At a critical time for the Democratic Party as presently constituted, the party sees fit to present a fool, following a venerable tradition:

"The Democratic Party can always be relied on to make a damn fool of itself at the critical time." - Sen. Benjamin R. Tillman, Democrat, 1904

That is to say, on the heels of perhaps the worst presidential debate performance in the history of the republic, Joe Biden must ride to the rescue of the floundering campaign of his boss when he takes the stage for the 2012 vice-presidential debate.

The litany of Biden's ridiculousness, dishonorable statements and mind-boggling actions during his adult lifetime on the federal dole is well known. He lifted phrases from the speeches of British politician Neil Kinnock. He clumsily attempted to get Thomas Sowell to say Sowell was an anti-black bigot. He assured Clarence Thomas that if the allegations made against Thomas by Anita Hill saw the light of day, he, Biden, would be Thomas's "biggest defender." He greeted John Roberts during his confirmation hearings by respectfully saying "Hey, Judge." On and on the litany goes without even coming to Biden's remarks about 7-Eleven employees, the clean, articulate nature of his future chief, his counting ability, and his keen sensitivity for the disabled.

As Biden and Republican Party vice-presidential nominee Paul Ryan face off on Thursday, this republic stands on the brink. Even if it were possible for the self-styled guardians of "economic patriotism" such Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and the president himself to hit up their accounts and those of their friends to donate $16 trillion to the Treasury, we would merely climb to broke. Yet we are told unceasingly that we must pour more money into vital government functions such as taxpayer-funded birth control for eternal schoolgirls, more money into "green" boondoggles, and more money for the ever-increasing millions who claim dependency in exchange for their signatures at election time. 

While the Middle East burns the American flag, images of Obama, and an American diplomat is assassinated, the administration responds by aiming its retaliation not at the perpetrators, but at the principle of freedom from government interference. While addressing a den of gangsters, the president warned that the future belongs those who reject the First Amendment as it applies to those who would happily shred the Constitution - and our necks. How far we have fallen since president Thomas Jefferson sent the Marines to Tripoli after being "insulted" by Islam.

At this hour of peril, the president apparently and astonishingly believes that Joe Biden, a clown, is the man best suited to handle the reins of the presidency in case of an emergency and that we, the citizens of this republic, should respect that judgment. Obama's endorsement of Biden alone is enough to disqualify them both from re-election. It also confirms that the notorious "Pitchfork Ben" knew his own kind so very well over a century ago.

Matthew May welcomes comments at may.matthew.t@gmail.com