For all that certain members of the media continue their freakout over Biden’s electability after his appearance in last Thursday’s event on CNN, it is Trump and his Republicans who appear to be nervous about the upcoming election.
Can everyone stop this carry-on about Biden’s fitness. Democracy and progress are safe in his hands. He could be a block of wood, an otter or a tennis shoe it wouldn’t matter.
It’s keeping frump OUT that is the issue.
Biden has a crackerjack team so many of whom could walk in his shoes or carry any load he wants to shed. A livable tomorrow is at stake. Frump will decimate the US, and completely squash the American experiment.
Look, you guys. I'm as resentful of the media's double standards between the sides of the political aisles as anyone else here. They should have been talking about Project 2025 since the day it was published, non-stop. The last thing I wrote here was an impassioned exhortation of support for Joe Biden following The Debate That Will Live in Infamy. I stand by that message in a few ways, both as an honest immediate response and as an expression of disgust at this media hysteria and double standard. We here on these pages believe in Joe Biden as an upper-echelon President and recognize the underrated role he has played in steadying this country. That said...
I don't think I've ever done a bigger, faster 180-degree-turn regarding my feelings toward a person or event before, and I doubt I ever could. It has been over 100 degrees all week where I am, so I am stuck inside and have been guzzling every bit of print journalism I can find while the situation unfolds, putting emphasis on sources - large and small - that report actual Congresspeople and strategists on background and can illustrate overviews of events on "The Hill." I think I may have actually read every post-Debate news report published so far. I have to say, now knowing what I know, am a bit taken aback by some of the continuing apologia here.
I'm too tired to summarize in great detail, but suffice it to say that - by cautious and conservative estimate - the President is royally f#cked beyond belief or repair, seems to be the only person on Earth who doesn't realize it, and is leading us headlong into apocalypse unless elected Democrats en masse get loud and creative, fast. The man has begun to face serious physical and cognitive decline in recent months and been insulated by his circle. His unfitness has been incontrovertably exposed and he is no longer electable, period. The number of people he needs to show up to vote for him nationwide are no longer available to him after last week, and his already-struggling candidacy has now been framed in a way that he cannot win on. Democrats in Congress know that not only is his candidacy almost certainly doomed, but if it continues it will have devestating effects down-ballot, wiping the Good Guys out on every level. Polling is cratering, donors are fleeing, and morale is in the gutter. The only plausible path forward is for the President to commit to a final act of patriotism and stand down, full stop. Life isn't fair sometimes, but the country must come first. Most Democratic electeds have kept their sentiments under wraps in order to give him the space and respect to come to the decision in a dignified way, but he has so far taken advantage of that space to dig in. His interview tonight was a sad display of a once-perceptive person who has willfully lost touch with reality. One can admire the man's prior accomplishments greatly while seeing clearly that another candidate is not a matter of if but a matter of how and how soon. This election simply cannot afford to be lost, and pro-democracy voters and volunteers need a chance to reset and galvanize, to catch the eye and ear of the public and prosecute our case vociferously on terrain that is favorable to us.
It will be an intriguing news week. Oh, to be a fly on the wall in Hakeem Jeffries's office (or Chuck Schumer's)! Oof, you guys. Oof.
Sherree, I'll assume nothing about Will beyond what you have said. And from there I'll say something beyond what you have said.
In November, Biden's competence is irrelevant. The only thing relevant at this time in history is the candidate's intent. If any individual, Will included, is looking at the candidates' competence and ignoring their intent, then that individual is as lost as someone who knows where they are in terms of latitude while having no idea where they are in terms of longitude.
The difference between what Trump will do when elected and a government policy to inject its citizens with Ebola virus is that people die faster with Ebola virus. The difference between what Biden will do when elected and a different Democratic candidate is worthy of concern, but the absolute worst that Biden will be is significantly better than the best version of Trump, which was before he started firing all the grownups in his first administration.
We are not in this situation because of Biden. We are in this situation because too many people treat politics like a spectator sport. And if we get out of it, it will not be because of Biden. It will be because of all of us.
We all need to start with step 1 of the 12-step program and say to ourselves as individuals, "I am not in charge." Then ask the question, "Who is in charge?" The answer is we are, but only if we are all willing to work together by putting all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength into defeating the real enemy. And it's important to remember that (even though they're not yet willing to acknowledge it) we're doing it for their sake as well as ours.
I was going to write a similar thing, but you did a far better job than I could.
I would add, that if Biden loses - contrary to people like Steve Schmidt's and Tim Miller etc, the fault is not with the dems standing by him as much as both the dems in high places abandoning him and leaking unsourced stories of disarray as well as the lack of support from the supposedly
"normal" republican establishment - where are the voices of the Jeb and W Bush? Where are Paul Ryan , Kasich, Collins, Romney, Jeff Flake, etc who clearly all KNOW the threat to democracy trump poses being brave enough to say that they will vote for Biden because they and America can survive 4 years of Biden but so trump as Liz Cheney has said?
The problem with 2024 election is not Biden. Its the deep hatred for democrats, progressives and 'other' that that does not just run through a portion of the population ( which it always did ) but is amplified by a media that places profits over everything thinking they will be immune from the storm that trump will bring. Social media platforms which amplify foreign governments attempts to disrupt America through fake bots disguised as Americans.
The list goes on and on - and while its clear that Biden's performance last Thursday has given fuel to the Maga movement - the problem is deeper than a stammer, a lose of temporay train of thought or a shuffle - those are minor infirmaries compared to the real threat that awaits if he loses.
The Repubs form a tight circle to defend their man while the dems form a circular firing squad.
"I’m not a member of any organized political party. I’m a Democrat." —Will Rogers.
Time for a change. Democrats unite! To be more specific, Republicans have explicitly united around the concept of unilateral control, and so Democrats must explicitly unite around the concept of mutual respect.
Those unsourced "Biden must go" stories are making me so, so angry. What kind of journalism is this? Let me know the sources so I can evaluate their credentials and perspectives.
Has it occurred to those who are in panic mode that the Repugnants are terrified of even the "diminished" Biden? Otherwise, they would be sitting back with huge smiles in their faces, relishing that "Sleepy Joe" has given them the keys to the kingdom, where their useful idiot will return to reside and rule?
Given a year or more to prepare, if Biden was showing verifiable signs of cognitive failure, the Democrats might have a different conversation and choose a younger candidate (Kamala Harris, perhaps), but with less than four months remaining before the election, Biden, his Vice President, and very capable cabinet can ably handle the ship of state. As has been agreed by most commenters here, the risk of a second whack at rule by TFG and Project 2025 is a recipe for disaster far greater than any risk Biden's reelection could bring, and if we stop wringing our hands and vote for Biden, we can deny the right wing from making us Moscow-or-Hungary light.
I have always appreciated Will's responses but have to disagree with this one - honestly, "reading every post-debate "news" report"? Most have already jumped on the anti-biden message - be real - it makes for clicks.
The thing is - its STILL a bad idea to change horses in the middle of a stream - or in this a freaking RIVER! THAT is the issue right there.
So we seriously want to lose this election? Well, dandy, then all the Dem wusses who are leaping off the boat at this moment will be thrilled - and you know who else will be? Trump, Heritage group, and Republicans.
How many people will listen to these supposed "news" reports and not vote for Biden or not vote? Time to pull up our Big Girl Panties and tell them the debate is only a pimple on a ducks ass!
Will, I mean nothing against you and your opinion but this is mine.
Oh - by the way - I meant big girl panties because its the women who do NOT want the anti-abortion bunch telling them how to deal with reproductive health! Remember that little issue??
I completely agree with you regarding changing horses in midstream! I don’t believe Kamala could win on 2 counts: deep seated misogyny; and deep seated racism.
Changing horses is a better idea than flogging a dead one.
Changing horses is not "THE" issue. Joe Biden's physical and mental fitness is the issue. He is Trump's dream candidate. Trump's nightmare candidate? Anyone but Joe Biden.
A MAGA defending Trump will not express the idea that I am going to express below because anyone who does what I'm doing will recognize that their defense of Trump is indefensible.
I've explained my position in language I don't think is all that hard to understand. The response you'd get from a MAGA defending Trump is essentially, "I'm right, you're wrong, and this conversation is over." The response you're getting from me is, I'm almost certain I'm right, but I'm not absolutely certain. If you think I'm wrong, do what I did. State your position in language I can understand. In other words, don't just tell me my conclusion is wrong. Instead, challenge my assumptions, then I will challenge your assumptions, and we'll get to the truth if we're both willing to put in the effort.
But the intent of my reply is simply to answer your question.
Tom, of course it's relevant. If you're worried about the debate performance, please read a transcript of it. Both read as if they're competent, but Biden answers the questions more directly and with facts while Trump touches on the questions but deviates into distortions and outright lies most of the time. If you combine that with Trump's history as president versus Biden’s history of presidential actions, with Trump's criminality and legal losses versus Biden’s respect for the law and institutions, with the lack of quality of Trump's advisors versus the professionalism and dedication to public service within Biden’s inner circle, one can't but conclude that a diminished Biden with a good administration is far better than any authoritarian crap a Trump presidency will implement.
And then, might there be someone within the Democratic ranks that can take Biden’s place and do a great job? Sure. ALL of them can wipe the floor with Trump in a debate and speak in a way that neutralizes the nervousness from some of the public, but how do you do that at this stage, and succeed?
We're not just voting for one person. We are voting for a presidential team and its policies.
No - according to the media - ONLY looking at Biden's competency - nothing NOTHING being question about DJT - not even after or during that idiotic so-called debate!
Biden is old - for freaking sake - he was OLD 2 years ago, three years ago so where was all the shock and awe THEN? You know, when it was actually possible to bring someone else into the picture?
Pulling Biden or any other candidate at this stage of the game - not even four months before the election?
James R. Carey: Magnificent post! As has been said elsewhere, the contest is not between Biden and Trump; it is between Democracy and Fascism, Reason and Irrationality, Peace and Violence.
Thank you, James R. Carey. I agree we all need to get behind Joe and fully support him. He has an excellent team! They are the best of the best! Then look at Trumps! They are the worst of the worst! They have all been bought by the Christian Nationalists! Apparently there are only 1/3 of them but there are 2/3s of us! We have to get out and talk to people! Get people away from Fox Entertainment! We have a good following on HCR's daily letters and if we talk to just one person and convince them that they need to vote or inform them who Trump really is! We don't have any other candidate at the point in time that can beat Trump. Kamala has been mentioned but damn she is the vice president....and I have heard people talk that they are worried about a "woman being president and especially a black woman" I was shocked when I heard this....but it is going to be a while before anyone but a "white male" will be able to be elected president! The White Christian Nationalists will see to that. It happened once with President Obama and I was totally shocked at what my so called "Christian friends" call him! He was called the anti-Christ and because I supported him they unfriended me and most will not even look at me when I run into them....they look the other way. These people attend the local "Christian Church". It is the largest in our community. They operate their own grade school in the community. I have faith that Joe can win and he didn't say he would quit because damn it.....he and I believe he will win....why would he say he will walk away when ask by a reporter! He isn't a quitter! If he was he wouldn't be our president now! The media needs to stop the questioning of our great president!
You have something those "Christians" do not. You have truth on your side, and the truth is in Jesus' words in the Gospel. If Jesus said, in essence, "Look at your neighbor and see an enemy," I'd admit I was wrong. But Jesus said, in essence, "Look at your enemy and see a neighbor," and in saying that, he is calling them the anti-Christians.
As Mary McCartney told her son, Paul, "Let it be. There will be an answer."
Trying to replace Biden at an open convention at this late date will insure tRump's success. The media, who have brought us to this sorry state, will celebrate. Can you imagine the chaos they will create at an open convention. They will have something negative to harp on, no matter who democrats decide on. The confusion at a convention will guarantee the media moguls add to their billions, and the democrats lose. The best interests of the country is the least of their concerns. One only has to look at what the media after Biden's poor performance did. Their response to an open convention will make the debate seem like child's play. We are fortunate to have a man of character willing to put up with all this nonsense. Instead of panicking about Project 2025 and what it portends for this country, the democrats are concentrating on Biden's poor performance. I'm more convinced than ever that we need to ELIMINATE Citizen's United.
Personally I would not be attacking Will. All he is doing, I believe, is advocating for a formula that has the best chance this November against the orange menace. He has seen eidence that sticking with Joe is probably going to hurt us. The orange menace is going to get alot of votes, no matter the Democratic candidate. That alone is kind of the tragedy of all this - that such a large block of American voters will vote that way. To put a fuc_ing felon and pathological liar in office. Given that the election will be close, and that polling has gone the wrong way at a time it should be coming around, we Democrats have to do what Republican s have been doing for decades - to hold our noses and do whatever it takes to win. Win - that is it. That takes voters - with all their warts. Too many don't take the long view, too many watch reality TV, too many flew off the handle with the Israel-Hamas situation and put its importance above all other issues (like climate change). Too many are just not politically mature enough to realize that sticking with Joe is probably the right thing to do. We have to do what our experts believe will attract the max number of voters - full stop. I have my doubts that staying the course with Joe will do that.
My intent was to inform and not to attack. I'm not trying to neutralize a perceived threat. Instead. I'm trying to contribute to the resolution of an incredibly challenging dilemma. You have doubts that staying the course with Joe is the best road to victory. I have doubts that Joe dropping out will improve the odds of victory. Maybe that will change. Meanwhile, all we can do about our conflicting opinions is call it the way that we see it and keep an open mind.
Reminds me of an old New Yorker cartoon. The bartender says to the patron, “I know you think you can say that here, but this is my bar, and the man who would defend your right to say it just left”.
Heather, one of the best laid out house of cards and how stacked the deck is, BRAVO 👏
I’m right back at: if it walks like a duck …
Not sure how many times the underdog has pulled off the win but …quite a few times ..is the answer. Speculate all you want but the ONLY way to win is be in the race. Armchair quarterbacks don’t score!
We have the numbers, the votes, the facts.
Question. Whose team stands out and why?
Unit cohesion is as proven as divide and conquer.
GOTV. Walk it to the ballot box. Stay the course.
If you hear Donald…DUCK!
Joe will deliver , always has .His team is ready , experienced, working FOR THE PEOPLE and polished. There’s no felons in the roster, no pardons needed, no lies, no get out of jail free cards in their deck, just delivering positive progress.
I know what’s ‘trendy’…who is setting who up to take the blame and it ain’t ‘the left letting ‘ that out of the bag of ‘tricksters’.
Patricia: “Joe will deliver , always has .His team is ready , experienced, working FOR THE PEOPLE and polished. There’s no felons in the roster, no pardons needed, no lies, no get out of jail free cards in their deck, just delivering positive progress.”
No, not a bot -- just another panicky white (I'm guessing here) guy who's doing the white guy thing of assuming that (1) "everybody" thinks like him, and (2) his opinions are 100% right. Oh, and of course (3) if we don't do what he says, we're doomed.
Ohmigod, Sussanna, how many substacks do you comment on? Here you go again with the “white guy” thing. Do you ever think beyond that? It’s very weak, and the more we come across it, the more pathetic it seems. How genuinely rude it would be if someone replied to a long, thoughtful comment of yours (okay, I’m engaging in speculation here) with a dismissal rooted in some belief about burned-out hippies?
tom, I am currently about 1/3 the way through the excellent book by Heather McGee "The Sum of Us" which is a book about racism which was recommended to this forum some time ago.
It is truly eye opening--if you believe statistical facts--and white, male (and often Republican southern) voters have greater power than their numbers should allow.
Might I point out that your final words "burned-out hippies" seems to be used as a derogatory description of Susanna--whose brief bio gives no reason for that to be used? Pointing out the outsize influence of the "white guy" is neither weak nor pathetic. If she had a photo of a black male, would you use derogatory anti-black comments?
You say you are engaging in speculation---that comes across as Trump claiming "I'm only joking."
Miselle, First off, feel free to stay out of fights you don’t understand. Susanna has derided comments I have made four times on other substacks with the tiresome white guy trope over the months. She does that to others. She also read my profile and has thrown its perfectly innocuous contents at me in a derogatory manner. There was nothing particularly “white” about the comments, and I’m left to assume that that’s the best argument she can muster.
I read The Sum of Us. A well-reasoned book. I am a Heather McGee fan. She does indeed discuss the outsized influence of white males. I also listened to her podcast that was contemporaneous with the book. Are you seriously suggesting that she would read the thoughtful comment Susanna was rudely dismissive of and sum it up by ascribing it to white guy rhetoric? If so, you need to read more than a third of her book.
And please don’t insult everyone’s intelligence by suggesting that Susanna’s name calling was some thoughtful analysis and conclusion about the over-weighted influence of white thought. It was just lazy name calling.
And please keep your SHAME and your misguided defense and your busybody nose to yourself.
"The Sum of Us" is an excellent, eye-opening book, not least because Heather McGhee knows her economics and does a great job translating it all for the non-economists among us. I was lucky enough to hear her speak at a local book festival not long after "The Sum of Us" came out. That sold me on both her and the book. I refer to it a lot!
There it is- you got to the heart of his panic in 2 sentences.
It would be political suicide to switch candidates to Harris for one simple reason: how many votes will Harris bring in that Biden/Harris can’t, and how many votes will Harris lose by being “a cop” (far leftists love to call her a cop), being a woman, and being Black?
Nobody has yet identified who those voters are, the ones who would rather let Trump win than vote for Biden but are enthusiastic supporters of Biden’s VP.
So few of the "Biden should resign" even mention this that I suspect some denial is going on. Racism and sexism are real, even (gasp!) among moderates, liberals, and progressives, and, at least during the 2020 campaign, I knew quite a few civil liberties people who had big reservations about her based on her career in CA. (I was a hardcore Warren girl myself.) I think VP Harris has done a very good job and is capable of being president, but that's not the same as getting elected in 2024.
The objective here is to keep Trump out. The question is. Would it be better to replace him, hope that he hands the candidacy to Harris at the last minute or continues as the candidate himself. Nobody seems to have a definitive answer for that although many feel opening it up to the mini qualified candidates would be too chaotic. It’s a crapshoot and a dilemma for sure. Certainly Biden cognitive capacity is diminished. I am pretty sure that he has Parkinson’s disease whether he knows it or not. I say that because I have suffered with the disease for the last 10 years and he has many of the classic symptoms, including the erratic appearance of various symptoms on and off. Whether he knows he has the illness or not he still question. Many people joke that they would rather vote for a ham sandwich then vote for Trump. I’m here to tell you that even if Joe has Parkinson’s, he is still far from ham sandwich. The problem is to get people to vote for him. The people we are looking to target Know nothing about program 2025. They know nothing about the plan to destroy the civil services system. They don’t understand the massive changes in government that will occur. They know nothing about the government of Hungary under Orban. So how do we get them educated in a hurry. That is the question. Heather says do your part but she needs to be talking on Fox News not on the NewsHour. Heather, the people need to hear you and they are not hearing you so far. I’m using my microphone to dictate this so please excuse the typos or grammatical mistakes or misspellings. My phone is shaking in my hands so I’m off to take my medication.
I still don’t get why you think some terse, rude, over-colloquial comment earns you any credibility.
I agree with Will, from Cal, mostly. But if I didn’t I would at least realize he put a lot of effort and frank thought into his comment and point out why I differed. You and the other faux feminist just mutter ‘white guys’.
I was talking about intent and perception. Sorry for the terseness.
I am sure you are a nice guy as I am a nice person. I am refraining from any more commenting today. I, we, are all tired and freaked out. I am taking a walk.
A typical vapid comment from someone in Florida which seems on the brink of seceding after Texas. The South shall rise again and lead to its own destruction yet again. The USA is fast upon a collapse of a strong Federal government guaranteeing the rights of a majority of its citizens. We have learned nothing from the collapse of the German Weimar Republic and are intent on being the new seat of fascism in the 21st Century, enabled by Biden and his toxic narcissism rivaling Trump and his even more toxic narcissism. Two flawed true losers about to bring the curtain down on the American experiment in democracy.
Armchair cynicism is really unhelpful. The power is with the people. Think of those 18yo boys who fought like hell and died on D-Day to defeat fascism, think of those marching with Martin Luther King, risking their lives for human rights and freedoms. Roll up your sleeves and start registering voters. Promote hope not despair. It ain't over til the fat lady sings.
Kazz, what you call cynicism is actually realistic optimism. My father fought at the Battle of the Bulge. My life has been dedicated to the weaving together of social justice for societies and the liberation of individuals from the intergenerational trauma that is the legacy of the two world wars, lots of proxy wars and dying gasps for five hundred years of colonialism. One can't promote hope on false premises. Hope is based on a belief in a future. That hope is being dashed daily by the ruling elites that hold the fate of the world in their greedy hands as they don't give a damn about the rest of us, the 99.99% who go to our deaths slaves to debt in the throes of predatory capitalism. The fat lady is singing as the American experiment is in its death throes and the vast majority of people have no clue as to what is fast upon us. The fascists are coming. Indeed, they have already arrived and are making hay in Western democracies as never before since the rise and fall of Nazism and Tojoism and fascism in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Hungary ad nauseum. The Ponzi scheme of predatory capitalism is reaching its end game, leading us to the edge of the abyss of environmental disaster. Kazz, you need to wake up as the system, as we know it in the USA, is about to crumble and quickly. Biden's old world order collapses as he personally does and a new world order is emerging from its ashes. Pull the camera back. There is no putting this system back together again. We need a mindset revolution to develop sustainable ways of living on a planet without infinite resources.
Dr. Brian A Schwartz: I understand your anger. I share it. But I think nihilism is dangerous at this point in history. It sounds like “the world sucks, why vote?” And that sounds more like Trump’s winning strategy.
I do believe that capitalism is killing the planet and enslaving us all to Big Oil, Big Pharma, etc etc. I don’t have the physical stamina to aggressively defend the better path. But I have spent forty years working in State and County government, making measurable improvements in housing and services for people with disabilities and/or experiencing homelessness, and abused women and children. Yes, it’s incremental in the total scheme of things. But that doesn’t make it meaningless.
Kazz, Would you like to hear my version of the fat lady singing in the rain? It’s over, rover. I’ve gone through this back and forth. Times up. The fat lady is singing. And maybe the fat lady is my distant relative Sophie Tucker.
Except that one of those two "flawed" losers has been one of the most effective US presidents in modern history, and the other one wants to end the American experiment in favor or an authoritarian autocracy. So, there's that.
In the first place, just because someone lives in a certain state tells you nothing about that person.
Second, I suspect anyone who tries to make an argument that Trump and Biden are at all alike must have a doctorate in Dunning Kruger studies. You can’t really believe that. That is some sort of adopted pose, for what purpose I don’t know.
Huh. Judging by your previous posts discrediting President Biden and now equating Joe Biden with a convicted rapist, felon out on bail, indicted under the Espionage Act candidate is really showing your colors.
Hmmm? We must defeat the opposition, and as coach we need to recognize the playbook isn't working. When the mob wants to lynch an innocent man, those who would save him need to spirit him to safety, and give him a new identity
I think we must except Biden personally may devolve into the sort of figurehead a president is in a parliamentary system but still gets to appoint the government, and his government has been largely successful with a few glaring exception: Palestine and housing costs, the latter why many people reject the notion of the success of Bidennimics. There is no reasonable alternative except his resignation, Harris at the top of them ticket and a new vice-president. Clinton lost largely because of the ingrained misogyny in America. Are we prepared to add deep-seated racism to the equation and roll the dice?
"except" or "accept"? I'm thinking you meant the latter but I am not entirely sure since you also typed "Bidennimics". I often see terms purposely misspelled to be a slur, so I don't know if that was intentional or if you meant "Bidenomics"
No, he doesn’t. I’m sad to have to say this. I’ve been a huge Biden supporter, but what I’ve been hearing lately — from trusted sources— fits pretty closely with what Will is saying. To me this whole thing is a nightmare, and heartbreaking. If Biden is able to come back from this, that’s wonderful… but I now have doubts I’ve never had in the past. If you have information/evidence otherwise, please do share it. I could use some good news.
I'm beginning to disagree with myself, Katrina! The new developments and information keep spinning around so much I've practically got vertigo. I'm not on the 'inside' so I don't have any special insight into the situation, and none of us can possibly know what needs to happen to save our country from Trump.... Given that, I'm going to stop offering any opinion about the situation with Biden. I've been hearing too many good arguments on both sides of the fence... no longer know what to think.
Who, on this (still) green earth, has the money and political acumen to build and run a national campaign for president in 4 months? The only one with access to the funds donated to the Biden/Harris campaign is Kamala Harris. Everyone else - everyone, would have to start fundraising from scratch. I would be more than willing to back a Harris run for president - with the blessing of President Biden. Perhaps with Pete Buttigieg for VP?
