Robin, In my view, if we persist solely in blaming the press, no matter how valid, we are failing our candidate with concrete means to evaluate missed opportunities. I elaborate on this point in my comment, which is part of this thread.
Robin, In my view, if we persist solely in blaming the press, no matter how valid, we are failing our candidate with concrete means to evaluate missed opportunities. I elaborate on this point in my comment, which is part of this thread.
Barbara When I saw President Biden walk out unsteady, looking like a tired old man, for me this felt like a gut punch. As he looked askance and spoke with a flatness that was in sharp contrast to State-of-the-Union Joe, my wife and I were appalled.
Trump was at top decibel with his blatant lies and below the belt attacks. But Biden knew who and what Trump was.
For the moment, I have difficulty in identifying how best Trump can be defeated in November. President Biden’s age is now on the front burner. In October Trump need only post videos of Biden’s initial debate minutes.
I am normally infused with hope. Perhaps this will return shortly.
When I heard it was at 9 pm, I was thinking how am I going to stay up for it? And I'm 63!!! And with a bad cold on top of it? And it wasn't all glitches by any stretch as some poeple make it sound. He added some solid zingers at Trump, and answered the questions well in many cases. I think some people who have a huge fear of old age and dying were focused on the optics, which I admit were not good, more than anything.
Ha ! I don't have a TV. And though I could have watched it by other means I did not have the slightest interest knowing from experience what it would be like. I'm 72. I keep a similar schedule. I work construction. I'm a solo renovator. And retired lawyer.
I was a debater in high school and know what a debate is. There is no such thing as a Presidential Debate any more. There are parades of self adulation and mudslinging that go by that name. And if you play with mud, you get dirty. The Tangerine Grifter is better at it that just about anyone including especially a dutiful, sincere, thoughtful and conscientious man like Joe Biden, because he is a pathological liar who has been doing it all his life. But I can understand how events like this draw crowds for as PT Barnum said, no one ever went broke underestimating the good taste of the American People.
I could care less how poor Joe Biden is at slinging mud nor how practiced his opponent. The choice between him and the American reincarnation of Il Duce is clear and requires no more illustration, to me or to anyone who does not have his head stuck in the sand. Basta.
Those self important editors at the NYT can be damned. I have been reading it since I was ten. No more.
Howard I’m 90 and my wife and I did stay up. After the first five minutes I was tempted to break my one-beer-at-night rule. (I didn’t, but, perhaps, I should have).
President Biden’s initial minutes were sad.
Trump’s unbounded ignorance, lies, and unpresidential conduct won him the Guinness World Record for the most despicable major presidential candidate in American history. He has already won the Guinness record for being the worst American president in history, which has been affirmed by a distinguished panel of historians and political scientists.
Keith, to me the initial minutes were startling, then frightening. He looked as though he'd had a stroke. But he hadn't, it was caused by something else, and it gradually improved. I wasn't sad, because I didn't see it as the real Biden - something had happened.
Yes, certainly not at 9pm after running the country and the world all day! I've never trusted CNN and the lack of fact checking during the verbal dia**r+a from the other podium. But what's done is done and we must all work hard going forward. Never, ever give up!
Thank you, Heather, for resting and for the beautiful uplifting photograph. Have a great day on the water.
I, too, thought the CNN format was absolutely abysmal. Was there even ONE quotable comment from "pmurt" in the debate worth repeating? They let him lie, "gish gallop" and obfuscate his way through all 90 minutes. I will NEVER trust CNN news again. He should have been stopped instead of reminding him that "you have 28 seconds left , so would you like to answer the question?" DUH!!
David My first vote was for Ike in 1956. By 1972 I was on the Nixon White House Enemies List. As an historian, I believe that historians, several decades from now, will rank Biden high. This could be affected by what happens between now and November.
David May I caution you. Vintage wine, after years of excellent bouquet, can turn sour. The same is true with ‘vintage seniors.’ Some have enhanced their eloquence and experienced insights, while others become undrinkable vinegar.
Thanks Keith. I'm actually well aware of the fact that not everyone ages well. Even my brilliant maternal aunt ultimately became senile before she died at 90, which was very painful for me. But I love the fact that one of our best presidents is in his 80s, and that there are people like you and Faye Reid, and a friend of my parents' who are doing well at 90-plus.
Well, poor old man was riding his golf buggy on the course most of the time. He missed just about everything else (apart from the YUGE crowds at his (cough) inauguration.)
And don't forget what Heather said about Gish Gallop and how it's especially difficult for someone who stutters to manage the torrent of lies. I want President Biden's coach to give Biden a collection of one-sesntence responses to each possible lie. Then say, First, say as loud as you can, "You are lying or That's a lie!" Then make this ONE sentence statement. Loud and Proud!!!
For example, Trump. "I was the one who got insulin prices down, not you." Biden, "That's a lie!" You got prices down for a few people, temporarily. I got prices down to $35 for everyone on medicare, and I"m working to make that true for everyone." That's it!!! Nothing else!!! REpeat if you have to.
The fact is that power is very intoxicating. Witness Ginsburg and Feinstein. Biden should step down now and let a younger person step up. Biden's age along with the prospect that he might not finish his term so that Kamala Harris could become POTUS are two negative factors for many. We're in a tight spot. Though Biden has done a great job, this is a new ball game and one that we absolutely must win. Biden needs to recognize this, that he is in fact a liability that has to be overcome.
Step down in favor of whom? Why can none of you armchair pundits come up with both (1) a name, and (2) a persuasive case for why that individual can build up the name recognition to win in barely four months. IMO VP Harris is qualified to be president, but racism and sexism are at least as powerful in the electorate as ageism, and if you have any imagination at all you can probably guess what the GOP and Dark Money attack ads will look like.
People who wanted Bernie held their noses and voted for Biden. It’s time we started doing that for younger, less experienced candidates and women like Harris; she has been doing her homework and setting the stage for a candidacy.
Oh yes, there's a pair! Wow! When my half-sister in Washington State muttered about her, I sent her a video extract of a gimlet-like Harris in action in the Senate, and she agreed with me.
Gavin Newsom, Gov. of Calif., for one. He's charismatic and smart with executive experience. This election should be a walk-in-the-park for Democrats, but it isn't because of Biden's age and apparent fragility.
Just no! There is a superb television pundit--last name Sullivan, I think--who made a superb case for why switching horses at this point in the race would be really stupid, among other things because they'd have to start from zero on fundraising.
If you would read Simon Rosenberg, you'll find out that Biden has lost zero ground in polling, he's doing fine, and in response to the debate fiasco, many of us are giving money. I'm not wealthy, and until about a month ago I had never given a C-note to political candidates. Back then I gave Biden a C-note, or maybe it was Airlift.fund, which you should give to because it's terrific getting money to grass roots people who know the territory. And just today I gave Biden another C-note.
Start reading Simon Rosenberg and you'll feel a lot better. He's on substack.
I do get Simon's emails, David. Because the stakes in this election are so astronomically high, we are rightly concerned. Biden has done an outstanding job. The next task, of course, is to get re-elected. I, too, have given more money this campaign cycle than ever before. I think that I only made one donation to Biden's campaign since I've been concentrating on the Senate races. If ever there was a time for us to be opening our wallets to make political donations, it's now. Literally, now or never. And, Simon does make some good points. In fact, excellent points.
Whatever his name recognition among such, he'd be far, far behind Biden on fund raising. As Lawrence O'Donnell so eloquently explained, it's too late to switch horses.
Anne-Louise, there is no doubting that Biden's performance at the "debate" was awful. It isn't what you and I think about it that matters so much, but rather, as you already know, what the undecideds think and feel. In reality, both sides are fighting for that undecided 5%.
I encourage all to read the transcript of the debate.President Biden(without the stutters , hoarse voice from a cold and trying too rapidly to refute the massive barrage of lies) is more than fine….and totally sane.Convicted criminal Trump is/was his usual unhinged self.
I encourage all who are concerned to do whatever is in their comfort zone to boost Biden/Harris, retain the Senate and flip the House..Action really does help alleviate the stress of countering MAGA. Trust me, I live in MAGA-vile, Florida.
✍️📲💲🚶🏻👕🪧
“YOU CAN'T WRING YOUR HANDS AND ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AT THE SAME TIME.”
Patricia Schroeder '64, Former United States Representative
Keith, I’m surprised at you. See Luttig and Tribe on MSNBC this morning. That may make you feel better. Also the horror SCOTUS unleashed yesterday with the Enron decision. Imagine yourself with the weight of the world on your shoulders, three transatlantic flights in a week behind you, drilling on details to save the country, then meeting what Mika Brzezinski so aptly called “the firehose of lies” from a nasty child who is simply spewing hatred. I hope Biden will continue as I don’t think there’s a replacement. Can you imagine the Dems agreeing on a candidate and getting him elected? I’m learning that intelligence does not equal wisdom and remembering Der Alte!
I'm so happy to hear that Mika made such a great comment. I don't watch TV, so I don't see her, but her mother and my mother were friends, and I have a picture her mother drew of me when I was six, when I had a very hard time sitting still, and it still came out terrific.
I disagree Keith, although it might be my youth and inexperience that leads me to have more confidence than I should in the American electorate. You'll note the facetious nature of that comment since I'm old enough to remember the context in which it was first made. I'm an outlier among most of the folks I correspond with in believing that when the real decision has to be made, Biden will win.
