The total reversal of energy among the pro-democracy coalition in these past 72 hours has been nothing short of an astonishment, as if a defibrillator has been applied to the body politic.
Americans who were were dreading a rematch are now jumping at the chance to make history. Watching the VP's Milwaukee rally today was beyond invigorating. That crowd of devoted Dems sounded practically ravenous, even hundreds of miles away through my desktop speakers. Harris herself surpassed all expectations, and that is the key to success here: Americans love a story of someone rising to meet the moment. Indeed, she has waited, watched, and learned, and now boy ever is she rising. Sensible people could posit it would have been preferable for her to become the nominee earlier this year through a regular primary. Yet sensible people rarely create BIG POP CULTURAL MOMENTS, which is what America loves more than anything and which Joe's big exit created, ironically enough. We are likely living in one of those future "remember when?" moments, an unprecedented tipping point everyone feels compelled to be a part of.
Joe has given us so much, but he couldn't give us that. Thank goodness he was big enough to give us a chance to give it to ourselves.
Honestly, I wonder if he is mostly happy, or at least relieved. Biden came out of retirement because of Trump, what happened at Charlottesville, and the promise he gave his son Beau to stay involved. I would bet that if Mitch McConnell and the chicken sh*t R senators had done their job and convicted Trump with at least that second impeachment, so he could not run again, Biden would have announced he was only going to be in it for 1 term then, and let the next generation have at it.
At moments I promise myself I will go dance on Mitch McConnell’s grave. That poisonous old man cannot exit the national scene fast enough to suite me.
I'll be there with you, dancing on the grave of that scheming weasel. I'll never forgive Moscow Mitch for sabotaging U.S. democracy so heavily, so effectively, and with so much malicious intent.
Dutch Mike, I too will be pleased when McConnell is off the scene. He is corrupt while pretending he is some kind of "good guy." It takes a lot of nerve to do that, but not much courage. He ran the Senate like his own fiefdom and his Republican buddies went along with all his actions which should have been seen as unconstitutional, but somehow, Republicans just can't do the right thing and when they have someone like McConnell pushing forward (backward), they think they can't lose. Well, I hope the American people have had enough of Republican bullying, lying, deceit, and anti-American activity and will vote as many out as they can in November and beyond.
The Republicans have tunnelled themselves into a radical "pro-life" agenda, and its accompanying white nationalist christian aspirations, not to mention its intended gutting of the modern administration state with its social support and regulatory frameworks, aided and abetted by a severely right-slanted SCOTUS. A radical minority wants to call the shots over the rest of the American population. This needs to blow up in their face come Nov.
Ruth and others, count me in as someone who loathes the nefarious Mitchy. He has had a large role in the Supreme Court as it now is and he did all of it in plain sight. And then there is Randy....poor Kentucky with those two.
Don't forget the moment we're in right now! Trump, who has planted himself big on the horizon all these years, to the point where I've been wishing for him to die so that he would become inconsequential, is now dying politically, thanks to Biden's sacrifice and Harris's grand appearance on the stage! I can't remember when I've felt so relieved. (Gotta remind myself to keep reminding myself to keep fighting for our Democracy!)
I agree that Biden saw his most important role as preserving democracy in the most powerful nation on Earth. And if that's what he thought, then he was right. And he's always underestimated. Joe Biden always gets the job done one way or the other.
Cathy Pyron, you are absolutely right, McC also killed the Garland nomination for SCOTUS. His reward was having t-rump call his wife chow-chow. Many of rumps closest advisors have gone to jail and Giulliani is totally disgraced and bankrupt.. So apprentices beware.
I had trouble figuring out whether Grover Norquist or Mitch McConnell did the most damage to our Democracy for a while (after Newt Gingrich and Frank Luntz). Both Norquist and McConnell seemed incredibly able to ignore the damage they were doing but McConnell gets the prize for the most hypocritical in the blocking of even hearings for Garland for the better part of a year then lighting speed in confirming Coney-Barret.
Then there was the Senate Impeachment trial that seemed a cut and dried case until his even worse betrayal of our Democracy in declaring it was too late to try him for the crimes he implied were outrageous.
Any statue of him should have him strong arming Themis (the goddess of Justice). as he puts his full weight on one side of the scales of Justice.
Mitch delighted in thwarting President Obama in every way he could, including appointing judges, etc. Disgustingly, he wore an expression of glee as he did it.
Cathy, dance on both Mitch McConnell’s and James Comey’s graves for me, please. I feel that Comey’s decision to announce the Hillary Clinton investigation twice (while following the rules and keeping quiet about the cooperation of Trump’s campaign with the Russians) sunk her campaign in the critical background states and gave us Trump.
We must remember that Hillary won the popular vote. The electoral college gave Trump the victory as it did for W when Gore won. Getting rid of the Electoral College is the goal. The R's have done a good job gerrymandering so that most states appear to be Red and appoint electors accordingly. They will try that again for certain. The only antidote for now is a Blue Wave of extraordinary numbers.
