A conversation with the new president

The following is a detailed, complete, and accurate account of a phone call I did not have with now President Joe Biden — he was president elect at the time.

The other day, my phone rang. Halfway into the third ring, I answered.

“Hello?”

“Please hold for the president elect,” replied the voice on the other end.

I hadn’t recognized the incoming caller’s number but answered anyway. My immediate thought was that a friend joking with me, or a telemarketer using a new scheme. Before I could think too much more about it, another voice came on.

“Hi Jonathan, this is Joe Biden. Thanks for taking my ca...