For the people carping about Biden’age like my 32 year old son— having you highlight this inspirational speech is so valuable. Our 80 year old president is remarkable— who can fill his shoes at this inflection point?
For the people carping about Biden’age like my 32 year old son— having you highlight this inspirational speech is so valuable. Our 80 year old president is remarkable— who can fill his shoes at this inflection point?
I badly underestimated President Biden before he came to the fore in the SC primary. In a lot of ways. I’m only a few years his junior but lack his stamina. Being “on” every moment of every day isn’t easy at any time of life.
I do hope that 2028 brings a deep field of Gen X and Millennials to the fore. The Boomers have no difficulty communicating what it is that we want, but our children and grandchildren need someone they feel “gets it.” For 2024, I’ll be voting to keep the world in safe hands.
Richard, I daresay you were not the only person who underestimated 'Uncle Joe' as my family can attest that I've always called him. Many thought he was only the best of two bad choices, just like the election before when "it" was elected. His team assembly exceeded even my expectations to be honest. I am so grateful too.
We all did, didn't we? I only wish that he was 60 instead of 80. These are the times that try men's souls. Biden's age concerns me because it will be a major factor for many voters. And then we have the 3rd party movement by Liberals. We keep shooting ourselves in the foot.
Clint Eastwood is 92 and just made another movie. Age is irrelevant. Anyone can die at any age. His experience and heart are stronger than ever and he is as optimistic as I was at 20.
Being able to make a movie and being able to make that wonderful NATO speech (and it was fabulous) does not make one the best choice to be the leader of the free world.
Trust me. Biden wakes up every day in pain. He gets out of bed with some difficulty. And then he gets moving and things hurt a little less. He gets focused soon and makes great decisions (mostly). I am proud of him.
But someone who is in his/her 50s or 60s could get more done much faster. That's a fact. Does his "experience" outweigh his lack of youthful energy? Maybe. But it speaks volumes about our lack of faith in the hundreds of more capable younger Democrats who could do the the job. And who would inspire Gen Y and Z to vote.
I'll support Joe. Because he WILL be the candidate. I admire and respect him. But if we lose this election, it will be because thousands of young people might just stay home.
Um, the proof is in the pudding as they say. Biden, using his experience and relationships has had immediate impact in less than four years. Clinton, Bush(s), Obama combined did little in comparison. Obama tried to do much more but he wasn't able to permanently move the needle. If I recall correctly, Biden provided a great assist in getting the ACA pass and took a hit from Obama supporters for getting ahead of Obama for bringing lgbta+ rights into the forefront. Youth does not equal better. Ten of the 25 richest men in America are in their late 70s early 80s...Warren Buffett and Leonard Lauder in their 90s! I'm sure they all have aches and pains. However, FDR who was only in his early 50s when he was elected had it much worse physically and had poor health and served 3+ terms. If Biden gets four more years...get out of the way because he won't be resting on his laurels. If young people stay home over his age God help them .....climate change is real and no Republican has any ideas on what or how to even begin.
So many good, heartfelt comments in this thread. Biden probably wouldn't have entered the race in 2018 and won if not for the fact that he was the candidate who most clearly understood and expressed the stakes involved. We all wish, including Biden, I bet, that we would be as wise at a younger age, but so be it.
One note about Obama: One glaring reason he wasn't able to "permanently move the needle" is that his successor rode the wave of white backlash that occurs every single time Black Americans have surmounted a racist barrier. His successor spent the next four years actively dismantling or attempting to dismantle everything Obama accomplished.
Yes, Martha. We must keep reminding ourselves and others that climate change is VERY real and that Republicans refuse to recognize it. Bill Nye, “the science Guy,”’was on television yesterday saying that from now on no breaks in storms, fires, floods, etc. Has anyone else gotten their home insurance bill for next year? Mine doubled (in a condo in downtown Chicsgo) and we had tornado warnings all around us yesterday. Are we prepared to have (kill/off-or make serfs of poor survivors) Republicans running the country?
“But someone who is in his/her 50s or 60s could get more done much faster.”
Bill... I couldn’t disagree with you more! Stamina is as much (or more) a state of mind as it is physical ability. I’m almost 80 and from what I have observed, especially lately, President Biden has more stamina than any 10 80-year-olds I know put together. (I live in a Senior Living Community). And I don’t really understand your point that things need to get done faster. Thoughtful deliberate progress comes first in my mind. Also, think FDR. Biden is the person we needed/need for this point in history. I’m glad you will still vote for him.
