Before I head downstairs for some late-night TV, I am going to do something I’ve never done: To see if I can get through to some of you, I AM GOING TO USE A SPORTSBALL ANALOGY! /1

Bottom of the 9th, Team Democracy tied with Team Autocrat. Biden’s been pitching a great game, but he’s getting tired. Facing their top hitter, he goes for his fastball. He unloads a wild pitch into the stands, hitting a fan in the head. Crowd hushes. Opposing team grins. /2

The Coach – concerned Dems – comes out to the mound. "You okay?" "Fine. Insulted you’d ask. Watch this next pitch." Biden puts one in the dirt. The Coach watches the catcher scrambling and then at the guy in the stands rubbing his sore noggin. "I'm fine," Joe says. /3

“You sure you’re okay? Maybe you should…” “Don’t even think about it. I’m the reason we got here.” “You are. But your fastball is gone." "I got others." "You’re tired.” "So what. I’m better than the reliever or anyone else.” "You are…but maybe not tonight?" "Hey. Fuck you." /4

Some in the crowd start to chant. LEAVE HIM IN! LEAVE HIM IN! Other fans look uneasy. Assistant coaches come out. “Come on, Boss. Joe’s a good guy. The crowd loves him.” "His arm’s gone." "But his wife is here." "So what?" "Well...you know. It'd be embarrassing and all." /5

Coach looks over at Trump tapping his bat, smiling. "Joe, you sure you got this?" Silence. Joe’s looking at the crowd. "Joe?" "What?" "You got this?" "Yes, goddamn it, shut up. And tell anybody in the dugout with any worries to shut up too." Joe rubs his shoulder, wincing. /6

Now, I hate pro sports so I don't know what the right thing to do is. Do you pray your guy has one more good pitch in him, and maybe win, or maybe lose the game? Piss off the crowd and bring in the reliever - who might blow the game anyway? /7

I know only that you don't freak out at the coach. His concerns are legit. You don't accuse him of hating the pitcher or working for the other team. You do what you can, make a hard decision, and hope you win. At least that's how I think hockey goes. /8x