If this were a race against anyone but Trump and his MAGAs, I would be advocating an immediate candidate switch. We have an ageing candidate who has demonstrated an ability to be a very effective president over 3+ VERY difficult years, who is running against someone who is anchored by so much baggage (the 2025 project is "poling like Ebola") that it is a wonder he can move at all. Despite polls, the MAGAs have not added to their base over the last 4 years. Despite the debate frenzy, I do not believe anyone really changed their votes from Biden to Trump solely because of it.
Still, you are correct in that it is time to fish or cut bait. Back Biden totally, or pick another candidate NOW, and back them. Oh, and stop wedging about media coverage, and the latest right-wing-ding outrage. We have a job to do.
Steve, your words echo my thoughts. Harris was the only candidate that I went to see in the NH 2020 primary, and was struck by her energy and message. I still have confidence in the Biden/Harris ticket, but if Biden is persuaded to drop out, Harris is the best-known candidate to replace him, and can run on "continuing the work of Biden". Her choice of a running mate would be intriguing, with so many up-and-comers in the Party.
A Harris candidacy turns the age question right around -- CF45 is now the incoherent old guy. Harris, on the other hand, will connect with younger voters (although she'll have to message her way out of her previous stances on cannabis.) I suspect many/most of us on LFAA are of a certain age, and we are not numerous enough to make a difference. The youth of voting age has the numbers. Harris has both the message and the dance moves (cultural messaging) to connect with them and bring them and the rest of us to the polls.
But right now, it's Biden's decision to make, and I'm worried that it won't be the right one.
I read an article on CNN online suggesting Harris/Gov. Whitmer ticket.! Yes! especially given the Republican vow to suppress women and diversity. They both have moxie and political experience and are genuine in their belief in Democracy. They both appeal to youth (they're in their 50s, I believe) and are energetic. As a team, they would offer the wow factor that Obama did. They would also give Putin an ulcer.
You put that very well. My sentiments exactly. Nobody is coming to save us and we all need to find jobs to do. One of my favorite lines from Timothy Snyder’s book, On Tyranny, was this: “Whatever you do, don’t isolate.It doesn’t always have to be about politics. Get together and brew beer.” Don’t isolate.
I feel precisely the same way. I’ve been one of those people defending Biden’s campaign for reelection. “The incumbent has an edge. There’s a psychological advantage to having beat him before. Name recognition!” All the reasons. Then I watched the debate and was sick to my stomach. I still resisted at first. Do we dare replace him? The chaos, the hows and whens and is there even enough time. But the longer the images of that debate ran through my head, the more worried I became. That cannot be the best we have to offer as a party and this moment absolutely requires our best.
And as much as I appreciate Biden and all he’s done, it is so disappointing to me that his response to calls for him to step down is not: I think I’m the best shot we have at beating Trump, but rather: I’m not letting one 90-minute debate wipe out three and a half years of work. It’s a stupid argument (no one can take away what he’s accomplished - historians will be kind to him), but he also places himself front and center. It’s not about him. It’s about the country and I thought Biden would put the country first.
I completely disagree, Kristy Koth. Biden’s career in politics, a span of five decades, speaks for itself regarding his dedication to public service and not just serving himself. A person who has experienced the personal losses he has wouldn’t easily lose sight of what’s important in life (like a certain billionaire born into wealth and privilege has).
No Democrat or Republican predicted that Biden would roll out the liberal policies he did in 2021. He signed, 1. The American Rescue Plan Act and extending existing Covid-19 programs, 2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 3. Bills to avoid a Republican-sponsored government shutdown and two other smaller bills. I’m sure you know these bills included money for ordinary Americans to help get their finances in better shape.
He also signed executive orders, 1. Reversing Trump-era policies (stopping construction on the Border wall, reversing the anti-Muslim travel ban, embracing environmental policies, re-establishing international relationships damaged by Trump, and re-instituted a mask mandate in federal buildings which was a symbolic break with disastrous, lethal, and shameful Trump Covid policies, 2. Instituted vaccine requirements mandating Covid vaccinations (which SCOTUS blocked), 3. Gun control, 4. Climate targets, and 5. Improving government processes to better serve Americans.
These actions, contrary to everyone’s expectations except his own, were wildly successful. There was no guarantee of success. No American President (including the Democratic ones) from Reagan to Trump attempted it Biden undertook them not because he knew it would enhance his reputation, but because they were the policies that guided American government from the 1930s until the ultimately disastrous “Reagan Revolution” in the 1980s which brought an end to the prosperity of the American Middle and Working Classes which began in the 1940s and stole their modest accumulation of wealth. That wealth was siphoned off to the Wealthy class.
It was Biden’s conviction that those policies would be the answer to America’s sorry state after Trump’s administration. He was right, but so far, in 2024, Trump and his roughneck MAGA Libertarian revolutionaries have been able to convince millions of Americans that those policies are an evil socialist trap or that they never happened at all! That’s amazing, no? But you (after a brief nod to “history”) and many other Democrats don’t seem to recall this either and feel it would be appropriate now to dump him.
Lastly, according to today’s Letter From an American, “…George Stephanopoulos of ABC interviewed Biden without a teleprompter or notes, focusing only on Biden’s age without any questions about policy.” It could be that the interviewer was in control of the interview and only asked Biden to focus on himself and defend himself. In other words, he was guided to do what you criticize in his interview.
I have a great appreciation for all he’s done in an extremely polarized environment. He’s been a brilliant president. But I’m not going to pretend I didn’t see what I saw. And I watched the first part of Stephanopolis’ interview. Biden was much better there, but still didn’t make me feel ok about him continuing. This is arguably the most important job in the world. It shouldn’t be done by someone who needs to be in bed at 8pm. If he ends up being the nominee, I’ll support him, donate to his campaign, do phone banking and vote. But I’ll be damned if I’ll pretend like I didn’t see what I saw and be silent when we still have a chance to replace him.
There are several people polling better at the moment. But Harris stepping in would be easiest. This could absolutely energize the party. If it were opened up to a wider range of candidates, we’d be talking about dem policy from now until the convention and we’d get nonstop coverage. People who have soured on Biden could be brought back in and we could win some moderates who currently would rather not vote than vote for Trump or Biden.
But surely you’ve seen televised coverage of him at other events since? I believe the huge coverage of Biden’s debate performance is designed to cause doubt within the Democratic party. Divide and conquer is a winning strategy.
Yes, I’ve seen him since. He’s been better, but not great, frankly. Everyone’s grading him on a curve to try to convince themselves he’s ok. The media isn’t making this up. Lots of voters are very concerned and insiders in the party are now, too.
Kristy, it’s not a stupid argument. How often have you seen anyone debate brilliantly with jet lag, a virus, on cold meds (likely Benadryl which can have serious cognitive side effects - as I can say from personal experience) and facing a hated rival who throws out hundreds of lies as if they were confetti. I just can’t imagine that that combination of factors wouldn’t throw anyone off their game - including all of us on this page.
He didn’t have a “bad” debate. It was a disaster. I literally felt sick to my stomach. As I wrote before, I’d been defending his decision to run for re-election. But I can’t pretend anymore that this is going to work out well. Why do we all keep acting like there’s no one else who could beat Trump? German friends think the Democrats don’t have any good people, since Biden’s the one we’re going with. But we have LOTS of great people. Biden squeaked it out in 2020 against the most corrupt and immoral president we’ve ever had. It’s quite possible that Whitmer, Harris, Buttigieg, Newsom, Klobuchar, Warnock, etc. would beat Trump by much bigger margins.
I am not yet 60 and I already see decline. I forget things more easily, I can’t power through at work as well, I get tired faster and stress is harder to shake off. And I’m not even 60!! Everyone’s different, of course and I’ve been amazed at how sharp Biden has remained. But there’s been a rapid decline since he’s been in office. You must see it.
Jetlag, etc. is not a good excuse for the poor debate performance. I had to turn off the Stephanopoulos interview after 10 minutes because it looked like Bden was being harassed and too painful to watch. he was using the technique that T had used during the debate – – don’t answer the questions, put out the points you want to make. For example, he did not clear up questions about the “cognitive test”— shorthand for we know what you have done but can you handle what;s coming.
I always thought that Biden had great advisors around him that could be counted on. But if they did not prepare him for T,s debate technique, given the mic being turned off and the 2minute limit, then I am worried about them.
And what I meant when I said that the argument was stupid was that he is implying that the dropping out after the bad debate performance would somehow negate all he’s done. That’s silly. His accomplishments in his first term remain great accomplishments, whether he gets a second term or not.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
There are tons of clips of Trump babbling incoherently at his rallies. Medias Touch Network runs them often. Is the media on our side? No. Will we win without working hard? No. But as Simon Rosenberg says, we have a far better candidate, far better organization, and a recent history of doing much better in actual elections than in the polls - it is better to be us than them. All that psychological agony is energy that can be channeled into work. In my case, into more postcards. It feels much better when used that way.
And so what if he does? CFDT (convicted felon Donald Trump) has a bad day every fucking day. But the MSM won't report it. CFDT had one of the worst debate performances of ALL time telling 602 lies -- one every 3.9 seconds according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. They PI is the ONLY media I know of that called for CFDT to step down. 51 million people watched at least some of the debate according to Nielsen ratings and after a week the polling needle has barely changed.
Read the transcript or better yet have 4 people read the parts in the transcript. Joe had a bad not but not as bad as CFDT.
I agree the former president is neither worthy or mentally capable of performing the job. I agree that he is mentally and morally unfit. Nonetheless President Biden has age related mental acuity decline and is unfit to serve. He must resign his position, give Mrs. Harris a chance and assist with choosing a suitable running mate.
Funny George, Will and others, so Heather Richardson can't see what you and so many others today are seeing? This anecdotal on Biden's "recent cognitive decline" now endless repeated ends up being a lie feeding on itself. That is generally not how cognitive decline works, and it seems now that "everyone" is going to be calling for a full-out brain exam. Maybe dementia? Think Biden now can't draw a clock showing 10 after 10? Ill stick with Heather, Simon and the Philadelphia Enquirer editorial board. Poll majorities say Biden esp is too old to be president, but when asked who they'll vote for, polls generally are giving a tie-up, barely budged since the debate. ... actually i stand corrected. Biden/Trump is back to Trump being a few points ahead in April before the State of the Union and economic improvement stepped in. https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/2024/national/ The worry will be if that negative variance continues to grow. For now it's within statistical error.
Frank Loomer, I appreciate your comment today. Will from Cal is a commenter I alway read, and his post today really saddens me. We are late in the game here, and I hesitate to support calls for changing the nominee, myself. The media want Biden to be old and addled, so they will assure that is the frame. Biden does not strike me ever as an egotist and “must hold on to the presidency”. But I would give him credit for thinking that strategically it would be better to hang on, instead of stepping back and allowing the media to foment -with Dem support- and of course the couch-sitters- a frenetic candidate switch. I’m sure there are a billion back-room-deals being swirled around trying to figure out the calculus of this equation. I personally am voting for an administration that has delivered wonderful results for the American average citizen. Will from Cal, I hear you, but I’m with Frank Loomer.
Negativity and fear drive the Media Profit Machines. Positivity and hard work against Superlie CFDT is now the way to win. Fight back hard. Build the momentum, forget the media circus CNN put on, and either do something or quiet yourselves so others can get the job done.
This is a horse race at this point and the race has already started. The voters chose Biden and all of the lies and BS about Biden's mental acuity is just that - BS. The Republicans have absolutely NOTHING to run on except Hate Anger Resentment and Misinformation. The Trump record -- average time in the Oval Office -- about 4 hours a day and NOTHING that MADE AMERICAN GREAT. The Biden horse is still in a good position to win the race because the Trump horse has come up lame and the announcer hasn't noticed. They don't even have a VP picked out yet. And look at the possible choices. All of them are misogynistic white men who are more than happy to bow down to King Donald.
602 fucking lies CFDT told during the free-for-all CNN disaster-- one every 3.9 seconds. I can't in good conscience even call it a debate. That is an insult to anyone and everyone who has ever really debated and to all Americans.
Like many have said, I didn't vote for Joe Biden because of his superior speaking skills. But yet, Biden has given several of the best speeches since FDR. I don't care if he's reading the tele-prompter, and someone else wrote the words.
One single member of his cabinet has overseen over 60,000 infrastructure projects and waded through dozens of actual train-wrecks and a bridge collapsing into the bay of one of the busiest ports in the world. And CFDT's Secretary of Transportaion -- Elaine Chao did virtually nothing for four years. The only thing she did worth note was to quit her job on January 6th. Pretty low bar.
And this is just ONE cabinet member.
Don't fall into the trap where you believe the MSM's BS about Biden's mental acuity. Read the transcript of the debate and you'll see who won the debate.
But if he remains and wins, THEN he can turn things over to Harris and we get her either way, without having to deal with the haters who just can’t put their finger on why they don’t like her—they just don’t. (I suspect they do but don’t want to say it out loud.)
Oh, are you trained to make that diagnosis, George Klingbell? I doubt it seriously because trained professionals don NOT slander people they have not examined professionally.
Perhaps YOU have age-related mental acuity decline. Tell me, how does it feel to receive that diagnosis without being examined by a professional?
Probably not. Comparing the two, it is obvious that Trump avoided answering most questions and kept pounding "Immigration". I wish Biden would have brought up the bipartisan border bill that Trump killed.
I hate to see Biden looking old--but he is. Does that concern me? Only slightly. I am very concerned about Project 2025. I also have faith in our government should he be unable to fulfill his duties. I believe in his cabinet, Harris and his family. After all, our government was tested when JFK--our YOUNGEST POTUS--was shot.
Agreed. As much as I appreciate all of Biden's great work for us, his lapses will not improve over the next four years. If he is our nominee, I will vote for him without reservation. But millennials are the biggest voting block, and they're going to sit this one out if we don't get a younger person in there. We can't afford to lose the millennial vote. If millennials believe the polls that say 75% of voters want Biden to drop out, we're in trouble. There are candidates who could carry on Biden's good work AND not make Americans worry every day whether he is capable of handling the most demanding job in the world.
Biden has chosen Governors Whitmer and Moore to head his governors association. I've heard Moore speak, and I feel his words bring hope and unity. He's a veteran and a doctor with degrees from Oxford and Johns Hopkins.
Any one of the many Democratic Governors. All are popular, some are in their 2nd terms, & some are Governors of " must-win" states : Gov. Andy Beshear ( KY), Gov. Jared Polis (CO), Gov. Tony Evers (Wisc), Gov. Tim Walz (Minn), Gov. JB Prizker (ILL), Gov. Wes Moore (MD), Gov. Phil Murphy (NJ), Gov. Gavin Newsom (CA), Gov. Josh Shapiro ( PA), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ( Mich), Gov. Janet Mills, ( ME).
Any one of these excellent Democratic Senators: Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)
Chris Murphy (CT), Cory Booker ( NJ) Sherrod Brown (OH), & either one of the 2 VA Senators, Tim Kaine & Mark Warner.
Low information and one-issue Dems who are not energized by Biden might feel like their vote is worthwhile with one of these candidates. They wouldn't have to hold their breath each time their president made a speech for the next four years, wondering if he could make it through.
I disagree that young people are going to sit this one out. Their numbers may drop, but they more than any demographic stand to lose if trump is elected, and I cannot believe that is lost on all of them.
My two millennials are definitely voting, it’s Gen Z that needs to understand what they give away if they don’t vote for the old guy. This group came of age in this toxic mess, they don’t know how it could be, and should be. Anyone who knows someone in that age group, I hope you are able to impress upon them how bad it could be if they don’t act, and vote blue.
If millenials DON'T vote for Biden, I wonder if suddenly virginity will be all the rage? No legal contraceptives, no abortions. I'm 68, I well remember the stigma--always to the pregnant woman!--of premarital sex.
Welcome back to the world of sandwich-bag condoms.
Patricia, see my polls comment on the item before. Yes a majority say Biden is too old for them, but the voting preferences remain more or less tied. Americans at large think many leading politicians are "too old".
I agree with you. I am frustrated that people don't look at Trump, who is also old, and who doesn't finish a sentence or stay on track. Apparently, yelling forcefully negates that?
Millenial voters are the biggest age-wise voting block. Their top issue is the economy (VOX) and inflation is hitting them hard. Their feelings about Biden's choices are likely to make them apathetic voters. It's not so much about what Biden is doing, as what they think he's doing. Fifty-two percent said they would trust Trump over Biden to lower prices. Ageism aside, they are looking for someone different.
I haven't heard that, Patricia S Duffy. The ones I know understand the existential threat of Trump and the MAGA-Republicans. THAT is the candidate they reject.
As Joe would say, here’s the thing. If Biden drops out the candidate would probably be Harris. If Biden has a stroke or drops dead, he would be replaced by Harris. This Biden’s age thing has gotten worse than Hillary’s emails. Keep writing to the media and the voters that it’s time for everyone to closely scrutinize Trump. It’s not up to the NYT, CNN, to choose candidates. The voters need to make a choice based on which party would make America safer, healthier, more free, and bring our prosperity to everyone. The truth matters and Trump and the entire Republican Party are liars, cheats, racist, and misogynistic. The choice is clear. The media should report the facts.
Sirfartsalot, slept, farted and complained about the room being too cold, his way through incriminating testimony against him during his fraud trial. And there's rumors that he's incontinent. But he's better suited to be president????
Sorry to disagree, but most Americans are not as dumb as you think they are. Listen to his Wisconsin speech on July 5. That is NOT an example of cognitive decline.
You were copying and pasting this comment repeatedly on a Robert Reich post, and now you’re doing it here. You’re either a bot, or the least original person on the planet. Reporting.
Dems have just as many clips of Trump babbling, and any words coming out of the Felon’s mouth are lies. Biden is not as strong as he once was, but there is plenty of time for him to decide to step-down in the year or so following his re-election, giving us a Harris presidency that could even result in her being elected for two additional terms. And, she can nominate whomever she wants to be her VP. Whitmer, Buttigieg, etc.
Will, Thank you for walking us through your mighty impressive evolution. I write mostly to note my concern that for increasingly more Democrats Biden increasingly appears resistant or unaware of the fact that he is in a dire situation here regarding the campaign. He seems either defensive or unwilling even to consider that he is losing in the view of many democrats and, frankly, also in the polls that show him losing to Donald Trump.
I fear the Joe Biden who emerged from his meandering debate performance, while talking to a lot of people, appears only to be listening to a very tight circle telling him again and again he can win.
As a final point, I would note a particularly alarming exchange from last night’s broadcast interview with George Stephanopoulis, wherein Stephanopoulis asked how he (Biden) will feel in January if he has lost to Donald Trump and all that he (Biden) has warned would happen came to pass. And this was Biden’s answer. He said, “I’ll feel, as long as I gave it my all and did the best job I know I can do, that that’s what this is about.”
Honestly, I can’t imagine how anyone possibly could square that reply with the inevitable consolidation of power that invariably would ensue under the auspices of a president eager and able to subjugate the rule of law to a single individual.
Agreed, Barbara Jo. I forgot to watch the interview last night (binge-warching the new Suits season) but saw pieces of it later, and read the transcript today. That's not going to change things around for him. I think the walls are coming down, and the floor is sinking.
I've been wondering lately if he hadn't lost his son, and he ran in 2016, would things have been different? I suspect they would have been.
Doug, Hard to know because you might recall that Obama had anointed Hillary as his successor. Still, I hope, against all odds, Biden sees past the bunker mentality that neither is serving the country nor himself.
Barbara Jo, you're correct. Beau died in May of 2015, and apparently Obama and his staff had some misgivings about Biden. This Politico article from Aug 2020 is helpful in understanding some of it (as well as mentioning Biden's tendency toward gaffes.):
Barbara Jo: what would you have him say? Stepanopolis’ question was a trap. Biden would look bad either way he answered. Would it be more politically acceptable is he said “It would all be my fault and I’ll go to me grave knowing I was wrong”? It wouldn’t be all his fault anyway - there would be plenty of blame to go around: MSM, Russian/Chinese interference, social media bots, Citizens United, voter suppression, gerrymandering…..the list goes on and on. Not one of these anti-democratic forces alone would determine the election. But put them all together? It’s amazing we could ever win.
Marge, In response to your question, and given the stakes, I will restate the reply that ran through my mind (note that it doesn’t accept the premise) before Biden spoke. It went something like: “I would be devastated, but that won’t happen. If I weren’t confident I could defeat Trump, I wouldn’t run.” This statement would be followed by relatable evidence that galvanized all of us to rally around Biden. In my view, if Biden is unable to think and speak extemporaneously in said manner, he shouldn’t run.
You are allowing the opposition - namely, media undercutting Biden - to control you. Biden not only has an excellent record including being chosen by some 90 per cent of primary voters, he is also our very best chance to beat Trump and his Project 2025 fascist crew. My father’s generation had to fight an actual war against fascists. They lost some of the battles, but they persisted and they won. All we have to do is ignore a lot of garbage so-called news reporting and do our part to turn out the vote! That includes urging all Democrats to vote for every office on the ballot, top to bottom.
Spread the word. One way is through social media. Stats show that Gen Z get most of their news that way. The DNC has a "social ambassador" program using REACH to disseminate info. https://democrats.org/share/
Joan, while I agree with you on most of your points, when the flood tide is rising it's time to get to higher ground or get into a lifeboat. Perception sometimes is reality. Biden's high point in this campaign was the SOTU; since then, he has lost his voice (figuratively and literally.) I love the guy and greatly admire and respect all he has done, but we all want to save Democracy, and must find the best person in this moment to carry that message of hope and fight. I'm afraid as the campaign wears on, Biden will sound weaker and more frail, and will lose. WE will lose. It breaks my heart to say that, but I think it's time to find someone who will inspire all of us to do as your last sentence implores.
if people are voting on personality, you are correct. However, those of us who treasure democracy AND understand that a vote for Trump is a vote for authoritarian rule AND that our Constitution has provisions if a POTUS cannot fulfill duties (think JFK, that YOUNG POTUS) we will be fine.
I agree, Miselle, and will if Biden's name is on the November ballot, but I worry about the folks who don't believe either the D or R candidate suits them, and will refrain from voting. We need a candidate who will *inspire the masses*, and I've just come to the realization that Joe Biden won't do that -- his accomplishments are historic, but he can't run on that alone, he must run on the future. Harris can do both.
I have tried my best to come to terms with Biden’s debate debacle. The double-standard in news coverage between Biden’s age and Trump’s megalomania and the lack of headlines over Project 2025 has infuriated me. But here we are. I agree with you that we need to move on from Biden in order to win this election. The survival of our country is at stake. How will we feel on January 6, 2025 if Trump wins? I will be terrified and I won’t be saying “Well, Joe tried his best.” His best is not good enough now.
Imagine how re-energized the race would be if Kamala, someone from a NEW generation, was suddenly contrasted with “old guy Trump”. She is smart and tough and COULD stand up to him in a debate.
I hope Biden does the right thing and bows out. That said, I will vote for ANYONE who is on the ticket to stop Trump and his minions.
Anne -- I completely agree, and just wrote a comment that echoes yours. Kamala Harris was the only candidate whose rally in the 2020 NH primary I attended, and was extremely impressed. She has the name recognition, the intelligence, the wit, and can connect culturally with younger voters whom she could inspire to Save Democracy while carrying forward the progress the Biden/Harris generation has made. I think a Harris/? ticket would be CF45's nightmare.
And Trump, in a golf cart with his 18-year-old son Barron at his side, called Kamala "a f...ing bitch," suggesting he is afraid of her as an opponent and a woman."
Biden's mental health may be in decline, but I do not believe people are abandoning him in droves. I, for one, am not. He's still got an excellent team behind him and, even in mental decline, he is exponentially more capable than trump - who BTW is in serious/dangerous mental decline himself. Instead of pronouncing that Biden should drop out, it would be helpful if you said IF he drops out, you will support whomever his replacement is.
I completely agree. 100%. Someone please make him see sense and step down. He has a wonderful legacy. And for those out there (outside this group, no doubt) who see a call for Biden to step down as an endorsement for Trump -- no -- quite the reverse. We are looking for the best chance to beat Trump. Please, Joe, it's time to go.
Will, from Cal: When the going gets tough- the weak drop out. The last time a Presidential nominee (Joe almost is) dropped out in the 11th hour- which this is- the party lost. We should NOT switch horses now, Joe and Kamala have done a great job.
It takes a big, confident person to do a 180 on a subject so important. Thank you, Will.
I began watching the interview last night with high hopes that my feelings could be changed, that my confidence in Biden's "winnability" would be restored.
That did not happen. Biden is in a place of denial and unreality. I am really, really disappointed and now even more terrified. He can't speak clearly. He is going to lose.
I am sure that Bidens ability to guide the country is still there. But it hiding behind a mask that is fumbling for words and can't put cohesive ideas together in sentences.
Earth to Joe. Step away now. IT IS NOT TOO LATE. For most of our history candidates were chosen at the convention. Start the vetting NOW.
Based on Joe's interview last night, if he were my Dad, I wouldn't let him drive himself home.
