About 18 months ago, I was fairly skeptical of Joe Biden being the Dem nominee. I knew well his experience with foreign policy (more than all of his competitors, combined--and yes, this IS in the president's wheelhouse as Head of State and Cdr in Chief), but could he beat Trump? And gosh, he's so old...
About 18 months ago, I was fairly skeptical of Joe Biden being the Dem nominee. I knew well his experience with foreign policy (more than all of his competitors, combined--and yes, this IS in the president's wheelhouse as Head of State and Cdr in Chief), but could he beat Trump? And gosh, he's so old...
I realized in the month leading to the election how lucky we were. Since his inauguration, even more so. He's not perfect, but really, he's (mostly) struck the right tone at the right moments, had the right amount (and number) of focuses (people on the left have criticized some of the issues he HASN'T taken on yet. To those folks: whaddya say we stop the pandemic that's now killed as many people in 17 months as our CIVIL WAR did in 4 years? (look it up) And start fixing the thousands of bridges that're gonna fall? We'll get to you in a bit, okay?
And he's not afraid to punch people in the face once they've proven an impediment. I love it. His words--perfectly stated--say what most of us have thought for months. Good on him. I hope he makes more. Every simple-minded, Faustian-era conspiracy theorist can scream to the heavens (and will, without even a simple "thanks" afterward) but if it means we can get past this (oh, like we coulda-shoulda by now) who cares?
I read your comment which totally reflects my thoughts and opinions. I am baffled by people who are”concerned Biden is losing his mind”. His latest intervention on the pandemic is mind boggling. It is so right with impeccable timing. I think most of us are so fed up with these policies to protect the anti maskers of Abbot and DeSantis
I pointed out to someone recently that, while Trump routinely tries to poke at Biden's age, he's in fact only four years younger himself (he was surprised). No, he's definitely not losing his mind--in fact, I've been impressed with his strategic mindset, pace and messaging tenor. A lot. I DO think age is a factor, and no Biden's age isn't ideal (if he gets re-elected, he'll turn 87 before leaving office), but that's one "rule" there isn't a crime in bending (in an era when people are justifying any means for their "ideals").
I believe Biden’s age is his political superpower. What does he has to loose? Re-election? Of course he doesn’t care for re-election at his age. He is free to do and say whatever his moral compass tells him. Politicians are not so much immoral as they are slaves of the next election results
Presidents have two terms. Rather he is here one or two he is stepping up to the plate with action and working hard to combat the destruction our governors are doing to our citizens. It is shameful that they are willing to put our children at risk by not requiring masks in school. He is confronting this. I think you are underestimating his stepping up to the plate. In my mind he is leaving a legacy we can be proud of. He was not my choice of Democrats but I think he was the right choice for our country at this time.
His age means he's had a long lifetime of experience, likely meaning he's learned from his mistakes and better recognizes his weaknesses. (At least that's what I tell myself when looking at the stranger in the mirror.) Combine these qualities with his deep innate empathy and we have the right kind of leader at such a perilous time. Imagine dealing with a pandemic and trying to help a delusional cult that despises you avoid death and suffering.
In a sense, I agree, but there will be TREMENDOUS pressure on Biden to run again, esp. if Trump runs again. Lots of people conjecture about him "stepping down" and "letting VP Harris" become president. It doesn't work that way. The DNC will see this an an imperative; unless his health is failing, he will run again.
Maybe not re-election ? But he really loves, cares and takes pride in his family, years serving and last but not least our Country, I think his Son’s Legacy and his own are important to him, Has he made mistakes along the way ? They all have. You know/ we all know a Narcissistic Con’s life blood is the ‘Con’. If TFG stops he’s done for.Sucker born every 3 minutes. And boy do I know ! Any loyalty to him will be personal choice , Not Demanded.He will read the Briefs ! I’m good with our “ New and Improved Alternative Reality “.
Your words echo my thoughts. Initially, my thought was that at least he isn't TFG, but even knowing the depth of his experience, I worried about his age (the same as mine). I had it all wrong. He has performed amazingly, despite his age, and despite the morass he inherited. Now, if his mandate reduces the spread of Covid, and if he can take Manchin and Sinema to the woodshed and pass the infrastructure bills, then tackle voting rights, with the help of newly-energized AG Merrick Garland, he will not only have worked miracles, but also be able to overcome the loudmouthed, racist Rethuglican hordes at the ballot box.
President Biden's age needn't even be a factor when it is his insight, his experience, his learning and his concern for our country and its citizens that matter!
Yes hope we learned that it is important to have a President who has experience in government unlike the apprentice who had no relevant experience and has serious learning disabilities. I see how Joe’s experience in Congress has really made a huge difference. Even more than that a narcissistic sociopath should be disqualified. Biden has a conscience and empathy which needs to be a trait our President should have.
