So refreshing to see the president of the US doing actual politics, after the seemingly endless years of Trump just screaming, bullying and continuously masturbating in front of cameras but amounting to nothing… Even if it isn’t all perfect, Biden is still doing a damn good job.
So refreshing to see the president of the US doing actual politics, after the seemingly endless years of Trump just screaming, bullying and continuously masturbating in front of cameras but amounting to nothing… Even if it isn’t all perfect, Biden is still doing a damn good job.
War for which there is any reasonable necessity is rarely if ever a "cakewalk", and how many innocent lives are destroyed? Great to see diplomacy at work as an alternative to violence; competent emotional adults given adult responsibilities once again.
With so much news focused on tfg and his indictments and all the natural disasters from climate change, it's hard to even be aware of international news. Thankfully Joe Biden and Anthony Blinken are in charge of it and HCR keeps us informed.
i was thinking the same. i was wondering how to get more international news instead of tfg and the violent threats in this country. while important, i am so grateful to hear of blinken’s diplomatic efforts.
Correct Fran, this sort of news gets little ink, receives little attention, altho much of this under the “news cycle” radar sort of information is important
Just somehow get that across to a sufficient number of American voters. I do believe there was a recent poll which suggested 1/4 of Republicans would vote against Trump, about 50% of independents, a growing and restive group i suspect, and of course a large majority of Democrats, per Claire McMaskill last night. "no path for Donald Trump" was her surmise. Hope she's got her finger on a real pulse.
President Joe Biden seems to have learnt from the past foreign policies of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Invasion of Afghanistan more than 20 years ago led to a long-standing war that didn't achieve its encapsulated goals. Instead, the US army overstayed and its lack of end-game made the war strategy blunt. Similarly, Obama in Libya was not cautious enough to calculate and anticipate the consequences of its direct military involvement. The results were disastrous, with the country failing to restore itself to democracy. Since the killing of Muhammar Gaddafi, Libya has become an all-time embroiled in turmoil that has exceedingly dilapidated the economic, political and judicial structures, and abuse of human rights.
However, US foreign policy is being tested in Niger. Niger coup is an interesting event that abruptly happened and surprised African countries given that the first leader was democratically elected in 2011. However, West African leaders through the ECOWAS do not want the junta coup leaders to continue leading the country as they believe that the embattled President Bazoum should be reinstated. However, though the coup leader cited insecurity as well as economic woes, these are scapegoat excuses considering that Niger was still healing from the statelessness and lawlessness upto 2011. Of course, we can't ignore competing political domestic interests and thus we cannot rule out an extended hand from the opposition who might benefit from the violence. However, we might not know whether the Wagner Group had an hand in it, but for now, they want to benefit from the already carried out coup to position itself as a champion of the anti-French government and obviously counter the political power of the US in Africa. So, it is true, the Wagner is spreading propaganda as evident in crowds holding Russian flags. But, again, this is an organized coup done by money-oiled states and junta groups, so Wagner might have had an interest. The target of the Wagner is uranium that the country mines, as that has been the case, but they masquerade as security providers. The jihadist group has been posing insecurity in Niger and coupled with failure of the French government to stop it, but Abdouramane Oumarou, Umoja Party, and MPD party are taking advantage of this insecurity by being pro-Russia and getting funds from Russia.
I welcome you to subscribe to my newsletter so to enable me to cover African stories that you need to know. It is just free to be my subscriber. For others who have been asking me, I haven't activated payments because I need you for free, but the link for donations only is on my top page.
Biden has exceeded my wildest hopes and expectations. His next move should be to step aside now and let younger, progressive Democrats vie for the POTUS nomination.
I shudder to think what chaos there would be here and around the world had Trump managed to pull off his coup d'etat. Everyone here needs to be involved in local and national politics at least through next year's elections.
I don't think Biden should step aside now. I think it would be disastrous.
I do look forward to younger progressive Democrats in 2028, but I see no one currently able to get the support and the votes needed to be sure NO Republican wins in 2024.
Joe is in good health and has racked up a great record. He is also good at pointing out the tremendous value in supporting and reinvigorated American democracy. And, his foreign relations savvy is extremely helpful in the world right now.
I don't think Biden should step aside yet. He's shown that he's still got it, and I believe he can get re-elected next year. We have a lot of good Democratic up-and-comers, but I don't think they are quite ready to step in.
No other American has Biden’s experience and record. Even John Kerry, who should have won in 2004 and is now busy with climate change negotiations, cannot take his place. America has so many ill “senior citizens,” there is such an epidemic of ageism, that many of all ages do not realize that a long, healthy, busy life is possible. At 89, I know that it is. We are very fortunate to have a president with a fine group of advisors.