Bill, you might not let your Dad drive himself home based on his performance (likely on antihistamines) in a debate, and while most major racing teams rely on much younger drivers with quick reflexes and bold driving skills, every one of the successful teams is organized and directed by an older guy with wisdom and experience.
Will I'm really disappointed. Didn't think the bullshit would get to you, but it did. Yes I read your thoughts, kinda had the same argument with my 22 year old - but here we are.... July 2024 with an election in November. Love the cheerleaders of democracy.
A difficult question perhaps, but have you asked if your 22 year old is sexually active? The concepts of democracy and foreign policy might be of little concern, but the inability to avoid pregnancy and STDs might make a difference. Project 2025 will not allow for legal contraceptives, and offers no support to poor working families. (And what 22 year old can afford housing AND daycare?) It's not just females, a lot of young men might find themselves on the hook for child support for the next 18 years. And a lot of retired grandparents suddenly providing 40+ hours of childcare per week.
Progressive radio has several excellent voices for the Democrats and the Independents and even progressive Republicans (that may be an oxymoron). It is available on SIruis/XM channel 127 so if you've given up hope for the losers at CNN take a listen. And call in as well. John Fugelsang is brilliant and not in the way CFDT calls Putin brilliant. He is well spoken and a really good listener. Dean Obeidallah, Stephanie Miller and others are also very good. They all listen and last night five of the hosts were together and they all said the same thing. Their listeners support Joe Biden 100%. Here's a link to listen to Progressive radio if it isn't available where you live.
I’d vote for Biden in a coma before I’d vote for Trump, but the “middle” and independents will not. And we cannot win without those people. As others have stated — we will win or lose on a radon thin margin and Biden’s already thin poll numbers have gotten worse after the debate. You cannot have seen the debate and think Biden is ok. And if he’s like this now, how will he be in 4 years?!?! The people we need on our side are asking themselves that very question and the answer is clear. It’s time to step aside Joe.
In hindsight we can all see that RBG should have stepped down, but she did not and that hubris led directly to turning over Roe by a 5-4 margin. Hubris is going to bite us in the behind again if don’t make a move NOW.
Someone asked, why isn’t Trump running ads of Joe babbling during the debate? Simple. They don’t want Joe to drop out of the race and running those ads now would push us to make a change. They are saving those ads for after our convention - when we are really stuck with Biden.
Biden thinks he’s the only one who could beat Trump. Seriously??? They field a narcissistic, convicted felon, who tried to overthrow the last election and there’s no one in our party except Biden that can beat him?? Seriously? That’s ridiculous.
I honestly do believe that there is no replacement for Biden at this late date, and I have faith that people who understand a vote is NOT for merely a person but for an administration will vote accordingly.
Please consider a Harris/Gov Whitmer ticket. Some pundits are suggesting this. Both are well-qualified with administrative experience. Given Dobbs and 60-70% in opposition, a double woman ticket will have us roaring. Harris's mixed black and Asian American heritage will also please the voters who want diversity.
Absolutely agree! Harris/Whitmer would be a winning ticket! How many countries have had expert woman leaders, yet U.S. has not had one! These two are sharp, witty, highly intelligent women who young people would be very excited to campaign for!
No. We must unflinchingly face facts about Biden's fitness. If you want to keep Trump out (as we all do), we need someone who can beat him. Biden has shown that he can't. The people that will determine this election - a razor thin swath of swing voters in swing states need to feel confident in their choice. People do not vote rationally; they vote viscerally on 'vibes'. As Bill Clinton said 'Strong and wrong beats weak and right'. We need to face the world as it is, not as we'd like it to be. Ignore the polls at your (and our peril).
Eleanor Mayrhofer, how exactly has Biden shown he can’t beat Trump? He won the election, his administration has been far more effective, etc. Are you really disregarding all of that?
I'm not arguing that his presidency hasn't been effective. It has, that is besides the point. I'm pointing to the only indicators about the FUTURE that we have. Cratering numbers in the polls and voters (many of them Dem voters!) saying over and over in focus groups that they are unenthused and now will sit out the election. I'm not saying it's fair, it's just how it is. The people with actual information on this are Nate Silver and Sarah Longwell. Shaking our fists at people who 'don't get it' will not win an election.
Sorry to make a sports analogy, but if your star player gets an injury in the 4th quarter, you don't say 'But he's made so many goals already, let's see if he can squeak it out' you replace him with someone stronger who can actually win the game.
Millions of people have voted for President Biden to be the Democratic Party nominee. Those who say he should drop out are saying they're okay with nullifying those votes.
But let's say he decides to release his delegates. Then what? Does the nomination go automatically to Vice President Harris? Hardly. A resignation would trigger an internecine war for the nomination that would leave the party in tatters and, basically, hand the presidency to Trump.
Finally, please remember that THE ONLY POLLS THAT COUNT ARE THE ONES WHERE WE CAST OUR BALLOTS.
There was really no alternative in the primary, Dean Phillips? Come on. The presidency is already Trumps for the taking. Everyone on this thread and reading this will vote for Biden. That's not who we need to worry about.
Who is Dean Phillips? I'm serious. I know he was a candidate for a hot minute but who was he, a two-term backbencher member of Congress, to challenge an incumbent president with whom he voted 100% of the time?
Biden and his minions are handing the presidency and likely the Senate and House to the fascists....not their conscious intention but Biden's ego comes before the well being of the populace on this one. LBJ had the good sense to know it was his time to go and the dumb Democratic establishment dumped Eugene McCarthy and Robert Kennedy for the other Egg past his expiration date, Hubert Humphrey and the Republicans have made hay ever since. Corporate Democrats are Republicans in sheep clothing. They need to ousted and progressive Democrats in the spirit of Lincoln, FDR and JFK need to turned to.
Biden is far more progressive than FDR. One lousy evening - in which Biden actually won if you judge by reading the transcript - and you give up? That’s no way to win anything. So what if the media are in a frenzy? They don’t vote. Instead of giving in, fight back.
President Biden has been the most consequential president since FDR, full stop. Yes, he isn't as sharp in public as he once was but that doesn't concern me because I know that the real work of a presidency is at the departments lead by the president's choice of secretary or director.
Did you forget that Robert Kennedy was assassinated months before the Democratic convention? As for the "establishment" dumping McCarthy, it was an open primary. Did the vice president have a leg up in terms of winning delegates? Yes. But McCarthy couldn't convert the enthusiasm of his supporters into delegates and Humphrey got the nom.
JFK was remarkable in many ways but I don't think history will remember him as a "progressive" Democrat.
PS - I get really annoyed when I see the phrase" Corporate Democrat." To me that denigrates the millions of people who earn their living working for corporations large and small. It's especially annoying since Citizens United, which blew the lid off limits to political donations in order to benefit Republicans. which it has, in spades.
Centrists and Liberals like you can always be relied upon to defend the status quo. Trump is pulling even further ahead in the polls and Biden has as much chance of catching up or beating him in the electoral college as a turtle has in outrunning a fox. Not only is Biden deteriorating at an alarming pace but his enabling of the genocide in Gaza shows him to be a man of moral bankruptcy and a fossilization completely incompatible with the Age of Collapse and the restive formation of a new World Order as the West collapses into the ashes of its neoliberal fantasies. The rich are getting richer, the powerful are increasing their authoritarianism and the people are turning away from the inept and spineless policies that are leaving more than 90% of us facing death as debt slaves.
So, Dr Bryan A. Schwartz, do you not acknowledge that Kamala Harris has Biden’s back as his VP? If circumstances follow that Biden is unable to fulfill his presidential duties, Harris will competently assume the duties of President as Biden intended. Win, win!!
What you are ignoring here, is that Biden is taking effective action against the authoritarians and the concentration of wealth and power. You’d rather have a progressive as president. Fine, continue working towards it. But don’t abandon the far better choice to the alternative because it’s not what you really want.
It's all well and good to point out Biden's deficits but who do you propose as an alternative candidate? Who has the experience and name recognition to hit the ground running? Who has been deeply vetted so that there aren't any landmines? And, of course, who has the money? Before you answer, keep in mind the reality that Biden leaving would lead to an internecine war to replace him.
I love the Palestinian people and my heart breaks daily for all that's happening to them in Gaza and the West Bank. It hurts also that Biden has been so blind to that suffering. But, and this is a big but, I know that allowing Trump anywhere near the White House means even more suffering, both for Gazans but also for Muslims living in the US, whether they're citizens or not (not to mention all the persons of color that his storm troopers are going to assume are "illegal."
MisTBlu, Biden was the only choice on the ticket, as he wasn't primaried, and let's not forget at that point he was riding on the strength of his SOTU. The decline has been post-primaries, and as the months of campaigning wear on, as well as the duties of the Office, I fear will be even more apparent this fall. And I'm sad to say this.
Fun facts: The first 2024 "Super Tuesday" was March 3. The SOTU was March 7. Also, we don't primary our incumbent presidents so, of course, he won. Also, many of those votes for him were write-ins as he wasn't on the ballot.
How did he show he can’t beat Trump? He stood on a stage and stumbled through a debate his team called for. When asked about abortion (his strongest issue!) he pivoted to a tragic story about a woman killed by an immigrant. It was not a bad debate, it was a disaster. And if his team really thought this was a one-off fluke, we’d be seeing him non-stop in unrehearsed, teleprompter-free interviews, proving he has what it takes. Instead we’re hearing whispers from European delegates that he has declined intellectually over the past three years. And Biden trying to comfort governors by telling them he’s going to stop working at 8pm so he can get more sleep (not comforting, btw.).
I have so much admiration for what Biden has accomplished in his first term, against really tough odds. But a successful first term doesn’t entitle you to a second. You still have to earn it. And he can’t do just ok now. He has to do really, really well to come back from that debate performance because people are going to be highly focused on every mistake. That’s not fair, but it’s how it is. I will vote for Biden if he’s our candidate. I’ll phone bank for him. But I believe so deeply that it would be much less risky with a different candidate and there is so much at stake.
This bedwetting is not about Biden’s past performance as president or as a candidate in last election, this is about how awful he looked and acted and answered at the debate. He is now just too old. That is what I saw. And can’t unsee.
not to mention "consider the alternative". I'd far rather have an honest man who has slowed down and can flub it when overtired and getting over a cold is put on the spot as in under Trump's firehose of lies.
Never said that. He's the presumptive leader, or has been, unless he's mowed down in a avalanche of media and political Dem doubting. Trump won't need to say much.
Not to mention the fabulous team that President Biden has assembled in his administration. With a Democratic majority in Congress, a second Biden term will do remarkable things for We The People. The alternative is a Fascist regime, a total disaster for We The People.
My grandfather had a remarkable, stellar career…until he couldn’t continue because of the gradual then accelerating dementia of his later years. What he could do at 60, even 70….he simply, slowly became a shadow of his former accomplishing self. Yet he had his good days and his bad days…good parts of days and bad parts of days. We revered him.
But it came time to have “the talk”….Dad its time to give up driving, will you please hand over the car keys?
Biden is not on the ballot, policies are: reproductive rights, contraception, IVF, gun laws, renewable energies, NATO alliance, global security, separation of church and state, jobs - the list goes on. Polls are rubbish, spread by media owned data collectors. Read what the experts are saying - Robert Hubbell et al and get behind our man.
Have you see Bad Faith Documentary. It’s a powerful presentation, I learned a lot more about the beginnings . Can gain a lot of insight to the insidiousness of what we are up against. Highly recommend.
I agree 90%. But if a new candidate is not in the cards, and it doesn't seem to be, then the Biden Administration needs to go on offense, and beat Trump with old-fashioned sharing ideas and uncovering fallacies, basically getting the truth out!
Many besides Biden are capable of a good offense. One cannot win if constantly on the defensive.
The truth is irrelevant. That is the problem here. It's not like voters don't have the facts. Voters don't vote based on facts. They vote on feelings. The feeling about Biden is based what 50 million people saw at the debate: He is too old to continue on with the job. A new candidate must be in the cards. Somehow we are in the maddening position that Joe Biden is the only person who can decide that.
Biden IS the only one who can decide -- nominating votes are committed to him, only he can release them. Thus he must be convinced.
I am among those who think that he's been a GREAT President, accomplishing many difficult things that probably no one could have. But what the breakdowns we saw in the debate will be running non-stop in ads and social media until he withdraws, or Trump is elected, whichever comes first. Julian Castro, a a cabinet Secretary for Dem Presidents, said tonight that he was 'in denial" based on his interview with Stephanopolis. My wife and I heard the same thing. Biden is simply un-electable.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
Trump's team will have devastating ops research ready for anyone who runs, including younger candidates. All the skeletons out there will be released in short order. Four months is not a lot of time to combat the pictures they can paint of other Dems. We've seen everything they have on Biden.
Gen Z will be the largest group of voters ever and they're gong to the polls this year. They've aleady told the press and everyone else that they're absolutely voting. Gen Z still leans a little to President Biden
In the latest Harvard Youth Poll, a survey that monitors Gen Z attitudes on a variety of issues, Biden leads with 45% support, compared with Trump's 37%. Among Gen Z likely voters, Biden's support balloons to 56%, whereas Trump's remains the same. That's enough data for me to celebrate. It feels like we're having to do things in politics and in general, in bits and pieces...I expected that as we're living in one of the most chaotic times ever. I'm a climate activist and a strong intuititive and, as such I sense that much of that chaos, lashing out, the rage and destructive behavior and decisions are rising out of atavistic fear linked to the massive shifts in agriculture, in climate chaos in the fields and the seas, the mountains and the deserts. There are many who aren't aware of that energy or can't name it. Or refuse to believe that climate change is real.. That said, there are more than before. The even sadder, more destructive attitude of Boomers that
who are unwilling to make the changes we need. I read just yesterday that Thunberg is amping up the Sunrise Movement again. I say, brava Greta.
Being a woman who's spent much time in the wlid places from my early years on, and relying on my intuition, as I often do, the earth is crying out for help. She's suffering. In pain. I vote for those who are aware about what's happening and are choosing to support well being. If we are to win against climate change, we must shape that movement into a love story. Step by step, together. Fossil fuels remains the greatest threat to all that lives and breathes. The auto industry. But behind both, supporting both are people who refuse to do ride shares. Take public transport. Create circles of group mobility. Cars are not only the enemies of climate healing, they separate us. Prevent social contact of the kind that builds empathy, laughter and hope. Having lived abroad in many places.. it became apparent how socially and empathically impaired many Americans are. That's less true with the Gen Z.
I agree, but am in the position to support Biden given that the Dems don't have the guts to replace him as you are suggesting. It is up to Biden to not continue running, as he received the primary votes. A coup regarding this at the convention, without Biden being in support, would not go well.
We weren't given a real primary. All the indicators point to we lose if he stays. So yes, a convention could be messy but it would give us a fighting chance, maybe even more.
We’ve done Hard Things before.
Remember 2008?! Barack and Hilary? How contentious it all was, the meeting at Feinsteins house? Then Hilary coming out full force for Obama?
It’s risky. But less risky than staying the course I think.
We are the party of Hollywood, if we get this right an open convention could be electrifying. It could all go horribly wrong but it could also be amazing. If we do nothing it’s guaranteed to go horribly wrong.
Listen up, Matt. I have been screaming and pouting form3 years for Biden to get tough at the border. Now he comes in too little too late. Biden should have run in 2016 when he was still relatively young. But the Clinton’s offered him something probably a lot of money towards cancer research. My guess. Biden is too fricken old bottom line. Get the hell out of the way Joe Biden. Your time has long passed. We only have a slim chance with Harris who frankly was never my pick. But my hunch is Biden will tough it out and lose. Friends joked about leaving and moving back to Europe. I can pull it off. I lived in Italy in the 1970s and I can jump start my horrible Italian language.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
Sorry but voters are not as dumb as you think they are. MAGAs will vote for their guy, but I believe that the rest of America will help Biden beat this creep. They have seen enough videos of Trump’s leadership and character compared with Biden. So…Let’s see how voters respond to Trump after being reminded about Jan 6 and that Trump did nothing to stop it, what Trump did for women and even bragged about ending Roe. And I think voters will not forget whatever sentence he will get for his 34 felonies in NY, his millions owed for tax fraud, and so on. My prediction — Biden will win with a landslide. Most Americans did not watch the debate, do not read the NYT, and even enjoy defying the pundits who tell them otherwise. Biden’s intuition is right on!
With 4 months yo go before the election, how do you plan on finding another Democrat to run? How do you get this new Democrat known nationwide? How do you get this new Democrat on all fifty states ballot? How do you raise the money needed to go forward with a brand new campaign? The money Biden/Harris have raised is off limits to another candidate.
These are the serious questions that must be answered before the Democratic party makes any moves to replace Biden. All I see are shades of 1968 and a huge loss for the country and the Democratic party with this get rid of Biden stuff.
Thank you Lisa for sharing. This is just what I needed to view as I drink my morning coffee. I plan on sharing it where I can. Maybe even quote from it. I am so sick of this need for perfection on one side and yet no comment to the most imperfect person and policies on the other as a counterbalance. The Repubs have stayed behind this wannabe Hitler unwavering and the Dems are shamefully shaky over a seasoned political candidate/president because of a number (81) and a man with a lifelong stutter, who one time showed a little fatigue after a long day, week, month year of addressing not just homeland issues, but global issues. Foolishness. His administration is strong and capable to continue the fight against this Fascist state of Project 2025. So not only will I ride with Joe I will VOTE BLUE UP AND DOWN THE TICKET TO DEFEAT FASCISM,because that is what is really on this ballot.
If we lose we have ourselves to blame. I’ve said this a million times, rule from the center not left or right. I'm frankly baffled that most of you have no idea what I’m saying. Which means it might be too late. Add to this a very old man who still is ten times better than Trump. It’s mighty confusing.
It is difficult....because most of us love and respect our President so much. He also has a great team whom I respect. They are working here and throughout the world for freedom and mutual aid and encouraging governments for the people.
I have ignored Biden's most recent difficulties in communicating because I did not want to see them. I was looking at and listening to one of our greatest Presidents and just a really great and genuine person and a leader respected and/or feared worldwide.
We see the reality of aging...I am starting to face this reality in my own life. We can choose to take care of ourselves...maybe to slow the oncoming assault ....but only death will free us.
We need to do whatever we can to save our Democracy. There will never be another "Joe" whom we love and respect but we must consider someone who will follow in Joe's footsteps, a great American of unflinching character and knowledge and concern for ALL the people ...not just for now but for the future....knowledge of our world and the workings of governments and the people within these countries....etc.
BILL KATZ...I AGREE, JOE BIDEN IS AN OLD MAN BUT 100 TIMES BETTER THAN TRUMP IN EVERY WAY!!!!
I think Biden has been effective because he does lead from the center. I suspect there are lots of us who want commonsense leadership over MAGA revolutionaries who feel they have been called by god. This is stupid. If Biden is in cognitive decline we need to accept the fact and go on. If. He’s not, then get behind him and push.
I’ve been saying the same thing. I’d say we *should* lose because we don’t deserve democracy, but the number of innocent Americans and people around the world who will suffer from the catastrophic consequences is staggering. That is what China, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other countries with Authoritarian leaders want.
"I will vote for Biden if he is just a brain in a jar." John Fugelsang on Progressive Radio 7/5/24
It comes as no surprise that many of us feel the same way.
Kamala is effing amazing and Biden's cabinet and team of advisors makes every single one of Convicted Felon Donald Trump's team look like a bunch of 3rd graders including his current campaign staff.
Correction to previous comments: I said that CFDT lied over 30 times during the 'free for all' hosted by CNN. The Philadelphia Inquirer counted the lies from the printed transcript -
602 602 602 602 602 602 602 602 602 602. One lie every 3.9 seconds.
At this point, I believe a vote for Biden is our best chance. If something happens to him, Kamala and all of his "pretty much stellar" administration is in place. He needs our support of confidence to overcome this media frenzy.
The successes of a good president does not necessarily make for a successful candidate. Yes, this is an indictment of the political process. It is also a fact of American politics. As is polling, which itself is a problematic tool. As is the Electoral College, which itself is a problematic institution.
Joe Biden followed his unlikely success as a candidate with an unexpectedly remarkably successful presidency. The fact is, that, even before his debate debacle, Biden was unable to translate his successful administration into a successful campaign. Nothing in the interview changed that. What the White House is spinning as 'strong' may actually sell as 'mulish.' Or worse. It was almost as painful to watch Biden successfully defend his achievements as it was to watch him unwittingly display his failings and adamantly deny his impediments.
The interview opened with Biden waffling on whether or not he's watched the debate, and it closed with Biden asserting that only he can meet the demands of the job and that only God can take him out of the race. This is the stuff of tragedy.
Triumph will depend on American voters, who seem more inclined to prove the Founders' doubts than to dispel them. Then again, in Poland, England, and possibly France, fractious opponents of right wing extremism have been able to pull together. Here it may depend on how deeply irrational habits of mind - of religion on the right and ideology on the left - have taken hold. I continue with efforts to Get Out The Vote for the Democratic candidate - whoever that may be.
Dead on, Diana. Looney tunes when a member of the white house press gallery asks, in that certain tone, does the president have "naps"... Corinne rebutted superbly, and Rachel Maddow had a blast. That ABC interview, taking advantage of Biden's very long standing speech problems and turning it into "old age"... we have ageism running amok in the media.
Michael Steele, former GOP chair, and Rick Wilson, former GOP strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, did a Bulwark podcast recently, in which the very profane Wilson said, "There are 200 reporters in the NY/Washington axis that want to the the one who can say, "I drove Joe Biden from the White House". I think he's right. Dems, I'm sorry to say, speaking as one who's worked in the party and seen it live, too often DO form circular firing squads, and take knives to gunfights. It's painful to watch. So call your congresscritter, if he/she is joining the 'dump Joe' bandwagon, and tell them NO. Call or writer the major papers, or, if you subscribe, drop your subscription. Maybe THAT will get their attention.
Seriously. Although I’ve been up all night with vomiting and diarrhea, presumably norovirus or a bad shrimp taco… and now I know how our battered, infected democracy must be feeling.
What? A block of wood is not going to win! That’s the reality! A tennis shoe is not going to win! He MUST win! That’s your point, but you’re ignoring the reality that we all saw, and the reality that aging doesn’t stop just because President Biden has done a great job in the past.
This election is not a popularity contest. To those who worry about Biden's ability to continue four more years, I ask sincerely: do you understand our Constitution and the clear order of succession should the POTUS be unable to fulfill their duties? None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow, and even while the nation can be in shock and mourning, the government continues on, as proven when our nation's youngest ever POTUS was shot.
I am astounded that there are STILL people who do not understand that you are NOT voting just for a person, but for their style of administration and their Cabinet!
I am thinking that perhaps the Constitution test which we took in 8th grade would better be administered to High School seniors who are at the cusp of voting eligibility. When they pass, they are then registered to vote. And lets have them all proudly hold up their registration cards and post selfies.
And perhaps, like a drivers license, periodic tests should be administered.
We all agree here that trump needs to be kept out, but as we approach November things will get very nasty. Biden will be subjected to constant scrutiny and any mistake he makes, any trifle will be magnified not only by trumps team but by mainstream media too, sadly. Every slip of the tongue, every little hesitation will be used against him, savagely. And I am starting to find this excruciating.
And I say this because I have immense respect for the president and I think it’s very sad that he will be torn to pieces after four years of excellent leadership. I think his team should now think very hard about the choice to make, and make it fast.
I believe that Biden has morality and judgment despite some loss of stamina. He also has the best team that I've ever seen. To replace him with Trump would be folly of the worst sort.
Trump’s lawyers filing to get Aileen Cannon to dismiss charges in the theft of classified documents case solely on the grounds that he was still president when he ordered them packed up and taken to Florida - e.g. an official act - will no doubt be followed by him claiming immunity for assassinating anyone who opposes him in the coming months because “he thought about doing so while he was president”. The conservatives in the Supreme Court have much to answer for.
As always Dr Richardson, thank you for shining the light. I’ve been reading Project 2025 for months and anyone who isn’t outraged and frightened isn’t paying attention.
During George Stephanopoulis's interview of Joe Biden last night, he asked the President about his willingness to take and publish the results of a mental acuity test from an independent party. Insulting as the question may be, I wish the President had responded that he would be willing if Donald Trump would do the same. Joe Biden might have added a suggestion for a test or two of physical capacity that would require Trump to get out of his golf cart. Joe Biden's escape from the barrage of questions about his capability is in making those same demands of his opponent. Trump, after all, is not only a convicted felon, he is frequently incoherent and could not stay awake during his criminal trial. If the press won't question Trump's abilities, Joe Biden should.
The "free pass" Trump/MAGA's receive is disgusting! "Normalization" of Trump's campaign is in the media's hands. Was Trump asked to withdraw after a jury found 34 accounts of guilt? Hold Trump to the same standard! The Dems are too nice! Right on, Leonard.