Point out to them that for all his age, Joe Biden is living in THIS century and dealing with this century's issues. Using this century's reality as his starting point.
A lot of Republicans half his age can't say that.
You might also remind them that if they don't want to be boomers, they could start by avoiding our mistakes.
All the Eugene McCarthy folks who thought Humphrey was too old gave us Nixon, Watergate and four more years of Vietnam (and Cambodia.)
Well said on both counts. Biden continually surprises on the upside. He has my support and I will work to get people to vote for him.
There was a recent article in the Atlantic that expresses my feelings. As presidents go, Biden is wonderful. One of our best, ever. But someone younger should be our next President. 82 is NOT the new 62 or 72.
But I am whistling in the wind. Democrats think Joe is their best bet. It's a tradition. Support the guy in the office. So I will. I am loyal.
But it speaks volumes about our insecurity and lack of faith in the hundreds of fine younger people who could wake up each day and have twice the energy and stamina of someone this age. When you are actually old, you know that ageism is more than bigotry. The reality is that we don't have the same fuel in our tanks that younger people have. For the most important job in the world, that should be a driving factor.
Bill, I agree with most everything you expressed in this post. Being even older than our president, I am sure that his body creaks and groans before starting his day. I commend his courage and dedication to his principles. It is his many years of service in US government, his understanding of compromise and friendship and coalitions, that produces results such as admitting Sweden into NATO (despite opposition). He has learned how to turn minds to his view. His quiet persistence pays off. I am grateful for his many, many years of service - resulting in the leader we have today.
Yea! He has a terrific team of youngsters around him to do the foot work and research. He is being well served and advised. During the last "administration" all of that was lacking, plus we had a lazy ass president on top of his most unsavory character. We need his wisdom, know how, and heart. We can't afford a thin resume for president.
Mike. Totally agree. What if each "younger" (untried) candidate had a 'mentor' attached (so-to-speak) who could serve as a guide. If a great mind (and great person) like Jamie Raskin decided not to run for the presidency (due to lesser energy due to his recent health challenges) but was available to guide/mentor a promising younger person? If we knew the track record of the mentor, perhaps it would help us envision the trajectory of the newer unproven candidate?? (This idea just popped unto my head - totally unproven and unripe.) Thoughts?
Liz I am revolted by this carping about President Biden’s age with no mention that Bone-Spur Donnie is within years of Biden and physically is a bloated ‘white whale’ [Ahab, where are you when we. Need you?]
Were Donnie about to slip away from trials and/or jail to debate Biden for the presidency, Biden should appear in sporting attire, do a number of push ups and sit ups and then challenge Donnie to do likewise.
Have you noticed that the photos of Donnie are almost always of his orangy face? I do recall his taking his golf cart on to the putting green (which violates golfing regulations).
Keith, let's just ask our younger voters about how they would solve the problems of the world, space and the oceans -why ...and how to work with world leaders of ALL countries. What are the rules of political etiquette? Let's ask them how to negotiate with fellow Americans on the other side of an opinion, to change their vote for the betterment of our country rather than vote with monied small mined selfish constituents.... AND STILL REMAIN FRIENDS. Let's ask some of the younger persons how to negotiate with countries who call themselves "Christian" but are really just manipulative dictatorships and still find a way to resolve international problems. Let's ask these younger ones how to build a team of wise, experienced, self-less, brilliant persons who are willing to be battered for choosing freedom and a better world while receiving criticism and conflict with every decision.
Let's find some younger ones who can face destruction of our country from mighty floods, deaths of huge numbers of fellow Americans from disease ....and not stop and continue working to find solutions that are constantly ongoing....and NOT GIVE UP....AND KEEP SMILING...AND KEEP A HOPEFUL ATTITUDE!!!!
These are just a few questions I would have for the ones who only judge Joe Biden by his age.
I would also challenge the younger ones who really love our country and respect the ideal of freedom to study, to work for these ideals to become realities within as many venues as possible and in the here and now to support the ideal of freedom.