"America has so many ill “senior citizens,” there is such an epidemic of ageism, that many of all ages do not realize that a long, healthy, busy life is possible."
Right you are. And those of us who are still going have a responsibility to the young ones who can profit from our experience (the young ones over 60 included.)
In the abstract, I agree. In the real world, Biden stepping aside would create too much uncertainty when we need a steady, guiding hand.
What Democrat stands a better chance of winning the White House other than Biden? None. I wish this wasn't the case because of his age. But in this divided nation, a more progressive candidate would likely cost Democrats votes, especially among independents.
This is no time to gamble and possibly open the door to Trump or any other fascist in a Republican disguise.
For whom? Really, seriously, for whom? Who would Democrats, independents and sane republicans vote for to take the Presidency? Because that is what is needed, and I just don't think the Vice President is that candidate. As I see it, one of the most important things Biden and Harris and all Democrats have to do during Biden's next term is to get some younger, intelligent, progressively moderate people either into politics for the first time or improve their standing if they are already involved, so there WILL be someone who will win by as large a margin as possible in 2028, both the presidency and any House and Senate seats and state governorships. There is so much work still to do to recover from the damage done by Reagan and afterward, and we cannot afford any more setbacks.
Richard, who are these younger, deeply knowledgeable, experienced leaders who can reach most of the American people inspiring us to work together and know how important that is to all of us. I believe there are several of them who need to come forward.
Have you read 'American democracy is cracking. These forces help explain why'? It is in today's Washington Post. I recommend it.
'Many Americans believe the political system is broken. A Post analysis examined the forces fueling the sense that government fails to represent the people.'
By Dan Balz and Clara Ence Morse. A link to article is below. Sorry that I could not gift it.
Our Loudoun County Democratic Committee just today published a 'We did this' newsletter, listing the party's many local, state and national achievements. I forwarded it broadly. What a powerhouse of information for election advocacy and to just plain counteract the dearth of media coverage.
Though the imagery is ghastly, it describes well the resulting product of narcissist Trump's flapping jaws, anytime he engages them.
For the sake of our democracy, and democracy's ideal the world over, let's push and pray that our electorate snaps to in order to overcome the new Confederacy's attempts to suppress our right to vote; that we exercise that right in massive, record breaking numbers and that we finally end contemporary Republicans' Reign of Error!
I do however note that the defense attorneys' latest maneuverings in LitigationWorld consist of a motion to move the January 6 trial forward to APRIL 2026. And the defendant has decided, possibly, not to appear at the republican presidential debate hosted by False News.
And honestly, my first thought when I saw April 2026 was that 1993 Bob Mankoff cartoon from the New Yorker, "No, Thursday's no good. How about never - is never good for you?" https://tinyurl.com/yc5sjjfx (another ridiculously long URL, this time, NPR; I promise it's real.) It never gets old.
That touched a nerve, Lynn. Back in '93 a good friend had started backing away from my calls and attempts to get together, and then appeared the Mankoff cartoon, which said it all. The friendship did end, until decades later I heard she was in hospice, and I called her, and we made amends, and soon afterwards she passed away.
I'm sorry to have touched that nerve, Mim. It's hard when friends "ghost" you - ask me how I know. But glad to learn that you got back together before it was too late.
It really is refreshing. More than that, it offers a modicum of hope. It feels as if we're living through one of the difficult times we've ever faced. There is a global undercurrent of fear that could spark into conflict at any time. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like Agent Orange, DT, were in charge. Can't remember a time he ever demonstrated any awareness of diplomacy. He grew up in a small right wing town in S. California.. His father was a John Bircher. One of the more extremist right wing groups during that period. Agent Orange is a 'chip' off the old block. I just stumbled across this Bob Dylan song about the John Birchers... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Xn9YOKPcQ
"Agent Orange"... That's hilarious. It's a new one for me, I'll remember it. And thanks for the info on the John Birch Society! That puts some puzzle pieces in their places...
So refreshing to see the president of the US doing actual politics, after the seemingly endless years of Trump just screaming, bullying and continuously masturbating in front of cameras but amounting to nothing… Even if it isn’t all perfect, Biden is still doing a damn good job.
War for which there is any reasonable necessity is rarely if ever a "cakewalk", and how many innocent lives are destroyed? Great to see diplomacy at work as an alternative to violence; competent emotional adults given adult responsibilities once again.