Some killing is justified. The zealots must be crushed. The libs need to muster the strength to do the ugly deeds. Targets need to be identified, and cleansing administered. We can go back to the Middle Ages - superstition can't become the law. Get a spine libs.
Sounds good to me. I hate to make the libs so all the work. Personally, I'm non violent. I defer to Mad Magazine where I saw the slogan "Stamp Out Violence. I'm a joker.
Reagan visibly had early Alzheimer's, though we did not at the time know why is was sometimes so confused. The press loved him through it all. The more relevant question is whether Biden seems to be doing the job he was elected to do. and overall I's say his performance is very respectable. especially while facing a opposition party of saboteurs, All of the controversy within the party may eventually take a toll on final voting results. The party has figure out it's position and stick with it. Fast,
There are a lot of new names here today. One following standard troll policy reposting repeatedly. It saddens me that some I respect are losing faith and succumbing to the same media hype that torpedoed Clinton.
Gail, I noticed that immediately and even commented on it a few days ago. I have been a paid subscriber and attentive forum comment reader for years. I am very suspicious of these recent additions to the comment section.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
I am giving this "person" a pass today, but if this continues, I recommend reporting to the Substack Administration. It takes them awhile, but eventually they remove trolls.
s the only sensible way to look at any presidential candidate; what sort of administrative and leadership organization are they likely to build? That's harder to know with new entrants, but you can get some hints come the company they keep. A responsible performance as president of a society as large and complicated as this absolutely requires a ability to wisely pair others, both as individual experts and as an integrated organization. Some arsehole claiming "I alone can fix it" has no clue.
The real question is can Biden continue to do the excellent job of governing and leading he has done under extremely difficult circumstances for four more years? Trump is clearly off his nut and has been from day one, We don’t need two of them. We need viable, capable leadership .
This is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. A mental acuity test will change nothing. The only thing that would restore confidence is if Joe came out after the debate guns blazing: Open ended press conferences, town halls, barnstorming, REAL interaction with voters. He's not doing that because he CAN'T. This is hubris and selfishness. He needs to step down now and make way for the next generation.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
I suggest you stop copy/pasting the same comment over and over. You are tending towards troll and readers will be forced to report to the Substack administrators.
Leonard-I agree-it's not all on Biden though. All of the people sounding off now about Joe should be questioning Trump's abilities-loudly and regularly. Instead we've fixated on one debate performance. I credit the media with stirring up a frenzy that is going to be detrimental to all of us if we don't wake up.
I am a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and have been in practice since 1972. I used to give psychological tests to determine intelligence and emotional and social strengths and vulnerabilities. After a few years of administering these “ tests “ , I saw how vulnerable these tests were to subjective and biased interpretation. They could used to justify the results that benefited the systems and institutions who mandated them. Yes there is a “testing and evaluation industrial complex “.
It is not that I believe these tests are infallible. I don't know a lot about them. What I believe is that Joe Biden can only be persuasive if he rises to the bait. For his own protection, because as you say the tests are subjective, the only way he should be willing to take the tests is to dare Donald Trump to take them, too. This is a political decision, not a decision that necessarily values the tests themselves.
Great idea, Leonard. I'm glad Heather detailed the findings about NYT articles being incredibly skewed. I wrote to the NYT yesterday to register my impression that the Times has it in for Biden, given the news focus. Not that I think they'll care.
A question about this thread:
I have twice written a response to Will's first long response at the start of these comments, and neither of my responses has appeared. I know I clicked POST. Does anyone know why this happens?
Elderly man with poor memory? "The transcripts show that during his October 2022 deposition, Trump was shown a black and white photo where he is interacting with several people, including with his then-wife Ivana, Carroll and her then-husband.
“I don’t know who – it’s Marla,” Trump said when shown the photo. “That’s Marla, yeah. That’s my wife,” he says when asked to clarify.
He mistook Stormy Daniels for his wife too. We’re in Oliver Sacks territory here with both of these candidates. Cf. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
Trump excuse for doing business with mafiosi was that he had no idea they had connections to organized crime, yet organized crime had multiple connections to Trump.
He keeps saying he's innocent - I guess he really is, in the sense of not knowing about things. What a shock he must have received when somebody suggested to him that he'd somehow become involved in organised crime.
Unfortunately if Trump is elected we will be living in a world more like the original very dark movie Stalag 17 than the later comedic show Hogan’s Heroes.
In the face of rising fascist threats, it is crucial for everyone to stand up and fight for our democracy. This means more than just reelecting President Joe Biden; we must also maintain control of the Senate and reclaim the House of Representatives. Only then can we address the corruption within the Supreme Court by impeaching the justices appointed by trump who are unfit for the bench. Remember that mainstream media often prioritizes ratings and profit over the preservation of democracy, choosing to sensationalize rather than inform. Our collective action and vigilance are essential to safeguarding our democratic institutions and ensuring victory come November!
"Our mission: Register Democrats. Save the world. This is our story...
I was a TV writer for 18 years. Then Trump was elected, and it broke my heart and brain. So I quit my job to join the Resistance full-time. I became an organizer, and rallied a volunteer army who registered 6,000+ new Democrats and helped flip 5 congressional seats in the 2018 midterms, including all of Orange County, California.
Weeks later, I founded Field Team 6 so we could bring our proudly partisan voter registration to swing states nationwide. And it worked! Since 2019, we've helped register more than 2.4 million Democrats, defeating Trump, and miraculously flipping the Senate in Georgia.
In the 2022 midterm elections, we helped to defy history by winning the Senate, adding Democratic Governors, and flipping state legislative chambers. In 2023, we won historic elections to protect abortion rights and flip even more state legislative chambers.
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Let's defend democracy at home and destroy it abroad. Genocide Joe Biden and his Moral Midgets i.e. Blinken, Miller, Kirby, Sullivan, Austin, Thomas-Greenfield, Nuland, Wood, Buttigieg, Schumer, Jeffries, Clyburn, Hoyer, Pelosi.....all enablers of American Fascism marching lockstep to a Trump victory of fascism over democracy. Fighting for democracy means the retirement of Biden in favor of a non-Zionist progressive alternative, a younger and stronger Bernie Sanders, not the enfeebled Biden.
"Dr. Brian, career and life design psychologist," more and more you sound like a troll from the Right side, a business man coaching others in how to make more money.
You might wish to modify your "bio" as your self proclaimed extensive ties with China and Asia render you suspect, as does your recent appearance on the comment forum. Adding a "DR" to you name does not legitimize you.
Miselle, why would I want to hide my expat status? My ties to China and Asia makes me a suspect of exactly what in your seemingly fevered McCarthyite mind? I have commented many times as a subscriber to Dr. Richardson’s site. I am an open book, indeed published in English and Chinese and a licensed psychologist in NY and CT for years and never ethically challenged. Why are you trying to smear me? I am not afraid of criticism but ad hominem attacks are usually the mark of dishonest cowards. Challenge my opinions, values, ideas but sly remarks are dirty work of the envious
Gail.....please clarify. What is that "certain path" to an election loss? My honest opinion is that Israel is doomed as an apartheid and genocidal state. The old world order is crumbling and with it American hegemony. The Global South, with few exceptions i.e. India are lining up behind some variation on a Palestinian state.
I saw that disgusting video of Mark Robinson. Did you see the people seated behind him? All white and they looked very uncomfortable with what he said. I despise these people for their arrogance, their misogyny, their righteous indignation, their want to be the almighty powerful over us all. This is not a fair fight. It’s fascism and they must be extinguished from existence like the nasty blood-sucking flies that they are. GO JOE!
Mr. Robinson is unfit for office, just like Trump. Their followers are eager for the excuse to engage in violence for imagined offenses and for the “crime” of disagreement.
Pray tell, what journalism WILL you support? What is their market penetration? What are their journalistic resources? I'll take something legit over nothing any day. President Obama spoke of not letting the ideal being the enemy of the "better," which I've long articulated. I live in the real world. Purists don't.
I subscribe to that 100%. Guardian, Dallas Morning News, FtWorth Star-Telegram, flip through msm to see what they are spewing. Also NPR, BBC, and some MSNBC. Six substacks, currently. Walter and Bill Moyers were my heroes for many years. I am awash in news of our insanity. Democracy Now was a bridge too far for me several years ago. Loved some of it, but they had a real problem with only wanting the ideal. i am not left with nothing, and i have the bills to prove it. Sad that some take what hits their ears when Fox is flipped on. I know them well.
I still take both NYT & Washington Post, but I understand the way they skew their coverage and don’t address Trump’s very real personality disorders or the wrecking program that is Project 2025. They focus on the horse race and not the real policy implications.
Yes, shades of the Proud Boys but also David Duke and QAnon (where's that cult gone, btw?) with that "I don't know anything about them" comment from Drumpf. The Biden campaign should start running ads with those previous quotes from DJT alongside footage of the t-shirted Qsters at his rallies with that dumb anthem playing, Charlottesville and, of course, Jan. 6.
Just have to add shame on ABC for that published transcript. Since when ((i.e., ever?) had a transcript been published of a Biden interview with letters dropped off and making a point of transcribing every single stutter. I'm sure whomever did the work and signed off on it thought they were being even-handed (as a bit of Stephanopoulos' speech was transcribed that way as well) but I've never seen such a thing before in my 60 years as a once book editor and reading legal transcripts at law firms. Ellipses and dashes to indicate pauses or change of thought are one thing but that "I'm workin' on what we were doin' with regard to..." and the "I--I--I--I--..." is beyond the pale, unnecessary and frankly unprofessional in my opinion.
Of all the things making me absolutely sick to my stomach, the "mainstream media" continuing to put its thumb on the scale while feigning neutrality is near the top. Nevermind Joe, I am still raging over CNN's complete capitulation during that "debate" last week.
Do the Guardian, BBC, PBS, MSNBC (in snippets), flip across the others. One needs to know what they are spewing. And two hands-on newspapers - a mixed blessing.
That ABC transcript sounds absolutely disgusting. As someone who had a stutter at age 7, I find it very offensive. And has everyone forgotten that FDR had polio and was in a wheelchair?
I am a book author. I will rewrite the transcript in normal language, This transcript is UNPROFESSIONAL and UNPRECEDENTED. Don't waste time with shock. See the enemy and adjust. URL to the unprofessional transcript: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=79535643 If anyone has the stamina, and otter, we can disseminate transcripts of TRUMP. I am 'White' but lately my first instinct is to distrust an unknown 'White' reporter.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
Yes, terrible that convergence of felon Trump and democracy-felonious Project2025.
But both come from a deeper criminality, brewing for years.
The Heritage Foundation and the Hoover Institution spent millions through the 1970s for the 1971 Powell memo. They would silence all of any novels, films, or songs as human touch stone for public issues.
With the additional millions ALEC spent to defund higher ed at all state levels, it worked. Humanities got set to silos.
Worse, in K-12, standardized testing aimed but for only neutered logic – linear, abstracted, group packaged and labeled (too, machine-gradable).
It worked. U.S. elites lost humanities for public use. All would defer to the machinery of banker rationalized and wonk (HR) programmed.
Now the abstracted rule. The Clarence court Blade Runner six (subject) Animal Farm (verb) all. Bribes? – legal as “gratuities” (more for Clarence!). Article 14, section three? – gone. Perjury? – OK, for all Republican, Federalist Society would-be justices.
They’ve junked the Constitution: forcing American women to state control, gutting federal agencies serving the people, elevating criminal Trump.
Run, Dems, Run – against this historically massive convergence of the gross corrupt and arrogant.
Chatted with my daughter and granddaughter last week re their schooling, came away thinking that I got a better education from a country rural school long ago, than either had gotten since, daughter fared better but granddaughter, who was reading early and well, now hates to read. I said why, she said school. She is so turned off. Red state insanity. Abbott is destroying public schools in Texas, deliberately and with malice.
I appreciate that you mentioned “Animal Farm.” Orwell was a democratic socialist who detested Communism, and much of his criticisms could apply just as well to the extreme right ascendant now.
I love Doctor Zhivago. The irony was that Boris Pasternak was the only member of his family to remain in Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution in November 1918. His parents and siblings emigrated to England.
Unless I read it wrong, I did not see the Hoover Institution among the long list of accomplices to Project 2025 published in its opening pages. You're right about them spending millions in defense of conservatism. They're still at it. I'm on their mailing list and get a lot of free online stuff from them as well. That can't be cheap. Some of that stuff is almost not bad. The recent article on the teaching of U.S. History made some good points. The rest is easily refuted (discredited policies, irrelevant historical references, obsolete theories and theoreticians. e.g. Any article that contains the phrase "Hayek has taught us...." can be discounted immediately.
I don't doubt that Hayek taught them; he was just wrong when he turned his mind from economics to policy recommendations. And they still publish Sowell). My guess is that they're not nuts enough to be on the Project 2025 board.
Somewhere, somehow, James, some Stanford people stepped in, correcting some things.
No one has yet written any accounting of how, from the 1970s, Heritage went where it went, and Hoover went largely not that way.
We have Jane Mayer's great "Dark Money" -- so many far-right billionaires steering so much ideologue madness, funding so much hatred. But, still, nothing close to anything definitive on how that original Powell memo left us with Clarence court so blatantly pushing bribery, perjury, pro-criminal corruption.
Also, no chronology on how that same Powell memo went from the earliest corruption Wendell Berry saw in 1977 ("The Unsettling of America") to the more elitist numbering and neutering corruptions Diane Ravitch chronicled in 2003 ("The Language Police").
One other irony: neither Wendell Berry nor Diane Ravitch had any idea that the Powell memo underwrote all the corruptions they nevertheless on their own did see.
Thank you for a thoughtful response. I’ll have to add “Dark Money” to the stack of unread books sitting next to my desk 😁. On your reference to billionaires, I was struck by a thought (yes, it still happens occasionally 😁). Why is it that so many people think that people who are successful in one field of endeavor are qualified to offer wisdom in another? The example of Linus Pauling comes to mind at once. Billionaires (at least some of them) are good at making (or collecting) money. For what purpose, beyond making more money, remains unseen. To me it is madness indeed.
I’m not sure how we get ourselves out of the giant pile of corruption and bad government all around us. Like many of our fellow Americans, we have nowhere to go and no resources to sustain us elsewhere. I’ve long thought that the time might come that Americans would find themselves fleeing their own nation in the same fashion in which we see people from other parts of the world fleeing here.
He might not understand the details. Such understanding is not his strong suit. And he doesn't really need to understand it. He gets everything he wants simply by being in the White House. This also gives the Heritage Foundation architects of Project 2025 everything THEY want. It is a perfect transactional relationship.
The Biden campaign now has a website devoted to Project 2025, which is brilliant.
President Biden has been fully and brilliantly engaged in the duties of his office since the day he took the Oath of Office. That he was literally sick and tired last Thursday is hardly surprising. Joe Biden has my thanks, respect, support and love.
Almost daily I feel more vindicated for cancelling my NYT subscription a few months ago. What self-respecting American newspaper would consider running an opinion piece ON THE FOURTH OF JULY advocating NOT voting? Only the NYT. But apparently that was a bridge too far, and they were shamed into flushing it down the memory hole.
That opinion piece makes me more determined to vote. My parents always have encouraged us to be good citizens, study the issues, and vote. My mother’s father took his children down to register to vote when they turned 21, as that was the legal voting age back then. After he died, my late uncle took my three younger aunts to register to vote when each of them turned 21.
The cat's out of the proverbial bag on that fascist game plan. It's Trump and MAGA's Achilles heel. It's time to grind them into the dust(politically). Pour it on!
Here is one I wrote. Feel free to use it. Send them out far and wide!
To the Editor:
"Sound the Alarm"
Project 2025 is a grave threat to American democracy, masquerading as a conservative policy initiative but operating as a coup attempt to install an authoritarian regime. The plan's core goal is to consolidate executive power, effectively sidelining democratic checks and balances. By reclassifying federal civil service positions into political appointments, it seeks to dismantle the separation of powers, a fundamental safeguard against tyranny.
Further, Project 2025's proposed overhaul of federal agencies, including the dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security and reducing the role of the Department of Education, aims to destabilize government functions critical to a democratic society. The initiative’s push to slash environmental regulations in favor of fossil fuel interests is a clear indicator of prioritizing corporate power over public welfare and environmental health.
This project is not just a policy shift; it is an orchestrated effort to erode civil liberties and establish a dictatorial regime. Those who cherish American democracy must recognize and resist Project 2025, as it poses a direct and unprecedented threat to the nation's democratic principles and institutions.
Yes. It was a family-run paper for over 100 years. Sold in about 2017 or so (too lazy to look it up) to Gatehouse, later Gannett. They dropped the op-ed page because “editorial content” was cited as the #1 reason for subscription cancellation. It’s not even worth fish wrap these days.
Almost all the photos coming out of the T&F Olympic quals are from our local guy, Chris Pietch. He’s an incredible photographer.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
I wrote about Jennifer Schulze’s work and added the various other analyses of media bias, not just at the NYT. It is systematic across the five major dailies and “cable news.”
A center at the University of Pennsylvania published “A case study in the New York Times’ inconsistent narrative selection and framing” in February.
MediaMatters reported last year that five newspapers had about twice as many stories about Biden’s age compared with stories about Trump’s age.
The systematic negativity makes me cry and scream.
Or 🙉🙊🙈. But we know from long experience that Felon 45/34 is an inveterate liar. I think we should hang Project 2025 all over him. Plaster him with it like wallpaper. Bury him under it every chance you get on whatever social medium you may use. Make trump synonymous with Project 2025. After all, the powers that be have talked about using it as their platform at their convention.
SPW, I just donated $34 to the Biden/Harris campaign…$1 each in acknowledgement of TFFFG’s 34 felonies. Not my idea, read the suggestion on this or other SubStack & thought it was perfect!
The Biden campaign should promote the late Ed Koch’s statement that he wouldn’t believe Donald Trump if Trump had his tongue notarized, and should also hit hard on the implications of Project 2025 and the wreckage it would inflict on the nation.
My next letter to the editor, that won’t be printed. Bet the powers that be will be very selective about what they publicize. Christian families, heterosexual dominance, anti-immigrant, white is right, blah, blah
I am truly afraid that the situation will only escalate and I am no longer sure Biden can withstand the barrage of attacks, lies and manipulation the trump team will hurl at him day in and day out. This is so unfair, and it hurts to see him treated like this.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
Can everyone stop this carry-on about Biden’s fitness. Democracy and progress are safe in his hands. He could be a block of wood, an otter or a tennis shoe it wouldn’t matter.
It’s keeping frump OUT that is the issue.
Biden has a crackerjack team so many of whom could walk in his shoes or carry any load he wants to shed. A livable tomorrow is at stake. Frump will decimate the US, and completely squash the American experiment.
Look, you guys. I'm as resentful of the media's double standards between the sides of the political aisles as anyone else here. They should have been talking about Project 2025 since the day it was published, non-stop. The last thing I wrote here was an impassioned exhortation of support for Joe Biden following The Debate That Will Live in Infamy. I stand by that message in a few ways, both as an honest immediate response and as an expression of disgust at this media hysteria and double standard. We here on these pages believe in Joe Biden as an upper-echelon President and recognize the underrated role he has played in steadying this country. That said...
I don't think I've ever done a bigger, faster 180-degree-turn regarding my feelings toward a person or event before, and I doubt I ever could. It has been over 100 degrees all week where I am, so I am stuck inside and have been guzzling every bit of print journalism I can find while the situation unfolds, putting emphasis on sources - large and small - that report actual Congresspeople and strategists on background and can illustrate overviews of events on "The Hill." I think I may have actually read every post-Debate news report published so far. I have to say, now knowing what I know, am a bit taken aback by some of the continuing apologia here.
I'm too tired to summarize in great detail, but suffice it to say that - by cautious and conservative estimate - the President is royally f#cked beyond belief or repair, seems to be the only person on Earth who doesn't realize it, and is leading us headlong into apocalypse unless elected Democrats en masse get loud and creative, fast. The man has begun to face serious physical and cognitive decline in recent months and been insulated by his circle. His unfitness has been incontrovertably exposed and he is no longer electable, period. The number of people he needs to show up to vote for him nationwide are no longer available to him after last week, and his already-struggling candidacy has now been framed in a way that he cannot win on. Democrats in Congress know that not only is his candidacy almost certainly doomed, but if it continues it will have devestating effects down-ballot, wiping the Good Guys out on every level. Polling is cratering, donors are fleeing, and morale is in the gutter. The only plausible path forward is for the President to commit to a final act of patriotism and stand down, full stop. Life isn't fair sometimes, but the country must come first. Most Democratic electeds have kept their sentiments under wraps in order to give him the space and respect to come to the decision in a dignified way, but he has so far taken advantage of that space to dig in. His interview tonight was a sad display of a once-perceptive person who has willfully lost touch with reality. One can admire the man's prior accomplishments greatly while seeing clearly that another candidate is not a matter of if but a matter of how and how soon. This election simply cannot afford to be lost, and pro-democracy voters and volunteers need a chance to reset and galvanize, to catch the eye and ear of the public and prosecute our case vociferously on terrain that is favorable to us.
It will be an intriguing news week. Oh, to be a fly on the wall in Hakeem Jeffries's office (or Chuck Schumer's)! Oof, you guys. Oof.
You sound like a Russian bot.
You may not agree with his sentiment, but Will is one of the most insightful and intelligent commentators here. Not a bot.
Sherree, I'll assume nothing about Will beyond what you have said. And from there I'll say something beyond what you have said.
In November, Biden's competence is irrelevant. The only thing relevant at this time in history is the candidate's intent. If any individual, Will included, is looking at the candidates' competence and ignoring their intent, then that individual is as lost as someone who knows where they are in terms of latitude while having no idea where they are in terms of longitude.
The difference between what Trump will do when elected and a government policy to inject its citizens with Ebola virus is that people die faster with Ebola virus. The difference between what Biden will do when elected and a different Democratic candidate is worthy of concern, but the absolute worst that Biden will be is significantly better than the best version of Trump, which was before he started firing all the grownups in his first administration.
We are not in this situation because of Biden. We are in this situation because too many people treat politics like a spectator sport. And if we get out of it, it will not be because of Biden. It will be because of all of us.
We all need to start with step 1 of the 12-step program and say to ourselves as individuals, "I am not in charge." Then ask the question, "Who is in charge?" The answer is we are, but only if we are all willing to work together by putting all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength into defeating the real enemy. And it's important to remember that (even though they're not yet willing to acknowledge it) we're doing it for their sake as well as ours.
I was going to write a similar thing, but you did a far better job than I could.
I would add, that if Biden loses - contrary to people like Steve Schmidt's and Tim Miller etc, the fault is not with the dems standing by him as much as both the dems in high places abandoning him and leaking unsourced stories of disarray as well as the lack of support from the supposedly
"normal" republican establishment - where are the voices of the Jeb and W Bush? Where are Paul Ryan , Kasich, Collins, Romney, Jeff Flake, etc who clearly all KNOW the threat to democracy trump poses being brave enough to say that they will vote for Biden because they and America can survive 4 years of Biden but so trump as Liz Cheney has said?
The problem with 2024 election is not Biden. Its the deep hatred for democrats, progressives and 'other' that that does not just run through a portion of the population ( which it always did ) but is amplified by a media that places profits over everything thinking they will be immune from the storm that trump will bring. Social media platforms which amplify foreign governments attempts to disrupt America through fake bots disguised as Americans.
The list goes on and on - and while its clear that Biden's performance last Thursday has given fuel to the Maga movement - the problem is deeper than a stammer, a lose of temporay train of thought or a shuffle - those are minor infirmaries compared to the real threat that awaits if he loses.
The Repubs form a tight circle to defend their man while the dems form a circular firing squad.
"I’m not a member of any organized political party. I’m a Democrat." —Will Rogers.
Time for a change. Democrats unite! To be more specific, Republicans have explicitly united around the concept of unilateral control, and so Democrats must explicitly unite around the concept of mutual respect.
Those unsourced "Biden must go" stories are making me so, so angry. What kind of journalism is this? Let me know the sources so I can evaluate their credentials and perspectives.
Has it occurred to those who are in panic mode that the Repugnants are terrified of even the "diminished" Biden? Otherwise, they would be sitting back with huge smiles in their faces, relishing that "Sleepy Joe" has given them the keys to the kingdom, where their useful idiot will return to reside and rule?
Given a year or more to prepare, if Biden was showing verifiable signs of cognitive failure, the Democrats might have a different conversation and choose a younger candidate (Kamala Harris, perhaps), but with less than four months remaining before the election, Biden, his Vice President, and very capable cabinet can ably handle the ship of state. As has been agreed by most commenters here, the risk of a second whack at rule by TFG and Project 2025 is a recipe for disaster far greater than any risk Biden's reelection could bring, and if we stop wringing our hands and vote for Biden, we can deny the right wing from making us Moscow-or-Hungary light.
Well said!
Thanks, James.
