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Unfortunately, it is with a very heavy heart that I read the news that Joe Biden has decided to drop out of the presidential race for 2024. While I was a big fan of Joe, and while I'm also not American, Joe Biden represented a hope and for many, a brighter more optimistic future. I can't really think of any better way to honor him than to carry on with having fun, enjoying pokemon, so I dedicate this RMT to him. Joe Biden was a stellar politician, a stellar president and I presume a great father too. Unfortunately, his speech and his cognitive ability has taken a tumble within the past couple of years, but I don't think this should take away from his ability whatsoever. He passed landmark legislation, he also looked like a nice old man - emphasis on OLD haha, just using humor to cope but regardless thank you for your service Joe, and I know, being a citizen of the world, we all salute you. Also I reached my highest peak of 1556 with this team which is cool, so thanks for that Joe.
To start, I crafted this team in the builder with tears in my eyes, but here was my thought process:
Thank you Joe (Comfey) @ Grassy Seed
Ability: Triage
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 56 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Synthesis
- Draining Kiss
- Stored Power
When I heard Joe Biden was dropping out, I knew I had to get comfortable with the idea that we weren't going to have the same stand-up man representing the free world - so I introduce Comfey. Comfey is comfy, literally, but on this team serves as a great wincon that I think is currently underrated in this metagame. Comfey has it's unique ability Triage, and paired with Grassy Seed alongside Rillaboom's terrain and good natural bulk, it can become unstoppable if allowed to snowball. Draining Kiss gives it a priority recovery move, and alongside stored power, allows it to break through pretty much any typing aside from steel. Comfey has provided me much comfort during this unfortunate news, and alongside the Lex Fridman podcast, has given me support through these trying times.
Ballin like Biden (Glimmora) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Toxic Debris
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Mortal Spin
- Power Gem
- Earth Power
Glimmora providies support and is a staple on more offensive teams. Having a great ability which allows it to set up toxic spikes once hit by any physical attacks, Glimmora felt like a no brainer. Also existing as general hazard support on this team with stealth rock, it's signature move mortal spin allows it to provide removal as well as poison any type aside from steel and poison. Glimmora is also shaped like a ball, hence the name "ballin like biden" and it's signature move being named mortal spin reminds me that we are all mortals, and that we will all eventually succumb to the harsh reality of old age. Also I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that Joe Biden likes basketball so it felt even more poetic.
Delaware Winters (Kyurem) @ Loaded Dice
Ability: Pressure
Tera Type: Ground
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Scale Shot
- Icicle Spear
- Tera Blast
Kyurem seems like a staple on offensive builds, whether it be dragon dance or specs. I opted for the dragon dance set in this instance. Tera ground allows it to hit steel types that otherwise resist Kyurem's main resists; the loaded dice also guarantees 4-5 hits from both icicle spear and 3-4 with scale shot, allowing Kyurem to always use these moves to their maximum ability, exacerbating Kyurem's offensive potential. I named this after Joe Biden's home state of Delaware. I have no idea if it's known for it's winters, but I remember the famous comedian Bill Burr mentioning that the place was cold. Also Delaware sounds cold anyway, Delaware much? Lol just kidding, but I know it must be a stellar place, since the greatest president of the United States hails from there (no pun intended with hails).
Legalise Herb (Rillaboom) @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
Tera Type: Grass
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Grassy Glide
- Wood Hammer
- U-turn
- Knock Off
This nickname refers to Joe Biden's landmark pledge to absolve any criminal record that people have for marijuana usage or possession, the first of any president. An inspiring piece of legislation, this in particular has a profound affect on many americans for making their own choice of what they partake in their free time. This commitment by Joe just proves his belief in civil liberties, and one of the reasons why I find him so inspiring. Well, onto Rillaboom - with a great ability that pairs with Comfey's item, it felt like a no brainer. Providing a really good priority move paired with band makes Rillaboom one of the strongest physical attackers in the game. Rillaboom's ability also provides healing, which in turn provides longevity to other members of the team such as Comfey, while also being a good pivot with U-Turn.
Jill Biden (Dragonite) (F) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
Tera Type: Normal
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
- Ice Spinner
Named after Joe's muse, his number 1 fan, his rock throughout these trying times - his biggest supporter, Dragonite felt like an obvious pick. Being a great win condition and with it's newfound coverage in Ice Spinner, Dragonite has proved it's worth during this gen. Not much to explain - Dragonite again seems like a staple on more offensive builds. Dragonite being a staple made me instantly think of Jill Biden, and how she has non stop provided support towards him and stuck by his side throughout his rather turbulant presidency. I'm tearing up writing this, but god damn, thank you Jill Biden. You're a constant reminder of not to give up when times get tough. I strive to have the character, and the general capability of Jill, who is an excellent mother and a wonderful wife. This goes out to you Jill (pours another glass of wine).
Joe'sStrongEconomy (Roaring Moon) @ Booster Energy
Ability: Protosynthesis
Tera Type: Flying
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Knock Off
- Acrobatics
- Earthquake
The nickname was too long so I had to remove the spaces, but for my short sighted readers it says "Joe's Strong Economy" reflecting the incredible economy Joe has not only left for the US but for the rest of the world. According to Wikipedia, the unemployment rate has shrunk from 6.4% to a stellar 4.1%. Joe Biden's commitment to helping your average American to find employment shows his commitment to the common man. Roaring Moon, similar to the economy under Joe Biden is incredibly strong, and unlike the economy of the United States, hits incredibly hard. Roaring Moon uses all 3 slots for coverage, allowing it to hit everything in the tier, alongside it's booster energy to raise its attack it becomes an incredible offensive force (not to mention it's great speed stat). It felt like a no-brainer, and fills a bunch of holes that would otherwise plague this team.
Conclusion:
While yes, it is a very sad time, and I am quite literally writing this with a tear in my eye - I do want to thank Joe and all he has done for us as citizens of the world. Honoring him with an RMT on Smogon may seem a little in bad taste given how much of a travesty his recent announcement has been, I felt like this was a good place to write my true thoughts and to put in my effort to just say thank you. Listening to the Lex Fridman podcast has certainly helped me through this time, so I recommend giving it a listen. What we will we do now Joe has dropped out? Well I just spoke to my Mother on the phone and she's also in pieces - absolute ruins - but she gave me an idiom that I thought I'd share with you:
~~ It is better to have loved than lost ~~
I now leave you with a song that hopefully helps you all through these times, if anyone needs support, my PMs are always open. Thanks for reading, and any advice or feedback on the team would be appreciated.