I don't believe Moscow-Mitch, and the other 'Rs' could convince DJT to do anything that DJT doesn't want to do... Even if he did, DJT wouldn't stick to his agreements... Remember DJT was sent to New York Military Academy were he was reprimanded for wearing Medals & Ribbons that he didn't earn... The Washington 'R's just follow the Money, as does DJT...
The ground above Moscow Mitch's grave is likely to be quite compacted (and possibly a bit muddy) from so many folks dancing (and doing other things) on it . . . Well deserved.
Ahmagerd. Haven't seen John Sméagol around for a while, and now we have a "MadRussian" hopping around here? Another troll who has his subscription paid by Putin to copy-paste-spam the comment section?
The timing of Biden's decision to bow out after the RNC convention was sound. The RNC line was locked into painting Biden as forgetful and old. Biden's late decision gives the GOP limited time to get out a new anti-Kamala message. Let's lock in Kamala's message to undecided Independents!
Yes, his age is not negotiable. The one thing that Dems could not dispute. However, his political savvy is undiminished. Also, the debate performance could not be erased. It just cemented the Repub view in a way. So I guess the circuitous route to where we are makes me think of this. All journeys have a destination of which the traveler is unaware. Forgot who said it, but what a month???
JD, the following quote (one of my favorites) is often attributed to Confucius: "If we don't change our direction, we will likely end up where we are headed."
Just told this to my grand girl who was disappointed over an unexpected happening. Had so many in my life. Some fortuitous, some not so much, but all consequential in ways not obvious at the time. I guess why history has to chime in as time clarifies and reveals…. Thanks for attribution
Patricia, I have seen more anti DEI stuff in the last 48 hours than I have in the last year. That is their new "bogeyman" since they lost the age wedge.
When the Key Bridge collapsed and someone called Baltimore Mayor Scott a DEI hire he responded, yes I am a "Duly Elected Incumbent." Great comeback, then and now.
Ally, Rs now have to have a very loud dog whistle so that their cult can hear it and repeat it. The very idea that women, people who are not white, and those who are not straight should have any rights or say so in our country causes a lot of the hatred. The election of Obama was such an affront to them. He didn't have to step off the sidewalk for them or live on the wrong side of town. He had the highest office in the land. When we were in Chicago, our tour went to Hyde Park and the U of Chicago and we saw what little of his house was visible from the bus. One of the jerks on the tour asked while we were in that area why we didn't see the areas that he saw on TV, the all black part. Even when we were in Peace Corps training at George Williams College (near the U of Chicago)in 1965, Hyde Park was a diverse thriving area. The cutoff line was Cottage Grove, west of that was all black. Did our teacher training at Wendell Phillips High School near the White Sox Park at 3500 South. Training there was quite the adventure.
Yesterday, someone reversed DEI to define Trump, something like,"Devious, Egregious, and Insipid." (My words, but someone else's idea) Remember when police were called Pigs, Ally? They nipped that in the bud with the acronym Pride, Integrity, Guts.
‘There was a palpable energy apparent as she walked onto the stage…’
This is the orchestration of timing plus genuine dedication …and remembering surprises often come in small packages.
America is captured by the moment and its time has come to fruition.
I am going to re-applaud the many who paved the wave by wearing pearls ,Ruth.
By the patient stand by ,waited near breathless in the wings, hardly heard cheering us on Moms, secretaries, Albrights or ‘just’ housewives…who stood long but proudly without the fanfare or true appreciation.
Sisters…Kamala one and all , wear the pearls well. Let the icing on the cake be marvelous.
AND...didn't he time it perfectly!?! Brilliantly waiting until the repub Convention was over, the lemmings committed to going off the cliff together with their decidedly old, crazy and babbling candidate, he did what needed to be done. Stunning maneuver, President Biden!
Biden (to me, anyway) didn't seem to be all about power and keeping it. He was trying to help people; and perhaps, he realized that he didn't have the physical strength to do another four years.
I wonder what he thought when he looked at the debate Joe. It seemed like a different man. Of course, none of us are ON all the time. But that could not be erased or overcome. Not even a month ago… strange world
He did give us that ...by the timing of his exit. He gave us a BIG POP CULTURAL MOMENT by holding off, then stepping down. Even his timing of the day...he waited until the big political pundit shows of the day were over, so they couldn't have a free-for-all dissecting the move, telling us what to think about it and his endorsement of Kamala. That space, without media's false equivalencies, allowed his base to take in the crushing moment he stepped down and embrace the possibility Kamala brings to our nation.
And everything about Kamala is a slippery slope to try to attack!
She's not a mom-but a beloved step mom. She's not white- but she's not African American either-with parents from Asia and the Caribbean. She's not a career politician- but a career prosecutor. She's youthful and joyful- who doesn't love youth and joy? She's not religiously affiliated or beholden-and her family is Jewish. She is an effective and experienced public speaker who did not have the luxury of speechwriters her whole career. She's spoken her own thoughts out loud her whole life.