I have always appreciated Will's responses but have to disagree with this one - honestly, "reading every post-debate "news" report"? Most have already jumped on the anti-biden message - be real - it makes for clicks.
The thing is - its STILL a bad idea to change horses in the middle of a stream - or in this a freaking RIVER! THAT is the issue right there.
So we seriously want to lose this election? Well, dandy, then all the Dem wusses who are leaping off the boat at this moment will be thrilled - and you know who else will be? Trump, Heritage group, and Republicans.
How many people will listen to these supposed "news" reports and not vote for Biden or not vote? Time to pull up our Big Girl Panties and tell them the debate is only a pimple on a ducks ass!
Will, I mean nothing against you and your opinion but this is mine.
Oh - by the way - I meant big girl panties because its the women who do NOT want the anti-abortion bunch telling them how to deal with reproductive health! Remember that little issue??
I completely agree with you regarding changing horses in midstream! I don’t believe Kamala could win on 2 counts: deep seated misogyny; and deep seated racism.
I love this Maggie! We think the same way!
Right; What did 'one debate' mean for Obama ?
Changing horses is a better idea than flogging a dead one.
Changing horses is not "THE" issue. Joe Biden's physical and mental fitness is the issue. He is Trump's dream candidate. Trump's nightmare candidate? Anyone but Joe Biden.
👍
The weight and thought of your response is what I look for here. A constructive and intelligent discussion. Thank you, James.
James Carey. Thank you.
A presidential candidate’s competence is irrelevant? How does that sentiment differ from some looney MAGA defending Trump?
A MAGA defending Trump will not express the idea that I am going to express below because anyone who does what I'm doing will recognize that their defense of Trump is indefensible.
I've explained my position in language I don't think is all that hard to understand. The response you'd get from a MAGA defending Trump is essentially, "I'm right, you're wrong, and this conversation is over." The response you're getting from me is, I'm almost certain I'm right, but I'm not absolutely certain. If you think I'm wrong, do what I did. State your position in language I can understand. In other words, don't just tell me my conclusion is wrong. Instead, challenge my assumptions, then I will challenge your assumptions, and we'll get to the truth if we're both willing to put in the effort.
But the intent of my reply is simply to answer your question.
Tom, of course it's relevant. If you're worried about the debate performance, please read a transcript of it. Both read as if they're competent, but Biden answers the questions more directly and with facts while Trump touches on the questions but deviates into distortions and outright lies most of the time. If you combine that with Trump's history as president versus Biden’s history of presidential actions, with Trump's criminality and legal losses versus Biden’s respect for the law and institutions, with the lack of quality of Trump's advisors versus the professionalism and dedication to public service within Biden’s inner circle, one can't but conclude that a diminished Biden with a good administration is far better than any authoritarian crap a Trump presidency will implement.
And then, might there be someone within the Democratic ranks that can take Biden’s place and do a great job? Sure. ALL of them can wipe the floor with Trump in a debate and speak in a way that neutralizes the nervousness from some of the public, but how do you do that at this stage, and succeed?
We're not just voting for one person. We are voting for a presidential team and its policies.
No - according to the media - ONLY looking at Biden's competency - nothing NOTHING being question about DJT - not even after or during that idiotic so-called debate!
Biden is old - for freaking sake - he was OLD 2 years ago, three years ago so where was all the shock and awe THEN? You know, when it was actually possible to bring someone else into the picture?
Pulling Biden or any other candidate at this stage of the game - not even four months before the election?
No words left!
James R. Carey: Magnificent post! As has been said elsewhere, the contest is not between Biden and Trump; it is between Democracy and Fascism, Reason and Irrationality, Peace and Violence.
Thank you, James R. Carey. I agree we all need to get behind Joe and fully support him. He has an excellent team! They are the best of the best! Then look at Trumps! They are the worst of the worst! They have all been bought by the Christian Nationalists! Apparently there are only 1/3 of them but there are 2/3s of us! We have to get out and talk to people! Get people away from Fox Entertainment! We have a good following on HCR's daily letters and if we talk to just one person and convince them that they need to vote or inform them who Trump really is! We don't have any other candidate at the point in time that can beat Trump. Kamala has been mentioned but damn she is the vice president....and I have heard people talk that they are worried about a "woman being president and especially a black woman" I was shocked when I heard this....but it is going to be a while before anyone but a "white male" will be able to be elected president! The White Christian Nationalists will see to that. It happened once with President Obama and I was totally shocked at what my so called "Christian friends" call him! He was called the anti-Christ and because I supported him they unfriended me and most will not even look at me when I run into them....they look the other way. These people attend the local "Christian Church". It is the largest in our community. They operate their own grade school in the community. I have faith that Joe can win and he didn't say he would quit because damn it.....he and I believe he will win....why would he say he will walk away when ask by a reporter! He isn't a quitter! If he was he wouldn't be our president now! The media needs to stop the questioning of our great president!
You have something those "Christians" do not. You have truth on your side, and the truth is in Jesus' words in the Gospel. If Jesus said, in essence, "Look at your neighbor and see an enemy," I'd admit I was wrong. But Jesus said, in essence, "Look at your enemy and see a neighbor," and in saying that, he is calling them the anti-Christians.
As Mary McCartney told her son, Paul, "Let it be. There will be an answer."
Trying to replace Biden at an open convention at this late date will insure tRump's success. The media, who have brought us to this sorry state, will celebrate. Can you imagine the chaos they will create at an open convention. They will have something negative to harp on, no matter who democrats decide on. The confusion at a convention will guarantee the media moguls add to their billions, and the democrats lose. The best interests of the country is the least of their concerns. One only has to look at what the media after Biden's poor performance did. Their response to an open convention will make the debate seem like child's play. We are fortunate to have a man of character willing to put up with all this nonsense. Instead of panicking about Project 2025 and what it portends for this country, the democrats are concentrating on Biden's poor performance. I'm more convinced than ever that we need to ELIMINATE Citizen's United.
James R. Carey -- Thank you for your very thoughtful and considered contribution!
Personally I would not be attacking Will. All he is doing, I believe, is advocating for a formula that has the best chance this November against the orange menace. He has seen eidence that sticking with Joe is probably going to hurt us. The orange menace is going to get alot of votes, no matter the Democratic candidate. That alone is kind of the tragedy of all this - that such a large block of American voters will vote that way. To put a fuc_ing felon and pathological liar in office. Given that the election will be close, and that polling has gone the wrong way at a time it should be coming around, we Democrats have to do what Republican s have been doing for decades - to hold our noses and do whatever it takes to win. Win - that is it. That takes voters - with all their warts. Too many don't take the long view, too many watch reality TV, too many flew off the handle with the Israel-Hamas situation and put its importance above all other issues (like climate change). Too many are just not politically mature enough to realize that sticking with Joe is probably the right thing to do. We have to do what our experts believe will attract the max number of voters - full stop. I have my doubts that staying the course with Joe will do that.
My intent was to inform and not to attack. I'm not trying to neutralize a perceived threat. Instead. I'm trying to contribute to the resolution of an incredibly challenging dilemma. You have doubts that staying the course with Joe is the best road to victory. I have doubts that Joe dropping out will improve the odds of victory. Maybe that will change. Meanwhile, all we can do about our conflicting opinions is call it the way that we see it and keep an open mind.
Thank you.
I am with you all the way! Twice what I have written has been wiped out! We have to support Joe....period!
Reminds me of an old New Yorker cartoon. The bartender says to the patron, “I know you think you can say that here, but this is my bar, and the man who would defend your right to say it just left”.
Hmm. His profile doesn’t back that up. I don’t entirely disagree with his comment, but I think the same comment was on a Robert Reich post.
Heather, one of the best laid out house of cards and how stacked the deck is, BRAVO 👏
I’m right back at: if it walks like a duck …
Not sure how many times the underdog has pulled off the win but …quite a few times ..is the answer. Speculate all you want but the ONLY way to win is be in the race. Armchair quarterbacks don’t score!
We have the numbers, the votes, the facts.
Question. Whose team stands out and why?
Unit cohesion is as proven as divide and conquer.
GOTV. Walk it to the ballot box. Stay the course.
If you hear Donald…DUCK!
Joe will deliver , always has .His team is ready , experienced, working FOR THE PEOPLE and polished. There’s no felons in the roster, no pardons needed, no lies, no get out of jail free cards in their deck, just delivering positive progress.
I know what’s ‘trendy’…who is setting who up to take the blame and it ain’t ‘the left letting ‘ that out of the bag of ‘tricksters’.
I’m 💙💙VOTING ALL THE COMPLICIT OUT💙💙
Patricia: “Joe will deliver , always has .His team is ready , experienced, working FOR THE PEOPLE and polished. There’s no felons in the roster, no pardons needed, no lies, no get out of jail free cards in their deck, just delivering positive progress.”
BRAVO!
No, not a bot -- just another panicky white (I'm guessing here) guy who's doing the white guy thing of assuming that (1) "everybody" thinks like him, and (2) his opinions are 100% right. Oh, and of course (3) if we don't do what he says, we're doomed.
Ohmigod, Sussanna, how many substacks do you comment on? Here you go again with the “white guy” thing. Do you ever think beyond that? It’s very weak, and the more we come across it, the more pathetic it seems. How genuinely rude it would be if someone replied to a long, thoughtful comment of yours (okay, I’m engaging in speculation here) with a dismissal rooted in some belief about burned-out hippies?
tom, I am currently about 1/3 the way through the excellent book by Heather McGee "The Sum of Us" which is a book about racism which was recommended to this forum some time ago.
It is truly eye opening--if you believe statistical facts--and white, male (and often Republican southern) voters have greater power than their numbers should allow.
Might I point out that your final words "burned-out hippies" seems to be used as a derogatory description of Susanna--whose brief bio gives no reason for that to be used? Pointing out the outsize influence of the "white guy" is neither weak nor pathetic. If she had a photo of a black male, would you use derogatory anti-black comments?
You say you are engaging in speculation---that comes across as Trump claiming "I'm only joking."
SHAME
Miselle, First off, feel free to stay out of fights you don’t understand. Susanna has derided comments I have made four times on other substacks with the tiresome white guy trope over the months. She does that to others. She also read my profile and has thrown its perfectly innocuous contents at me in a derogatory manner. There was nothing particularly “white” about the comments, and I’m left to assume that that’s the best argument she can muster.
I read The Sum of Us. A well-reasoned book. I am a Heather McGee fan. She does indeed discuss the outsized influence of white males. I also listened to her podcast that was contemporaneous with the book. Are you seriously suggesting that she would read the thoughtful comment Susanna was rudely dismissive of and sum it up by ascribing it to white guy rhetoric? If so, you need to read more than a third of her book.
And please don’t insult everyone’s intelligence by suggesting that Susanna’s name calling was some thoughtful analysis and conclusion about the over-weighted influence of white thought. It was just lazy name calling.
And please keep your SHAME and your misguided defense and your busybody nose to yourself.
"The Sum of Us" is an excellent, eye-opening book, not least because Heather McGhee knows her economics and does a great job translating it all for the non-economists among us. I was lucky enough to hear her speak at a local book festival not long after "The Sum of Us" came out. That sold me on both her and the book. I refer to it a lot!
Yep.
There it is- you got to the heart of his panic in 2 sentences.
It would be political suicide to switch candidates to Harris for one simple reason: how many votes will Harris bring in that Biden/Harris can’t, and how many votes will Harris lose by being “a cop” (far leftists love to call her a cop), being a woman, and being Black?
Nobody has yet identified who those voters are, the ones who would rather let Trump win than vote for Biden but are enthusiastic supporters of Biden’s VP.
So few of the "Biden should resign" even mention this that I suspect some denial is going on. Racism and sexism are real, even (gasp!) among moderates, liberals, and progressives, and, at least during the 2020 campaign, I knew quite a few civil liberties people who had big reservations about her based on her career in CA. (I was a hardcore Warren girl myself.) I think VP Harris has done a very good job and is capable of being president, but that's not the same as getting elected in 2024.
The objective here is to keep Trump out. The question is. Would it be better to replace him, hope that he hands the candidacy to Harris at the last minute or continues as the candidate himself. Nobody seems to have a definitive answer for that although many feel opening it up to the mini qualified candidates would be too chaotic. It’s a crapshoot and a dilemma for sure. Certainly Biden cognitive capacity is diminished. I am pretty sure that he has Parkinson’s disease whether he knows it or not. I say that because I have suffered with the disease for the last 10 years and he has many of the classic symptoms, including the erratic appearance of various symptoms on and off. Whether he knows he has the illness or not he still question. Many people joke that they would rather vote for a ham sandwich then vote for Trump. I’m here to tell you that even if Joe has Parkinson’s, he is still far from ham sandwich. The problem is to get people to vote for him. The people we are looking to target Know nothing about program 2025. They know nothing about the plan to destroy the civil services system. They don’t understand the massive changes in government that will occur. They know nothing about the government of Hungary under Orban. So how do we get them educated in a hurry. That is the question. Heather says do your part but she needs to be talking on Fox News not on the NewsHour. Heather, the people need to hear you and they are not hearing you so far. I’m using my microphone to dictate this so please excuse the typos or grammatical mistakes or misspellings. My phone is shaking in my hands so I’m off to take my medication.
Heather is talking as fast as she can.
Nancy Chizik, this comment of yours should have a thousand ikes.
👍
Name calling usually a sign that the name caller is out of ammo in the discussion.
Nah. This a worn-out thing for sure.
What is the difference between name calling and stating what you see?
In the eyes of the person who is being called out.
I still don’t get why you think some terse, rude, over-colloquial comment earns you any credibility.
I agree with Will, from Cal, mostly. But if I didn’t I would at least realize he put a lot of effort and frank thought into his comment and point out why I differed. You and the other faux feminist just mutter ‘white guys’.
Like Barbara below, with this, I'm done engaging with you.
I wonder why you add the "faux" to the feminist. And wonder why you have a problem with a feminist viewpoint.
Tom. Let's cool things down here.
I was talking about intent and perception. Sorry for the terseness.
I am sure you are a nice guy as I am a nice person. I am refraining from any more commenting today. I, we, are all tired and freaked out. I am taking a walk.
Best Regards
Barbara
A typical vapid comment from someone in Florida which seems on the brink of seceding after Texas. The South shall rise again and lead to its own destruction yet again. The USA is fast upon a collapse of a strong Federal government guaranteeing the rights of a majority of its citizens. We have learned nothing from the collapse of the German Weimar Republic and are intent on being the new seat of fascism in the 21st Century, enabled by Biden and his toxic narcissism rivaling Trump and his even more toxic narcissism. Two flawed true losers about to bring the curtain down on the American experiment in democracy.
Armchair cynicism is really unhelpful. The power is with the people. Think of those 18yo boys who fought like hell and died on D-Day to defeat fascism, think of those marching with Martin Luther King, risking their lives for human rights and freedoms. Roll up your sleeves and start registering voters. Promote hope not despair. It ain't over til the fat lady sings.
Kazz, what you call cynicism is actually realistic optimism. My father fought at the Battle of the Bulge. My life has been dedicated to the weaving together of social justice for societies and the liberation of individuals from the intergenerational trauma that is the legacy of the two world wars, lots of proxy wars and dying gasps for five hundred years of colonialism. One can't promote hope on false premises. Hope is based on a belief in a future. That hope is being dashed daily by the ruling elites that hold the fate of the world in their greedy hands as they don't give a damn about the rest of us, the 99.99% who go to our deaths slaves to debt in the throes of predatory capitalism. The fat lady is singing as the American experiment is in its death throes and the vast majority of people have no clue as to what is fast upon us. The fascists are coming. Indeed, they have already arrived and are making hay in Western democracies as never before since the rise and fall of Nazism and Tojoism and fascism in Spain, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Hungary ad nauseum. The Ponzi scheme of predatory capitalism is reaching its end game, leading us to the edge of the abyss of environmental disaster. Kazz, you need to wake up as the system, as we know it in the USA, is about to crumble and quickly. Biden's old world order collapses as he personally does and a new world order is emerging from its ashes. Pull the camera back. There is no putting this system back together again. We need a mindset revolution to develop sustainable ways of living on a planet without infinite resources.
Dr. Brian A Schwartz: I understand your anger. I share it. But I think nihilism is dangerous at this point in history. It sounds like “the world sucks, why vote?” And that sounds more like Trump’s winning strategy.
I do believe that capitalism is killing the planet and enslaving us all to Big Oil, Big Pharma, etc etc. I don’t have the physical stamina to aggressively defend the better path. But I have spent forty years working in State and County government, making measurable improvements in housing and services for people with disabilities and/or experiencing homelessness, and abused women and children. Yes, it’s incremental in the total scheme of things. But that doesn’t make it meaningless.
Kazz, Would you like to hear my version of the fat lady singing in the rain? It’s over, rover. I’ve gone through this back and forth. Times up. The fat lady is singing. And maybe the fat lady is my distant relative Sophie Tucker.
Save your negativity for all that’s wrong with Trump. The one and only goal is to keep him out of office. As you were.
Equating Biden and Trump with a false assertion of equally toxic narcissism is itself a demonstration of the dangers of fallacious rhetoric.
Except that one of those two "flawed" losers has been one of the most effective US presidents in modern history, and the other one wants to end the American experiment in favor or an authoritarian autocracy. So, there's that.
In the first place, just because someone lives in a certain state tells you nothing about that person.
Second, I suspect anyone who tries to make an argument that Trump and Biden are at all alike must have a doctorate in Dunning Kruger studies. You can’t really believe that. That is some sort of adopted pose, for what purpose I don’t know.
Huh. Judging by your previous posts discrediting President Biden and now equating Joe Biden with a convicted rapist, felon out on bail, indicted under the Espionage Act candidate is really showing your colors.
Again. You are in the wrong pew.
Hmmm? We must defeat the opposition, and as coach we need to recognize the playbook isn't working. When the mob wants to lynch an innocent man, those who would save him need to spirit him to safety, and give him a new identity
There's absolutely no basis for that comment. A major benefit of these discussions is respect.
Susan, if Will was a Russian bot, he would be encouraging Biden to stay in the losing race. Yiu are not too bright a person to suggest this.
I think we must except Biden personally may devolve into the sort of figurehead a president is in a parliamentary system but still gets to appoint the government, and his government has been largely successful with a few glaring exception: Palestine and housing costs, the latter why many people reject the notion of the success of Bidennimics. There is no reasonable alternative except his resignation, Harris at the top of them ticket and a new vice-president. Clinton lost largely because of the ingrained misogyny in America. Are we prepared to add deep-seated racism to the equation and roll the dice?
"except" or "accept"? I'm thinking you meant the latter but I am not entirely sure since you also typed "Bidennimics". I often see terms purposely misspelled to be a slur, so I don't know if that was intentional or if you meant "Bidenomics"
👎
And you sound unnecessarily negative.
Vote for president Biden!!!!!
No, he doesn’t. I’m sad to have to say this. I’ve been a huge Biden supporter, but what I’ve been hearing lately — from trusted sources— fits pretty closely with what Will is saying. To me this whole thing is a nightmare, and heartbreaking. If Biden is able to come back from this, that’s wonderful… but I now have doubts I’ve never had in the past. If you have information/evidence otherwise, please do share it. I could use some good news.
I totally disagree don’t let them WIN THIS BECAUSE OF ON NIGHT. 🤬
I'm beginning to disagree with myself, Katrina! The new developments and information keep spinning around so much I've practically got vertigo. I'm not on the 'inside' so I don't have any special insight into the situation, and none of us can possibly know what needs to happen to save our country from Trump.... Given that, I'm going to stop offering any opinion about the situation with Biden. I've been hearing too many good arguments on both sides of the fence... no longer know what to think.
I think you are really wrong. His comments aren’t crazy. I wish it were not so but I can’t see how Joe hangs on for more than about 2 more days.
Susan, please read this article by Dana Milbank and see if it changes anything.
https://wapo.st/4cw3bbL
Who, on this (still) green earth, has the money and political acumen to build and run a national campaign for president in 4 months? The only one with access to the funds donated to the Biden/Harris campaign is Kamala Harris. Everyone else - everyone, would have to start fundraising from scratch. I would be more than willing to back a Harris run for president - with the blessing of President Biden. Perhaps with Pete Buttigieg for VP?
If this were a race against anyone but Trump and his MAGAs, I would be advocating an immediate candidate switch. We have an ageing candidate who has demonstrated an ability to be a very effective president over 3+ VERY difficult years, who is running against someone who is anchored by so much baggage (the 2025 project is "poling like Ebola") that it is a wonder he can move at all. Despite polls, the MAGAs have not added to their base over the last 4 years. Despite the debate frenzy, I do not believe anyone really changed their votes from Biden to Trump solely because of it.
Still, you are correct in that it is time to fish or cut bait. Back Biden totally, or pick another candidate NOW, and back them. Oh, and stop wedging about media coverage, and the latest right-wing-ding outrage. We have a job to do.
A black female President and a gay Vice President!
MAGA would explode!
Bring it!!!
But would America vote for them?
No
?
Back Biden, knowing that he has schooled Kamala and vice versa!!!
Steve, your words echo my thoughts. Harris was the only candidate that I went to see in the NH 2020 primary, and was struck by her energy and message. I still have confidence in the Biden/Harris ticket, but if Biden is persuaded to drop out, Harris is the best-known candidate to replace him, and can run on "continuing the work of Biden". Her choice of a running mate would be intriguing, with so many up-and-comers in the Party.
A Harris candidacy turns the age question right around -- CF45 is now the incoherent old guy. Harris, on the other hand, will connect with younger voters (although she'll have to message her way out of her previous stances on cannabis.) I suspect many/most of us on LFAA are of a certain age, and we are not numerous enough to make a difference. The youth of voting age has the numbers. Harris has both the message and the dance moves (cultural messaging) to connect with them and bring them and the rest of us to the polls.
But right now, it's Biden's decision to make, and I'm worried that it won't be the right one.
I read an article on CNN online suggesting Harris/Gov. Whitmer ticket.! Yes! especially given the Republican vow to suppress women and diversity. They both have moxie and political experience and are genuine in their belief in Democracy. They both appeal to youth (they're in their 50s, I believe) and are energetic. As a team, they would offer the wow factor that Obama did. They would also give Putin an ulcer.
I like Whitmer, and she's becoming better known.
You put that very well. My sentiments exactly. Nobody is coming to save us and we all need to find jobs to do. One of my favorite lines from Timothy Snyder’s book, On Tyranny, was this: “Whatever you do, don’t isolate.It doesn’t always have to be about politics. Get together and brew beer.” Don’t isolate.
I feel precisely the same way. I’ve been one of those people defending Biden’s campaign for reelection. “The incumbent has an edge. There’s a psychological advantage to having beat him before. Name recognition!” All the reasons. Then I watched the debate and was sick to my stomach. I still resisted at first. Do we dare replace him? The chaos, the hows and whens and is there even enough time. But the longer the images of that debate ran through my head, the more worried I became. That cannot be the best we have to offer as a party and this moment absolutely requires our best.
And as much as I appreciate Biden and all he’s done, it is so disappointing to me that his response to calls for him to step down is not: I think I’m the best shot we have at beating Trump, but rather: I’m not letting one 90-minute debate wipe out three and a half years of work. It’s a stupid argument (no one can take away what he’s accomplished - historians will be kind to him), but he also places himself front and center. It’s not about him. It’s about the country and I thought Biden would put the country first.
I completely disagree, Kristy Koth. Biden’s career in politics, a span of five decades, speaks for itself regarding his dedication to public service and not just serving himself. A person who has experienced the personal losses he has wouldn’t easily lose sight of what’s important in life (like a certain billionaire born into wealth and privilege has).
No Democrat or Republican predicted that Biden would roll out the liberal policies he did in 2021. He signed, 1. The American Rescue Plan Act and extending existing Covid-19 programs, 2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 3. Bills to avoid a Republican-sponsored government shutdown and two other smaller bills. I’m sure you know these bills included money for ordinary Americans to help get their finances in better shape.
He also signed executive orders, 1. Reversing Trump-era policies (stopping construction on the Border wall, reversing the anti-Muslim travel ban, embracing environmental policies, re-establishing international relationships damaged by Trump, and re-instituted a mask mandate in federal buildings which was a symbolic break with disastrous, lethal, and shameful Trump Covid policies, 2. Instituted vaccine requirements mandating Covid vaccinations (which SCOTUS blocked), 3. Gun control, 4. Climate targets, and 5. Improving government processes to better serve Americans.
These actions, contrary to everyone’s expectations except his own, were wildly successful. There was no guarantee of success. No American President (including the Democratic ones) from Reagan to Trump attempted it Biden undertook them not because he knew it would enhance his reputation, but because they were the policies that guided American government from the 1930s until the ultimately disastrous “Reagan Revolution” in the 1980s which brought an end to the prosperity of the American Middle and Working Classes which began in the 1940s and stole their modest accumulation of wealth. That wealth was siphoned off to the Wealthy class.