Keith, thank you for letting us non-golfers know that carts on the putting green “violate regulations,” as should LIV violate PGA regulations. As for any other comparisons between our president and the former (and continuing) horror, can we do childish tantrums versus experience and diplomacy? or love and honor versus ignorance and cupidity? And I never got in “mafia boss,” which if he were a bit less stupid and childish, I would have.
To have put climate change so prominently into his speech yesterday is the best proof of the quality of our president and his team!
Virginia As a non-golfer, I have heard from my golfer friends that driving a golf cart onto the putting green is akin to putting a turd in a drink at the 19th hole. They also tell me that Trump is #1 in cheating on the golf course. Perhaps Donnie could get an exemption for ‘turding’ on the putting green, if he provided the medical documentation that obtained for him a bone-spur exemption from the military.
🤣🤣🤣 Thank you. As we had our first in town tornado warning yesterday, the laugh is good. Hoping you don’t object to emojis. I don’t forget the W exemption either and saw the W-Putin photos on TV yesterday. Looking forward to Helsinki “reminiscences” today! Now to write more GOTV postcards to Ohio.
Keith, I learned irreverence over a lifetime and your mad life (let’s face it, neither of us has been stultified by etiquette), which very statement is bringing up more than one laugh. So glad you didn’t play golf - at least you won’t be tempted to hit the links with a cart and your two lethal canes - but have retained your brutally slashing sense of humor. The Greeks were right about the gods laughing. What else would a god do recognizing his/her,etc., helplessness.
As the floods get wilder I think of what the Founding Fathers believed (for most of them anyway the universe was set and kept turning) then of Shakespeare and the storms in the universe are reflected in the hearts of men (or was it Vice versa?).
And yes, laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone. Do you know who said that? Learned it as a child.
Virginia As Flip Wilson, in the Church of Here and Now, phrased it “The devil made me do it.” “Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep, and you pee alone.”
How did we get devils in here? Do you know Sam Gross from The New Yorker or elsewhere? Aptly named and a prize of gross or sometimes charming wit. One of my favorites of the latter persuasion is a dog in a sedan chair with his long ears blowing in the wind. Trying to think how to delicately write to you about the one that Bob Mancoff at a Chicago Humanities presentation in the days of the ISIS atrocities told the audience about saying he couldn’t publish it. Of course I asked Sam for a copy. It’s St. Peter with those who blew themselves up for houris, so maybe you can guess from there. (Necessary to put the bits back together before you get the houris.)
Virginia Humor got me through the tough days in the Congo. One day my boss and I were looking at a map of Congo and one of us mentioned A Congolese army sweep through an area. Then we both burst out in laughter. Shortly before a Congolese battalion drove into a defensive battle position, turned around their trucks, and left the engines running. After the first shot, they skedaddled, and, perhaps, set a Guinness Book of World Records retreating over 200 miles in a single day.
I learned about ‘Make my day’ long before the movies. One morning at 3 a.m. as I was going to be left in a Congo-infested province, at the airport a Marine lt. Col. refused to provide me K rations. I had to tell him who his boss was (my ambassador, with whom I was then residing). I told him to call the ambassador, he demurred, and I got my K rations. Bizarre world. Later that day an army colonel lent me his M-16 as I went into Kindu, where mercenaries were dislodging rebel soldiers. I captured several, had a mercenary priest accompany me to a field hospital with the prisoners, and I threw away the M 16, since it didn’t seem smart to put it in the back of the Jeep with the prisoners. Driving with a .45 in my right hand was a bit awkward.
Later the colonel, safely ensconced in Bukavu, while I was risking my life in Kindu, said I was in deep shit for losing an M-16. I said that the rifle was checked out in his name and I would try to visit him in Leavenworth. I chuckled when I said this.
When I returned to the embassy with two sacks of captured rebel military hdtrs files, the Foreign Service Officers were put off by my clothes and my odor. [I had volunteered to fly out with White House authority to do what those jerks didn’t do—get off their asses and get boots on the ground.] By contrast, the ambassador sent my reports by FLASH to DC.
Incidentally, the artichokes in Bukavu were delicious.
Braggart! But I am laughing before i finish dressing. Beware of Keith with Canes all ye who think old men aren’t dangerous!
I still remember my first artichoke and you inspire me to look for more. If I could bake my 89th birthday cake, I can still prepare artichokes. What did you have for sauce, or do you eat without?