I’m with you Robert. I too had reservations about Biden at first, I worried that his age and his polite demeanor wouldn’t be able to match the sociopath currently residing in the White House at the time. I am pleased to know that he didn’t resort to playing the dirty tricks and manipulation game of the right, he took the high road and it paid off. Since his inauguration Biden has shown himself to be the right man for the job, and surrounded himself with a team of smart, experienced women and men, many of whom are smarter than he, he knows it and is not intimidated! Instead he sees the advantage, unlike his predecessor who was under the delusion that he was smarter than those around him—even as he hand picked a team of misfit puppets… I digress.
President Biden, while not perfect, is what presidential should look and sound like!
He and Kamala need to set a fire under the asses of Manchin, Sinema, Cortez and a few others before they ruin it all, allowing us to regress to the US in the 1950’s as the idjts would have it.
I believe our children bring many gifts if we’re paying attention and that Joe Biden was given some very special ones from his. Beau, guided well by his Dad, returned to our POTUS, increased strength and courage to hold onto what is right despite intense opposition. Every morning I awaken and give thanks to everyone who overcame difficult barriers to cast their vote for Joe Biden, saving us from the too frightening alternative.
Precisely my thoughts and feelings about President Biden, Robert McTague. Thank you for expressing them so clearly -- and with a nice sprinkle of sarcasm and wit.
I believe with 100% of my being that TFG would not have brought ‘Any’ Afghanistan supporters out .Releasing those 5K would have been part of my End Game or up them.Like closing the barn door after the horse got loose.Not i discussion with the Taliban ? If Ur spending all Ur time focused on a Loss of an Election. When do you find time to plan a withdrawal ?Most newly elected presidents have time from Election Day until an Inauguration to be briefed on TFG’s “ Deals “. Not this time, never have seen that in my whole lifetime .
“We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. And your refusal has cost all of us.”
“Today, the United States of America sued the state of Texas for acting “in open defiance of the Constitution” when it passed S. B. 8 and deprived “individuals of their constitutional rights.”
Finally, the federal government has been poked in the eye with sharp sticks often enough to do battle directly.
“There were other wins today for the Biden administration.”
True, I guess. But only if one is willing to entertain the loosest of definitions for “wins”.
Eric, I usually admire your analysis, but in this case, I think you're being too pessimistic. I like what Biden is doing, and not just because he isn't TFG.
I wrote a long paean to Biden a month or two ago. I think he has governed with rectitude and some force, and was of the same mind as you, that it was much more than him not being TFG.
I am certainly in favor of what he did vis-a-vis the vaccination front yesterday. But I am sickened and alarmed by the increasing boldness and inhumanity from the red states. It troubles me that we seem to be acquiescent (too strong a word) in the face of these moral outrages.
So his action feels late, but still worthy.
To describe it as a “win” and Garland’s action similarly was surprisingly ill-considered, coming from one whose judgment is so acute. It’s like declaring victory at the kickoff of a football game. The DOJ has, charitably, unclear standing in the Texas case. And the Administration will face a queue of lawsuits and duplicity en route to cornering the refuseniks.
But he is at last unequivocally in the battle and I am heartened by that.
I like his path and would like it more if I saw some more speed. But this is probably unjust - the pressures must be fearsome.
These times. Alberta, which is more like your 51st state and a red one at that, has just announced a $100 payment to all people getting vaccinated going forward. Their hospitals are cancelling elective surgeries of all sorts and the province has no mandates. And they’re paying people to get vaccinated. Should I be paid to wear a seatbelt? We are accepting moral turpitude.
And I feel like the skunk at the garden party.
Thank you for your point. A large part of me disagrees with myself. :)
Eric, I value your insights, and I've been frustrated often by what seems like inaction by Biden and DOJ. However, I've also observed that the fact that they're not constantly playing public defense doesn't necessarily indicate that they haven't formed a strategy. At issue in this country is, obviously, the fact that we are so divided. I believe that Biden is doing his best to not divide us further. He is doubtless hoping to engage those on the right who haven't fallen under TFG's thrall, and are not so hostile and wed to fascism that they're not salvageable or beyond forming actual policies beyond racism and authoritarianism.
I'm also hopeful that, because those who favor fascism, misogyny, and racism have been so bold, their behavior will be a tipping point for all but their acolytes. DeSantis, Abbott, and other extremists have allowed havoc in their states by mishandling of the pandemic, climate issues, voter suppression, and social hot-button issues that are not aligned with the will of the majority of people in this country.
