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 commu…
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?
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?