With so much news focused on tfg and his indictments and all the natural disasters from climate change, it's hard to even be aware of international news. Thankfully Joe Biden and Anthony Blinken are in charge of it and HCR keeps us informed.
i was thinking the same. i was wondering how to get more international news instead of tfg and the violent threats in this country. while important, i am so grateful to hear of blinken’s diplomatic efforts.
Correct Fran, this sort of news gets little ink, receives little attention, altho much of this under the “news cycle” radar sort of information is important
Just somehow get that across to a sufficient number of American voters. I do believe there was a recent poll which suggested 1/4 of Republicans would vote against Trump, about 50% of independents, a growing and restive group i suspect, and of course a large majority of Democrats, per Claire McMaskill last night. "no path for Donald Trump" was her surmise. Hope she's got her finger on a real pulse.
President Joe Biden seems to have learnt from the past foreign policies of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Invasion of Afghanistan more than 20 years ago led to a long-standing war that didn't achieve its encapsulated goals. Instead, the US army overstayed and its lack of end-game made the war strategy blunt. Similarly, Obama in Libya was not cautious enough to calculate and anticipate the consequences of its direct military involvement. The results were disastrous, with the country failing to restore itself to democracy. Since the killing of Muhammar Gaddafi, Libya has become an all-time embroiled in turmoil that has exceedingly dilapidated the economic, political and judicial structures, and abuse of human rights.
However, US foreign policy is being tested in Niger. Niger coup is an interesting event that abruptly happened and surprised African countries given that the first leader was democratically elected in 2011. However, West African leaders through the ECOWAS do not want the junta coup leaders to continue leading the country as they believe that the embattled President Bazoum should be reinstated. However, though the coup leader cited insecurity as well as economic woes, these are scapegoat excuses considering that Niger was still healing from the statelessness and lawlessness upto 2011. Of course, we can't ignore competing political domestic interests and thus we cannot rule out an extended hand from the opposition who might benefit from the violence. However, we might not know whether the Wagner Group had an hand in it, but for now, they want to benefit from the already carried out coup to position itself as a champion of the anti-French government and obviously counter the political power of the US in Africa. So, it is true, the Wagner is spreading propaganda as evident in crowds holding Russian flags. But, again, this is an organized coup done by money-oiled states and junta groups, so Wagner might have had an interest. The target of the Wagner is uranium that the country mines, as that has been the case, but they masquerade as security providers. The jihadist group has been posing insecurity in Niger and coupled with failure of the French government to stop it, but Abdouramane Oumarou, Umoja Party, and MPD party are taking advantage of this insecurity by being pro-Russia and getting funds from Russia.
I welcome you to subscribe to my newsletter so to enable me to cover African stories that you need to know. It is just free to be my subscriber. For others who have been asking me, I haven't activated payments because I need you for free, but the link for donations only is on my top page.
Biden has exceeded my wildest hopes and expectations. His next move should be to step aside now and let younger, progressive Democrats vie for the POTUS nomination.
I shudder to think what chaos there would be here and around the world had Trump managed to pull off his coup d'etat. Everyone here needs to be involved in local and national politics at least through next year's elections.
I don't think Biden should step aside now. I think it would be disastrous.
I do look forward to younger progressive Democrats in 2028, but I see no one currently able to get the support and the votes needed to be sure NO Republican wins in 2024.
Joe is in good health and has racked up a great record. He is also good at pointing out the tremendous value in supporting and reinvigorated American democracy. And, his foreign relations savvy is extremely helpful in the world right now.
I don't think Biden should step aside yet. He's shown that he's still got it, and I believe he can get re-elected next year. We have a lot of good Democratic up-and-comers, but I don't think they are quite ready to step in.
No other American has Biden’s experience and record. Even John Kerry, who should have won in 2004 and is now busy with climate change negotiations, cannot take his place. America has so many ill “senior citizens,” there is such an epidemic of ageism, that many of all ages do not realize that a long, healthy, busy life is possible. At 89, I know that it is. We are very fortunate to have a president with a fine group of advisors.
"America has so many ill “senior citizens,” there is such an epidemic of ageism, that many of all ages do not realize that a long, healthy, busy life is possible."
Thanks.
Thank you! Now how do we get benches in parks again? And maybe a few on sidewalks. Are we so afraid of having places that homeless people can sleep?
I agree. I'm 73, and while my body may not be the spry thing it once was, my brain is still pretty good. Slow, but good. :D
There are some older folks whose shelf life has definitely passed, but there are many of us that are still functional and pretty dang wise.