I see all sorts of landmines in front of Biden, but if he's able to pass voting rights legislation and the infrastructure bills, and if his vaccine mandates help to derail Covid's blight, I think this country has a chance at healing.
Like you, I'd like more tangible results - immediately. However, considering that this pot has been simmering for over 50 years, perhaps that is too much to ask. The simmering pot, plus the current trend in today's political climate worldwide toward authoritarian government, is frightening, and must be viewed through the world-view lens. Anti-democracy is a plague everywhere. Even Canada is experiencing symptoms of our disease, encouraging anti-vaxxers and more conservative government.
Something that you wrote does puzzle me. You characterize Garland's action being "surprisingly ill-considered, coming from one whose judgment is so acute." Many commentators have hailed his stance, and analysis by legal experts has been positive. Garland has been roundly criticized up until now, in that he has been hesitant to denounce the right's actions. Could you please expand on your opinion of yesterday's announcement?
You're no skunk at the garden party. We welcome the intelligence that we see in our relative to our north.
Your analysis and the support you offer for it is brilliant. I must give sustained thought to it.
I think you are, in a clear-eyed way, pointing generally towards positive outcomes (not without setbacks).
I think I have flipped towards generally feeling that there will be negative outcomes and they should be faced sooner rather than later, so that if possible, the fever breaks.
In February I was decidedly optimistic (and running against the general spirit of opinion on the forum). I felt that the Republican position was hopeless. They had lost an election. backed the insane “steal” theory, we’re riddled with internecine strife, and were widely seen as culpable for the horror show of 1/6. My feeling was - how does a political force recover from sinking so deeply into an ocean of sickness?
Then I watched them surviving at first, then creating an alternate reality and then, wonder of wonders, beginning to thrive. It has been a stunning six months for me to absorb all this. I feel like I’m staring into the pit of madness.
The Biden game plan is indeed as you have described, and in a world that has not lurched into insanity, would be met with huge approbation, especially on this forum.
To me it has been rigid and ignored the changing landscape. There has been, in the past couple of months, an increasing sense of irrelevance despite the earnestness and excellence and daring of what they want to do.
The key pieces of legislation are estimable but hopelessly ensnarled in knots. It is to the point where they don’t seem to have won the elections.
Yesterday may have been a game changer. It certainly indicated a willingness to engage in a vigorous way with the tidal wave of irrationality gripping America.
I am a person who takes small things as harbingers of bigger truths and this trait may be weakening my position. The other day I watched video from Nebraska where a woman verbally assaulted a mask wearing mother and daughter. She followed them around the store berating them in a smiling, mocking tone, while coughing energetically in their direction. It struck me that there is no shame any more, that 10 years ago only a person with a severe certifiable mental illness would lose it to this extent.
Yesterday I read that she was fired from her job at SAP - clearly she must have some education. I was jubilant to be honest.
As for the DOJ, I feel that they are going up against a fiendishly clever law designed to be opaque to lawsuits because the government of Texas is ostensibly not the agent acting in these cases. Jeffrey Tobin, whom I respect, made a similar observation. (So I guess I thought I was smart there for a hot minute. :)
I’m any cases lawsuits take an inordinate amount of time and the Supreme Court has already planted a flag. So it feels like a grand gesture. And the clinics are closing. And the legislation is spreading.
You thoughtfully detailed your idea Eric, in response to Nancy's interest and a question she raised. I have a somewhat different take on a few points you made and wondered if I could appeal to your generosity for a bit more clarification.
1. You wrote, 'To me it has been rigid and ignored the changing landscape.' I gathered from this sentence that you were referring to Biden and his administration as being 'rigid'. That was not my impression. In the early months of his presidency, I thought Biden's efforts at 'bi-partisanship' futile and that he seemed unprepared or unwilling to counter the Trump/Republican offense. Other than that, I thought his goal of getting Americans vaccinated, focused and necessary.
2. Your wrote, 'There has been, in the past couple of months, an increasing sense of irrelevance despite the earnestness and excellence and daring of what they want to do.' Your sense of the public's attitude may not reflect the animosity on the right and, perhaps, a mixture of feelings for the rest. Until 'Delta', Biden's approval ratings were good. Might it instead be that most Americans were relieved by Biden's presidency rather than thinking it 'irrelevant'?
3. Your wrote, 'The key pieces of legislation are estimable but hopelessly ensnarled in knots. It is to the point where they don’t seem to have won the elections.' Getting legislation through the house and senate in the USA is often a very time consuming process, called 'sausage making'. What is your basis for believing that key pieces of legislation are '...hopelessly ensnarled in knots'?
Your desire for faster responses to the Republican Party's and extreme right's onslaught as well as quicker solutions to serious problems mirrors the wishes of many Americans. You get some pushback from me having lived through the seemingly endless process of getting important problems successfully addressed. Improving governance in the USA is imperative but so is responding to some who may be unrealistically rushing to judgement.