It was Biden’s conviction that those policies would be the answer to America’s sorry state after Trump’s administration. He was right, but so far, in 2024, Trump and his roughneck MAGA Libertarian revolutionaries have been able to convince millions of Americans that those policies are an evil socialist trap or that they never happened at all! That’s amazing, no? But you (after a brief nod to “history”) and many other Democrats don’t seem to recall this either and feel it would be appropriate now to dump him.
Lastly, according to today’s Letter From an American, “…George Stephanopoulos of ABC interviewed Biden without a teleprompter or notes, focusing only on Biden’s age without any questions about policy.” It could be that the interviewer was in control of the interview and only asked Biden to focus on himself and defend himself. In other words, he was guided to do what you criticize in his interview.
I have a great appreciation for all he’s done in an extremely polarized environment. He’s been a brilliant president. But I’m not going to pretend I didn’t see what I saw. And I watched the first part of Stephanopolis’ interview. Biden was much better there, but still didn’t make me feel ok about him continuing. This is arguably the most important job in the world. It shouldn’t be done by someone who needs to be in bed at 8pm. If he ends up being the nominee, I’ll support him, donate to his campaign, do phone banking and vote. But I’ll be damned if I’ll pretend like I didn’t see what I saw and be silent when we still have a chance to replace him.
Who are you going to replace Biden with and (given how election campaigns actually work) how will that person win?
There are several people polling better at the moment. But Harris stepping in would be easiest. This could absolutely energize the party. If it were opened up to a wider range of candidates, we’d be talking about dem policy from now until the convention and we’d get nonstop coverage. People who have soured on Biden could be brought back in and we could win some moderates who currently would rather not vote than vote for Trump or Biden.
But surely you’ve seen televised coverage of him at other events since? I believe the huge coverage of Biden’s debate performance is designed to cause doubt within the Democratic party. Divide and conquer is a winning strategy.
Yes, I’ve seen him since. He’s been better, but not great, frankly. Everyone’s grading him on a curve to try to convince themselves he’s ok. The media isn’t making this up. Lots of voters are very concerned and insiders in the party are now, too.
Ridin' with Biden. My husband, me, and ALL our friends.
Looks to us like some Democrats are short on courage as well as strategy.
Kristy, it’s not a stupid argument. How often have you seen anyone debate brilliantly with jet lag, a virus, on cold meds (likely Benadryl which can have serious cognitive side effects - as I can say from personal experience) and facing a hated rival who throws out hundreds of lies as if they were confetti. I just can’t imagine that that combination of factors wouldn’t throw anyone off their game - including all of us on this page.
He didn’t have a “bad” debate. It was a disaster. I literally felt sick to my stomach. As I wrote before, I’d been defending his decision to run for re-election. But I can’t pretend anymore that this is going to work out well. Why do we all keep acting like there’s no one else who could beat Trump? German friends think the Democrats don’t have any good people, since Biden’s the one we’re going with. But we have LOTS of great people. Biden squeaked it out in 2020 against the most corrupt and immoral president we’ve ever had. It’s quite possible that Whitmer, Harris, Buttigieg, Newsom, Klobuchar, Warnock, etc. would beat Trump by much bigger margins.
I am not yet 60 and I already see decline. I forget things more easily, I can’t power through at work as well, I get tired faster and stress is harder to shake off. And I’m not even 60!! Everyone’s different, of course and I’ve been amazed at how sharp Biden has remained. But there’s been a rapid decline since he’s been in office. You must see it.
Jetlag, etc. is not a good excuse for the poor debate performance. I had to turn off the Stephanopoulos interview after 10 minutes because it looked like Bden was being harassed and too painful to watch. he was using the technique that T had used during the debate – – don’t answer the questions, put out the points you want to make. For example, he did not clear up questions about the “cognitive test”— shorthand for we know what you have done but can you handle what;s coming.
I always thought that Biden had great advisors around him that could be counted on. But if they did not prepare him for T,s debate technique, given the mic being turned off and the 2minute limit, then I am worried about them.
And what I meant when I said that the argument was stupid was that he is implying that the dropping out after the bad debate performance would somehow negate all he’s done. That’s silly. His accomplishments in his first term remain great accomplishments, whether he gets a second term or not.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
There are tons of clips of Trump babbling incoherently at his rallies. Medias Touch Network runs them often. Is the media on our side? No. Will we win without working hard? No. But as Simon Rosenberg says, we have a far better candidate, far better organization, and a recent history of doing much better in actual elections than in the polls - it is better to be us than them. All that psychological agony is energy that can be channeled into work. In my case, into more postcards. It feels much better when used that way.
And so what if he does? CFDT (convicted felon Donald Trump) has a bad day every fucking day. But the MSM won't report it. CFDT had one of the worst debate performances of ALL time telling 602 lies -- one every 3.9 seconds according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. They PI is the ONLY media I know of that called for CFDT to step down. 51 million people watched at least some of the debate according to Nielsen ratings and after a week the polling needle has barely changed.
Read the transcript or better yet have 4 people read the parts in the transcript. Joe had a bad not but not as bad as CFDT.
I agree the former president is neither worthy or mentally capable of performing the job. I agree that he is mentally and morally unfit. Nonetheless President Biden has age related mental acuity decline and is unfit to serve. He must resign his position, give Mrs. Harris a chance and assist with choosing a suitable running mate.
Funny George, Will and others, so Heather Richardson can't see what you and so many others today are seeing? This anecdotal on Biden's "recent cognitive decline" now endless repeated ends up being a lie feeding on itself. That is generally not how cognitive decline works, and it seems now that "everyone" is going to be calling for a full-out brain exam. Maybe dementia? Think Biden now can't draw a clock showing 10 after 10? Ill stick with Heather, Simon and the Philadelphia Enquirer editorial board. Poll majorities say Biden esp is too old to be president, but when asked who they'll vote for, polls generally are giving a tie-up, barely budged since the debate. ... actually i stand corrected. Biden/Trump is back to Trump being a few points ahead in April before the State of the Union and economic improvement stepped in. https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/2024/national/ The worry will be if that negative variance continues to grow. For now it's within statistical error.
Frank Loomer, I appreciate your comment today. Will from Cal is a commenter I alway read, and his post today really saddens me. We are late in the game here, and I hesitate to support calls for changing the nominee, myself. The media want Biden to be old and addled, so they will assure that is the frame. Biden does not strike me ever as an egotist and “must hold on to the presidency”. But I would give him credit for thinking that strategically it would be better to hang on, instead of stepping back and allowing the media to foment -with Dem support- and of course the couch-sitters- a frenetic candidate switch. I’m sure there are a billion back-room-deals being swirled around trying to figure out the calculus of this equation. I personally am voting for an administration that has delivered wonderful results for the American average citizen. Will from Cal, I hear you, but I’m with Frank Loomer.
Thank you, Frank. You and I are in the same corner. Glad to have company.
Negativity and fear drive the Media Profit Machines. Positivity and hard work against Superlie CFDT is now the way to win. Fight back hard. Build the momentum, forget the media circus CNN put on, and either do something or quiet yourselves so others can get the job done.
This is a horse race at this point and the race has already started. The voters chose Biden and all of the lies and BS about Biden's mental acuity is just that - BS. The Republicans have absolutely NOTHING to run on except Hate Anger Resentment and Misinformation. The Trump record -- average time in the Oval Office -- about 4 hours a day and NOTHING that MADE AMERICAN GREAT. The Biden horse is still in a good position to win the race because the Trump horse has come up lame and the announcer hasn't noticed. They don't even have a VP picked out yet. And look at the possible choices. All of them are misogynistic white men who are more than happy to bow down to King Donald.
602 fucking lies CFDT told during the free-for-all CNN disaster-- one every 3.9 seconds. I can't in good conscience even call it a debate. That is an insult to anyone and everyone who has ever really debated and to all Americans.
Like many have said, I didn't vote for Joe Biden because of his superior speaking skills. But yet, Biden has given several of the best speeches since FDR. I don't care if he's reading the tele-prompter, and someone else wrote the words.
One single member of his cabinet has overseen over 60,000 infrastructure projects and waded through dozens of actual train-wrecks and a bridge collapsing into the bay of one of the busiest ports in the world. And CFDT's Secretary of Transportaion -- Elaine Chao did virtually nothing for four years. The only thing she did worth note was to quit her job on January 6th. Pretty low bar.
And this is just ONE cabinet member.
Don't fall into the trap where you believe the MSM's BS about Biden's mental acuity. Read the transcript of the debate and you'll see who won the debate.
Bravo, Gary Loft. ♥️
But if he remains and wins, THEN he can turn things over to Harris and we get her either way, without having to deal with the haters who just can’t put their finger on why they don’t like her—they just don’t. (I suspect they do but don’t want to say it out loud.)
Like the ones who couldn’t vote for Hillary.
Oh, are you trained to make that diagnosis, George Klingbell? I doubt it seriously because trained professionals don NOT slander people they have not examined professionally.
Perhaps YOU have age-related mental acuity decline. Tell me, how does it feel to receive that diagnosis without being examined by a professional?
Not so good, I would think.
I not only watched the debate, I read the entire transcript.
I agree with you, Gary.
Hypothetically Miselle, if you had only read the transcript would you be as concerned about Biden having read the transcript and seen the debate?
Probably not. Comparing the two, it is obvious that Trump avoided answering most questions and kept pounding "Immigration". I wish Biden would have brought up the bipartisan border bill that Trump killed.
I hate to see Biden looking old--but he is. Does that concern me? Only slightly. I am very concerned about Project 2025. I also have faith in our government should he be unable to fulfill his duties. I believe in his cabinet, Harris and his family. After all, our government was tested when JFK--our YOUNGEST POTUS--was shot.
Agreed. As much as I appreciate all of Biden's great work for us, his lapses will not improve over the next four years. If he is our nominee, I will vote for him without reservation. But millennials are the biggest voting block, and they're going to sit this one out if we don't get a younger person in there. We can't afford to lose the millennial vote. If millennials believe the polls that say 75% of voters want Biden to drop out, we're in trouble. There are candidates who could carry on Biden's good work AND not make Americans worry every day whether he is capable of handling the most demanding job in the world.
And yet, none of you can name who that magical person might be. Give us the name, just one.
Biden has chosen Governors Whitmer and Moore to head his governors association. I've heard Moore speak, and I feel his words bring hope and unity. He's a veteran and a doctor with degrees from Oxford and Johns Hopkins.
You jump over Harris as the head of the ticket and there is NO WAY we win.
Any one of the many Democratic Governors. All are popular, some are in their 2nd terms, & some are Governors of " must-win" states : Gov. Andy Beshear ( KY), Gov. Jared Polis (CO), Gov. Tony Evers (Wisc), Gov. Tim Walz (Minn), Gov. JB Prizker (ILL), Gov. Wes Moore (MD), Gov. Phil Murphy (NJ), Gov. Gavin Newsom (CA), Gov. Josh Shapiro ( PA), Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ( Mich), Gov. Janet Mills, ( ME).
Any one of these excellent Democratic Senators: Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)
Chris Murphy (CT), Cory Booker ( NJ) Sherrod Brown (OH), & either one of the 2 VA Senators, Tim Kaine & Mark Warner.
Low information and one-issue Dems who are not energized by Biden might feel like their vote is worthwhile with one of these candidates. They wouldn't have to hold their breath each time their president made a speech for the next four years, wondering if he could make it through.
Hakeem Jeffries
He wouldn’t do it.
I disagree that young people are going to sit this one out. Their numbers may drop, but they more than any demographic stand to lose if trump is elected, and I cannot believe that is lost on all of them.
My two millennials are definitely voting, it’s Gen Z that needs to understand what they give away if they don’t vote for the old guy. This group came of age in this toxic mess, they don’t know how it could be, and should be. Anyone who knows someone in that age group, I hope you are able to impress upon them how bad it could be if they don’t act, and vote blue.
I do hope that all people who do not want T will vote despite concerns. We have Kamala (who is accomplished) behind the president.
If millenials DON'T vote for Biden, I wonder if suddenly virginity will be all the rage? No legal contraceptives, no abortions. I'm 68, I well remember the stigma--always to the pregnant woman!--of premarital sex.
Welcome back to the world of sandwich-bag condoms.
Patricia, see my polls comment on the item before. Yes a majority say Biden is too old for them, but the voting preferences remain more or less tied. Americans at large think many leading politicians are "too old".
I agree with you. I am frustrated that people don't look at Trump, who is also old, and who doesn't finish a sentence or stay on track. Apparently, yelling forcefully negates that?
Millenial voters are the biggest age-wise voting block. Their top issue is the economy (VOX) and inflation is hitting them hard. Their feelings about Biden's choices are likely to make them apathetic voters. It's not so much about what Biden is doing, as what they think he's doing. Fifty-two percent said they would trust Trump over Biden to lower prices. Ageism aside, they are looking for someone different.
I think most are smarter than that.
The belief that a president can lower prices drives me nuts, especially as it comes from folks who are vocally opposed to communism.
I haven't heard that, Patricia S Duffy. The ones I know understand the existential threat of Trump and the MAGA-Republicans. THAT is the candidate they reject.
I am curious as to why they would trust Trump to lower prices. What evidence do they have for this?
As Joe would say, here’s the thing. If Biden drops out the candidate would probably be Harris. If Biden has a stroke or drops dead, he would be replaced by Harris. This Biden’s age thing has gotten worse than Hillary’s emails. Keep writing to the media and the voters that it’s time for everyone to closely scrutinize Trump. It’s not up to the NYT, CNN, to choose candidates. The voters need to make a choice based on which party would make America safer, healthier, more free, and bring our prosperity to everyone. The truth matters and Trump and the entire Republican Party are liars, cheats, racist, and misogynistic. The choice is clear. The media should report the facts.
Sirfartsalot, slept, farted and complained about the room being too cold, his way through incriminating testimony against him during his fraud trial. And there's rumors that he's incontinent. But he's better suited to be president????
Sorry to disagree, but most Americans are not as dumb as you think they are. Listen to his Wisconsin speech on July 5. That is NOT an example of cognitive decline.
They will play those moments on an endless loop.
Ridin' with Biden.
You were copying and pasting this comment repeatedly on a Robert Reich post, and now you’re doing it here. You’re either a bot, or the least original person on the planet. Reporting.
Dems have just as many clips of Trump babbling, and any words coming out of the Felon’s mouth are lies. Biden is not as strong as he once was, but there is plenty of time for him to decide to step-down in the year or so following his re-election, giving us a Harris presidency that could even result in her being elected for two additional terms. And, she can nominate whomever she wants to be her VP. Whitmer, Buttigieg, etc.
I follow your train of thought but totally disagree that there is a younger and reasonable alternative who has a better chance at beating TFG.
Thanks for the buck up
Will, Thank you for walking us through your mighty impressive evolution. I write mostly to note my concern that for increasingly more Democrats Biden increasingly appears resistant or unaware of the fact that he is in a dire situation here regarding the campaign. He seems either defensive or unwilling even to consider that he is losing in the view of many democrats and, frankly, also in the polls that show him losing to Donald Trump.
I fear the Joe Biden who emerged from his meandering debate performance, while talking to a lot of people, appears only to be listening to a very tight circle telling him again and again he can win.
As a final point, I would note a particularly alarming exchange from last night’s broadcast interview with George Stephanopoulis, wherein Stephanopoulis asked how he (Biden) will feel in January if he has lost to Donald Trump and all that he (Biden) has warned would happen came to pass. And this was Biden’s answer. He said, “I’ll feel, as long as I gave it my all and did the best job I know I can do, that that’s what this is about.”
Honestly, I can’t imagine how anyone possibly could square that reply with the inevitable consolidation of power that invariably would ensue under the auspices of a president eager and able to subjugate the rule of law to a single individual.
Agreed, Barbara Jo. I forgot to watch the interview last night (binge-warching the new Suits season) but saw pieces of it later, and read the transcript today. That's not going to change things around for him. I think the walls are coming down, and the floor is sinking.
I've been wondering lately if he hadn't lost his son, and he ran in 2016, would things have been different? I suspect they would have been.
Doug, Hard to know because you might recall that Obama had anointed Hillary as his successor. Still, I hope, against all odds, Biden sees past the bunker mentality that neither is serving the country nor himself.
Barbara Jo, you're correct. Beau died in May of 2015, and apparently Obama and his staff had some misgivings about Biden. This Politico article from Aug 2020 is helpful in understanding some of it (as well as mentioning Biden's tendency toward gaffes.):
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/08/14/obama-biden-relationship-393570
Barbara Jo: what would you have him say? Stepanopolis’ question was a trap. Biden would look bad either way he answered. Would it be more politically acceptable is he said “It would all be my fault and I’ll go to me grave knowing I was wrong”? It wouldn’t be all his fault anyway - there would be plenty of blame to go around: MSM, Russian/Chinese interference, social media bots, Citizens United, voter suppression, gerrymandering…..the list goes on and on. Not one of these anti-democratic forces alone would determine the election. But put them all together? It’s amazing we could ever win.
Marge, In response to your question, and given the stakes, I will restate the reply that ran through my mind (note that it doesn’t accept the premise) before Biden spoke. It went something like: “I would be devastated, but that won’t happen. If I weren’t confident I could defeat Trump, I wouldn’t run.” This statement would be followed by relatable evidence that galvanized all of us to rally around Biden. In my view, if Biden is unable to think and speak extemporaneously in said manner, he shouldn’t run.
You are allowing the opposition - namely, media undercutting Biden - to control you. Biden not only has an excellent record including being chosen by some 90 per cent of primary voters, he is also our very best chance to beat Trump and his Project 2025 fascist crew. My father’s generation had to fight an actual war against fascists. They lost some of the battles, but they persisted and they won. All we have to do is ignore a lot of garbage so-called news reporting and do our part to turn out the vote! That includes urging all Democrats to vote for every office on the ballot, top to bottom.
Spread the word. One way is through social media. Stats show that Gen Z get most of their news that way. The DNC has a "social ambassador" program using REACH to disseminate info. https://democrats.org/share/
FT6 uses social storming. https://social.fieldteam6.org/toolkit/815435f9-454f-446d-a1ce-5fd7a4188713
Here' are the orders for today. Enlarge the base. https://danielsolomon.substack.com/p/enlarge-the-base
What is REACH?
https://democrats.org/reach/vr/
Thanks. I was searching for the word in all caps. I had gone to the DNC website but didn't see it. Now I know why. Terrific strategy.
Joan, while I agree with you on most of your points, when the flood tide is rising it's time to get to higher ground or get into a lifeboat. Perception sometimes is reality. Biden's high point in this campaign was the SOTU; since then, he has lost his voice (figuratively and literally.) I love the guy and greatly admire and respect all he has done, but we all want to save Democracy, and must find the best person in this moment to carry that message of hope and fight. I'm afraid as the campaign wears on, Biden will sound weaker and more frail, and will lose. WE will lose. It breaks my heart to say that, but I think it's time to find someone who will inspire all of us to do as your last sentence implores.
if people are voting on personality, you are correct. However, those of us who treasure democracy AND understand that a vote for Trump is a vote for authoritarian rule AND that our Constitution has provisions if a POTUS cannot fulfill duties (think JFK, that YOUNG POTUS) we will be fine.
I'm voting Biden even if he is on life-support.
I agree, Miselle, and will if Biden's name is on the November ballot, but I worry about the folks who don't believe either the D or R candidate suits them, and will refrain from voting. We need a candidate who will *inspire the masses*, and I've just come to the realization that Joe Biden won't do that -- his accomplishments are historic, but he can't run on that alone, he must run on the future. Harris can do both.
Thank you, Joan, for being an intrepid voice of reason in these comments.
I have tried my best to come to terms with Biden’s debate debacle. The double-standard in news coverage between Biden’s age and Trump’s megalomania and the lack of headlines over Project 2025 has infuriated me. But here we are. I agree with you that we need to move on from Biden in order to win this election. The survival of our country is at stake. How will we feel on January 6, 2025 if Trump wins? I will be terrified and I won’t be saying “Well, Joe tried his best.” His best is not good enough now.
Imagine how re-energized the race would be if Kamala, someone from a NEW generation, was suddenly contrasted with “old guy Trump”. She is smart and tough and COULD stand up to him in a debate.
I hope Biden does the right thing and bows out. That said, I will vote for ANYONE who is on the ticket to stop Trump and his minions.
Anne -- I completely agree, and just wrote a comment that echoes yours. Kamala Harris was the only candidate whose rally in the 2020 NH primary I attended, and was extremely impressed. She has the name recognition, the intelligence, the wit, and can connect culturally with younger voters whom she could inspire to Save Democracy while carrying forward the progress the Biden/Harris generation has made. I think a Harris/? ticket would be CF45's nightmare.
And Trump, in a golf cart with his 18-year-old son Barron at his side, called Kamala "a f...ing bitch," suggesting he is afraid of her as an opponent and a woman."
I haven't seen that, but did see a bumper sticker last week that spoke of defeating "Joe and the Ho". DISGUSTING!!!
Racist and misogynistic, simultaneously. Classic MAGA.
That phrase is common with MAGAs.
What did you want Biden to say? To tell liberals to storm the capitol?
Biden's mental health may be in decline, but I do not believe people are abandoning him in droves. I, for one, am not. He's still got an excellent team behind him and, even in mental decline, he is exponentially more capable than trump - who BTW is in serious/dangerous mental decline himself. Instead of pronouncing that Biden should drop out, it would be helpful if you said IF he drops out, you will support whomever his replacement is.
I completely agree. 100%. Someone please make him see sense and step down. He has a wonderful legacy. And for those out there (outside this group, no doubt) who see a call for Biden to step down as an endorsement for Trump -- no -- quite the reverse. We are looking for the best chance to beat Trump. Please, Joe, it's time to go.
Will, from Cal: When the going gets tough- the weak drop out. The last time a Presidential nominee (Joe almost is) dropped out in the 11th hour- which this is- the party lost. We should NOT switch horses now, Joe and Kamala have done a great job.
It takes a big, confident person to do a 180 on a subject so important. Thank you, Will.
I began watching the interview last night with high hopes that my feelings could be changed, that my confidence in Biden's "winnability" would be restored.
That did not happen. Biden is in a place of denial and unreality. I am really, really disappointed and now even more terrified. He can't speak clearly. He is going to lose.
I am sure that Bidens ability to guide the country is still there. But it hiding behind a mask that is fumbling for words and can't put cohesive ideas together in sentences.
Earth to Joe. Step away now. IT IS NOT TOO LATE. For most of our history candidates were chosen at the convention. Start the vetting NOW.
Based on Joe's interview last night, if he were my Dad, I wouldn't let him drive himself home.
Bill, you might not let your Dad drive himself home based on his performance (likely on antihistamines) in a debate, and while most major racing teams rely on much younger drivers with quick reflexes and bold driving skills, every one of the successful teams is organized and directed by an older guy with wisdom and experience.
I sadly agree, Bill.
Will I'm really disappointed. Didn't think the bullshit would get to you, but it did. Yes I read your thoughts, kinda had the same argument with my 22 year old - but here we are.... July 2024 with an election in November. Love the cheerleaders of democracy.
A difficult question perhaps, but have you asked if your 22 year old is sexually active? The concepts of democracy and foreign policy might be of little concern, but the inability to avoid pregnancy and STDs might make a difference. Project 2025 will not allow for legal contraceptives, and offers no support to poor working families. (And what 22 year old can afford housing AND daycare?) It's not just females, a lot of young men might find themselves on the hook for child support for the next 18 years. And a lot of retired grandparents suddenly providing 40+ hours of childcare per week.
Progressive radio has several excellent voices for the Democrats and the Independents and even progressive Republicans (that may be an oxymoron). It is available on SIruis/XM channel 127 so if you've given up hope for the losers at CNN take a listen. And call in as well. John Fugelsang is brilliant and not in the way CFDT calls Putin brilliant. He is well spoken and a really good listener. Dean Obeidallah, Stephanie Miller and others are also very good. They all listen and last night five of the hosts were together and they all said the same thing. Their listeners support Joe Biden 100%. Here's a link to listen to Progressive radio if it isn't available where you live.
https://onlineradiobox.com/us/prnfm/
Amen and Hallelujah. Standing Ovation to everything you wrote here.
https://open.substack.com/pub/roberthubbell/p/weekend-lessons-from-astronomy?r=apy04&utm_medium=ios
I’d vote for Biden in a coma before I’d vote for Trump, but the “middle” and independents will not. And we cannot win without those people. As others have stated — we will win or lose on a radon thin margin and Biden’s already thin poll numbers have gotten worse after the debate. You cannot have seen the debate and think Biden is ok. And if he’s like this now, how will he be in 4 years?!?! The people we need on our side are asking themselves that very question and the answer is clear. It’s time to step aside Joe.
In hindsight we can all see that RBG should have stepped down, but she did not and that hubris led directly to turning over Roe by a 5-4 margin. Hubris is going to bite us in the behind again if don’t make a move NOW.