Liz, I appreciate you mentioning your son because I believe he represents the views of much of his generation. I also not just believe but know that our generation cannot get Biden re-elected in 24 without a robust turnout by Millennials and Gen-Zs. Accordingly, I expect if we mostly continue merely to converse among ourselves as to how we perceive Biden’s accomplishments both at home and abroad, we do so at our peril.
I imagine it’s worth noting my mind lately repeatedly returning to 1968 and to Humphrey barely losing to Nixon for a host of reasons, one of them being that young eligible voters, many of whom had worked for Eugene McCarthy or Bobby Kennedy, largely had stayed home.
It really bothers me that so many people think that if their primary candidate isn't chosen they can't be bothered to vote. They act like it's a horse race. Their horse lost and they throw their ticket to the ground and go home. It is why the Republicans are successful in beating better, wiser opponents because they smear them as evil threats to Christianity (Hillary) or soft and suspect (Gore/Kerry). I would never have voted until Obama, if that had been my response (still sad about Bill Bradley, not so sad about Perot -LoL).
Martha, While I share your perspective, in my view, the stakes are too great not to do whatever it takes to give young voters, in particular, reason to want to cast their vote up and down the ballot.
I'm not sure what you mean. I was trying to say, if they think their vote in the primaries is important how can they reconcile not voting in the general? That is all. It's illogical. They act like they are at a race track, where if your horse loses it is probably best to call it quits and go home. Voting for president or presidential candidates is not a horse race.
Martha, While I don’t subscribe to the logic of one who would vote in a primary but not in the general if her or his candidate doesn’t win the nomination, my point was to say we must do everything possible to give everyone reason not to sit out the general.
Climate change effects us all. If Biden doesn't win the rest - women's rights, the economy, democracy won't matter. Republicans won't stop being stupid so let's not leave climate change to them to fix, it will be the pandemic all over again followed by a Jan 6 for survival....re that youthful Kennedy clown.
I'm not convinced that Republicans win because they go on to vote in the general election, certainly not at the national level. Republicans have won the popular vote, what, twice in the past nine presidential elections? That's why they're so focused on rolling back voting rights.
No one can fill Joe Biden's shoes. He is the person....the President for these days. He has the wisdom and experience and compassion that is so lacking in so many who have been given responsibilities for which they are incapable of fulfilling. And I know , it is not Joe alone but also the great team who work hard with him everyday for freedom and for the better goodness..... including those who protect him....thank you!!!!
A president’s legacy is defined by the people whom he chooses for his cabinet and advisers. Compare President Biden’s choices with tfg. The former guy’s cabinet were all chosen to destroy their departments. Hell, Rick Perry forgot there was a Department of Energy when he was running for president. So, naturally he was tfg’s choice to head it. Think of the people tfg chose to advise him - Stephen Miller, Bannon, Giuliani, Jared Kushner, Ivanka. All either despicable or grossly incompetent. President Biden’s adviser’s names are not in the news daily because they are actually doing their jobs and doing them well. I know Biden is old, but with age comes wisdom. I’ve voted for Joe since his first Senate race in 1972. He has learned and learned well.
Biden has surrounded himself with a competent cabinet of various ages. He is a leader who listens. It is a training ground for future leaders so in a sense he is a teacher .
When he chose Rick Perry I couldn't help but think, what a bunch of immature assholes. I could image they all thought they were funny and clever and saying, "we will show them hahaha" because they were all so damnably ignorant.
For the people carping about Biden’age like my 32 year old son— having you highlight this inspirational speech is so valuable. Our 80 year old president is remarkable— who can fill his shoes at this inflection point?
I badly underestimated President Biden before he came to the fore in the SC primary. In a lot of ways. I’m only a few years his junior but lack his stamina. Being “on” every moment of every day isn’t easy at any time of life.
I do hope that 2028 brings a deep field of Gen X and Millennials to the fore. The Boomers have no difficulty communicating what it is that we want, but our children and grandchildren need someone they feel “gets it.” For 2024, I’ll be voting to keep the world in safe hands.
Richard, I daresay you were not the only person who underestimated 'Uncle Joe' as my family can attest that I've always called him. Many thought he was only the best of two bad choices, just like the election before when "it" was elected. His team assembly exceeded even my expectations to be honest. I am so grateful too.
We all did, didn't we? I only wish that he was 60 instead of 80. These are the times that try men's souls. Biden's age concerns me because it will be a major factor for many voters. And then we have the 3rd party movement by Liberals. We keep shooting ourselves in the foot.
