Joe and Dr. Jill are in the White House, talking about the upcoming campaign.
JOE: So, we’re back on the trail one last time. It’s like “The Last Dance,” except it’s a lot more important.
JILL: I always figured you’d run again, particularly since Trump is likely to be the nominee. What’s the plan this time?
JOE: Same as last time, except we’ll do it from the Rose Garden instead of the basement. We’ll continue to look stable and competent and let Trump make himself the issue. He’ll destroy himself, just like last time. He can’t help it. It’s who he is.
JILL: A Rose Garden strategy has more dignity than a basement strategy, for sure. But you’ll still have to do some campaigning. How is that going to work, at your age?
JOE: Most of my appearances will be at ribbon-cuttings in the Midwest. The rest I’ll leave to Kamala. She needs to make a case for herself, both now and for 2028. This will be a good experience for her.
JILL: Makes sense.
JOE: How do you feel about where we are? Do you think we win?
JILL: The odds are in your favor, but there are a couple of things that could happen that would put us behind.
JOE: Which are?
JILL: First of all, some sort of foreign policy crisis that doesn’t go well, with you taking the blame. A collapse in Ukraine would be the obvious possibility, but there are a host of others. You just never know.
JOE: And?
JILL: The economy goes bad. The big concern here is a default on the debt. You would blame the Republicans, and they would deserve it, but nobody is going to blame Trump. He will be the big winner if it happens. You need to avoid that at all costs.
JOE: Agreed. Anything else?
JILL: A terrible performance at a debate. Of course, Trump may refuse to show up for a debate if it isn’t run by some right-wing nut job organization. That would reduce your risk.
JOE: OK, then. Let’s get the show on the road!