And then Joe does the most confusingly selfless, patriotic and politically perfect act of generosity.
It's all so perfectly designed for us I'm weak with gratitude.
Will, from Cal, You always express so well, exactly what needs to be commented. If Joe had to step aside, I am so glad he did it with a full-throated endorsement of Harris. For anyone not familiar enough with Harris, Politics Girl posted this video even before Biden stepped aside to educate voters about Harris. I hope anyone wanting a cool perspective on Harris to give it a watch: https://youtu.be/DJeltMiTZXo?feature=shared
Thanks for posting. Most voters who hear about her vast international experience will say HUH ? because the main stream media, including msnbc, ignored her and focused on trump’s trash mouth lies. When will they start focusing on reporting news rather than trying to make news? Donnie lied constantly through the “dismal debate” and mostly ignored the questions to spew lies. Moderators were failures and should have turned off his mic when he didn’t answer the question asked. Kamala knows his type and he’s scared. 🤬💩🤡🎃
I'm pretty sure she's an expert at rhetorical whiplash. Likely Trump will "refuse" to debate... she will counter-bullet him to the floor... OH, i hear he's accepted a debate with her! tba!
Your link to the ‘Who is Kamala Harris’ YouTube was great - Thank You MLRGMI.
And more subscribers to HCR fantastic print and video journalism- please make suggestions to what our younger generation is anchoring to. We need to fight for all out democratic diversity, especially our young people. Otherwise, the Climate Crisis is cheating the future generations out of a prosperous future. 🦋
Climate change is a creeping, mega tsunami there is very little anything governments, institutions are doing, even the most pro-active, to ,make a difference for the time being. Fossil fuel usage globally continues to rise and likely will so through the 2020s before levelling off in the 2030s for oil assuming EV does a pickup. Trump et al mind you want to get rid of ev subsidies, and as for oil etc drill baby drill. A lot of fossil fuel demand increase is now driven by Asian countries , now eg the world's largest coal burners, despite being much lower per capita consumption than USA. Switching to gas is good, but it's still a greenhouse gas adder. I do agree that pressures for reduction are a must, Kathaleen. I'm not sure what to make of the repeatedly broken reduction pledges, or "as much as we can" at Climate conferences, with a lot of finger pointing by developing nations, as they continue to crank up. 1.5C IS going to be surpassed. And you know, even the best climate models are imprecise on cumulative impact. Sorry if this sounds like a rant.
Thanks for the link! I will have to check that out. Over dinner last night, my husband and I watched Kamala Harris's entire speech in Milwaukee on CNN. Fantastic.
Good link. I decided to follow that creator. But she got one thing wrong: Harris is not a Progressive. She's a no nonsense common sense leader.
I think I'm relatively conservative and yet the Biden/Harris policies have been successful because they're common sense and data-driven (mostly). They've spoken directly to my sense of what it means to he an American. That VP Harris will continue to implement such policies give this old curmudgeon comfort that our children will have a more hopeful future.
Excellent iv. A breath of fresh air. No wonder the response has been overwhelming. She talks about what we are FOR - a novel concept around the world never mind our backyard.
Watched this when it came up - just watched it again. Watching the rally in Wisconsin should scare these RW doofuses out of their little pea-brained skulls!
Will, you get it. The hand wringing over "how late in the cycle" Biden's announcement and Harris's ascension came ignores modern culture and the speed of life today.
In fact, the timing was perfect. The real campaign begins on Labor Day - always has. There is a huge swath of America that doesn't pay much attention to politics - until something really dramatic happens. It just did - and people are now ready to listen to a new younger vigorous voice. In fact, whether they knew it or not, they were hungry for this.
And for most of our history the nominee was chosen at a summer convention. In 1880, the Republicans selected a candidate who had not even asked for the job. Garfield went on to win the presidency. And there was no internet to propel a political message with lightning like speed.
And it will be women - angry women - who will take us to victory. Forget their political party. Try telling a woman she has no control over whether to carry a soon to be dead child to term - with all the health terror that comes with that. Try telling a woman that Republicans want to restrict birth control? Good grief.
I believe that "younger America" is awakening like a sleeping dragon. Soon she will fly and roast the enemy. Can you hear the music?
It struck me as I read last night's letter to wonder if people at other pivital points in history have understood, at the time, that they were IN a pivital point in history? Outside of full-on war time, I mean?
As Robert Hubbell’s reader David H. noted, “President Biden has passed the torch to all of us.” Now we have 100 days to get the job done. Find your super power. Find your tribe!
Well said, Will! If she'd become the nominee earlier, the rabid R's would have been beating her up the past several months or years. Now their hysterical criticism of her makes them look stupid.
People watched what they could stomach of the RNC convention thst was poorly attended, with Dear Leader with a cut up Depends on his head, and his idiot co-conspirator bought and paid for by Peter thiel VP nominee.