Clint Eastwood is 92 and just made another movie. Age is irrelevant. Anyone can die at any age. His experience and heart are stronger than ever and he is as optimistic as I was at 20.
Being able to make a movie and being able to make that wonderful NATO speech (and it was fabulous) does not make one the best choice to be the leader of the free world.
Trust me. Biden wakes up every day in pain. He gets out of bed with some difficulty. And then he gets moving and things hurt a little less. He gets focused soon and makes great decisions (mostly). I am proud of him.
But someone who is in his/her 50s or 60s could get more done much faster. That's a fact. Does his "experience" outweigh his lack of youthful energy? Maybe. But it speaks volumes about our lack of faith in the hundreds of more capable younger Democrats who could do the the job. And who would inspire Gen Y and Z to vote.
I'll support Joe. Because he WILL be the candidate. I admire and respect him. But if we lose this election, it will be because thousands of young people might just stay home.
Um, the proof is in the pudding as they say. Biden, using his experience and relationships has had immediate impact in less than four years. Clinton, Bush(s), Obama combined did little in comparison. Obama tried to do much more but he wasn't able to permanently move the needle. If I recall correctly, Biden provided a great assist in getting the ACA pass and took a hit from Obama supporters for getting ahead of Obama for bringing lgbta+ rights into the forefront. Youth does not equal better. Ten of the 25 richest men in America are in their late 70s early 80s...Warren Buffett and Leonard Lauder in their 90s! I'm sure they all have aches and pains. However, FDR who was only in his early 50s when he was elected had it much worse physically and had poor health and served 3+ terms. If Biden gets four more years...get out of the way because he won't be resting on his laurels. If young people stay home over his age God help them .....climate change is real and no Republican has any ideas on what or how to even begin.
So many good, heartfelt comments in this thread. Biden probably wouldn't have entered the race in 2018 and won if not for the fact that he was the candidate who most clearly understood and expressed the stakes involved. We all wish, including Biden, I bet, that we would be as wise at a younger age, but so be it.
One note about Obama: One glaring reason he wasn't able to "permanently move the needle" is that his successor rode the wave of white backlash that occurs every single time Black Americans have surmounted a racist barrier. His successor spent the next four years actively dismantling or attempting to dismantle everything Obama accomplished.
Exactly. It was very sad to watch. And of course McConnell made it all possible by giving them wind at their backs over the supreme court nominee.
Yes, Martha. We must keep reminding ourselves and others that climate change is VERY real and that Republicans refuse to recognize it. Bill Nye, “the science Guy,”’was on television yesterday saying that from now on no breaks in storms, fires, floods, etc. Has anyone else gotten their home insurance bill for next year? Mine doubled (in a condo in downtown Chicsgo) and we had tornado warnings all around us yesterday. Are we prepared to have (kill/off-or make serfs of poor survivors) Republicans running the country?
We are of like minds.
“But someone who is in his/her 50s or 60s could get more done much faster.”
Bill... I couldn’t disagree with you more! Stamina is as much (or more) a state of mind as it is physical ability. I’m almost 80 and from what I have observed, especially lately, President Biden has more stamina than any 10 80-year-olds I know put together. (I live in a Senior Living Community). And I don’t really understand your point that things need to get done faster. Thoughtful deliberate progress comes first in my mind. Also, think FDR. Biden is the person we needed/need for this point in history. I’m glad you will still vote for him.
Your thinking is well reasoned and thoughtful. I stand by my thinking that it is long overdue for us boomers to pass the torch.
My biggest concern is with youth turnout. Turnup.org is a place where young people are making things happen. A good thing.
I'll vote blue, no matter who. The alternative is fascism.
And for inspiration, contrary to my premise, our Senator Markey (old guy) was re-elected after primarying young Joe Kennedy!
So I am looking forward to being very wrong!
Bill, I don't know that's true for everyone
Two of my aunts lived into their 80s and neither one of them complained about pain.
The one who was 84 went out every day and met with friends until covid -- then she learned how to use Zoom.
She walked everywhere and if it weren't for her lupus reacting with other medications, we'd still have her.
A friend's father was playing tennis three times a week in his mid 80s.
There are family members younger than me who do wake up in pain, who do suffer from ailments like arthritis.