Someone asked, why isn’t Trump running ads of Joe babbling during the debate? Simple. They don’t want Joe to drop out of the race and running those ads now would push us to make a change. They are saving those ads for after our convention - when we are really stuck with Biden.
Biden thinks he’s the only one who could beat Trump. Seriously??? They field a narcissistic, convicted felon, who tried to overthrow the last election and there’s no one in our party except Biden that can beat him?? Seriously? That’s ridiculous.
I honestly do believe that there is no replacement for Biden at this late date, and I have faith that people who understand a vote is NOT for merely a person but for an administration will vote accordingly.
Please consider a Harris/Gov Whitmer ticket. Some pundits are suggesting this. Both are well-qualified with administrative experience. Given Dobbs and 60-70% in opposition, a double woman ticket will have us roaring. Harris's mixed black and Asian American heritage will also please the voters who want diversity.
Absolutely agree! Harris/Whitmer would be a winning ticket! How many countries have had expert woman leaders, yet U.S. has not had one! These two are sharp, witty, highly intelligent women who young people would be very excited to campaign for!
No. We must unflinchingly face facts about Biden's fitness. If you want to keep Trump out (as we all do), we need someone who can beat him. Biden has shown that he can't. The people that will determine this election - a razor thin swath of swing voters in swing states need to feel confident in their choice. People do not vote rationally; they vote viscerally on 'vibes'. As Bill Clinton said 'Strong and wrong beats weak and right'. We need to face the world as it is, not as we'd like it to be. Ignore the polls at your (and our peril).
Eleanor Mayrhofer, how exactly has Biden shown he can’t beat Trump? He won the election, his administration has been far more effective, etc. Are you really disregarding all of that?
I'm not arguing that his presidency hasn't been effective. It has, that is besides the point. I'm pointing to the only indicators about the FUTURE that we have. Cratering numbers in the polls and voters (many of them Dem voters!) saying over and over in focus groups that they are unenthused and now will sit out the election. I'm not saying it's fair, it's just how it is. The people with actual information on this are Nate Silver and Sarah Longwell. Shaking our fists at people who 'don't get it' will not win an election.
Sorry to make a sports analogy, but if your star player gets an injury in the 4th quarter, you don't say 'But he's made so many goals already, let's see if he can squeak it out' you replace him with someone stronger who can actually win the game.
Millions of people have voted for President Biden to be the Democratic Party nominee. Those who say he should drop out are saying they're okay with nullifying those votes.
But let's say he decides to release his delegates. Then what? Does the nomination go automatically to Vice President Harris? Hardly. A resignation would trigger an internecine war for the nomination that would leave the party in tatters and, basically, hand the presidency to Trump.
Finally, please remember that THE ONLY POLLS THAT COUNT ARE THE ONES WHERE WE CAST OUR BALLOTS.
There was really no alternative in the primary, Dean Phillips? Come on. The presidency is already Trumps for the taking. Everyone on this thread and reading this will vote for Biden. That's not who we need to worry about.
Yep. Your speaking my language
Who is Dean Phillips? I'm serious. I know he was a candidate for a hot minute but who was he, a two-term backbencher member of Congress, to challenge an incumbent president with whom he voted 100% of the time?
Biden and his minions are handing the presidency and likely the Senate and House to the fascists....not their conscious intention but Biden's ego comes before the well being of the populace on this one. LBJ had the good sense to know it was his time to go and the dumb Democratic establishment dumped Eugene McCarthy and Robert Kennedy for the other Egg past his expiration date, Hubert Humphrey and the Republicans have made hay ever since. Corporate Democrats are Republicans in sheep clothing. They need to ousted and progressive Democrats in the spirit of Lincoln, FDR and JFK need to turned to.
Biden is far more progressive than FDR. One lousy evening - in which Biden actually won if you judge by reading the transcript - and you give up? That’s no way to win anything. So what if the media are in a frenzy? They don’t vote. Instead of giving in, fight back.
President Biden has been the most consequential president since FDR, full stop. Yes, he isn't as sharp in public as he once was but that doesn't concern me because I know that the real work of a presidency is at the departments lead by the president's choice of secretary or director.
Did you forget that Robert Kennedy was assassinated months before the Democratic convention? As for the "establishment" dumping McCarthy, it was an open primary. Did the vice president have a leg up in terms of winning delegates? Yes. But McCarthy couldn't convert the enthusiasm of his supporters into delegates and Humphrey got the nom.
JFK was remarkable in many ways but I don't think history will remember him as a "progressive" Democrat.
PS - I get really annoyed when I see the phrase" Corporate Democrat." To me that denigrates the millions of people who earn their living working for corporations large and small. It's especially annoying since Citizens United, which blew the lid off limits to political donations in order to benefit Republicans. which it has, in spades.
Centrists and Liberals like you can always be relied upon to defend the status quo. Trump is pulling even further ahead in the polls and Biden has as much chance of catching up or beating him in the electoral college as a turtle has in outrunning a fox. Not only is Biden deteriorating at an alarming pace but his enabling of the genocide in Gaza shows him to be a man of moral bankruptcy and a fossilization completely incompatible with the Age of Collapse and the restive formation of a new World Order as the West collapses into the ashes of its neoliberal fantasies. The rich are getting richer, the powerful are increasing their authoritarianism and the people are turning away from the inept and spineless policies that are leaving more than 90% of us facing death as debt slaves.
So, Dr Bryan A. Schwartz, do you not acknowledge that Kamala Harris has Biden’s back as his VP? If circumstances follow that Biden is unable to fulfill his presidential duties, Harris will competently assume the duties of President as Biden intended. Win, win!!
ok then, vote in Trump, his policy on Gaza is let the Israelis "end it"... that is bs about Biden "deteriorating at an alarming rate"
What you are ignoring here, is that Biden is taking effective action against the authoritarians and the concentration of wealth and power. You’d rather have a progressive as president. Fine, continue working towards it. But don’t abandon the far better choice to the alternative because it’s not what you really want.
Whether you like it or not (for the record I don't), this is the breakdown of American political ideology by percent:
Moderate = 37
Conservative = 36
Liberal = 25
That's why I get so annoyed with the far left and the far right: they make assumptions about the strength of their arguments and support.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/388988/political-ideology-steady-conservatives-moderates-tie.aspx
It's all well and good to point out Biden's deficits but who do you propose as an alternative candidate? Who has the experience and name recognition to hit the ground running? Who has been deeply vetted so that there aren't any landmines? And, of course, who has the money? Before you answer, keep in mind the reality that Biden leaving would lead to an internecine war to replace him.
I love the Palestinian people and my heart breaks daily for all that's happening to them in Gaza and the West Bank. It hurts also that Biden has been so blind to that suffering. But, and this is a big but, I know that allowing Trump anywhere near the White House means even more suffering, both for Gazans but also for Muslims living in the US, whether they're citizens or not (not to mention all the persons of color that his storm troopers are going to assume are "illegal."
C’mon man! Nullifying votes? How “nullified” will we all feel when Trump returns to the White House.
MisTBlu, Biden was the only choice on the ticket, as he wasn't primaried, and let's not forget at that point he was riding on the strength of his SOTU. The decline has been post-primaries, and as the months of campaigning wear on, as well as the duties of the Office, I fear will be even more apparent this fall. And I'm sad to say this.
Fun facts: The first 2024 "Super Tuesday" was March 3. The SOTU was March 7. Also, we don't primary our incumbent presidents so, of course, he won. Also, many of those votes for him were write-ins as he wasn't on the ballot.
I gave you a “like” despite your reference to Nate Siver, whom I cannot stand. 😀
I'll take any likes I can get! I like Nate Silver, but that's immaterial. Like him or hate him, he's got the numbers.
I don’t trust the numbers.
I don't put much faith in polls.
How did he show he can’t beat Trump? He stood on a stage and stumbled through a debate his team called for. When asked about abortion (his strongest issue!) he pivoted to a tragic story about a woman killed by an immigrant. It was not a bad debate, it was a disaster. And if his team really thought this was a one-off fluke, we’d be seeing him non-stop in unrehearsed, teleprompter-free interviews, proving he has what it takes. Instead we’re hearing whispers from European delegates that he has declined intellectually over the past three years. And Biden trying to comfort governors by telling them he’s going to stop working at 8pm so he can get more sleep (not comforting, btw.).
I have so much admiration for what Biden has accomplished in his first term, against really tough odds. But a successful first term doesn’t entitle you to a second. You still have to earn it. And he can’t do just ok now. He has to do really, really well to come back from that debate performance because people are going to be highly focused on every mistake. That’s not fair, but it’s how it is. I will vote for Biden if he’s our candidate. I’ll phone bank for him. But I believe so deeply that it would be much less risky with a different candidate and there is so much at stake.
I believe that a successful first term EARNS you a second.
What exactly do you need to do that Biden has not already done?
Win re-election. That’s the only thing that earns him a second term.
This bedwetting is not about Biden’s past performance as president or as a candidate in last election, this is about how awful he looked and acted and answered at the debate. He is now just too old. That is what I saw. And can’t unsee.
It’s also a lot of anger at feeling ‘duped’
A young person can f things up too.
not to mention "consider the alternative". I'd far rather have an honest man who has slowed down and can flub it when overtired and getting over a cold is put on the spot as in under Trump's firehose of lies.
And those who back him.
So Biden is the only honest person in the Democratic Party?
Never said that. He's the presumptive leader, or has been, unless he's mowed down in a avalanche of media and political Dem doubting. Trump won't need to say much.
Not to mention the fabulous team that President Biden has assembled in his administration. With a Democratic majority in Congress, a second Biden term will do remarkable things for We The People. The alternative is a Fascist regime, a total disaster for We The People.
My grandfather had a remarkable, stellar career…until he couldn’t continue because of the gradual then accelerating dementia of his later years. What he could do at 60, even 70….he simply, slowly became a shadow of his former accomplishing self. Yet he had his good days and his bad days…good parts of days and bad parts of days. We revered him.
But it came time to have “the talk”….Dad its time to give up driving, will you please hand over the car keys?
They will run clips of his total lapses at the debate - that footage is devastating.
There are plenty of clips to be run against the Rs too. Oh ye of little faith.
Thank you. People have such absolutely shallow and short memories, and selective.
Biden is not on the ballot, policies are: reproductive rights, contraception, IVF, gun laws, renewable energies, NATO alliance, global security, separation of church and state, jobs - the list goes on. Polls are rubbish, spread by media owned data collectors. Read what the experts are saying - Robert Hubbell et al and get behind our man.
100%!!!
AMEN
Excellent👏!
May I copy and use?
Yes of course! Hopefully it will help people to wake up and get on with it.
Have you see Bad Faith Documentary. It’s a powerful presentation, I learned a lot more about the beginnings . Can gain a lot of insight to the insidiousness of what we are up against. Highly recommend.
Right and the ole frick is DOA.
I agree 90%. But if a new candidate is not in the cards, and it doesn't seem to be, then the Biden Administration needs to go on offense, and beat Trump with old-fashioned sharing ideas and uncovering fallacies, basically getting the truth out!
Many besides Biden are capable of a good offense. One cannot win if constantly on the defensive.
The truth is irrelevant. That is the problem here. It's not like voters don't have the facts. Voters don't vote based on facts. They vote on feelings. The feeling about Biden is based what 50 million people saw at the debate: He is too old to continue on with the job. A new candidate must be in the cards. Somehow we are in the maddening position that Joe Biden is the only person who can decide that.
Biden IS the only one who can decide -- nominating votes are committed to him, only he can release them. Thus he must be convinced.
I am among those who think that he's been a GREAT President, accomplishing many difficult things that probably no one could have. But what the breakdowns we saw in the debate will be running non-stop in ads and social media until he withdraws, or Trump is elected, whichever comes first. Julian Castro, a a cabinet Secretary for Dem Presidents, said tonight that he was 'in denial" based on his interview with Stephanopolis. My wife and I heard the same thing. Biden is simply un-electable.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
Trump's team will have devastating ops research ready for anyone who runs, including younger candidates. All the skeletons out there will be released in short order. Four months is not a lot of time to combat the pictures they can paint of other Dems. We've seen everything they have on Biden.
Good question, yes why aren't the Trump people already running the tapes from the debate, see above.
Gen Z will be the largest group of voters ever and they're gong to the polls this year. They've aleady told the press and everyone else that they're absolutely voting. Gen Z still leans a little to President Biden
In the latest Harvard Youth Poll, a survey that monitors Gen Z attitudes on a variety of issues, Biden leads with 45% support, compared with Trump's 37%. Among Gen Z likely voters, Biden's support balloons to 56%, whereas Trump's remains the same. That's enough data for me to celebrate. It feels like we're having to do things in politics and in general, in bits and pieces...I expected that as we're living in one of the most chaotic times ever. I'm a climate activist and a strong intuititive and, as such I sense that much of that chaos, lashing out, the rage and destructive behavior and decisions are rising out of atavistic fear linked to the massive shifts in agriculture, in climate chaos in the fields and the seas, the mountains and the deserts. There are many who aren't aware of that energy or can't name it. Or refuse to believe that climate change is real.. That said, there are more than before. The even sadder, more destructive attitude of Boomers that
who are unwilling to make the changes we need. I read just yesterday that Thunberg is amping up the Sunrise Movement again. I say, brava Greta.
Being a woman who's spent much time in the wlid places from my early years on, and relying on my intuition, as I often do, the earth is crying out for help. She's suffering. In pain. I vote for those who are aware about what's happening and are choosing to support well being. If we are to win against climate change, we must shape that movement into a love story. Step by step, together. Fossil fuels remains the greatest threat to all that lives and breathes. The auto industry. But behind both, supporting both are people who refuse to do ride shares. Take public transport. Create circles of group mobility. Cars are not only the enemies of climate healing, they separate us. Prevent social contact of the kind that builds empathy, laughter and hope. Having lived abroad in many places.. it became apparent how socially and empathically impaired many Americans are. That's less true with the Gen Z.
I agree, but am in the position to support Biden given that the Dems don't have the guts to replace him as you are suggesting. It is up to Biden to not continue running, as he received the primary votes. A coup regarding this at the convention, without Biden being in support, would not go well.
We weren't given a real primary. All the indicators point to we lose if he stays. So yes, a convention could be messy but it would give us a fighting chance, maybe even more.
We’ve done Hard Things before.
Remember 2008?! Barack and Hilary? How contentious it all was, the meeting at Feinsteins house? Then Hilary coming out full force for Obama?
It’s risky. But less risky than staying the course I think.
We are the party of Hollywood, if we get this right an open convention could be electrifying. It could all go horribly wrong but it could also be amazing. If we do nothing it’s guaranteed to go horribly wrong.
I've been waffling due to criticism herein (being called names, a troll, etc.), but you may just have convinced me.
Yep
Yes-because we keep saying he's too old. He may not last for the 4 years but we need him to get us over the finish line in 4 months.
Listen up, Matt. I have been screaming and pouting form3 years for Biden to get tough at the border. Now he comes in too little too late. Biden should have run in 2016 when he was still relatively young. But the Clinton’s offered him something probably a lot of money towards cancer research. My guess. Biden is too fricken old bottom line. Get the hell out of the way Joe Biden. Your time has long passed. We only have a slim chance with Harris who frankly was never my pick. But my hunch is Biden will tough it out and lose. Friends joked about leaving and moving back to Europe. I can pull it off. I lived in Italy in the 1970s and I can jump start my horrible Italian language.
I'm curious... who would you like to see running on the Dem ticket for Prez? I wouldn't mind seeing Gretchen Whitmer run...
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
Reposting the same comment repeatedly doesn’t strengthen your case.
Also did it on a Robert Reich post.
The bot farm must be rolling today!
And how many clips are there of Trump "babbling incoherently"?
Sorry but voters are not as dumb as you think they are. MAGAs will vote for their guy, but I believe that the rest of America will help Biden beat this creep. They have seen enough videos of Trump’s leadership and character compared with Biden. So…Let’s see how voters respond to Trump after being reminded about Jan 6 and that Trump did nothing to stop it, what Trump did for women and even bragged about ending Roe. And I think voters will not forget whatever sentence he will get for his 34 felonies in NY, his millions owed for tax fraud, and so on. My prediction — Biden will win with a landslide. Most Americans did not watch the debate, do not read the NYT, and even enjoy defying the pundits who tell them otherwise. Biden’s intuition is right on!
With 4 months yo go before the election, how do you plan on finding another Democrat to run? How do you get this new Democrat known nationwide? How do you get this new Democrat on all fifty states ballot? How do you raise the money needed to go forward with a brand new campaign? The money Biden/Harris have raised is off limits to another candidate.
These are the serious questions that must be answered before the Democratic party makes any moves to replace Biden. All I see are shades of 1968 and a huge loss for the country and the Democratic party with this get rid of Biden stuff.
I offer this in counterpoint. His July 5 column. The one below it is good as well.
https://www.stonekettle.com/
WE don't need another hero.
I get it most don’t.
Attention Chicken-hearted Democrats who panicked over Grampa Joe Biden’s bad day at the debate ….
Here’s a video just for you:
https://x.com/maddenifico/status/1809260128383774749?s=46
Lisa-Thank you so much for sharing this clip. The speaker breaks it all down. We have to see the forest not just the trees. I'm riding with Joe too!
Thank you Lisa for sharing. This is just what I needed to view as I drink my morning coffee. I plan on sharing it where I can. Maybe even quote from it. I am so sick of this need for perfection on one side and yet no comment to the most imperfect person and policies on the other as a counterbalance. The Repubs have stayed behind this wannabe Hitler unwavering and the Dems are shamefully shaky over a seasoned political candidate/president because of a number (81) and a man with a lifelong stutter, who one time showed a little fatigue after a long day, week, month year of addressing not just homeland issues, but global issues. Foolishness. His administration is strong and capable to continue the fight against this Fascist state of Project 2025. So not only will I ride with Joe I will VOTE BLUE UP AND DOWN THE TICKET TO DEFEAT FASCISM,because that is what is really on this ballot.
Thank you , we need more people like him to spread this message!👍
I wish this guy was on substack
Wow!!! Thanks Lisa!!! I’m passing this on!!
If we lose we have ourselves to blame. I’ve said this a million times, rule from the center not left or right. I'm frankly baffled that most of you have no idea what I’m saying. Which means it might be too late. Add to this a very old man who still is ten times better than Trump. It’s mighty confusing.
Bill Katz,
It is difficult....because most of us love and respect our President so much. He also has a great team whom I respect. They are working here and throughout the world for freedom and mutual aid and encouraging governments for the people.
I have ignored Biden's most recent difficulties in communicating because I did not want to see them. I was looking at and listening to one of our greatest Presidents and just a really great and genuine person and a leader respected and/or feared worldwide.
We see the reality of aging...I am starting to face this reality in my own life. We can choose to take care of ourselves...maybe to slow the oncoming assault ....but only death will free us.
We need to do whatever we can to save our Democracy. There will never be another "Joe" whom we love and respect but we must consider someone who will follow in Joe's footsteps, a great American of unflinching character and knowledge and concern for ALL the people ...not just for now but for the future....knowledge of our world and the workings of governments and the people within these countries....etc.
BILL KATZ...I AGREE, JOE BIDEN IS AN OLD MAN BUT 100 TIMES BETTER THAN TRUMP IN EVERY WAY!!!!
I think Biden has been effective because he does lead from the center. I suspect there are lots of us who want commonsense leadership over MAGA revolutionaries who feel they have been called by god. This is stupid. If Biden is in cognitive decline we need to accept the fact and go on. If. He’s not, then get behind him and push.
I’ve been saying the same thing. I’d say we *should* lose because we don’t deserve democracy, but the number of innocent Americans and people around the world who will suffer from the catastrophic consequences is staggering. That is what China, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other countries with Authoritarian leaders want.
"I will vote for Biden if he is just a brain in a jar." John Fugelsang on Progressive Radio 7/5/24
It comes as no surprise that many of us feel the same way.
Kamala is effing amazing and Biden's cabinet and team of advisors makes every single one of Convicted Felon Donald Trump's team look like a bunch of 3rd graders including his current campaign staff.
Correction to previous comments: I said that CFDT lied over 30 times during the 'free for all' hosted by CNN. The Philadelphia Inquirer counted the lies from the printed transcript -
602 602 602 602 602 602 602 602 602 602. One lie every 3.9 seconds.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/27/politics/read-biden-trump-debate-rush-transcript/index.html
My apologies for passing along misinformation.
At this point, I believe a vote for Biden is our best chance. If something happens to him, Kamala and all of his "pretty much stellar" administration is in place. He needs our support of confidence to overcome this media frenzy.
This is what I keep saying and posting, over and over. Our Constitution kicked in the moment our youngest POTUS was shot.
I am amazed at the number of people here who moaned over the SCOTUS decision and cried it was unConstitutional, and yet have no faith in the document.
The successes of a good president does not necessarily make for a successful candidate. Yes, this is an indictment of the political process. It is also a fact of American politics. As is polling, which itself is a problematic tool. As is the Electoral College, which itself is a problematic institution.
Joe Biden followed his unlikely success as a candidate with an unexpectedly remarkably successful presidency. The fact is, that, even before his debate debacle, Biden was unable to translate his successful administration into a successful campaign. Nothing in the interview changed that. What the White House is spinning as 'strong' may actually sell as 'mulish.' Or worse. It was almost as painful to watch Biden successfully defend his achievements as it was to watch him unwittingly display his failings and adamantly deny his impediments.
The interview opened with Biden waffling on whether or not he's watched the debate, and it closed with Biden asserting that only he can meet the demands of the job and that only God can take him out of the race. This is the stuff of tragedy.
Triumph will depend on American voters, who seem more inclined to prove the Founders' doubts than to dispel them. Then again, in Poland, England, and possibly France, fractious opponents of right wing extremism have been able to pull together. Here it may depend on how deeply irrational habits of mind - of religion on the right and ideology on the left - have taken hold. I continue with efforts to Get Out The Vote for the Democratic candidate - whoever that may be.
Every word true, but it’s the optics. All image no substance according to, well, everywhere I turn.
This is Frump, surely?
Of course, Fox makes it so.
Dead on, Diana. Looney tunes when a member of the white house press gallery asks, in that certain tone, does the president have "naps"... Corinne rebutted superbly, and Rachel Maddow had a blast. That ABC interview, taking advantage of Biden's very long standing speech problems and turning it into "old age"... we have ageism running amok in the media.
Michael Steele, former GOP chair, and Rick Wilson, former GOP strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, did a Bulwark podcast recently, in which the very profane Wilson said, "There are 200 reporters in the NY/Washington axis that want to the the one who can say, "I drove Joe Biden from the White House". I think he's right. Dems, I'm sorry to say, speaking as one who's worked in the party and seen it live, too often DO form circular firing squads, and take knives to gunfights. It's painful to watch. So call your congresscritter, if he/she is joining the 'dump Joe' bandwagon, and tell them NO. Call or writer the major papers, or, if you subscribe, drop your subscription. Maybe THAT will get their attention.
Seriously. Although I’ve been up all night with vomiting and diarrhea, presumably norovirus or a bad shrimp taco… and now I know how our battered, infected democracy must be feeling.
What? A block of wood is not going to win! That’s the reality! A tennis shoe is not going to win! He MUST win! That’s your point, but you’re ignoring the reality that we all saw, and the reality that aging doesn’t stop just because President Biden has done a great job in the past.
EXACTLY
This election is not a popularity contest. To those who worry about Biden's ability to continue four more years, I ask sincerely: do you understand our Constitution and the clear order of succession should the POTUS be unable to fulfill their duties? None of us is guaranteed a tomorrow, and even while the nation can be in shock and mourning, the government continues on, as proven when our nation's youngest ever POTUS was shot.
I am astounded that there are STILL people who do not understand that you are NOT voting just for a person, but for their style of administration and their Cabinet!
I am thinking that perhaps the Constitution test which we took in 8th grade would better be administered to High School seniors who are at the cusp of voting eligibility. When they pass, they are then registered to vote. And lets have them all proudly hold up their registration cards and post selfies.
And perhaps, like a drivers license, periodic tests should be administered.
We all agree here that trump needs to be kept out, but as we approach November things will get very nasty. Biden will be subjected to constant scrutiny and any mistake he makes, any trifle will be magnified not only by trumps team but by mainstream media too, sadly. Every slip of the tongue, every little hesitation will be used against him, savagely. And I am starting to find this excruciating.
And I say this because I have immense respect for the president and I think it’s very sad that he will be torn to pieces after four years of excellent leadership. I think his team should now think very hard about the choice to make, and make it fast.
Midnight in Paris-Let's magnify Trump. We have plenty to work with...
I believe that Biden has morality and judgment despite some loss of stamina. He also has the best team that I've ever seen. To replace him with Trump would be folly of the worst sort.
Trump's second term would be the RESULT of a continued Biden effort.