Kathy They said much the same about the difference between the TV and radio aspects of the Kennedy-Nixon debate in 1960. Nixon had been in the hospital for a few days shortly before coming to the TV debate. He also refused to use make up. He looked scraggly.
By contrast, JFK, despite all his real ailments, looked robust and aggressive. Unfortunately, Trumpists can play and replay the video of Biden’s first half hour, when age is a valid issue.
I love that phrase, "squirrelly worm." But I've been doing things, as Simon Rosenberg recommends, including contributing a C note to Biden-Harris, and I forget how much to Airlift.fund, a group that spreads the money among the best grass roots funds.
The convicted felon was spouting gibberish from the very beginning, while President Biden was actually answering the questions.
It's amazing how much the sound and picture affects us! Biden's voice was soft and raspy while the felon was loud and clear in spite of the fact that what he was saying was lies at best, mostly gibberish.
Keith, Regrettably, dating back 2 years, Democrats who had harbored doubts about Biden’s capacity to serve effectively for 4 more years, were they to have gone public, would have faced marginalization by a bunker mentality that has persisted to the present.
Clearly, if it ends up that Biden is our nominee out of the Convention, then everyone who cares about our democracy has to do everything they can to help Biden defeat Trump. However, because Thursday’s debate, which reinforced considerable doubt, was scheduled early enough to take stock and have conversations, particularly in the White House, as to whether this is the best way to beat Trump, we need to make sure that we are putting our best foot forward here.
I further would add that the enemy is not the NYTimes and other publications that are raising the issue of Biden stepping aside. These journalists are raising the issue precisely because they care so much about beating Trump and feel the urgency to raise these questions.
I understand that, but when many more column inches were taken up with Biden than with Trump, I get upset. Trump's behavior is frightening and that should be focused on so much more than it is, regardless of who the Dem candidate is.
Kim, I agree not nearly enough attention is focused on Trump. That said, because the stakes are so high, I believe the Press currently is driven by its best assessment of how to fulfill its fundamental role of preserving our democratic republic.
Over the past year there has hardly been one headline in the NY Times or Washington Post that did not have the word "TRUMP" in it. Wasn't it PT Barnum who said, "They can say whatever they want as long as they spell my name right." Luckily (for Trump) his name only has five letters. Trump has absorbed all the oxygen in the room. We need a breath of fresh air.
David, I subscribe to HopiumChronicles and read it now and again, but skeptically given what, in my view, is left out. I assure you I can’t think of a single incident when I was this much invested in hoping I’m wrong.
Kim, i too am upset and refuse to read any of it. On Friday we watched the local news, but not the national news and that may the rule for a while. We have agreed that we cannot do a thing about it (except vote and donate), and we don't want to raise our BP everyday.
Joe is NOT in this race for Joe; Trump is in this race for Trump. That should be a Known at this point and it alone makes voting the decision easy. We have to trust that when Joe recognizes he's not up to the job, he'll resign from it. Some trust, too much to ask?? Joe has never been an orator; he's a doer and he has done plenty even with a do-nothing House for the past 2 years. I sent my weekly letter to the editor of the local paper on Friday and stipulated AFTER the debate that this will be the easiest election I've ever been in. The choice is obvious and when voting commences on 9/20 here in VA, I'll happily try to re-elect the best President we've had in at least 50 years.
Michael, I merely would respond with the assurance that regardless of whether we agree we’re putting our best foot forward with Joe Biden, if he’s our nominee, I expect most, if not all, of us will come together to try to save our democratic republic.
Sorry, but the like button doesn't work with my old computer. Thanks, I also expect all of us will come together to try to save the country. Never meant to imply anything different.
Sorry, but the like button doesn't work with my old computer. In VA a governor gets only one term so re-election of this character will not happen. We have bigger fish to fry at the Federal level.
Sorry, but the like button doesn't work with my old computer. Thank you for the book recommendation. I have a sneaking suspicion that both of those poor excuses for human beings are in it for themselves and just using the other to get what they want. Thanks again.
Thank you for bringing in the Truth! I heard Putin often on Thursday night but no one I’ve heard has mentioned it. As for polls, Putin’s thumb and bots are everywhere.
Anne, I am not a troll and fully support Biden, and should have said I am allowing myself to CONSIDER letting go of Biden. Our #1 focus must be on what preserves our democracy - and I have full faith Biden can continue to do that admirably. But, if he decides to step down, or wiser pols than me convince him too, then I can sleep knowing that our "Big Gretch" could win it.
Unfortunately, I don’t know whether this country is ready of a woman President alongside a woman VP. As for Gavin Newsom, not a good idea with another Californian on the ticket. All-in-all, we have what we have and need to make it work. Gretchen in the future? YOU BET! (I’m an Illinoisan.)
If you read what the experts are saying there is no possible mechanism at this point then for Harris to take the rein. People should inform themselves before they start promoting wacko, chaotic, crazy, democracy suicide ideas
Christy, If Biden releases his delegates, they will keep taking votes at a contested Convention until the requisite number (not sure what it is) has settled on a nominee.
* sorry I did not correct the spellcheck error. Meant to say there is no mechanism “except” for Harris. There will be chaos if people think that Biden can step down and Harris not step up.
I am allowing for the possibility of Biden stepping down. Whitmer looks like a good alternative. I am continuing to work on Getting Out The Vote for the Democratic candidate for President. Whomever.
It’s passed the time when any other can get on the ticket. I can’t even believe I’m reading that you’re toying with this idea of abandoning Biden. That’s what MAGAs want! That’s why he did it! We are still the majority! How about you get out of the way then. I’m not asking actually. Get lost.
I agree with your first premises, but PLEASE do not be rude to other commenters. I don’t know about you, but I believe this WILL all subside once the news cycle changes, as it invariably does…and in very short time! Hanging in there, with you! Go Biden!
And not necessary at all. That in itself makes us look bad. That’s what Trump does. Uses until they’re used up then tosses them out with the trash. Biden is no where near incapable. This is as bad as the media. So superficial. I’m not rude! There is so much at stake here. And the timing is not good for trying to replace him even if it were within rules.
MaryPat, I believe were Biden to release his delegates and the Convention were contested, your governor would rise to the top of Democrats under consideration for the nomination.
It’s too late to get anyone else on the ticket. I’d like to see the whole Democratic Party get him ready for the next debate. He can do this. I’d like to see as much support for our party as the other side has for theirs! They’re incredibly organized, well prepared and confident. I don’t see those kinds of things here except for donations mostly. Donations are important, however when’s the last time you attended a school board meeting?
You have substantially more respect for what used to be called the journalism profession than I do. I don't think that even Thomas Friedman, who made an almost tearjerking effort to explain why Biden should drop out, is anywhere near as concerned about beating the failed insurrectionist as he is about selling newspapers, generating clicks, and picking up subscriptions to his column. If they were, the clamor for Biden to get out of the race would be overwhelmed in volume by the demands for an explanation from Republicans why they continue to support a convicted felon and rapist who is liable for almost 1/2 a billion dollars in civil judgements. There really is no comparison between the two and we dare not let anyone lose sight of that.
Dave, Respectfully, every piece I have read leaves me with the same impression. Journalists are raising questions because they want to beat Trump. In my view, it’s precisely because they care so much about defeating Trump that they’re raising these questions.
As for demanding an explanation from Republicans for their continued support for Trump, I imagine the journalists I’ve read would view that as an exercise in futility.
Thanks Barbara Jo. Your closing comment is exactly why I've lost most of my respect for journalists. Opposing the war in Vietnam was an exercise in futility for much of the 60s and 70s but, had that not been done, and had the Pentagon papers not been published, the succeeding decades would have turned out much differently. Investigative journalism rarely produces immediate positive results but is essential to any effort to keep politicians or anyone else honest in their behavior and actions. Once the Paley wall between news and entertainment was broken, fewer efforts were made to do anything that doesn't have an immediate positive impact on the organization's bottom line. The fact that the former president, failed insurrectionist, and convicted felon isn't referred to in those terms every time his name appears in print or is broadcast is a sad sign of how far we've regressed.
Dave, To be clear, my response expressly was a reply to your question as to why the Press was not demanding a response from Republicans for their continued support of Trump. To clarify why I asserted that journalists, overall, would view that as an exercise in futility, particularly at this terrifying moment in our nation’s history, is my sense that journalists, overall, are well aware that the one thing the radical right loathes more than, say, liberals is the truth.
My point is that as much as I largely concur with your post, I don’t see its relevance either to the specific question you had asked or my response.
The New York Times is anti-Biden as is the Washington Post. Since 2016 these publications have gone to great effort to showcase trump. The NYT is getting clicks for cash. The editors feel less than zero patriotism nor concern for our Democracy. This is a business to them. The media has become the enemy of our Democracy.
How has the media been operating these past few years? Creating a false reality too many Americans have bought into that trump is a normal, viable candidate. Calling an insurrection a rally. Going for clicks and cash because of Biden's age. Ignoring the fact that trump is a convicted rapist and felon running for office. Ignoring the facts of trump's mental decline. Ignoring the facts of trump sweating, looking panicked and becoming incoherent by the end of the debate. Ignoring the cabal of dark money behind Project 2025 and their mission of electing trump. Ignoring trump's threat to our democracy. Ignoring what Democrats stand for. Emphasizing every single moment and move trump makes.
The media drives the message. And down is up and up is down.
