Juan’s brother Roberto declared, “He’s going to vote for Joe Biden. He tore down Trump’s wall.”
“Aw, c'mon!” Richard rolled his eyes at the mention of Biden’s name. “Just look at him. He’s too old to be president.”
“I like Joe Biden,” Roberto proudly announced, wrapping a big arm around Juan in an affectionate hug “He signed the paper making my brother an American!”
“He can’t even find his way off a stage,” Richard countered. “This is the guy you’re gonna trust with the nuclear codes?”
Everyone laughed. Juan knew that talking politics was basically a sport for these guys. Roberto’s bombast was more than matched by Richard’s bluster. They would spend the rest of the evening gleefully trading barbs.
The conversation shifted to discussing different policies and candidates, with everyone giving their opinions and thoughts. Juan felt proud to be a part of this conversation and to have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Juan shook hands with all the people who congratulated him, and he was reminded of the warm sense of community he used to enjoy in Mexico. This is my life now. He raised his red solo cup in a silent toast. En vida!