Trump’s lawyers filing to get Aileen Cannon to dismiss charges in the theft of classified documents case solely on the grounds that he was still president when he ordered them packed up and taken to Florida - e.g. an official act - will no doubt be followed by him claiming immunity for assassinating anyone who opposes him in the coming months because “he thought about doing so while he was president”. The conservatives in the Supreme Court have much to answer for.
As always Dr Richardson, thank you for shining the light. I’ve been reading Project 2025 for months and anyone who isn’t outraged and frightened isn’t paying attention.
I have never been so concerned for our survival as I am now.
During George Stephanopoulis's interview of Joe Biden last night, he asked the President about his willingness to take and publish the results of a mental acuity test from an independent party. Insulting as the question may be, I wish the President had responded that he would be willing if Donald Trump would do the same. Joe Biden might have added a suggestion for a test or two of physical capacity that would require Trump to get out of his golf cart. Joe Biden's escape from the barrage of questions about his capability is in making those same demands of his opponent. Trump, after all, is not only a convicted felon, he is frequently incoherent and could not stay awake during his criminal trial. If the press won't question Trump's abilities, Joe Biden should.
The "free pass" Trump/MAGA's receive is disgusting! "Normalization" of Trump's campaign is in the media's hands. Was Trump asked to withdraw after a jury found 34 accounts of guilt? Hold Trump to the same standard! The Dems are too nice! Right on, Leonard.
“ too nice “ my eye. Try spineless and gutless. Where is Harry Truman and LBJ when we need them.
Some killing is justified. The zealots must be crushed. The libs need to muster the strength to do the ugly deeds. Targets need to be identified, and cleansing administered. We can go back to the Middle Ages - superstition can't become the law. Get a spine libs.
I defer to John Lennon “ you say you want a revolution …… but if you talk about destruction, you know you can count me out “
Sounds good to me. I hate to make the libs so all the work. Personally, I'm non violent. I defer to Mad Magazine where I saw the slogan "Stamp Out Violence. I'm a joker.
Mad Magazine? Well I am admiring you all the more.
Reagan visibly had early Alzheimer's, though we did not at the time know why is was sometimes so confused. The press loved him through it all. The more relevant question is whether Biden seems to be doing the job he was elected to do. and overall I's say his performance is very respectable. especially while facing a opposition party of saboteurs, All of the controversy within the party may eventually take a toll on final voting results. The party has figure out it's position and stick with it. Fast,
There are a lot of new names here today. One following standard troll policy reposting repeatedly. It saddens me that some I respect are losing faith and succumbing to the same media hype that torpedoed Clinton.
Gail, I noticed that immediately and even commented on it a few days ago. I have been a paid subscriber and attentive forum comment reader for years. I am very suspicious of these recent additions to the comment section.
I love Heather’s reach and popularity but it seems to have raised a flag for division. Glad we’re still here!
Reagan was showing signs of it as early as 1984. Both Dr. Helen Caldecott and Lesley Stahl noticed it in separate incidents.
And a media landscape that treats him opposite of Regan.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
Once. Was. Enough.
I am starting to suspect that this is a bot.
I am giving this "person" a pass today, but if this continues, I recommend reporting to the Substack Administration. It takes them awhile, but eventually they remove trolls.
I am voting not just for Biden but for his administration and what he and they stand for.
That
s the only sensible way to look at any presidential candidate; what sort of administrative and leadership organization are they likely to build? That's harder to know with new entrants, but you can get some hints come the company they keep. A responsible performance as president of a society as large and complicated as this absolutely requires a ability to wisely pair others, both as individual experts and as an integrated organization. Some arsehole claiming "I alone can fix it" has no clue.
Well put
The real question is can Biden continue to do the excellent job of governing and leading he has done under extremely difficult circumstances for four more years? Trump is clearly off his nut and has been from day one, We don’t need two of them. We need viable, capable leadership .
This is rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. A mental acuity test will change nothing. The only thing that would restore confidence is if Joe came out after the debate guns blazing: Open ended press conferences, town halls, barnstorming, REAL interaction with voters. He's not doing that because he CAN'T. This is hubris and selfishness. He needs to step down now and make way for the next generation.
Might I point out that he is currently a very involved, very active POTUS while also running a campaign?
I suggest you and everyone else reading this, to sign up for the Substack "What did Joe biden Do today?"
Obviously you want entertainment, not governance.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
I suggest you stop copy/pasting the same comment over and over. You are tending towards troll and readers will be forced to report to the Substack administrators.
How old are you?
Leonard-I agree-it's not all on Biden though. All of the people sounding off now about Joe should be questioning Trump's abilities-loudly and regularly. Instead we've fixated on one debate performance. I credit the media with stirring up a frenzy that is going to be detrimental to all of us if we don't wake up.
Stephanopoulos proves once again he is a corporate shill.
Too right
I am a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and have been in practice since 1972. I used to give psychological tests to determine intelligence and emotional and social strengths and vulnerabilities. After a few years of administering these “ tests “ , I saw how vulnerable these tests were to subjective and biased interpretation. They could used to justify the results that benefited the systems and institutions who mandated them. Yes there is a “testing and evaluation industrial complex “.
It is not that I believe these tests are infallible. I don't know a lot about them. What I believe is that Joe Biden can only be persuasive if he rises to the bait. For his own protection, because as you say the tests are subjective, the only way he should be willing to take the tests is to dare Donald Trump to take them, too. This is a political decision, not a decision that necessarily values the tests themselves.
I do agree with you. Thank you for your input.
Great idea, Leonard. I'm glad Heather detailed the findings about NYT articles being incredibly skewed. I wrote to the NYT yesterday to register my impression that the Times has it in for Biden, given the news focus. Not that I think they'll care.
A question about this thread:
I have twice written a response to Will's first long response at the start of these comments, and neither of my responses has appeared. I know I clicked POST. Does anyone know why this happens?
Go to your substack and see if the replies are there. Sometimes a post will seem to appear in weird places depending on the number of comments.
Whatever drug Trump took before the debate would also be taken before a mental acuity test.
He could still call for this, not too late.
“I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it,…”
Why do I suddenly get this distinct image of Sergeant Schultz? “I know nothing!”
Elderly man with poor memory? "The transcripts show that during his October 2022 deposition, Trump was shown a black and white photo where he is interacting with several people, including with his then-wife Ivana, Carroll and her then-husband.
“I don’t know who – it’s Marla,” Trump said when shown the photo. “That’s Marla, yeah. That’s my wife,” he says when asked to clarify.
He mistook Stormy Daniels for his wife too. We’re in Oliver Sacks territory here with both of these candidates. Cf. The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
Trump excuse for doing business with mafiosi was that he had no idea they had connections to organized crime, yet organized crime had multiple connections to Trump.
He keeps saying he's innocent - I guess he really is, in the sense of not knowing about things. What a shock he must have received when somebody suggested to him that he'd somehow become involved in organised crime.
A Hogan’s Hero’s reference. I love it. I could clearly hear him saying nothink…
We need more heroes right now, and they sure aren’t in the unprofessional corporate media.
No, they are engaged in a mass pile on of President Biden, and they aren’t asking Trump about his lies, and about Project 2025.
Unfortunately if Trump is elected we will be living in a world more like the original very dark movie Stalag 17 than the later comedic show Hogan’s Heroes.
Hogaaaannnn!!!
That’s a good one. You just made me laugh, so on that happy note, I think it’s time to take a break.🙃🙏
Good one!
In the face of rising fascist threats, it is crucial for everyone to stand up and fight for our democracy. This means more than just reelecting President Joe Biden; we must also maintain control of the Senate and reclaim the House of Representatives. Only then can we address the corruption within the Supreme Court by impeaching the justices appointed by trump who are unfit for the bench. Remember that mainstream media often prioritizes ratings and profit over the preservation of democracy, choosing to sensationalize rather than inform. Our collective action and vigilance are essential to safeguarding our democratic institutions and ensuring victory come November!
Why not dig into this: https://www.fieldteam6.org/ ? Jason Berlin is the founder of Field Team 6.
"Our mission: Register Democrats. Save the world. This is our story...
I was a TV writer for 18 years. Then Trump was elected, and it broke my heart and brain. So I quit my job to join the Resistance full-time. I became an organizer, and rallied a volunteer army who registered 6,000+ new Democrats and helped flip 5 congressional seats in the 2018 midterms, including all of Orange County, California.
Weeks later, I founded Field Team 6 so we could bring our proudly partisan voter registration to swing states nationwide. And it worked! Since 2019, we've helped register more than 2.4 million Democrats, defeating Trump, and miraculously flipping the Senate in Georgia.
In the 2022 midterm elections, we helped to defy history by winning the Senate, adding Democratic Governors, and flipping state legislative chambers. In 2023, we won historic elections to protect abortion rights and flip even more state legislative chambers.
And now, the 2024 election is just a few months away......................................."
Let's defend democracy at home and destroy it abroad. Genocide Joe Biden and his Moral Midgets i.e. Blinken, Miller, Kirby, Sullivan, Austin, Thomas-Greenfield, Nuland, Wood, Buttigieg, Schumer, Jeffries, Clyburn, Hoyer, Pelosi.....all enablers of American Fascism marching lockstep to a Trump victory of fascism over democracy. Fighting for democracy means the retirement of Biden in favor of a non-Zionist progressive alternative, a younger and stronger Bernie Sanders, not the enfeebled Biden.
"Dr. Brian, career and life design psychologist," more and more you sound like a troll from the Right side, a business man coaching others in how to make more money.
You might wish to modify your "bio" as your self proclaimed extensive ties with China and Asia render you suspect, as does your recent appearance on the comment forum. Adding a "DR" to you name does not legitimize you.
Miselle, why would I want to hide my expat status? My ties to China and Asia makes me a suspect of exactly what in your seemingly fevered McCarthyite mind? I have commented many times as a subscriber to Dr. Richardson’s site. I am an open book, indeed published in English and Chinese and a licensed psychologist in NY and CT for years and never ethically challenged. Why are you trying to smear me? I am not afraid of criticism but ad hominem attacks are usually the mark of dishonest cowards. Challenge my opinions, values, ideas but sly remarks are dirty work of the envious
A certain path to an election loss, a resort for Jared on the Gaza coast and complete Israeli rule of the West Bank.
Gail.....please clarify. What is that "certain path" to an election loss? My honest opinion is that Israel is doomed as an apartheid and genocidal state. The old world order is crumbling and with it American hegemony. The Global South, with few exceptions i.e. India are lining up behind some variation on a Palestinian state.
Those more knowledgeable about the legalities of such a switch have written extensively.
I saw that disgusting video of Mark Robinson. Did you see the people seated behind him? All white and they looked very uncomfortable with what he said. I despise these people for their arrogance, their misogyny, their righteous indignation, their want to be the almighty powerful over us all. This is not a fair fight. It’s fascism and they must be extinguished from existence like the nasty blood-sucking flies that they are. GO JOE!
Oh, the irony. He sounded like a white plantation owner explaining why he had to lynch an “uppity slave.”
Mr. Robinson is unfit for office, just like Trump. Their followers are eager for the excuse to engage in violence for imagined offenses and for the “crime” of disagreement.
I am disgusted with The NY Times coverage of this campaign. They seem determined to tear Biden apart while Trump merrily plans to destroy democracy.
Dropped their digital paper recently. WaPo next
Pray tell, what journalism WILL you support? What is their market penetration? What are their journalistic resources? I'll take something legit over nothing any day. President Obama spoke of not letting the ideal being the enemy of the "better," which I've long articulated. I live in the real world. Purists don't.
I subscribe to that 100%. Guardian, Dallas Morning News, FtWorth Star-Telegram, flip through msm to see what they are spewing. Also NPR, BBC, and some MSNBC. Six substacks, currently. Walter and Bill Moyers were my heroes for many years. I am awash in news of our insanity. Democracy Now was a bridge too far for me several years ago. Loved some of it, but they had a real problem with only wanting the ideal. i am not left with nothing, and i have the bills to prove it. Sad that some take what hits their ears when Fox is flipped on. I know them well.
I still take both NYT & Washington Post, but I understand the way they skew their coverage and don’t address Trump’s very real personality disorders or the wrecking program that is Project 2025. They focus on the horse race and not the real policy implications.
Me, too!
As did I.
So am I, and reportedly it has to do with Biden not sitting down for an exclusive interview.
You should’ve listened to Howard Stern’s interview on Sirus PRESIDENT BIDEN IS THE MAN FOR THE JOB!!!!!!!🇺🇸💙🇺🇸💙🇺🇸💙💙🇺🇸🇺🇸💙💙🇺🇸🇺🇸💙💙🇺🇸💙
I agree, but am tired of the pile on, just as I am disgusted at Tapper and Bash for neglecting to call out Trump’s litany of lies.
Yes, shades of the Proud Boys but also David Duke and QAnon (where's that cult gone, btw?) with that "I don't know anything about them" comment from Drumpf. The Biden campaign should start running ads with those previous quotes from DJT alongside footage of the t-shirted Qsters at his rallies with that dumb anthem playing, Charlottesville and, of course, Jan. 6.
Just have to add shame on ABC for that published transcript. Since when ((i.e., ever?) had a transcript been published of a Biden interview with letters dropped off and making a point of transcribing every single stutter. I'm sure whomever did the work and signed off on it thought they were being even-handed (as a bit of Stephanopoulos' speech was transcribed that way as well) but I've never seen such a thing before in my 60 years as a once book editor and reading legal transcripts at law firms. Ellipses and dashes to indicate pauses or change of thought are one thing but that "I'm workin' on what we were doin' with regard to..." and the "I--I--I--I--..." is beyond the pale, unnecessary and frankly unprofessional in my opinion.
Of all the things making me absolutely sick to my stomach, the "mainstream media" continuing to put its thumb on the scale while feigning neutrality is near the top. Nevermind Joe, I am still raging over CNN's complete capitulation during that "debate" last week.
Using their words against them. Great idea. ABC was as bad as CNN. I had ditched CBS and NBC, now what?
You are free! Celebrate!
Do the Guardian, BBC, PBS, MSNBC (in snippets), flip across the others. One needs to know what they are spewing. And two hands-on newspapers - a mixed blessing.
The Intercept, Zeteo, The GrayZone, al-Jazeera English, Breaking Point, Owen Jones, Briahna Gray, Democracy Now
Awash in the bad reporting, but pay for enough that I have a clue or two. Thanks for the suggestions, but I’m about tapped out
That ABC transcript sounds absolutely disgusting. As someone who had a stutter at age 7, I find it very offensive. And has everyone forgotten that FDR had polio and was in a wheelchair?
I am a book author. I will rewrite the transcript in normal language, This transcript is UNPROFESSIONAL and UNPRECEDENTED. Don't waste time with shock. See the enemy and adjust. URL to the unprofessional transcript: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=79535643 If anyone has the stamina, and otter, we can disseminate transcripts of TRUMP. I am 'White' but lately my first instinct is to distrust an unknown 'White' reporter.
It's good to hear from you Wendy. I'm a former member of the Philosophy Forum.
I agree - Constance
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
Go away Schmeekle.
And I posted last week that John A was Schmeekle returned. I think you nailed it, Gail!!
😂 Same modus operandi!
Yes, terrible that convergence of felon Trump and democracy-felonious Project2025.
But both come from a deeper criminality, brewing for years.
The Heritage Foundation and the Hoover Institution spent millions through the 1970s for the 1971 Powell memo. They would silence all of any novels, films, or songs as human touch stone for public issues.
With the additional millions ALEC spent to defund higher ed at all state levels, it worked. Humanities got set to silos.
Worse, in K-12, standardized testing aimed but for only neutered logic – linear, abstracted, group packaged and labeled (too, machine-gradable).
It worked. U.S. elites lost humanities for public use. All would defer to the machinery of banker rationalized and wonk (HR) programmed.
Now the abstracted rule. The Clarence court Blade Runner six (subject) Animal Farm (verb) all. Bribes? – legal as “gratuities” (more for Clarence!). Article 14, section three? – gone. Perjury? – OK, for all Republican, Federalist Society would-be justices.
They’ve junked the Constitution: forcing American women to state control, gutting federal agencies serving the people, elevating criminal Trump.
Run, Dems, Run – against this historically massive convergence of the gross corrupt and arrogant.
Chatted with my daughter and granddaughter last week re their schooling, came away thinking that I got a better education from a country rural school long ago, than either had gotten since, daughter fared better but granddaughter, who was reading early and well, now hates to read. I said why, she said school. She is so turned off. Red state insanity. Abbott is destroying public schools in Texas, deliberately and with malice.
I appreciate that you mentioned “Animal Farm.” Orwell was a democratic socialist who detested Communism, and much of his criticisms could apply just as well to the extreme right ascendant now.
God bless Orwell, Kathy.
And Pasternak, who wrote much the same in "Doctor Zhivago."
And Wystan Auden. And his student, Joseph Brodsky, who amplified.
I love Doctor Zhivago. The irony was that Boris Pasternak was the only member of his family to remain in Russia after the Bolshevik Revolution in November 1918. His parents and siblings emigrated to England.
Unless I read it wrong, I did not see the Hoover Institution among the long list of accomplices to Project 2025 published in its opening pages. You're right about them spending millions in defense of conservatism. They're still at it. I'm on their mailing list and get a lot of free online stuff from them as well. That can't be cheap. Some of that stuff is almost not bad. The recent article on the teaching of U.S. History made some good points. The rest is easily refuted (discredited policies, irrelevant historical references, obsolete theories and theoreticians. e.g. Any article that contains the phrase "Hayek has taught us...." can be discounted immediately.
I don't doubt that Hayek taught them; he was just wrong when he turned his mind from economics to policy recommendations. And they still publish Sowell). My guess is that they're not nuts enough to be on the Project 2025 board.
Somewhere, somehow, James, some Stanford people stepped in, correcting some things.
No one has yet written any accounting of how, from the 1970s, Heritage went where it went, and Hoover went largely not that way.
We have Jane Mayer's great "Dark Money" -- so many far-right billionaires steering so much ideologue madness, funding so much hatred. But, still, nothing close to anything definitive on how that original Powell memo left us with Clarence court so blatantly pushing bribery, perjury, pro-criminal corruption.
Also, no chronology on how that same Powell memo went from the earliest corruption Wendell Berry saw in 1977 ("The Unsettling of America") to the more elitist numbering and neutering corruptions Diane Ravitch chronicled in 2003 ("The Language Police").
One other irony: neither Wendell Berry nor Diane Ravitch had any idea that the Powell memo underwrote all the corruptions they nevertheless on their own did see.
Thank you for a thoughtful response. I’ll have to add “Dark Money” to the stack of unread books sitting next to my desk 😁. On your reference to billionaires, I was struck by a thought (yes, it still happens occasionally 😁). Why is it that so many people think that people who are successful in one field of endeavor are qualified to offer wisdom in another? The example of Linus Pauling comes to mind at once. Billionaires (at least some of them) are good at making (or collecting) money. For what purpose, beyond making more money, remains unseen. To me it is madness indeed.
I’m not sure how we get ourselves out of the giant pile of corruption and bad government all around us. Like many of our fellow Americans, we have nowhere to go and no resources to sustain us elsewhere. I’ve long thought that the time might come that Americans would find themselves fleeing their own nation in the same fashion in which we see people from other parts of the world fleeing here.
"How Democracies Die" Steven Levitsky.
He might not understand the details. Such understanding is not his strong suit. And he doesn't really need to understand it. He gets everything he wants simply by being in the White House. This also gives the Heritage Foundation architects of Project 2025 everything THEY want. It is a perfect transactional relationship.
The Biden campaign now has a website devoted to Project 2025, which is brilliant.
Annabel, I received this notice from my Congressperson (House of Rep) Jared Huffman regarding the House’s establishment of a Task Force to investigate the Project—contacted him and let him know I was glad they are taking this action: https://huffman.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-leaders-form-task-force-to-counter-project-2025-and-defend-democracy
Glad to see this!
Barbara Keating, this is so heartening to hear!!!! I will write to my MoC and urge her to sign on!
He is a placeholder for whoever the money wants.
Link please
Thank you, Heather.
President Biden has been fully and brilliantly engaged in the duties of his office since the day he took the Oath of Office. That he was literally sick and tired last Thursday is hardly surprising. Joe Biden has my thanks, respect, support and love.
Almost daily I feel more vindicated for cancelling my NYT subscription a few months ago. What self-respecting American newspaper would consider running an opinion piece ON THE FOURTH OF JULY advocating NOT voting? Only the NYT. But apparently that was a bridge too far, and they were shamed into flushing it down the memory hole.
That opinion piece makes me more determined to vote. My parents always have encouraged us to be good citizens, study the issues, and vote. My mother’s father took his children down to register to vote when they turned 21, as that was the legal voting age back then. After he died, my late uncle took my three younger aunts to register to vote when each of them turned 21.
RE: Project 2025
The cat's out of the proverbial bag on that fascist game plan. It's Trump and MAGA's Achilles heel. It's time to grind them into the dust(politically). Pour it on!
Biden | Harris - Four more years!
Project 2025: Letters to the Editor
Here is one I wrote. Feel free to use it. Send them out far and wide!
To the Editor:
"Sound the Alarm"
Project 2025 is a grave threat to American democracy, masquerading as a conservative policy initiative but operating as a coup attempt to install an authoritarian regime. The plan's core goal is to consolidate executive power, effectively sidelining democratic checks and balances. By reclassifying federal civil service positions into political appointments, it seeks to dismantle the separation of powers, a fundamental safeguard against tyranny.
Further, Project 2025's proposed overhaul of federal agencies, including the dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security and reducing the role of the Department of Education, aims to destabilize government functions critical to a democratic society. The initiative’s push to slash environmental regulations in favor of fossil fuel interests is a clear indicator of prioritizing corporate power over public welfare and environmental health.
This project is not just a policy shift; it is an orchestrated effort to erode civil liberties and establish a dictatorial regime. Those who cherish American democracy must recognize and resist Project 2025, as it poses a direct and unprecedented threat to the nation's democratic principles and institutions.
[Your Name]
[Your City/Town]
I'd love to. My local paper quit running its entire editorial page a couple years ago...
Amy - seriously? Your paper does not run editorials? Do they run opinions from guest experts? Your comment is unnerving.
Yes. It was a family-run paper for over 100 years. Sold in about 2017 or so (too lazy to look it up) to Gatehouse, later Gannett. They dropped the op-ed page because “editorial content” was cited as the #1 reason for subscription cancellation. It’s not even worth fish wrap these days.
Almost all the photos coming out of the T&F Olympic quals are from our local guy, Chris Pietch. He’s an incredible photographer.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
We will not lose our democracy.
Your depth never ceases to amaze me!
I wrote about Jennifer Schulze’s work and added the various other analyses of media bias, not just at the NYT. It is systematic across the five major dailies and “cable news.”
A center at the University of Pennsylvania published “A case study in the New York Times’ inconsistent narrative selection and framing” in February.
MediaMatters reported last year that five newspapers had about twice as many stories about Biden’s age compared with stories about Trump’s age.
The systematic negativity makes me cry and scream.
Or 🙉🙊🙈. But we know from long experience that Felon 45/34 is an inveterate liar. I think we should hang Project 2025 all over him. Plaster him with it like wallpaper. Bury him under it every chance you get on whatever social medium you may use. Make trump synonymous with Project 2025. After all, the powers that be have talked about using it as their platform at their convention.
SPW, I just donated $34 to the Biden/Harris campaign…$1 each in acknowledgement of TFFFG’s 34 felonies. Not my idea, read the suggestion on this or other SubStack & thought it was perfect!
Consider another $34 for FieldTeam6's Tour to Save Democracy? A brief video:
https://www.fieldteam6.org/?pgid=ltrcpqh8-39af8223-7d6b-4531-9506-a470eaa0e8e0
The Biden campaign should promote the late Ed Koch’s statement that he wouldn’t believe Donald Trump if Trump had his tongue notarized, and should also hit hard on the implications of Project 2025 and the wreckage it would inflict on the nation.
My next letter to the editor, that won’t be printed. Bet the powers that be will be very selective about what they publicize. Christian families, heterosexual dominance, anti-immigrant, white is right, blah, blah
I am truly afraid that the situation will only escalate and I am no longer sure Biden can withstand the barrage of attacks, lies and manipulation the trump team will hurl at him day in and day out. This is so unfair, and it hurts to see him treated like this.
Ask yourself why haven’t Trump folks run a spot with Biden babbling incoherently from the debate? They do not want a change. Trump people are trapping, the day after Biden is nominated they will run Biden babbling at the debate in all important states non-stop and Trump will win and we lose democracy. The debate was not just a bad day, it was a demonstration of cognitive decline. Given the fear of Trump after immunity almost any reasonable choice that is younger and speaks well will unite us to beat Trump. Biden will have another bad day if nominated and we will lose to Trump.
🙄 congrats! Your comment just helped trump.