If I landed from Mars and scanned these 2 newspapers, I would think trump was President. That is how much his pictures are published and endless stories about him are written. When was the last time there was a headline or even a story about one of Biden's speeches? He gives them all the time. Yet trump's rallies are covered.
When was the last time what Biden has been doing for the American people has been covered. How much press does the results of the Infrastructure Bill get covered? When were the good guys in Congress covered such as Raskin? Yet Comer sure does get his pound of flesh every week sometimes daily. How is it the President is honorable in the face of his son's conviction but is ignored because the media wants to cover trumps lies and whining? How is it that the 200 news stations owned by MAGA Sinclair Media Empire all spouted the same exact news on the same day?
How in the name of everything is it possible that a felon out on bail who stood up and hated on America, loved on Putin, told a lie every 100 seconds, and was incoherent was declared the winner of the debate by the media while the good, sane, moral and hardworking man who has achieved historical gains for this country be pilloried because he has an awful night?
The media has become the enemy Barbara. We must, for the sake of our Democracy, we must become wise and knowledgeable and turn our gaze towards credible news organizations besides the main-stream media.
My apologies for the length and fervor of this essay. It is borne of terror at the brainwashing of America as they stare at their smart phones hour after hour.
Thanks Barbara, don't apologise: you're reminding us of what seems temporarily to have been forgotten and which we've never ceased to lament, all of us, about the news bias.
Barbara, Because I stated in its coverage of Biden’s meandering debate performance that the Press, in my view, is not the enemy, I never intended my statement to nullify all the ways the Press has failed to be a rigorous watchdog of those in power and those who wish to be in power.
Heaven help us yes. It is frankly terrifying has happened. Everywhere I go people are on their phones; in the park, restaurants, with their kids, eating out, shopping, doctor's office...
We have lost the ability to be tenderly present with each other. I grieve that.
I have to disagree that their reporting is meant to help beat trump. They need to beat trump by publishing far and wide Biden's accomplishments and the positive impact those are having on ordinary Americans and their communities.
DebbieM, In my view, the Press, in part, is calling for Biden to release his delegates so Democrats have a shot at a nominee who would take full advantage of the Bully Pulpit, speaking fluently and extemporaneously in situations from which Biden’s handlers regularly protect him. Were we to have a nominee of this caliber, we wouldn’t have to rely on published text that we have no guarantee even would be read.
Keith, having written my first inspiration only to accidentally delete it, trying again. En bref,, the Democratic Party leaders are behind the president and more people have been turned off by Trump than by Biden. Mika Brzezinski said it best: the “firehouse of lies” was, IMHO, what stopped a tired (three transatlantic trips in a week), lovingoving truth teller in disbelief at so much lying hatred being spewed at their country.
Newsom, Shapiro, are telling US to get back to work. So back to postcards. You can find your local writers and send them stamp money to get as many $.53 as possible before Trump’s DeJoy raises the price to $.57 on July 14.
Bring back the hope Keith. The President's age is important only to Republicans and the press who have remarkably little else to criticize him for. As long as we keep ourselves from panicking, remember to get out the vote, and have ready a list of the things Biden has actually gotten done while in office, the 70% or so of Americans who aren't cultists will, when the chips are down, bet on 4 more years of old and steady at the wheel.
Despite the polls, despite all the BS, Trump is the worst candidate of all time. If we work, a yellow dog can beat Trump. I just doubled down on my contribution to the FT 6 TextArcade. Object: sunset Rick Scott. Has a 34% favorability rating. That group must not know much about him. Largest fine for Medicare fraud in history. Wants to "sunset" all benefits. Plus he's ugly, supports a guy who hates dogs and stole from kids with cancer, assaulted women, and was convicted of 34 felonies.
I disagree. I am a staunch democrat and supporter of Biden. But he should never have run for a second term. He is too old. He can't articulate his positions. He obviously would be better than Trump, but if he runs I don't think we'll find out. He will lose. Or on the tiny chance that he wins he would degenerate more as time passes. Which once again would be better than Trump, but it wouldn't be good. We can't risk him running.
I suspect that most of us would have preferred a single term transition to a stronger successor candidate, but that's not what we've got. The only one who can forestall a Biden-Trump rematch is God, and we won't know that unless it happens. In the meantime, we have to do everything we can to ensure Biden's re-election.
Bryan, if I take you literally, then you know/interact with Forensic Psychiatrists? Please ask them why the American Psychiatric Assoc. (or whatever that collective's name is) came up with "The Goldwater Effect" and years ago forbade Psychiatrists from commenting on candidate's mental/emotional fitness for running for POTUS? Had the nation had a model, a repeating tutorial on narcissistic personality disorder, definition of a sociopath, and possibly most of all, defining gaslighting... would the democracy be in the peril it is in? The "basketful of deplorables" include Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon and on and on. Would there still be so many followers of that ilk? Would otherwise formerly sane Republicans have allowed themselves to kiss the ring? What if? What if? What if Psychiatrists had gathered and educated the populace long ago? Why not? Why not?
They didn't try hard enough, or long enough. Thanks for the link. I will read it. If they tried, it wasn't a broad, repeated "try" where enough of us could tune in. Many of us do pay attention and I've not seen enough "trying."
Civil commitment. So far, Trump has demonstrated that at a minimum he should have had to address competency to stand trial. IMHO at least three judges so far should have asked whether he was doing himself any favors by his contemptuous conduct.
If I were a candidate running against Trump, I'd have my panoply of physicians come forward to address mental and physical capacity to govern the country.
Biden had been travelling.... I'm susceptible to stuff like jet lag. I have "good insurance disease," thus see about 15 different specialists. A president has to have a similar medical record. Checked every time he travels.
Understand, Dr Lee & Professional friends have a program set up through Jthe uly 11 sentencing of Trump. Turbulence is expected Fasten All Seat Belts have been fastened.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lee dropped Chapter 11 of her new book at 7:31 am today, Sunday : "The Psychology of Trump Contagion:An Existential Threat to American Democracy & All Humankind"
Dr Lee new book is being sent to PAID Substack Subscriber like me. We are on Chapter 11 this morning.
They wrote a book. They could not get an audience in the media. They had a conference. Not sure why you would sit in judgement when you don’t know how hard they tried
Christy, I do not sit in judgement of those who tried. I wrote about this initially just based on what I knew about the APA and obviously, I had low information until people here today informed me. Casting aspersions on those of us who don't know it all doesn't help. So many get their "news " from just one silo. I do not know it all. I appreciate all that I learned today on this board about Dr. Lee. I read further about her, and it is appalling that she has been treated this way. We subscribe to several Substack newsletters and try as much as possible to obtain facts. I'll be writing postcards this week and doing what I can.
That’s awesome Carla! Just for clarification, in my language, this is very much a judgement: “They didn't try hard enough, or long enough”. Great that you didn’t intend it to be.
I do interact with active group of Forensic Psychiatrists.
The APA is the institutional enemy of this Team Led by Dr. Bandy Lee the ex-Yale Professor & worldwide expert known for her lectures on Violence. Dr. Lee is joined by nationally Forensic Psychiatrists as well.
This group of Psychiatrists take risks both personal physical & Professional risks but, their public political activity leading to the July 11 DJT Sentencing is now starting to appear. I just watched DON LEMONS' interview of Dr Lee: "Is Trump Mental ly Fit -- Dr. Bandy Lee on The Don Lemon Show".
FYI, Dr. Lee's professional attacker has been removed as President of the APA on other grounds. The APA has a long despicable record.
I felt the same, but people who understand what it’s like to keep his schedule and then be ill on top of that will probably look at it differently than he’s lost it. Well, he has lost some of it. We all do as we age and the presidency aged everyone except TFG who didn’t really work at it. I know when I get tired I can hardly remember my name some days. He isn’t who he was 4 years ago, but TFG is worse than he was 4 years ago. Now he’s emboldened and will add these clips to his attacks. What I understand is that behind TFG are people worse than he is, much worse. Behind Biden are capable people who can carry on. That should be a political ad! The MSM is doing us no favors at all. As folks keep asking, where’s the cry for TFG to step down after his convictions? Nowhere. The NYT - gone, and WaPo not far behind. Actually, those who know these things are more IMHO willing and fired up to step up and support the democratic ticket.
Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself. Between someone who tells the truth; who knows right from wrong and will give it to the American people straight — and someone who lies through his teeth for his own benefit. Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November.
Barbara The video of President Biden, especially during the first half hour, I consider a dagger on the ‘age issue.’ Would you want that man piloting your plane?
Personally, my answer would be yes, compared to Trump, but that’s not the national impact.
The President is not my pilot. This is an apples to oranges comparison.
This President was sick, had just returned from an extremely successful and vigorous overseas trip, watched his son get convicted, continued to govern all the while.
It was a 90 minute frankly useless debate. Did you see President Biden's Raleigh speech the next day?
If you are going to entertain in purity tests then I invite you to examine just how there could be a convicted rapist and felon out on bail who stood up and hated America, loved on Putin and told a lie every 100 seconds? Why isn't this the narrative?
The bottom line is this. President Biden continues to have my trust and vote. I respect and trust his Cabinet and the rest of his Administration. I am thrilled with the job he has done and anticipate giving him 4 more years of doing it.
With respect. If President Biden has lost your confidence that is your right.
What I am sincerely asking people to ponder is this.
Is this constant dialog about President Biden's age undermining the Democratic Party's chances of winning this election thus installing a madman and fascist as President?