I absolutely love every word you posted here! ❤️ I am one who has been very upset and angry about what seemed to be underhanded machinations to push Joe out. But I don't know anywhere near all the facts, and though my heart breaks for the pain this decision must have caused Joe, I admire and respect him even more for having the guts to look at both himself and the situation honestly, and to relinquish his position and support a younger candidate whom he knows well and knows is very capable of defeating our homegrown fascists and continuing the work of bringing our country into the future, and closer to the ideal of freedom, liberty and justice for ALL!!
Yes, it is such a juxtaposition to feel grief for our lovely president whilst feeling utter joy at the this igniting moment for our country and world. President Biden has selflessly passed the torch to a wonderful woman who is a powerful speaker, prosecutor and can hold the torch for Liberty and well as for Justice. She will undergird and help us repair all the groping and abuse the rethuglicans have done to America and Decency and Democracy, Checks and Balances.
“ The total reversal of energy among the pro-democracy coalition in these past 72 hours has been nothing short of an astonishment, as if a defibrillator has been applied to the body politic.”
Like HCR said Sunday night in her brief video, Biden's timing remains impeccable.
Biden waited 'til tfg locked in his worst choice for his VP pick Biden before he gave the country a selfless gift. He likely never would have picked JDV if Harris was opposing him.
As stressed out as I was I had no idea just how stressed I was until relief came when Biden stepped down. AND I did not wish for Biden to pass the baton.
I completely agree. I love Joe and felt terrible about him being pushed out, but when he made his decision and brilliantly made sure that Kamala would have the best chance to be his successor, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted. My husband and I agreed that Sunday night was the first decent night’s sleep we had had in 3 weeks. And now I’m beginning to feel the stirrings of actual hope and optimism! So grateful for our current and future presidents!
Will, You are a gorgeous writer who brilliantly has captured the intense transformation of this moment. Given your talent, I imagine you have garnered a broad public reach.
Make a wave! Help register new Democrats in swing states. FT6 has a database containing 9 million unregistered likely Democrats in swing states. The basis for all digital outreach! FT6 uses every outreach method there is: email, text, phone, geofencing, direct mail, targeted ads, social media storms, postcards, and live voter drives.
THANK YOU DONALD TRUMP!!! Because of you, a female, kinda ethnic/Black/whatever is now absolutely acceptable, downright desirable!, to become the next President of the U.S. of A.
- Pulled Quote -
Clinton'' wrote, and “[w]ith Ms. Harris at the top of the ticket leading the way, this movement may become an unstoppable wave.”''
Harris (and Democracy win in November)
The total reversal of energy among the pro-democracy coalition in these past 72 hours has been nothing short of an astonishment, as if a defibrillator has been applied to the body politic.
Americans who were were dreading a rematch are now jumping at the chance to make history. Watching the VP's Milwaukee rally today was beyond invigorating. That crowd of devoted Dems sounded practically ravenous, even hundreds of miles away through my desktop speakers. Harris herself surpassed all expectations, and that is the key to success here: Americans love a story of someone rising to meet the moment. Indeed, she has waited, watched, and learned, and now boy ever is she rising. Sensible people could posit it would have been preferable for her to become the nominee earlier this year through a regular primary. Yet sensible people rarely create BIG POP CULTURAL MOMENTS, which is what America loves more than anything and which Joe's big exit created, ironically enough. We are likely living in one of those future "remember when?" moments, an unprecedented tipping point everyone feels compelled to be a part of.
Joe has given us so much, but he couldn't give us that. Thank goodness he was big enough to give us a chance to give it to ourselves.
He gave us a gift that he could not have given by staying. That is sacrifice for country.
Honestly, I wonder if he is mostly happy, or at least relieved. Biden came out of retirement because of Trump, what happened at Charlottesville, and the promise he gave his son Beau to stay involved. I would bet that if Mitch McConnell and the chicken sh*t R senators had done their job and convicted Trump with at least that second impeachment, so he could not run again, Biden would have announced he was only going to be in it for 1 term then, and let the next generation have at it.
At moments I promise myself I will go dance on Mitch McConnell’s grave. That poisonous old man cannot exit the national scene fast enough to suite me.
I'll be there with you, dancing on the grave of that scheming weasel. I'll never forgive Moscow Mitch for sabotaging U.S. democracy so heavily, so effectively, and with so much malicious intent.
Dutch Mike, I too will be pleased when McConnell is off the scene. He is corrupt while pretending he is some kind of "good guy." It takes a lot of nerve to do that, but not much courage. He ran the Senate like his own fiefdom and his Republican buddies went along with all his actions which should have been seen as unconstitutional, but somehow, Republicans just can't do the right thing and when they have someone like McConnell pushing forward (backward), they think they can't lose. Well, I hope the American people have had enough of Republican bullying, lying, deceit, and anti-American activity and will vote as many out as they can in November and beyond.
The Republicans have tunnelled themselves into a radical "pro-life" agenda, and its accompanying white nationalist christian aspirations, not to mention its intended gutting of the modern administration state with its social support and regulatory frameworks, aided and abetted by a severely right-slanted SCOTUS. A radical minority wants to call the shots over the rest of the American population. This needs to blow up in their face come Nov.