Look at Jimmy Carter building houses in his 80s.
Sometimes it's the luck of the draw.
All good and fair points. My greatest concern is voter turnout. Young voter turnout.
Point out to them that for all his age, Joe Biden is living in THIS century and dealing with this century's issues. Using this century's reality as his starting point.
A lot of Republicans half his age can't say that.
You might also remind them that if they don't want to be boomers, they could start by avoiding our mistakes.
All the Eugene McCarthy folks who thought Humphrey was too old gave us Nixon, Watergate and four more years of Vietnam (and Cambodia.)
All the Stein voters in Wisconsin gave us Trump.
Well said on both counts. Biden continually surprises on the upside. He has my support and I will work to get people to vote for him.
There was a recent article in the Atlantic that expresses my feelings. As presidents go, Biden is wonderful. One of our best, ever. But someone younger should be our next President. 82 is NOT the new 62 or 72.
But I am whistling in the wind. Democrats think Joe is their best bet. It's a tradition. Support the guy in the office. So I will. I am loyal.
But it speaks volumes about our insecurity and lack of faith in the hundreds of fine younger people who could wake up each day and have twice the energy and stamina of someone this age. When you are actually old, you know that ageism is more than bigotry. The reality is that we don't have the same fuel in our tanks that younger people have. For the most important job in the world, that should be a driving factor.
But Biden/Harris 2024 will be on my bumper.
Bill, I agree with most everything you expressed in this post. Being even older than our president, I am sure that his body creaks and groans before starting his day. I commend his courage and dedication to his principles. It is his many years of service in US government, his understanding of compromise and friendship and coalitions, that produces results such as admitting Sweden into NATO (despite opposition). He has learned how to turn minds to his view. His quiet persistence pays off. I am grateful for his many, many years of service - resulting in the leader we have today.
Some of us are in better shape, physically, mentally, and emotionally than when we were in our 50s. Financially?? Not sure.
Yea! He has a terrific team of youngsters around him to do the foot work and research. He is being well served and advised. During the last "administration" all of that was lacking, plus we had a lazy ass president on top of his most unsavory character. We need his wisdom, know how, and heart. We can't afford a thin resume for president.
And as soon as the 2024 election is over (win or lose) the very transparent search for the next candidate should come to fore.
Mike. Totally agree. What if each "younger" (untried) candidate had a 'mentor' attached (so-to-speak) who could serve as a guide. If a great mind (and great person) like Jamie Raskin decided not to run for the presidency (due to lesser energy due to his recent health challenges) but was available to guide/mentor a promising younger person? If we knew the track record of the mentor, perhaps it would help us envision the trajectory of the newer unproven candidate?? (This idea just popped unto my head - totally unproven and unripe.) Thoughts?
Liz I am revolted by this carping about President Biden’s age with no mention that Bone-Spur Donnie is within years of Biden and physically is a bloated ‘white whale’ [Ahab, where are you when we. Need you?]
Were Donnie about to slip away from trials and/or jail to debate Biden for the presidency, Biden should appear in sporting attire, do a number of push ups and sit ups and then challenge Donnie to do likewise.
Have you noticed that the photos of Donnie are almost always of his orangy face? I do recall his taking his golf cart on to the putting green (which violates golfing regulations).
Keith, let's just ask our younger voters about how they would solve the problems of the world, space and the oceans -why ...and how to work with world leaders of ALL countries. What are the rules of political etiquette? Let's ask them how to negotiate with fellow Americans on the other side of an opinion, to change their vote for the betterment of our country rather than vote with monied small mined selfish constituents.... AND STILL REMAIN FRIENDS. Let's ask some of the younger persons how to negotiate with countries who call themselves "Christian" but are really just manipulative dictatorships and still find a way to resolve international problems. Let's ask these younger ones how to build a team of wise, experienced, self-less, brilliant persons who are willing to be battered for choosing freedom and a better world while receiving criticism and conflict with every decision.
Let's find some younger ones who can face destruction of our country from mighty floods, deaths of huge numbers of fellow Americans from disease ....and not stop and continue working to find solutions that are constantly ongoing....and NOT GIVE UP....AND KEEP SMILING...AND KEEP A HOPEFUL ATTITUDE!!!!
These are just a few questions I would have for the ones who only judge Joe Biden by his age.