Barbara I have great admiration for President Biden and will vote for him in November, if he is the Democratic candidate. My concern is whether he is now the best candidate to defeat Trump? The age thing is real. I’m waiting for Jill and Joe to sort this out.
Trump is an overriding threat to the soul of America that I wish my grand kids to inherit. What’s the best way of defeating him ?
At the end of the day, I stand with the Democratic Party nominee. And I believe Biden will defeat trump. So does Biden.
Do you follow Simon Rosenberg? I highly recommend him. He is the antithesis of the medias' take on everything Biden.
Best Regards. I enjoyed our discussion.
Addendum.
This just hit my mailbox from Simon Rosenberg:
"Yesterday I shared with you early data that has found no damage to Biden. Part of my understanding of what happened on Thursday is that we continue to be in a media dynamic where Democrats are held to a different standard than MAGA. Where our strength is underestimated, theirs overestimated; and while many in the media may have become inured to Trump’s bat-shit crazy extremism voters have shown us in election after election, particularly since Dobbs, they aren’t inured - they are horrified, disgusted, repulsed by MAGA and Trump. And while the media may be focusing on Biden’s struggles on Thursday night, many voters who watched the debate were deeply unhappy with what they saw with Trump - and for good reason. It was in my mind the craziest and most disturbing performance we’ve seen from Trump on the national stage since he began his candidacy in 2015. He is deeply unwell, unfit, extreme, dangerous. Choose your words. A rapist, fraudster, traitor, felon. So yes, let’s keep talking about us and our challenges in the coming days but LET US NOT FOR ONE MOMENT STOP TALKING ABOUT THIS HISTORIC THREAT DONALD TRUMP IS TO EVERYTHING WE HOLD DEAR AND HOW CRAZY IT IS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS RALLIED BEHIND THIS HISTORICALLY TERRIBLE MAN."
Keith, after trying to edit twice and losing my encouraging words each time, all I can do before coffee is recommend taking Newsom
‘s and Shapiro’s advice and get to work. If you know a postcard writer, fund the stamps, lots of them at $.53 before Trump’s mole in the PO raises the price to $.57 on July 14th. And KEEP WRITING.
It would be helpful if the press coverage ALSO pointed out how much Trump lied and his plans for the country. Young people in particular need to understand how much they have to lose under Trump.
Keith, I don’t want to use his age as when we look at blue zones we can see people his age quite robust, but I agree his health is of great concern. He has appears like a person with Parkinson’s. I am not saying he has this, but something is wrong, President’s don’t have the luxury of a “bad night” He is the commander in chief and has to be ready for that 3am call. He has done wonderful things for the country and I believe was a great choice following the horrible Trump years, but we live in unprecedented times when a convicted felon, proven rapist, proven to have committed fraud can run for president. I know in Illinois a felon can’t own a gun. How can a felon have the control of nuclear bombs? The Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation have been undermining democracy for years. The Supreme Court the 5th circuit Court,, and the Red states have ben the testing ground for Project 2025. I hope President Biden will step down and let someone who can fight back against bullies in front of the American people with facts like Elizabeth Warren will run. Climate change is the only existential problem facing our species and we desperately need someone who can fight these narcissistic christofascists who care nothing for others or the environment,
Linda Personally, I would vote for Lena the Hyena to retain the soul of America from Trumpmaniacs. I greatly admire and would vote for President Biden, were he the candidate.
However, I believe that the age issue, after his first half hour during the debate, greatly diminished Biden’s chances of winning in 2024. If Jill and Joe agree, we have a better chance with a younger Dem.
I am not really that concerned. The way our news cycles go, this will be as old as both of the candidates and superseded by other, more timely, news. I also focus on the fact that it takes "Joe skills" to be an excellent president: thoughtful and analytical, able to rely on strong advisors input, and a steady diplomatic hand.
Especially when I consider the tug of war between the Jewish and Palestinian populations within this country and the challenges of "negotiating" the narrow pathway in that middleast mess, I am grateful for Joe's experience and steadiness.
I don't solely blame the press, but they exacerbate the problem. Any other candidate would be pressed for an accurate answer. DT has been allowed to get away with whatever he wants. I suspect because, from the beginning, he was not considered a serious candidate. Well he IS, and he needs to be treated that way. The poor persecuted little boy needs to be drilled on his stupid nonsensical non-answers.
Debbie, I would grant I found it appalling that Daniel Dale’s live fact-check was not permitted to appear in the news crawl throughout the CNN debate. The very fact that a deal was cut before-hand that there would be no fact-checking during the debate not only was injurious to Biden but also to the American people. Said terms were also an invitation for Trump to invent an entirely false narrative, which, indeed, he did.
Kathy, Because I don’t watch CNN, I neither can comment nor offer an explanation. That said, I mostly am baffled by the resistance to the contested Convention increasingly more Press is urging that offers us the best shot at a nominee who would take full advantage of the bully pulpit, speaking fluently and extemporaneously in situations from which Biden’s handlers regularly protect him.
Robin, In my view, if we persist solely in blaming the press, no matter how valid, we are failing our candidate with concrete means to evaluate missed opportunities. I elaborate on this point in my comment, which is part of this thread.
Barbara When I saw President Biden walk out unsteady, looking like a tired old man, for me this felt like a gut punch. As he looked askance and spoke with a flatness that was in sharp contrast to State-of-the-Union Joe, my wife and I were appalled.
Trump was at top decibel with his blatant lies and below the belt attacks. But Biden knew who and what Trump was.
For the moment, I have difficulty in identifying how best Trump can be defeated in November. President Biden’s age is now on the front burner. In October Trump need only post videos of Biden’s initial debate minutes.
I am normally infused with hope. Perhaps this will return shortly.
Biden is a morning person, trump is a night person. At 80 years, that makes a big difference even in the healthy and sharp. Next debate 7 a.m.!!
When I heard it was at 9 pm, I was thinking how am I going to stay up for it? And I'm 63!!! And with a bad cold on top of it? And it wasn't all glitches by any stretch as some poeple make it sound. He added some solid zingers at Trump, and answered the questions well in many cases. I think some people who have a huge fear of old age and dying were focused on the optics, which I admit were not good, more than anything.
I'm 81 and I didn't stay up. By 8pm I'm in my PJs. By 9pm I'm in bed. I'm up at 4am.
Ha ! I don't have a TV. And though I could have watched it by other means I did not have the slightest interest knowing from experience what it would be like. I'm 72. I keep a similar schedule. I work construction. I'm a solo renovator. And retired lawyer.
I was a debater in high school and know what a debate is. There is no such thing as a Presidential Debate any more. There are parades of self adulation and mudslinging that go by that name. And if you play with mud, you get dirty. The Tangerine Grifter is better at it that just about anyone including especially a dutiful, sincere, thoughtful and conscientious man like Joe Biden, because he is a pathological liar who has been doing it all his life. But I can understand how events like this draw crowds for as PT Barnum said, no one ever went broke underestimating the good taste of the American People.
I could care less how poor Joe Biden is at slinging mud nor how practiced his opponent. The choice between him and the American reincarnation of Il Duce is clear and requires no more illustration, to me or to anyone who does not have his head stuck in the sand. Basta.
Those self important editors at the NYT can be damned. I have been reading it since I was ten. No more.
You got some good zingers in this comment! :-)
I'm 76 and have gone to bed at 9:00 most of my life. If something exciting is happening, I'll make it to 10:00!
I'm up at 6:00, ready for a day of trying to persuade Trump lovers that there is NOTHING to love about him.
Howard I’m 90 and my wife and I did stay up. After the first five minutes I was tempted to break my one-beer-at-night rule. (I didn’t, but, perhaps, I should have).
President Biden’s initial minutes were sad.
Trump’s unbounded ignorance, lies, and unpresidential conduct won him the Guinness World Record for the most despicable major presidential candidate in American history. He has already won the Guinness record for being the worst American president in history, which has been affirmed by a distinguished panel of historians and political scientists.
Keith, to me the initial minutes were startling, then frightening. He looked as though he'd had a stroke. But he hadn't, it was caused by something else, and it gradually improved. I wasn't sad, because I didn't see it as the real Biden - something had happened.
same here...
My schedule (and age!) exactly!
That's only 7 hours of sleep! Maybe you should be in bed by 8! :)
7 1/2 hours sleep = 5 delightful sleep cycles. Now retired, I also enjoy a 1 1/2 hour afternoon nap. Doctor approves!
No wonder you're so sharp!
Aww, Thanks! But I don't dare comment after 8 pm!
Please Comment anytime.
Aw, gee, Thanks, Bryan!
Ah, I'll stop feeling guilty about that nap.
Nurse's Orders!
I nap after lunch. I'll stay off the ballot.
lol!
Haha!
Yes, certainly not at 9pm after running the country and the world all day! I've never trusted CNN and the lack of fact checking during the verbal dia**r+a from the other podium. But what's done is done and we must all work hard going forward. Never, ever give up!
Thank you, Heather, for resting and for the beautiful uplifting photograph. Have a great day on the water.
Yes. HCR will enjoy her kayak on the ocean no matter what falls from the sky, exactly the way these letters are written--carefully and accurately.
I, too, thought the CNN format was absolutely abysmal. Was there even ONE quotable comment from "pmurt" in the debate worth repeating? They let him lie, "gish gallop" and obfuscate his way through all 90 minutes. I will NEVER trust CNN news again. He should have been stopped instead of reminding him that "you have 28 seconds left , so would you like to answer the question?" DUH!!