Ruth and others, count me in as someone who loathes the nefarious Mitchy. He has had a large role in the Supreme Court as it now is and he did all of it in plain sight. And then there is Randy....poor Kentucky with those two.
Don't forget the moment we're in right now! Trump, who has planted himself big on the horizon all these years, to the point where I've been wishing for him to die so that he would become inconsequential, is now dying politically, thanks to Biden's sacrifice and Harris's grand appearance on the stage! I can't remember when I've felt so relieved. (Gotta remind myself to keep reminding myself to keep fighting for our Democracy!)
Road Trip!!!
Errr ahh..., "Chow down" there Mike, hahahaaahhhaaa.
I agree that Biden saw his most important role as preserving democracy in the most powerful nation on Earth. And if that's what he thought, then he was right. And he's always underestimated. Joe Biden always gets the job done one way or the other.
And as Hillary Clinton said, "I have not seen a more pure act of patriotism in my lifetime.!"
Cathy Pyron, you are absolutely right, McC also killed the Garland nomination for SCOTUS. His reward was having t-rump call his wife chow-chow. Many of rumps closest advisors have gone to jail and Giulliani is totally disgraced and bankrupt.. So apprentices beware.
Lord, he has been so effectively evil that he is about unparalleled in political circles. And that’s a high hill to climb
I had trouble figuring out whether Grover Norquist or Mitch McConnell did the most damage to our Democracy for a while (after Newt Gingrich and Frank Luntz). Both Norquist and McConnell seemed incredibly able to ignore the damage they were doing but McConnell gets the prize for the most hypocritical in the blocking of even hearings for Garland for the better part of a year then lighting speed in confirming Coney-Barret.
Then there was the Senate Impeachment trial that seemed a cut and dried case until his even worse betrayal of our Democracy in declaring it was too late to try him for the crimes he implied were outrageous.
Any statue of him should have him strong arming Themis (the goddess of Justice). as he puts his full weight on one side of the scales of Justice.
Mitch delighted in thwarting President Obama in every way he could, including appointing judges, etc. Disgustingly, he wore an expression of glee as he did it.
Ripping the arms right off of Themus in broad daylight at the intersection of “Constitution” and “Justice” ! That sly smirk of his still grates.
Hear! Hear!
Cathy, dance on both Mitch McConnell’s and James Comey’s graves for me, please. I feel that Comey’s decision to announce the Hillary Clinton investigation twice (while following the rules and keeping quiet about the cooperation of Trump’s campaign with the Russians) sunk her campaign in the critical background states and gave us Trump.
We must remember that Hillary won the popular vote. The electoral college gave Trump the victory as it did for W when Gore won. Getting rid of the Electoral College is the goal. The R's have done a good job gerrymandering so that most states appear to be Red and appoint electors accordingly. They will try that again for certain. The only antidote for now is a Blue Wave of extraordinary numbers.
And if anyone wants to take a deeper dive into just how vile Mitch McConnell is, this podcast from Hysteria gives a good overview: https://youtu.be/EH8UShIX5EM?si=G5N3xlItYRn8TJgb
Yeah..., and take Chow with him - Go live on 'some' island in the S. China Sea. (Ms Chow, another Federal free-loader)
I don't believe Moscow-Mitch, and the other 'Rs' could convince DJT to do anything that DJT doesn't want to do... Even if he did, DJT wouldn't stick to his agreements... Remember DJT was sent to New York Military Academy were he was reprimanded for wearing Medals & Ribbons that he didn't earn... The Washington 'R's just follow the Money, as does DJT...
Call me for the dancing festivities-it’ll be GRAND!
VOTE 💙💙💙💙
The ground above Moscow Mitch's grave is likely to be quite compacted (and possibly a bit muddy) from so many folks dancing (and doing other things) on it . . . Well deserved.
Ahmagerd. Haven't seen John Sméagol around for a while, and now we have a "MadRussian" hopping around here? Another troll who has his subscription paid by Putin to copy-paste-spam the comment section?
Hope you 'knocked on wood' with the declaration Mike.
Yeah, but who wants to stand in line that long?
Yeah..., and take Chow with him - Go live on 'some' island in the S. China Sea. (Ms Chow, another Federal free-loader)
The timing of Biden's decision to bow out after the RNC convention was sound. The RNC line was locked into painting Biden as forgetful and old. Biden's late decision gives the GOP limited time to get out a new anti-Kamala message. Let's lock in Kamala's message to undecided Independents!
Yes, his age is not negotiable. The one thing that Dems could not dispute. However, his political savvy is undiminished. Also, the debate performance could not be erased. It just cemented the Repub view in a way. So I guess the circuitous route to where we are makes me think of this. All journeys have a destination of which the traveler is unaware. Forgot who said it, but what a month???
JD, the following quote (one of my favorites) is often attributed to Confucius: "If we don't change our direction, we will likely end up where we are headed."
