My Fantasy Job Writing For Joe Biden
Hey, you never know
It was a bright sunny day in November. Joe Biden had just won the election. The nation was gripped in turmoil as Donald Trump refused to concede — and was challenging the results claiming voter fraud without evidence.
I was home sitting at my desk with a cup of coffee. The sun was pouring in through ten-foot windows while the cats basked in the warmth. My cell phone rang. I looked at the number’s caller ID. It said “Joe Biden Transition,” so I figured it was another request for money, and I denied the call. I rejected the call.
I was thinking, Joe — “why do you need more money from me? I’ve already donated. You’ve won.” And, “this Trump thing will go away soon, and this will all blow over.” I didn’t even notice I had a voicemail. And even if I had seen, I would have thought it was a campaign appeal.
Another hour later, my phone rang again. It was the same number. I let the call go to voicemail. But, this time, I went back and listened. And what I heard blew me away. The message said:
“Jennifer, we have been trying to reach you. This is Jen* from Joe Biden’s transition team. We saw your articles on Medium and would like to speak with you. Can you please call us — and she left a number (it was a Washington, DC area code).”
I immediately returned the call. When Joe Biden’s transition team calls you for help, you call back. At least I do. I was so incredibly curious I couldn’t breathe. My call was answered in two rings. “Hello, this is Jen — Biden Transition Coordinator. How can I help you?”
I speak into the phone — “Hi, I’m Jennifer Friebely. You called me a short while ago and left a message. I’m the writer from Med…” Before I could finish, she interrupted me and said, “Joe saw your articles on Medium. We were impressed with your passion and your politics.”
Jen then discussed how they liked my content and that it identified with what many Americans felt around critical issues. They thought that I could be an asset to their speech writing team. I was freaking out!
This is one of the articles she mentioned that they noticed.
And then she mentioned this article — when I shared my thoughts with White House reporters about President Trump’s off-the-rails press briefings:
But what really surprised me was that they noticed this piece, a full-on rant about how corrupt the Trump administration is. From its policies to Trump’s behavior to potential cover-ups and financial misdeeds. Jen told me how the team just loved it! The photo of the hair on the orange made it all the more perfect (I thought so too!).
At this point, my ego was growing larger and larger. This person, Jen — who has called me from Joe Biden’s transition team — who has read my political articles and is well-acquainted with them — what’s going on?
So I ask Jen, “what exactly does this mean — to be a speechwriter? When do I start?” She replies, “We need to get the ball rolling with clearances and applications, and we will discuss compensation on our next call — so please think about what you need. This can be a remote work position, or you can come to DC and travel with us. We have several open senior writing positions, and you’ll have a choice.” Then she pauses for a moment as if to let the thoughts sink in. Next, she says again, “Joe really loves your writing.”
Oh, my God. Joe Biden loves my writing? He wants me to work for his administration? Oh, hell, yes! I will serve at the pleasure of the president! I tell Jen that “I will do whatever is needed and to consider me on board.” I think she already knew that.
This has now become one of the most incredible days of my life.
I wish it was real and not a fantasy. *Jen is a fictional person.
Jennifer Friebely is a New York-based content writer covering stories from personal development, marketing, and productivity to politics and music to whatever idea strikes. She has a 30+ year background in marketing and advertising and holds a BA in Political Science. Email her at [email protected].