MaryPat The presidency is a 24/7 job. Of course Trump never realized this.
Trump never considered the Presidency a job. He saw it as a great grifting opportunity, greatly expanding his pool of potential targets.
Trump Me, me, me—and my wealthy buddies. President Biden-Us, us, us for a better America.
Biden--best pres of my lifetime, which began the first summer of the Eisenhower Administration.
David My first vote was for Ike in 1956. By 1972 I was on the Nixon White House Enemies List. As an historian, I believe that historians, several decades from now, will rank Biden high. This could be affected by what happens between now and November.
I suspect Biden will be looked upon by historians as one of the best.
Incidentally, one thing I love about the comments section here is getting to talk to people ~20 years my senior who are wise with age.
David May I caution you. Vintage wine, after years of excellent bouquet, can turn sour. The same is true with ‘vintage seniors.’ Some have enhanced their eloquence and experienced insights, while others become undrinkable vinegar.
Thanks Keith. I'm actually well aware of the fact that not everyone ages well. Even my brilliant maternal aunt ultimately became senile before she died at 90, which was very painful for me. But I love the fact that one of our best presidents is in his 80s, and that there are people like you and Faye Reid, and a friend of my parents' who are doing well at 90-plus.
Props for making the Nixon enemies list! And for voting the year I turned 3.
David, Franklin D. Roosevelt was the best President of my lifetime. I have lived under a few, lol.
Roy Agree about FDR. I was born the year he entered the White House. My president for my first 12 years.
I missed Roosevelt by a handful of years.
Well, poor old man was riding his golf buggy on the course most of the time. He missed just about everything else (apart from the YUGE crowds at his (cough) inauguration.)
And don't forget what Heather said about Gish Gallop and how it's especially difficult for someone who stutters to manage the torrent of lies. I want President Biden's coach to give Biden a collection of one-sesntence responses to each possible lie. Then say, First, say as loud as you can, "You are lying or That's a lie!" Then make this ONE sentence statement. Loud and Proud!!!
For example, Trump. "I was the one who got insulin prices down, not you." Biden, "That's a lie!" You got prices down for a few people, temporarily. I got prices down to $35 for everyone on medicare, and I"m working to make that true for everyone." That's it!!! Nothing else!!! REpeat if you have to.
Yes. Except you can NEVER win against a malicious narcisist like trump, so don't debate at all, don't give trump a microphone.
Actually I like that idea. I just don't want it to seem that President Biden is afraid of Trump.
The fact is that power is very intoxicating. Witness Ginsburg and Feinstein. Biden should step down now and let a younger person step up. Biden's age along with the prospect that he might not finish his term so that Kamala Harris could become POTUS are two negative factors for many. We're in a tight spot. Though Biden has done a great job, this is a new ball game and one that we absolutely must win. Biden needs to recognize this, that he is in fact a liability that has to be overcome.
Step down in favor of whom? Why can none of you armchair pundits come up with both (1) a name, and (2) a persuasive case for why that individual can build up the name recognition to win in barely four months. IMO VP Harris is qualified to be president, but racism and sexism are at least as powerful in the electorate as ageism, and if you have any imagination at all you can probably guess what the GOP and Dark Money attack ads will look like.
Harris with AOC as VP. Both Moderate and Progressive Democrats should be able to coalesce around them.
Well, AOC does turn 35 in October, but that might lead to the worst blowout since McGovern in '72, and we really can't afford that.
People who wanted Bernie held their noses and voted for Biden. It’s time we started doing that for younger, less experienced candidates and women like Harris; she has been doing her homework and setting the stage for a candidacy.
Oh yes, there's a pair! Wow! When my half-sister in Washington State muttered about her, I sent her a video extract of a gimlet-like Harris in action in the Senate, and she agreed with me.
This should have been and should be the lead story on every news platform.
Gavin Newsom, Gov. of Calif., for one. He's charismatic and smart with executive experience. This election should be a walk-in-the-park for Democrats, but it isn't because of Biden's age and apparent fragility.
Just no! There is a superb television pundit--last name Sullivan, I think--who made a superb case for why switching horses at this point in the race would be really stupid, among other things because they'd have to start from zero on fundraising.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9vsivYrC4U
If you would read Simon Rosenberg, you'll find out that Biden has lost zero ground in polling, he's doing fine, and in response to the debate fiasco, many of us are giving money. I'm not wealthy, and until about a month ago I had never given a C-note to political candidates. Back then I gave Biden a C-note, or maybe it was Airlift.fund, which you should give to because it's terrific getting money to grass roots people who know the territory. And just today I gave Biden another C-note.
Start reading Simon Rosenberg and you'll feel a lot better. He's on substack.
I do get Simon's emails, David. Because the stakes in this election are so astronomically high, we are rightly concerned. Biden has done an outstanding job. The next task, of course, is to get re-elected. I, too, have given more money this campaign cycle than ever before. I think that I only made one donation to Biden's campaign since I've been concentrating on the Senate races. If ever there was a time for us to be opening our wallets to make political donations, it's now. Literally, now or never. And, Simon does make some good points. In fact, excellent points.
Lawrence O'Donnell makes a superb case for why switching horses at this point in the race would be incredibly dumb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9vsivYrC4U
Any idea about his name recognition among non-political junkies outside of California?
Whatever his name recognition among such, he'd be far, far behind Biden on fund raising. As Lawrence O'Donnell so eloquently explained, it's too late to switch horses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9vsivYrC4U
I keep forgetting about the money, but the Biden-Harris war chest is HUGE.
But he isn't. Read Kathy's post about the transcript. ( Now I really see what gaslighting is. It was that.)
Anne-Louise, there is no doubting that Biden's performance at the "debate" was awful. It isn't what you and I think about it that matters so much, but rather, as you already know, what the undecideds think and feel. In reality, both sides are fighting for that undecided 5%.
The fear that Harris may become president is indeed limiting support for Biden, as it has all during his term.
Read Simon Rosenberg and you'll feel much, much better!!!
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/it-is-time-for-strength-leadership?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1223483&post_id=146131967&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1exgz&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
I encourage all to read the transcript of the debate.President Biden(without the stutters , hoarse voice from a cold and trying too rapidly to refute the massive barrage of lies) is more than fine….and totally sane.Convicted criminal Trump is/was his usual unhinged self.
⬇️
https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/27/politics/read-biden-trump-debate-rush-transcript/index.html
I encourage all who are concerned to do whatever is in their comfort zone to boost Biden/Harris, retain the Senate and flip the House..Action really does help alleviate the stress of countering MAGA. Trust me, I live in MAGA-vile, Florida.
✍️📲💲🚶🏻👕🪧
“YOU CAN'T WRING YOUR HANDS AND ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AT THE SAME TIME.”
Patricia Schroeder '64, Former United States Representative
Or they could watch the video of his NC rally the next day.
Dave Too little, too late, when about 80 million people saw the start of the ‘debate.’
Keith, I’m surprised at you. See Luttig and Tribe on MSNBC this morning. That may make you feel better. Also the horror SCOTUS unleashed yesterday with the Enron decision. Imagine yourself with the weight of the world on your shoulders, three transatlantic flights in a week behind you, drilling on details to save the country, then meeting what Mika Brzezinski so aptly called “the firehose of lies” from a nasty child who is simply spewing hatred. I hope Biden will continue as I don’t think there’s a replacement. Can you imagine the Dems agreeing on a candidate and getting him elected? I’m learning that intelligence does not equal wisdom and remembering Der Alte!
I'm so happy to hear that Mika made such a great comment. I don't watch TV, so I don't see her, but her mother and my mother were friends, and I have a picture her mother drew of me when I was six, when I had a very hard time sitting still, and it still came out terrific.
I just heard Mika pay tribute to Biden, expecting him to stay in the race.
I'm very happy to hear that, though not surprised!
I disagree Keith, although it might be my youth and inexperience that leads me to have more confidence than I should in the American electorate. You'll note the facetious nature of that comment since I'm old enough to remember the context in which it was first made. I'm an outlier among most of the folks I correspond with in believing that when the real decision has to be made, Biden will win.
I'm with you.
Apparently only 51 million people actually tuned in and we don't know how many shut it off in disgust.
Is that all? I don't know if that's better or worse. The ones who didn't will have to decide which news sources to form an opinion from.
Mary Ellen According to one report, another 30 million streamed at least part of the ‘debate.’
Both.
Kathy They said much the same about the difference between the TV and radio aspects of the Kennedy-Nixon debate in 1960. Nixon had been in the hospital for a few days shortly before coming to the TV debate. He also refused to use make up. He looked scraggly.
By contrast, JFK, despite all his real ailments, looked robust and aggressive. Unfortunately, Trumpists can play and replay the video of Biden’s first half hour, when age is a valid issue.
According to Simon Rosenberg, the numbers haven't changed since the debate. Biden remains on top.
David Polls for me are a squirrelly worm. We’ll see on November 5th.
I love that phrase, "squirrelly worm." But I've been doing things, as Simon Rosenberg recommends, including contributing a C note to Biden-Harris, and I forget how much to Airlift.fund, a group that spreads the money among the best grass roots funds.
Yes! Polls are Putin’s toys.
squirrelly worm?
As in wriggly?
Thank you for posting this, Kathy!
Reading the transcript makes a big difference!