And that is a good place.
Today it is. Love that quote too. But the first one sort of defines my life. Lots of twists and turns.
But isn't is always the case that we end up where we're headed, even if we do change direction?
JD Chilcutt: Martin Buber: “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”. Fine quote.
Just told this to my grand girl who was disappointed over an unexpected happening. Had so many in my life. Some fortuitous, some not so much, but all consequential in ways not obvious at the time. I guess why history has to chime in as time clarifies and reveals…. Thanks for attribution
Thx to the crooked media.
Patricia, I have seen more anti DEI stuff in the last 48 hours than I have in the last year. That is their new "bogeyman" since they lost the age wedge.
DEI is something Kamala should own proudly. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.
Agreed. Diversity here is strength, not weakness.
When the Key Bridge collapsed and someone called Baltimore Mayor Scott a DEI hire he responded, yes I am a "Duly Elected Incumbent." Great comeback, then and now.
Ally, Rs now have to have a very loud dog whistle so that their cult can hear it and repeat it. The very idea that women, people who are not white, and those who are not straight should have any rights or say so in our country causes a lot of the hatred. The election of Obama was such an affront to them. He didn't have to step off the sidewalk for them or live on the wrong side of town. He had the highest office in the land. When we were in Chicago, our tour went to Hyde Park and the U of Chicago and we saw what little of his house was visible from the bus. One of the jerks on the tour asked while we were in that area why we didn't see the areas that he saw on TV, the all black part. Even when we were in Peace Corps training at George Williams College (near the U of Chicago)in 1965, Hyde Park was a diverse thriving area. The cutoff line was Cottage Grove, west of that was all black. Did our teacher training at Wendell Phillips High School near the White Sox Park at 3500 South. Training there was quite the adventure.
Indeed they do, Michele. And I bet that teacher training was quite an adventure!
Yesterday, someone reversed DEI to define Trump, something like,"Devious, Egregious, and Insipid." (My words, but someone else's idea) Remember when police were called Pigs, Ally? They nipped that in the bud with the acronym Pride, Integrity, Guts.
‘There was a palpable energy apparent as she walked onto the stage…’
This is the orchestration of timing plus genuine dedication …and remembering surprises often come in small packages.
America is captured by the moment and its time has come to fruition.
I am going to re-applaud the many who paved the wave by wearing pearls ,Ruth.
By the patient stand by ,waited near breathless in the wings, hardly heard cheering us on Moms, secretaries, Albrights or ‘just’ housewives…who stood long but proudly without the fanfare or true appreciation.
Sisters…Kamala one and all , wear the pearls well. Let the icing on the cake be marvelous.
Love, care, and the woman’s touch has come…
💙💙VOTE ALL THE HO-Hum COMPLICITS OUT💙💙
Time for another Me Too campaign
Me Too …FRUITION ! Put yer pearls on🫶
Exactly what was missing from Patricia's great statement!!
TY🫶
Hopefully we will take the house and keep the senate and impeach the Supremes! If anyone can do this we can w Harris at the top of the ticket!
Country over party, what a concept…
For Joe Biden it has been a lifelong guide.
What a fine man he is‼️
AND...didn't he time it perfectly!?! Brilliantly waiting until the repub Convention was over, the lemmings committed to going off the cliff together with their decidedly old, crazy and babbling candidate, he did what needed to be done. Stunning maneuver, President Biden!
Joe needs to be lauded by all. He has done the rarest of political deeds.
As Hillary wrote, "The most pure act of patriotism I've seen in my life time!"
Agree, but I did think that Al Gore did same
That is it in a nutshell, JD.
Seems to me
Biden (to me, anyway) didn't seem to be all about power and keeping it. He was trying to help people; and perhaps, he realized that he didn't have the physical strength to do another four years.
I wonder what he thought when he looked at the debate Joe. It seemed like a different man. Of course, none of us are ON all the time. But that could not be erased or overcome. Not even a month ago… strange world
He did give us that ...by the timing of his exit. He gave us a BIG POP CULTURAL MOMENT by holding off, then stepping down. Even his timing of the day...he waited until the big political pundit shows of the day were over, so they couldn't have a free-for-all dissecting the move, telling us what to think about it and his endorsement of Kamala. That space, without media's false equivalencies, allowed his base to take in the crushing moment he stepped down and embrace the possibility Kamala brings to our nation.
Truly, he is a genius.
And everything about Kamala is a slippery slope to try to attack!
She's not a mom-but a beloved step mom. She's not white- but she's not African American either-with parents from Asia and the Caribbean. She's not a career politician- but a career prosecutor. She's youthful and joyful- who doesn't love youth and joy? She's not religiously affiliated or beholden-and her family is Jewish. She is an effective and experienced public speaker who did not have the luxury of speechwriters her whole career. She's spoken her own thoughts out loud her whole life.
And then Joe does the most confusingly selfless, patriotic and politically perfect act of generosity.
