare me to the alternative” offers a glimpse into his political philosophy and strategy for re-election. This article explores the origins and meaning of the saying, its connection to former Boston Mayor Kevin White, and its significance in the current political landscape.
Boston Mayor Kevin White and his wife, Kathryn White, at his victory party in 1979.
Biden’s adoption of the phrase highlights a pragmatic approach, emphasizing the importance of realistic comparisons between candidates rather than idealized expectations. It underscores his focus on achievable goals and tangible results, contrasting sharply with the more grandiose pronouncements of other political figures. This saying neatly encapsulates Biden’s political persona – religious, pragmatic, self-effacing, yet pugnacious.
The Origins of a Political Quip
While Biden sometimes attributes the phrase to his father or the late Kevin White, its origins are more complex. White himself credited Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau in 1979. However, historical records suggest the phrase originated with Trudeau’s Finance Minister, John Turner, during the 1972 Canadian elections. Turner urged voters to compare Trudeau not to an ideal but to the alternative candidate. The saying gained traction within Trudeau’s Liberal Party, eventually finding its way into a party election strategy document in 1979.
Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and President Reagan in 1981.
From Trudeau to White to Biden: A Transatlantic Journey
While Trudeau himself used a less emphatic version of the phrase, the core message remained consistent: assess leaders based on practical comparisons rather than abstract ideals. Kevin White, known for his eloquence and political acumen, likely encountered the saying through its use by Canadian Liberals. It resonated with his own political philosophy, leading him to adopt it during his 1979 re-election campaign. Years later, Biden, who admired White, adopted the phrase, incorporating it into his political rhetoric.
“Don’t Compare Me to the Almighty”: A Strategic Message
The phrase serves as a potent political tool for Biden. It allows him to acknowledge imperfections while simultaneously highlighting the potential downsides of alternative candidates. This strategy aims to lower the bar of expectation, focusing on achievable progress rather than unattainable perfection. It also implicitly criticizes opponents who promise unrealistic solutions. In a potential rematch against Donald Trump, it offers a stark contrast in leadership styles, presenting Biden as the pragmatic choice focused on tangible results.
The Resonance of Realism
The phrase “Don’t compare me to the almighty, compare me to the alternative” has become a cornerstone of Biden’s political messaging. It reflects a broader trend in political discourse, where voters increasingly seek pragmatic solutions to complex problems. By embracing this sentiment, Biden positions himself as a leader grounded in reality, focused on delivering tangible improvements rather than making lofty promises. This approach aims to resonate with voters weary of political grandstanding and seeking a more down-to-earth approach to governance.