The convicted felon was spouting gibberish from the very beginning, while President Biden was actually answering the questions.
It's amazing how much the sound and picture affects us! Biden's voice was soft and raspy while the felon was loud and clear in spite of the fact that what he was saying was lies at best, mostly gibberish.
It comes naturally to him - doesn't have to think.
Keith, Regrettably, dating back 2 years, Democrats who had harbored doubts about Biden’s capacity to serve effectively for 4 more years, were they to have gone public, would have faced marginalization by a bunker mentality that has persisted to the present.
Clearly, if it ends up that Biden is our nominee out of the Convention, then everyone who cares about our democracy has to do everything they can to help Biden defeat Trump. However, because Thursday’s debate, which reinforced considerable doubt, was scheduled early enough to take stock and have conversations, particularly in the White House, as to whether this is the best way to beat Trump, we need to make sure that we are putting our best foot forward here.
I further would add that the enemy is not the NYTimes and other publications that are raising the issue of Biden stepping aside. These journalists are raising the issue precisely because they care so much about beating Trump and feel the urgency to raise these questions.
I understand that, but when many more column inches were taken up with Biden than with Trump, I get upset. Trump's behavior is frightening and that should be focused on so much more than it is, regardless of who the Dem candidate is.
Kim, I agree not nearly enough attention is focused on Trump. That said, because the stakes are so high, I believe the Press currently is driven by its best assessment of how to fulfill its fundamental role of preserving our democratic republic.
Over the past year there has hardly been one headline in the NY Times or Washington Post that did not have the word "TRUMP" in it. Wasn't it PT Barnum who said, "They can say whatever they want as long as they spell my name right." Luckily (for Trump) his name only has five letters. Trump has absorbed all the oxygen in the room. We need a breath of fresh air.
Here's a breath of fresh air (paste the URL into the browser)
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/it-is-time-for-strength-leadership
Howard, I would note I believe Kim was referring to Thursday night’s debate coverage.
Read Simon Rosenberg. We're going to win!
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/it-is-time-for-strength-leadership
David, I subscribe to HopiumChronicles and read it now and again, but skeptically given what, in my view, is left out. I assure you I can’t think of a single incident when I was this much invested in hoping I’m wrong.
And to sell newspapers. Trump's failing mental and physical capacities are old news.
Yes! And wouldn't the circus of choosing a new candidate be great fodder for the media! No wonder they're pushing it! (I'm getting so cynical)
Biden's age is old news, too, but they keep reporting about it. :(
Kim, i too am upset and refuse to read any of it. On Friday we watched the local news, but not the national news and that may the rule for a while. We have agreed that we cannot do a thing about it (except vote and donate), and we don't want to raise our BP everyday.
Joe is NOT in this race for Joe; Trump is in this race for Trump. That should be a Known at this point and it alone makes voting the decision easy. We have to trust that when Joe recognizes he's not up to the job, he'll resign from it. Some trust, too much to ask?? Joe has never been an orator; he's a doer and he has done plenty even with a do-nothing House for the past 2 years. I sent my weekly letter to the editor of the local paper on Friday and stipulated AFTER the debate that this will be the easiest election I've ever been in. The choice is obvious and when voting commences on 9/20 here in VA, I'll happily try to re-elect the best President we've had in at least 50 years.
Michael, I merely would respond with the assurance that regardless of whether we agree we’re putting our best foot forward with Joe Biden, if he’s our nominee, I expect most, if not all, of us will come together to try to save our democratic republic.
Sorry, but the like button doesn't work with my old computer. Thanks, I also expect all of us will come together to try to save the country. Never meant to imply anything different.
Thank you for mentioning the awful Gov of my home state, Virginia. Please, Virginia voters, do not re-elect him!
Sorry, but the like button doesn't work with my old computer. In VA a governor gets only one term so re-election of this character will not happen. We have bigger fish to fry at the Federal level.
Thanks for shaking the cobwebs off my 5th grade Va History lessons. Thank goodness he cannot run again.
Another Virginian joins you. Surrounded by memory of the Founding Fathers as you are in VA, how can you vote them out? But HL Mencken knew.
Trump is in this for Putin. Read Freezing Order by Bill Browder. it’s right under our noses!
Sorry, but the like button doesn't work with my old computer. Thank you for the book recommendation. I have a sneaking suspicion that both of those poor excuses for human beings are in it for themselves and just using the other to get what they want. Thanks again.
Thank you for bringing in the Truth! I heard Putin often on Thursday night but no one I’ve heard has mentioned it. As for polls, Putin’s thumb and bots are everywhere.
HCR's recent letter before this "kayak" letter did describe Putin's influence in Trump's rants.
I am allowing myself to let go of Biden. But then, I am from Michigan, and know that Gretchen Whitmer will make a phenomenal President.
👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 that’s a bonkers idea letting go of Biden. Are you a troll???
Anne, I am not a troll and fully support Biden, and should have said I am allowing myself to CONSIDER letting go of Biden. Our #1 focus must be on what preserves our democracy - and I have full faith Biden can continue to do that admirably. But, if he decides to step down, or wiser pols than me convince him too, then I can sleep knowing that our "Big Gretch" could win it.
Unfortunately, I don’t know whether this country is ready of a woman President alongside a woman VP. As for Gavin Newsom, not a good idea with another Californian on the ticket. All-in-all, we have what we have and need to make it work. Gretchen in the future? YOU BET! (I’m an Illinoisan.)
Thanks - I like that better.
If you read what the experts are saying there is no possible mechanism at this point then for Harris to take the rein. People should inform themselves before they start promoting wacko, chaotic, crazy, democracy suicide ideas
Christy, If Biden releases his delegates, they will keep taking votes at a contested Convention until the requisite number (not sure what it is) has settled on a nominee.
* sorry I did not correct the spellcheck error. Meant to say there is no mechanism “except” for Harris. There will be chaos if people think that Biden can step down and Harris not step up.
I am allowing for the possibility of Biden stepping down. Whitmer looks like a good alternative. I am continuing to work on Getting Out The Vote for the Democratic candidate for President. Whomever.
It’s passed the time when any other can get on the ticket. I can’t even believe I’m reading that you’re toying with this idea of abandoning Biden. That’s what MAGAs want! That’s why he did it! We are still the majority! How about you get out of the way then. I’m not asking actually. Get lost.
I agree with your first premises, but PLEASE do not be rude to other commenters. I don’t know about you, but I believe this WILL all subside once the news cycle changes, as it invariably does…and in very short time! Hanging in there, with you! Go Biden!
And not necessary at all. That in itself makes us look bad. That’s what Trump does. Uses until they’re used up then tosses them out with the trash. Biden is no where near incapable. This is as bad as the media. So superficial. I’m not rude! There is so much at stake here. And the timing is not good for trying to replace him even if it were within rules.
Got it! We are on the same page, for sure.
It looks to me like y’all are giving up on him. That’s terrible!
I think she will too, 4 years from now when she follows Biden.
MaryPat, I believe were Biden to release his delegates and the Convention were contested, your governor would rise to the top of Democrats under consideration for the nomination.
It’s too late to get anyone else on the ticket. I’d like to see the whole Democratic Party get him ready for the next debate. He can do this. I’d like to see as much support for our party as the other side has for theirs! They’re incredibly organized, well prepared and confident. I don’t see those kinds of things here except for donations mostly. Donations are important, however when’s the last time you attended a school board meeting?
It will be hard for so many of us to let go of Biden, if that happens.
Let's assume we don't have to, and work hard to make sure he is reelected..
She would indeed, a breath of fresh air.
Yea Whitmer!! She has what it takes.
in 2028
You may like your governor, but the only thing I have ever heard about her is that some crazies from her own state planned to kidnap her.
She was considered for Biden's VP.
You have substantially more respect for what used to be called the journalism profession than I do. I don't think that even Thomas Friedman, who made an almost tearjerking effort to explain why Biden should drop out, is anywhere near as concerned about beating the failed insurrectionist as he is about selling newspapers, generating clicks, and picking up subscriptions to his column. If they were, the clamor for Biden to get out of the race would be overwhelmed in volume by the demands for an explanation from Republicans why they continue to support a convicted felon and rapist who is liable for almost 1/2 a billion dollars in civil judgements. There really is no comparison between the two and we dare not let anyone lose sight of that.
Dave, Respectfully, every piece I have read leaves me with the same impression. Journalists are raising questions because they want to beat Trump. In my view, it’s precisely because they care so much about defeating Trump that they’re raising these questions.
As for demanding an explanation from Republicans for their continued support for Trump, I imagine the journalists I’ve read would view that as an exercise in futility.
Thanks Barbara Jo. Your closing comment is exactly why I've lost most of my respect for journalists. Opposing the war in Vietnam was an exercise in futility for much of the 60s and 70s but, had that not been done, and had the Pentagon papers not been published, the succeeding decades would have turned out much differently. Investigative journalism rarely produces immediate positive results but is essential to any effort to keep politicians or anyone else honest in their behavior and actions. Once the Paley wall between news and entertainment was broken, fewer efforts were made to do anything that doesn't have an immediate positive impact on the organization's bottom line. The fact that the former president, failed insurrectionist, and convicted felon isn't referred to in those terms every time his name appears in print or is broadcast is a sad sign of how far we've regressed.