It's all so perfectly designed for us I'm weak with gratitude.
And ... she can dance!
A very interesting read comparing Kamala's Christian point of view vs. tRumps. https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/kamala-harris-christian-faith-religious-freedom-rcna163011
Thank you Eileen I'm glad I read that! Fascinating!
Exactly right Susan. Joe is a genius.
And trump is a "jeanius."
And the rained on 'Wounded Ears' (Rick Wilson's name for tfg) post convention moment.
Laughing out loud at work….
That Rick Wilson….
Ahhhhh! So perfect!!
Bingo I felt the exact same
Will, from Cal, You always express so well, exactly what needs to be commented. If Joe had to step aside, I am so glad he did it with a full-throated endorsement of Harris. For anyone not familiar enough with Harris, Politics Girl posted this video even before Biden stepped aside to educate voters about Harris. I hope anyone wanting a cool perspective on Harris to give it a watch: https://youtu.be/DJeltMiTZXo?feature=shared
Excellent Politics Girl compilation of Kamala’s accomplishments. Definitely worth the 10 minutes to watch.
Dawn Erickson and MLRGRMI, second that and SEND OUT!
Thanks for posting. Most voters who hear about her vast international experience will say HUH ? because the main stream media, including msnbc, ignored her and focused on trump’s trash mouth lies. When will they start focusing on reporting news rather than trying to make news? Donnie lied constantly through the “dismal debate” and mostly ignored the questions to spew lies. Moderators were failures and should have turned off his mic when he didn’t answer the question asked. Kamala knows his type and he’s scared. 🤬💩🤡🎃
The msm needs to be dissected after this election and taken to the woodshed. Since 2016 they have let us down utterly.
I'm pretty sure she's an expert at rhetorical whiplash. Likely Trump will "refuse" to debate... she will counter-bullet him to the floor... OH, i hear he's accepted a debate with her! tba!
Your link to the ‘Who is Kamala Harris’ YouTube was great - Thank You MLRGMI.
And more subscribers to HCR fantastic print and video journalism- please make suggestions to what our younger generation is anchoring to. We need to fight for all out democratic diversity, especially our young people. Otherwise, the Climate Crisis is cheating the future generations out of a prosperous future. 🦋
Climate change is a creeping, mega tsunami there is very little anything governments, institutions are doing, even the most pro-active, to ,make a difference for the time being. Fossil fuel usage globally continues to rise and likely will so through the 2020s before levelling off in the 2030s for oil assuming EV does a pickup. Trump et al mind you want to get rid of ev subsidies, and as for oil etc drill baby drill. A lot of fossil fuel demand increase is now driven by Asian countries , now eg the world's largest coal burners, despite being much lower per capita consumption than USA. Switching to gas is good, but it's still a greenhouse gas adder. I do agree that pressures for reduction are a must, Kathaleen. I'm not sure what to make of the repeatedly broken reduction pledges, or "as much as we can" at Climate conferences, with a lot of finger pointing by developing nations, as they continue to crank up. 1.5C IS going to be surpassed. And you know, even the best climate models are imprecise on cumulative impact. Sorry if this sounds like a rant.
Or any future at all.
Thanks. I too posted that video in my social media. Spread the word!
MLRGRMI, thanks for this link. I need to send it to a friend who needs to see it!
Great, positive messaging from Politics Girl.
Thanks for the link! I will have to check that out. Over dinner last night, my husband and I watched Kamala Harris's entire speech in Milwaukee on CNN. Fantastic.
Good link. I decided to follow that creator. But she got one thing wrong: Harris is not a Progressive. She's a no nonsense common sense leader.
I think I'm relatively conservative and yet the Biden/Harris policies have been successful because they're common sense and data-driven (mostly). They've spoken directly to my sense of what it means to he an American. That VP Harris will continue to implement such policies give this old curmudgeon comfort that our children will have a more hopeful future.
Listen to this video too with Politcs Girl and non-Trump Republican Michael Steel https://youtu.be/8Ov4NDu0UjU?si=qmGpRucQW1lrnJDs
This is such a great video! Thank You Lisa for sharing it!!!!!!!
Excellent iv. A breath of fresh air. No wonder the response has been overwhelming. She talks about what we are FOR - a novel concept around the world never mind our backyard.
MLRGRMI, thank you so much for the link! I thought I knew all she was doing, but Politics Girl taught me a thing or two.
Watched this when it came up - just watched it again. Watching the rally in Wisconsin should scare these RW doofuses out of their little pea-brained skulls!
Will, you get it. The hand wringing over "how late in the cycle" Biden's announcement and Harris's ascension came ignores modern culture and the speed of life today.
In fact, the timing was perfect. The real campaign begins on Labor Day - always has. There is a huge swath of America that doesn't pay much attention to politics - until something really dramatic happens. It just did - and people are now ready to listen to a new younger vigorous voice. In fact, whether they knew it or not, they were hungry for this.