I would also challenge the younger ones who really love our country and respect the ideal of freedom to study, to work for these ideals to become realities within as many venues as possible and in the here and now to support the ideal of freedom.
Absolute agreement & you said it so much better than me!!!!!
That was spectacularly well put.
Wonderfully expressed.
Harpoon the whale!
Keith, thank you for letting us non-golfers know that carts on the putting green “violate regulations,” as should LIV violate PGA regulations. As for any other comparisons between our president and the former (and continuing) horror, can we do childish tantrums versus experience and diplomacy? or love and honor versus ignorance and cupidity? And I never got in “mafia boss,” which if he were a bit less stupid and childish, I would have.
To have put climate change so prominently into his speech yesterday is the best proof of the quality of our president and his team!
Hoping you’re continuing well, sir.
Virginia As a non-golfer, I have heard from my golfer friends that driving a golf cart onto the putting green is akin to putting a turd in a drink at the 19th hole. They also tell me that Trump is #1 in cheating on the golf course. Perhaps Donnie could get an exemption for ‘turding’ on the putting green, if he provided the medical documentation that obtained for him a bone-spur exemption from the military.
🤣🤣🤣 Thank you. As we had our first in town tornado warning yesterday, the laugh is good. Hoping you don’t object to emojis. I don’t forget the W exemption either and saw the W-Putin photos on TV yesterday. Looking forward to Helsinki “reminiscences” today! Now to write more GOTV postcards to Ohio.
Virginia You bring great joy in my life as we both relish an irreverent sense of humor. Laugh and the good folks laugh with you.
Keith, I learned irreverence over a lifetime and your mad life (let’s face it, neither of us has been stultified by etiquette), which very statement is bringing up more than one laugh. So glad you didn’t play golf - at least you won’t be tempted to hit the links with a cart and your two lethal canes - but have retained your brutally slashing sense of humor. The Greeks were right about the gods laughing. What else would a god do recognizing his/her,etc., helplessness.
As the floods get wilder I think of what the Founding Fathers believed (for most of them anyway the universe was set and kept turning) then of Shakespeare and the storms in the universe are reflected in the hearts of men (or was it Vice versa?).
And yes, laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone. Do you know who said that? Learned it as a child.
Virginia As Flip Wilson, in the Church of Here and Now, phrased it “The devil made me do it.” “Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep, and you pee alone.”
How did we get devils in here? Do you know Sam Gross from The New Yorker or elsewhere? Aptly named and a prize of gross or sometimes charming wit. One of my favorites of the latter persuasion is a dog in a sedan chair with his long ears blowing in the wind. Trying to think how to delicately write to you about the one that Bob Mancoff at a Chicago Humanities presentation in the days of the ISIS atrocities told the audience about saying he couldn’t publish it. Of course I asked Sam for a copy. It’s St. Peter with those who blew themselves up for houris, so maybe you can guess from there. (Necessary to put the bits back together before you get the houris.)
Virginia Humor got me through the tough days in the Congo. One day my boss and I were looking at a map of Congo and one of us mentioned A Congolese army sweep through an area. Then we both burst out in laughter. Shortly before a Congolese battalion drove into a defensive battle position, turned around their trucks, and left the engines running. After the first shot, they skedaddled, and, perhaps, set a Guinness Book of World Records retreating over 200 miles in a single day.
I learned about ‘Make my day’ long before the movies. One morning at 3 a.m. as I was going to be left in a Congo-infested province, at the airport a Marine lt. Col. refused to provide me K rations. I had to tell him who his boss was (my ambassador, with whom I was then residing). I told him to call the ambassador, he demurred, and I got my K rations. Bizarre world. Later that day an army colonel lent me his M-16 as I went into Kindu, where mercenaries were dislodging rebel soldiers. I captured several, had a mercenary priest accompany me to a field hospital with the prisoners, and I threw away the M 16, since it didn’t seem smart to put it in the back of the Jeep with the prisoners. Driving with a .45 in my right hand was a bit awkward.
Later the colonel, safely ensconced in Bukavu, while I was risking my life in Kindu, said I was in deep shit for losing an M-16. I said that the rifle was checked out in his name and I would try to visit him in Leavenworth. I chuckled when I said this.