Dave, To be clear, my response expressly was a reply to your question as to why the Press was not demanding a response from Republicans for their continued support of Trump. To clarify why I asserted that journalists, overall, would view that as an exercise in futility, particularly at this terrifying moment in our nation’s history, is my sense that journalists, overall, are well aware that the one thing the radical right loathes more than, say, liberals is the truth.
My point is that as much as I largely concur with your post, I don’t see its relevance either to the specific question you had asked or my response.
With respect Barbara.
The New York Times is anti-Biden as is the Washington Post. Since 2016 these publications have gone to great effort to showcase trump. The NYT is getting clicks for cash. The editors feel less than zero patriotism nor concern for our Democracy. This is a business to them. The media has become the enemy of our Democracy.
How has the media been operating these past few years? Creating a false reality too many Americans have bought into that trump is a normal, viable candidate. Calling an insurrection a rally. Going for clicks and cash because of Biden's age. Ignoring the fact that trump is a convicted rapist and felon running for office. Ignoring the facts of trump's mental decline. Ignoring the facts of trump sweating, looking panicked and becoming incoherent by the end of the debate. Ignoring the cabal of dark money behind Project 2025 and their mission of electing trump. Ignoring trump's threat to our democracy. Ignoring what Democrats stand for. Emphasizing every single moment and move trump makes.
The media drives the message. And down is up and up is down.
If I landed from Mars and scanned these 2 newspapers, I would think trump was President. That is how much his pictures are published and endless stories about him are written. When was the last time there was a headline or even a story about one of Biden's speeches? He gives them all the time. Yet trump's rallies are covered.
When was the last time what Biden has been doing for the American people has been covered. How much press does the results of the Infrastructure Bill get covered? When were the good guys in Congress covered such as Raskin? Yet Comer sure does get his pound of flesh every week sometimes daily. How is it the President is honorable in the face of his son's conviction but is ignored because the media wants to cover trumps lies and whining? How is it that the 200 news stations owned by MAGA Sinclair Media Empire all spouted the same exact news on the same day?
How in the name of everything is it possible that a felon out on bail who stood up and hated on America, loved on Putin, told a lie every 100 seconds, and was incoherent was declared the winner of the debate by the media while the good, sane, moral and hardworking man who has achieved historical gains for this country be pilloried because he has an awful night?
The media has become the enemy Barbara. We must, for the sake of our Democracy, we must become wise and knowledgeable and turn our gaze towards credible news organizations besides the main-stream media.
My apologies for the length and fervor of this essay. It is borne of terror at the brainwashing of America as they stare at their smart phones hour after hour.
Barbara Mullen-Thank you for articulating so well the media’s complicity in the propaganda game.
There has never been enough scrutiny and reporting about DJT’s life long grift, cheating, lies etc. Who has called for him to step down?
Thanks Barbara, don't apologise: you're reminding us of what seems temporarily to have been forgotten and which we've never ceased to lament, all of us, about the news bias.
Barbara, Because I stated in its coverage of Biden’s meandering debate performance that the Press, in my view, is not the enemy, I never intended my statement to nullify all the ways the Press has failed to be a rigorous watchdog of those in power and those who wish to be in power.
I understand Barbara and thank you for the clarification. I have always respected what you have to say in these comments.
Your comment prompted me to write about/vent about our evil, oligarch owned, biased, anti-Democracy media. Ooops-- there I go again!
Anyway. Best Regards and take care.
Barbara, I very much appreciate your kind reply.
dumb phones
Heaven help us yes. It is frankly terrifying has happened. Everywhere I go people are on their phones; in the park, restaurants, with their kids, eating out, shopping, doctor's office...
We have lost the ability to be tenderly present with each other. I grieve that.
"tenderly present." Thank You for that, Barbara. I will make it my theme for next week!
Me too. Love that!
I have to disagree that their reporting is meant to help beat trump. They need to beat trump by publishing far and wide Biden's accomplishments and the positive impact those are having on ordinary Americans and their communities.
DebbieM, In my view, the Press, in part, is calling for Biden to release his delegates so Democrats have a shot at a nominee who would take full advantage of the Bully Pulpit, speaking fluently and extemporaneously in situations from which Biden’s handlers regularly protect him. Were we to have a nominee of this caliber, we wouldn’t have to rely on published text that we have no guarantee even would be read.
Point taken.
Keith, having written my first inspiration only to accidentally delete it, trying again. En bref,, the Democratic Party leaders are behind the president and more people have been turned off by Trump than by Biden. Mika Brzezinski said it best: the “firehouse of lies” was, IMHO, what stopped a tired (three transatlantic trips in a week), lovingoving truth teller in disbelief at so much lying hatred being spewed at their country.
Newsom, Shapiro, are telling US to get back to work. So back to postcards. You can find your local writers and send them stamp money to get as many $.53 as possible before Trump’s DeJoy raises the price to $.57 on July 14.
Thanks, Virginia - I kept trying to catch your post, and have succeeded at last!
Bring back the hope Keith. The President's age is important only to Republicans and the press who have remarkably little else to criticize him for. As long as we keep ourselves from panicking, remember to get out the vote, and have ready a list of the things Biden has actually gotten done while in office, the 70% or so of Americans who aren't cultists will, when the chips are down, bet on 4 more years of old and steady at the wheel.
I keep sayin'.
Despite the polls, despite all the BS, Trump is the worst candidate of all time. If we work, a yellow dog can beat Trump. I just doubled down on my contribution to the FT 6 TextArcade. Object: sunset Rick Scott. Has a 34% favorability rating. That group must not know much about him. Largest fine for Medicare fraud in history. Wants to "sunset" all benefits. Plus he's ugly, supports a guy who hates dogs and stole from kids with cancer, assaulted women, and was convicted of 34 felonies.
https://www.fieldteam6.org/all-volunteer-ops
I disagree. I am a staunch democrat and supporter of Biden. But he should never have run for a second term. He is too old. He can't articulate his positions. He obviously would be better than Trump, but if he runs I don't think we'll find out. He will lose. Or on the tiny chance that he wins he would degenerate more as time passes. Which once again would be better than Trump, but it wouldn't be good. We can't risk him running.
I suspect that most of us would have preferred a single term transition to a stronger successor candidate, but that's not what we've got. The only one who can forestall a Biden-Trump rematch is God, and we won't know that unless it happens. In the meantime, we have to do everything we can to ensure Biden's re-election.
No worries Everybody; with others I had to help to calm a community of Forensic Psychiatrists on Saturday & those Docs are headed to the front lines.
Trump's sentencing is on 7/11.
Bryan, if I take you literally, then you know/interact with Forensic Psychiatrists? Please ask them why the American Psychiatric Assoc. (or whatever that collective's name is) came up with "The Goldwater Effect" and years ago forbade Psychiatrists from commenting on candidate's mental/emotional fitness for running for POTUS? Had the nation had a model, a repeating tutorial on narcissistic personality disorder, definition of a sociopath, and possibly most of all, defining gaslighting... would the democracy be in the peril it is in? The "basketful of deplorables" include Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon and on and on. Would there still be so many followers of that ilk? Would otherwise formerly sane Republicans have allowed themselves to kiss the ring? What if? What if? What if Psychiatrists had gathered and educated the populace long ago? Why not? Why not?
They tried. There were MAGA psychiatrists trying to shut them up.
Dr. Bandy Lee even lost her job because of Dershowitz. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-shared-psychosis-of-donald-trump-and-his-loyalists/
They didn't try hard enough, or long enough. Thanks for the link. I will read it. If they tried, it wasn't a broad, repeated "try" where enough of us could tune in. Many of us do pay attention and I've not seen enough "trying."
Civil commitment. So far, Trump has demonstrated that at a minimum he should have had to address competency to stand trial. IMHO at least three judges so far should have asked whether he was doing himself any favors by his contemptuous conduct.
If I were a candidate running against Trump, I'd have my panoply of physicians come forward to address mental and physical capacity to govern the country.
Biden had been travelling.... I'm susceptible to stuff like jet lag. I have "good insurance disease," thus see about 15 different specialists. A president has to have a similar medical record. Checked every time he travels.
Understand, Dr Lee & Professional friends have a program set up through Jthe uly 11 sentencing of Trump. Turbulence is expected Fasten All Seat Belts have been fastened.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lee dropped Chapter 11 of her new book at 7:31 am today, Sunday : "The Psychology of Trump Contagion:An Existential Threat to American Democracy & All Humankind"
Dr Lee new book is being sent to PAID Substack Subscriber like me. We are on Chapter 11 this morning.
They wrote a book. They could not get an audience in the media. They had a conference. Not sure why you would sit in judgement when you don’t know how hard they tried
Christy, I do not sit in judgement of those who tried. I wrote about this initially just based on what I knew about the APA and obviously, I had low information until people here today informed me. Casting aspersions on those of us who don't know it all doesn't help. So many get their "news " from just one silo. I do not know it all. I appreciate all that I learned today on this board about Dr. Lee. I read further about her, and it is appalling that she has been treated this way. We subscribe to several Substack newsletters and try as much as possible to obtain facts. I'll be writing postcards this week and doing what I can.
That’s awesome Carla! Just for clarification, in my language, this is very much a judgement: “They didn't try hard enough, or long enough”. Great that you didn’t intend it to be.
Spot-on Christy 🎯
I do interact with active group of Forensic Psychiatrists.
The APA is the institutional enemy of this Team Led by Dr. Bandy Lee the ex-Yale Professor & worldwide expert known for her lectures on Violence. Dr. Lee is joined by nationally Forensic Psychiatrists as well.