And for most of our history the nominee was chosen at a summer convention. In 1880, the Republicans selected a candidate who had not even asked for the job. Garfield went on to win the presidency. And there was no internet to propel a political message with lightning like speed.
And it will be women - angry women - who will take us to victory. Forget their political party. Try telling a woman she has no control over whether to carry a soon to be dead child to term - with all the health terror that comes with that. Try telling a woman that Republicans want to restrict birth control? Good grief.
I believe that "younger America" is awakening like a sleeping dragon. Soon she will fly and roast the enemy. Can you hear the music?
I bet a musician I know just might be writing something...
Beyoncé singing “Freedom”!
😉
I love that the GOP/RNC were played so beautifully with his announcement. Timing.
Indeed…..
And they’re doing a lot of huffing and puffing and foot stomping.
It struck me as I read last night's letter to wonder if people at other pivital points in history have understood, at the time, that they were IN a pivital point in history? Outside of full-on war time, I mean?
As Robert Hubbell’s reader David H. noted, “President Biden has passed the torch to all of us.” Now we have 100 days to get the job done. Find your super power. Find your tribe!
https://open.substack.com/pub/roberthubbell/p/president-biden-has-passed-the-torch?r=6pp8t&utm_medium=ios
Well said, Will! If she'd become the nominee earlier, the rabid R's would have been beating her up the past several months or years. Now their hysterical criticism of her makes them look stupid.
He DID give us that! He had impeccable timing.
People watched what they could stomach of the RNC convention thst was poorly attended, with Dear Leader with a cut up Depends on his head, and his idiot co-conspirator bought and paid for by Peter thiel VP nominee.
So pathetic.
And then Joe took away all their air.
Godspeed, Joe Biden.
Onward, Kamala!
I absolutely love every word you posted here! ❤️ I am one who has been very upset and angry about what seemed to be underhanded machinations to push Joe out. But I don't know anywhere near all the facts, and though my heart breaks for the pain this decision must have caused Joe, I admire and respect him even more for having the guts to look at both himself and the situation honestly, and to relinquish his position and support a younger candidate whom he knows well and knows is very capable of defeating our homegrown fascists and continuing the work of bringing our country into the future, and closer to the ideal of freedom, liberty and justice for ALL!!
Yes, it is such a juxtaposition to feel grief for our lovely president whilst feeling utter joy at the this igniting moment for our country and world. President Biden has selflessly passed the torch to a wonderful woman who is a powerful speaker, prosecutor and can hold the torch for Liberty and well as for Justice. She will undergird and help us repair all the groping and abuse the rethuglicans have done to America and Decency and Democracy, Checks and Balances.
Yes, sensible people could posit an earlier withdrawal by Biden, but then the Republicans wouldn’t have Vance. Heh heh.
And here is a substack newsletter from Timothy Snyder about Vance :https://snyder.substack.com/p/veep-stakes
Will, a paragraph for the ages
“ The total reversal of energy among the pro-democracy coalition in these past 72 hours has been nothing short of an astonishment, as if a defibrillator has been applied to the body politic.”
💯
Kamala "rising to meet the moment" -- love this, Will!
Like HCR said Sunday night in her brief video, Biden's timing remains impeccable.
Biden waited 'til tfg locked in his worst choice for his VP pick Biden before he gave the country a selfless gift. He likely never would have picked JDV if Harris was opposing him.
As stressed out as I was I had no idea just how stressed I was until relief came when Biden stepped down. AND I did not wish for Biden to pass the baton.
I completely agree. I love Joe and felt terrible about him being pushed out, but when he made his decision and brilliantly made sure that Kamala would have the best chance to be his successor, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted. My husband and I agreed that Sunday night was the first decent night’s sleep we had had in 3 weeks. And now I’m beginning to feel the stirrings of actual hope and optimism! So grateful for our current and future presidents!
Will, You are a gorgeous writer who brilliantly has captured the intense transformation of this moment. Given your talent, I imagine you have garnered a broad public reach.
Make a wave! Help register new Democrats in swing states. FT6 has a database containing 9 million unregistered likely Democrats in swing states. The basis for all digital outreach! FT6 uses every outreach method there is: email, text, phone, geofencing, direct mail, targeted ads, social media storms, postcards, and live voter drives.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/
ThankYou for your diligent emphasis on voter registration. Truly you cannot say it enough times. And ThankYou for providing the links to FT6.
Every check your own voter registration to be sure there are no problems.
600 postcards going out to Ohio. We are almost ready to get more- any swing state.
I watched Team Field 6 video. I’m going to get involved!! Thanks for sharing.
Hillary put a crack in the ceiling, now Kamala can push through! I’m excited. Vote Blue
Hillary Clinton is a class act and puts country above herself, like President Biden.
I’m reminded of Will smith’s quote in Men In Black… Trump- old and busted. Harris- new hotness.
THANK YOU DONALD TRUMP!!! Because of you, a female, kinda ethnic/Black/whatever is now absolutely acceptable, downright desirable!, to become the next President of the U.S. of A.
Yippee!!