When I returned to the embassy with two sacks of captured rebel military hdtrs files, the Foreign Service Officers were put off by my clothes and my odor. [I had volunteered to fly out with White House authority to do what those jerks didn’t do—get off their asses and get boots on the ground.] By contrast, the ambassador sent my reports by FLASH to DC.
Incidentally, the artichokes in Bukavu were delicious.
Oh what a lovely war!
Braggart! But I am laughing before i finish dressing. Beware of Keith with Canes all ye who think old men aren’t dangerous!
I still remember my first artichoke and you inspire me to look for more. If I could bake my 89th birthday cake, I can still prepare artichokes. What did you have for sauce, or do you eat without?
Liz, I appreciate you mentioning your son because I believe he represents the views of much of his generation. I also not just believe but know that our generation cannot get Biden re-elected in 24 without a robust turnout by Millennials and Gen-Zs. Accordingly, I expect if we mostly continue merely to converse among ourselves as to how we perceive Biden’s accomplishments both at home and abroad, we do so at our peril.
I imagine it’s worth noting my mind lately repeatedly returning to 1968 and to Humphrey barely losing to Nixon for a host of reasons, one of them being that young eligible voters, many of whom had worked for Eugene McCarthy or Bobby Kennedy, largely had stayed home.
It really bothers me that so many people think that if their primary candidate isn't chosen they can't be bothered to vote. They act like it's a horse race. Their horse lost and they throw their ticket to the ground and go home. It is why the Republicans are successful in beating better, wiser opponents because they smear them as evil threats to Christianity (Hillary) or soft and suspect (Gore/Kerry). I would never have voted until Obama, if that had been my response (still sad about Bill Bradley, not so sad about Perot -LoL).
Martha, While I share your perspective, in my view, the stakes are too great not to do whatever it takes to give young voters, in particular, reason to want to cast their vote up and down the ballot.
I'm not sure what you mean. I was trying to say, if they think their vote in the primaries is important how can they reconcile not voting in the general? That is all. It's illogical. They act like they are at a race track, where if your horse loses it is probably best to call it quits and go home. Voting for president or presidential candidates is not a horse race.
Martha, While I don’t subscribe to the logic of one who would vote in a primary but not in the general if her or his candidate doesn’t win the nomination, my point was to say we must do everything possible to give everyone reason not to sit out the general.
Climate change effects us all. If Biden doesn't win the rest - women's rights, the economy, democracy won't matter. Republicans won't stop being stupid so let's not leave climate change to them to fix, it will be the pandemic all over again followed by a Jan 6 for survival....re that youthful Kennedy clown.
Martha, The point is not to convince me, but to develop a strategy to try and ensure the highest youth turnout ever.
I'm not convinced that Republicans win because they go on to vote in the general election, certainly not at the national level. Republicans have won the popular vote, what, twice in the past nine presidential elections? That's why they're so focused on rolling back voting rights.
No one can fill Joe Biden's shoes. He is the person....the President for these days. He has the wisdom and experience and compassion that is so lacking in so many who have been given responsibilities for which they are incapable of fulfilling. And I know , it is not Joe alone but also the great team who work hard with him everyday for freedom and for the better goodness..... including those who protect him....thank you!!!!
A president’s legacy is defined by the people whom he chooses for his cabinet and advisers. Compare President Biden’s choices with tfg. The former guy’s cabinet were all chosen to destroy their departments. Hell, Rick Perry forgot there was a Department of Energy when he was running for president. So, naturally he was tfg’s choice to head it. Think of the people tfg chose to advise him - Stephen Miller, Bannon, Giuliani, Jared Kushner, Ivanka. All either despicable or grossly incompetent. President Biden’s adviser’s names are not in the news daily because they are actually doing their jobs and doing them well. I know Biden is old, but with age comes wisdom. I’ve voted for Joe since his first Senate race in 1972. He has learned and learned well.
Biden has surrounded himself with a competent cabinet of various ages. He is a leader who listens. It is a training ground for future leaders so in a sense he is a teacher .
Exactly. He’s not doing this alone. He had the wisdom to choose the best people, most of whom are much younger and from minority cultures
Betsy, you made me smile! Well said and thank you. It cannot be often enough repeated that it’s not just Joe, it’s the team.
When he chose Rick Perry I couldn't help but think, what a bunch of immature assholes. I could image they all thought they were funny and clever and saying, "we will show them hahaha" because they were all so damnably ignorant.
They were “draining the swamp”.