Right you are. And those of us who are still going have a responsibility to the young ones who can profit from our experience (the young ones over 60 included.)
God save the Queen, man!!
In the abstract, I agree. In the real world, Biden stepping aside would create too much uncertainty when we need a steady, guiding hand.
What Democrat stands a better chance of winning the White House other than Biden? None. I wish this wasn't the case because of his age. But in this divided nation, a more progressive candidate would likely cost Democrats votes, especially among independents.
This is no time to gamble and possibly open the door to Trump or any other fascist in a Republican disguise.
Tom Nichols of The Atlantic examines the issue in "Why Republicans Would Welcome a Biden Challenger." https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2023/08/biden-2024-election-democratic-primary-trump/675042/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=atlantic-daily-newsletter&utm_content=20230817&utm_term=The+Atlantic+Daily
For whom? Really, seriously, for whom? Who would Democrats, independents and sane republicans vote for to take the Presidency? Because that is what is needed, and I just don't think the Vice President is that candidate. As I see it, one of the most important things Biden and Harris and all Democrats have to do during Biden's next term is to get some younger, intelligent, progressively moderate people either into politics for the first time or improve their standing if they are already involved, so there WILL be someone who will win by as large a margin as possible in 2028, both the presidency and any House and Senate seats and state governorships. There is so much work still to do to recover from the damage done by Reagan and afterward, and we cannot afford any more setbacks.
I agree with Cheryl and Karen: Joe Biden is just fine and we have to get through 2024. 2028 will be the year for the up-and-coming Dems.
Richard, who are these younger, deeply knowledgeable, experienced leaders who can reach most of the American people inspiring us to work together and know how important that is to all of us. I believe there are several of them who need to come forward.
Have you read 'American democracy is cracking. These forces help explain why'? It is in today's Washington Post. I recommend it.
'Many Americans believe the political system is broken. A Post analysis examined the forces fueling the sense that government fails to represent the people.'
By Dan Balz and Clara Ence Morse. A link to article is below. Sorry that I could not gift it.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/08/18/american-democracy-political-system-failures/
Our Loudoun County Democratic Committee just today published a 'We did this' newsletter, listing the party's many local, state and national achievements. I forwarded it broadly. What a powerhouse of information for election advocacy and to just plain counteract the dearth of media coverage.
FABULOUS idea!!!
Though the imagery is ghastly, it describes well the resulting product of narcissist Trump's flapping jaws, anytime he engages them.
For the sake of our democracy, and democracy's ideal the world over, let's push and pray that our electorate snaps to in order to overcome the new Confederacy's attempts to suppress our right to vote; that we exercise that right in massive, record breaking numbers and that we finally end contemporary Republicans' Reign of Error!
Amen, brother!
I do however note that the defense attorneys' latest maneuverings in LitigationWorld consist of a motion to move the January 6 trial forward to APRIL 2026. And the defendant has decided, possibly, not to appear at the republican presidential debate hosted by False News.
And honestly, my first thought when I saw April 2026 was that 1993 Bob Mankoff cartoon from the New Yorker, "No, Thursday's no good. How about never - is never good for you?" https://tinyurl.com/yc5sjjfx (another ridiculously long URL, this time, NPR; I promise it's real.) It never gets old.
That touched a nerve, Lynn. Back in '93 a good friend had started backing away from my calls and attempts to get together, and then appeared the Mankoff cartoon, which said it all. The friendship did end, until decades later I heard she was in hospice, and I called her, and we made amends, and soon afterwards she passed away.
I'm sorry to have touched that nerve, Mim. It's hard when friends "ghost" you - ask me how I know. But glad to learn that you got back together before it was too late.
Thanks, Lynn. Sorry you know the feeling.
It really is refreshing. More than that, it offers a modicum of hope. It feels as if we're living through one of the difficult times we've ever faced. There is a global undercurrent of fear that could spark into conflict at any time. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like Agent Orange, DT, were in charge. Can't remember a time he ever demonstrated any awareness of diplomacy. He grew up in a small right wing town in S. California.. His father was a John Bircher. One of the more extremist right wing groups during that period. Agent Orange is a 'chip' off the old block. I just stumbled across this Bob Dylan song about the John Birchers... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Xn9YOKPcQ
"Agent Orange"... That's hilarious. It's a new one for me, I'll remember it. And thanks for the info on the John Birch Society! That puts some puzzle pieces in their places...
I do love the way you worded this reply!
Dutch Mike,
I've shared a contrary view on this post:
https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/august-17-2023-thursday/comment/36712420