This group of Psychiatrists take risks both personal physical & Professional risks but, their public political activity leading to the July 11 DJT Sentencing is now starting to appear. I just watched DON LEMONS' interview of Dr Lee: "Is Trump Mental ly Fit -- Dr. Bandy Lee on The Don Lemon Show".
FYI, Dr. Lee's professional attacker has been removed as President of the APA on other grounds. The APA has a long despicable record.
For just 1 example see., "Investigation Concludes APA Colluded with Government to Enable Torture" at www.humanrightsclinic.law.harvard.edu.
Note the split screen interview of Dr. Lee as this group of Docs is Tech savy. Digital security protocols are in place.
More leading up to July 11.
Thank you. I am committed to trying my best to learn what I can to in some way attempt to preserve the democracy.
Many, millions of citizens are taking action as well.
I felt the same, but people who understand what it’s like to keep his schedule and then be ill on top of that will probably look at it differently than he’s lost it. Well, he has lost some of it. We all do as we age and the presidency aged everyone except TFG who didn’t really work at it. I know when I get tired I can hardly remember my name some days. He isn’t who he was 4 years ago, but TFG is worse than he was 4 years ago. Now he’s emboldened and will add these clips to his attacks. What I understand is that behind TFG are people worse than he is, much worse. Behind Biden are capable people who can carry on. That should be a political ad! The MSM is doing us no favors at all. As folks keep asking, where’s the cry for TFG to step down after his convictions? Nowhere. The NYT - gone, and WaPo not far behind. Actually, those who know these things are more IMHO willing and fired up to step up and support the democratic ticket.
My favorite clip was one that summarized the substance of each one of them. https://decodingfoxnews.substack.com/p/two-men-two-views-of-america?r=ek732&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2WXaEfN5VOSUqb6yLFGXo0uFQUlqp4EEKIwoD-u6P-W4pplMSS65btbBw_aem_CnpmyktOgQ7EfI-_uW5Slw&triedRedirect=true
Thanks, Lynn!
Bad debate nights happen. Trust me, I know. But this election is still a choice between someone who has fought for ordinary folks his entire life and someone who only cares about himself. Between someone who tells the truth; who knows right from wrong and will give it to the American people straight — and someone who lies through his teeth for his own benefit. Last night didn’t change that, and it’s why so much is at stake in November.
Barack Obama
Barbara The video of President Biden, especially during the first half hour, I consider a dagger on the ‘age issue.’ Would you want that man piloting your plane?
Personally, my answer would be yes, compared to Trump, but that’s not the national impact.
The President is not my pilot. This is an apples to oranges comparison.
This President was sick, had just returned from an extremely successful and vigorous overseas trip, watched his son get convicted, continued to govern all the while.
It was a 90 minute frankly useless debate. Did you see President Biden's Raleigh speech the next day?
If you are going to entertain in purity tests then I invite you to examine just how there could be a convicted rapist and felon out on bail who stood up and hated America, loved on Putin and told a lie every 100 seconds? Why isn't this the narrative?
The bottom line is this. President Biden continues to have my trust and vote. I respect and trust his Cabinet and the rest of his Administration. I am thrilled with the job he has done and anticipate giving him 4 more years of doing it.
With respect. If President Biden has lost your confidence that is your right.
What I am sincerely asking people to ponder is this.
Is this constant dialog about President Biden's age undermining the Democratic Party's chances of winning this election thus installing a madman and fascist as President?
Barbara I have great admiration for President Biden and will vote for him in November, if he is the Democratic candidate. My concern is whether he is now the best candidate to defeat Trump? The age thing is real. I’m waiting for Jill and Joe to sort this out.
Trump is an overriding threat to the soul of America that I wish my grand kids to inherit. What’s the best way of defeating him ?
At the end of the day, I stand with the Democratic Party nominee. And I believe Biden will defeat trump. So does Biden.
Do you follow Simon Rosenberg? I highly recommend him. He is the antithesis of the medias' take on everything Biden.
Best Regards. I enjoyed our discussion.
Addendum.
This just hit my mailbox from Simon Rosenberg:
"Yesterday I shared with you early data that has found no damage to Biden. Part of my understanding of what happened on Thursday is that we continue to be in a media dynamic where Democrats are held to a different standard than MAGA. Where our strength is underestimated, theirs overestimated; and while many in the media may have become inured to Trump’s bat-shit crazy extremism voters have shown us in election after election, particularly since Dobbs, they aren’t inured - they are horrified, disgusted, repulsed by MAGA and Trump. And while the media may be focusing on Biden’s struggles on Thursday night, many voters who watched the debate were deeply unhappy with what they saw with Trump - and for good reason. It was in my mind the craziest and most disturbing performance we’ve seen from Trump on the national stage since he began his candidacy in 2015. He is deeply unwell, unfit, extreme, dangerous. Choose your words. A rapist, fraudster, traitor, felon. So yes, let’s keep talking about us and our challenges in the coming days but LET US NOT FOR ONE MOMENT STOP TALKING ABOUT THIS HISTORIC THREAT DONALD TRUMP IS TO EVERYTHING WE HOLD DEAR AND HOW CRAZY IT IS THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS RALLIED BEHIND THIS HISTORICALLY TERRIBLE MAN."
Well. Simon has no end of enthusiasm and passion!
Keith, after trying to edit twice and losing my encouraging words each time, all I can do before coffee is recommend taking Newsom
‘s and Shapiro’s advice and get to work. If you know a postcard writer, fund the stamps, lots of them at $.53 before Trump’s mole in the PO raises the price to $.57 on July 14th. And KEEP WRITING.
Miłego weekendu!
It would be helpful if the press coverage ALSO pointed out how much Trump lied and his plans for the country. Young people in particular need to understand how much they have to lose under Trump.
Based on his past appearances, I don't think Trump would have passed a drug test that night.
Steve Trump is on a perpetual Burger King high, with ketchup on the wall.
Keith, I don’t want to use his age as when we look at blue zones we can see people his age quite robust, but I agree his health is of great concern. He has appears like a person with Parkinson’s. I am not saying he has this, but something is wrong, President’s don’t have the luxury of a “bad night” He is the commander in chief and has to be ready for that 3am call. He has done wonderful things for the country and I believe was a great choice following the horrible Trump years, but we live in unprecedented times when a convicted felon, proven rapist, proven to have committed fraud can run for president. I know in Illinois a felon can’t own a gun. How can a felon have the control of nuclear bombs? The Federalist Society and the Heritage Foundation have been undermining democracy for years. The Supreme Court the 5th circuit Court,, and the Red states have ben the testing ground for Project 2025. I hope President Biden will step down and let someone who can fight back against bullies in front of the American people with facts like Elizabeth Warren will run. Climate change is the only existential problem facing our species and we desperately need someone who can fight these narcissistic christofascists who care nothing for others or the environment,
Read the latest Simon Rosenberg, and you'll feel MUCH MUCH BETTER!!!
https://www.hopiumchronicles.com/p/it-is-time-for-strength-leadership?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=1223483&post_id=146131967&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1exgz&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email
Your observations echo in the minds of many of us now.
Linda Personally, I would vote for Lena the Hyena to retain the soul of America from Trumpmaniacs. I greatly admire and would vote for President Biden, were he the candidate.
However, I believe that the age issue, after his first half hour during the debate, greatly diminished Biden’s chances of winning in 2024. If Jill and Joe agree, we have a better chance with a younger Dem.
Trump Is the one who is “greatly diminished”. Biden has served America honorably. He’s human and not perfect but far more competent than DJT.
I’m so disappointed in the Democrats and the way we shoot ourselves in the foot. We’re only helping the Rs to elevate their agenda.
Look at Biden’s record! This debate was 90 minutes out of one day.
I am not really that concerned. The way our news cycles go, this will be as old as both of the candidates and superseded by other, more timely, news. I also focus on the fact that it takes "Joe skills" to be an excellent president: thoughtful and analytical, able to rely on strong advisors input, and a steady diplomatic hand.
Especially when I consider the tug of war between the Jewish and Palestinian populations within this country and the challenges of "negotiating" the narrow pathway in that middleast mess, I am grateful for Joe's experience and steadiness.
I don't solely blame the press, but they exacerbate the problem. Any other candidate would be pressed for an accurate answer. DT has been allowed to get away with whatever he wants. I suspect because, from the beginning, he was not considered a serious candidate. Well he IS, and he needs to be treated that way. The poor persecuted little boy needs to be drilled on his stupid nonsensical non-answers.
Debbie, I would grant I found it appalling that Daniel Dale’s live fact-check was not permitted to appear in the news crawl throughout the CNN debate. The very fact that a deal was cut before-hand that there would be no fact-checking during the debate not only was injurious to Biden but also to the American people. Said terms were also an invitation for Trump to invent an entirely false narrative, which, indeed, he did.
We can win against the media as well. Push back on them too. There IS power in numbers and we certainly have that 😉
CNN continues to show Biden in his worse stumbles; they are not showing the other debater in his worse lies.
Kathy, Because I don’t watch CNN, I neither can comment nor offer an explanation. That said, I mostly am baffled by the resistance to the contested Convention increasingly more Press is urging that offers us the best shot at a nominee who would take full advantage of the bully pulpit, speaking fluently and extemporaneously in situations from which Biden’s handlers regularly protect him.