4. As to your statement, 'It is to the point where they don’t seem to have won the elections.' I believe here, you were referring to 'key' legislation. I think that passing one and, even better, both infrastructure bills would make a big difference in the 2022 mid-terms elections, boosting the Democrats' performance in some states. Those bills may win a number of elections. Most outstanding, passing one or two national voting rights bills would clearly have a big impact on voting access and election results. Why have Republicans been rushing to suppress voting access and the subvert of elections?
It is good practice for me to bat around differences of opinion with subscribers on the forum. I hope that is true for you as well. Thank you for your consideration. Eric.
Eric, you are reasonable to anticipate that negative outcomes can occur, and after the last five years, that has been the case. Temperamentally, my thought process functions like that. If I anticipate the worst and it doesn't occur, then I'm pleased. However, I do hope that Americans are bone-tired and ready for some peace and reason. If Biden can manage to enact his proposed legislation, I'm hopeful that the people who've lost hope will be able to see that things can be better, even those who've been voting against their own self interest. I know that, whatever the outcome, the extremism on the right will not die peacefully. Still, Biden's agenda will help the hopeless, provide jobs while improving our infrastructure, ensure that everyone can vote without obstruction, solidify women's rights, and improve our environment, although that will be a work in progress - no instant gratification there.
We still must deal with an overly-politicized Supreme Court, and overturn Citizens United and any other legislation that allows dark money into politics. Those objectives will be thorny, and there will be a great deal of dark money behind blocking them. I firmly believe that the military industrial complex is behind the drubbing that Biden is taking because of the exit from Afghanistan. $6 trillion over 20 years that will quickly dry up explains a lot about usually-liberal networks joining the cacophony.
I agree that there is a tremendous amount of hostility here, and it borders on insanity. Clearly, that has been simmering just under the surface, and I think TFG (I can't write his name) provided permission for it to erupt. I think that social media and faux news outlets have contributed to it as well. Yesterday, while waiting to check out at the pharmacy, the man ahead of me began to talk about Covid. He was masked, and said he'd been vaccinated (I didn't ask), but was holding forth that we'd have to wear masks forever, pointed out that my mask (multi-layered washable cotton) did no good, and pointed to others in line who were also wearing other than n-95 masks, calling them just germ-laden jokes (his was not an n-95). Seeing blinking red lights, I stayed quiet, until he asked when boosters were going to be available. Foolishly, I said "Dr. Fauci said," and he again erupted into a diatribe about "Crooked Fauci - you can't believe a word he says"-isms, "follow the money, he was giving Wuhan cash through the NIH," "it was spread on purpose." Luckily, the cashier called him to check out, and I beat a path to another register. If the ship is ever righted, maybe some of these angry people will be helped, but I'm not counting on that. For those who are politically motivated, there are 40 million more of us, so perhaps we can stifle some of it.
As far as AG Garland's statement, what I heard from several legal authorities (Neal Katyal and others whose names I've forgotten) said that DOJ's suit will put an immediate halt to the Texas law, and although it will be countersued, it would hold the line for now. Eventually, it will end up at the Supreme Court, which can be problematic, but SCOTUS didn't rule on it because it "wasn't presented properly" or words to that effect, and Garland's order would be presented in such a way that they'll have to deal with it, with no such smokescreen. His ruling compares it to Confederates enabling vigilantes - the KKK, which has been ruled to be unconstitutional, so that would do away with the premise that Texas is not the agent. Meanwhile, maybe the Biden administration can end all of this by codifying Roe. Even those who wouldn't rule on the Texas law all said during their congressional hearings that Roe v. Wade was "established law." I'm no legal scholar, but I tend to believe that Garland has the bona fides, and has been reticent in making statements he knows will be successfully challenged, so believes he's on solid ground in this. Anyway, Little Merry Sunshine is signing off for now. The outcome will probably fall somewhere in between our analyses. Even that would be an improvement over TFG.
About 18 months ago, I was fairly skeptical of Joe Biden being the Dem nominee. I knew well his experience with foreign policy (more than all of his competitors, combined--and yes, this IS in the president's wheelhouse as Head of State and Cdr in Chief), but could he beat Trump? And gosh, he's so old...
I realized in the month leading to the election how lucky we were. Since his inauguration, even more so. He's not perfect, but really, he's (mostly) struck the right tone at the right moments, had the right amount (and number) of focuses (people on the left have criticized some of the issues he HASN'T taken on yet. To those folks: whaddya say we stop the pandemic that's now killed as many people in 17 months as our CIVIL WAR did in 4 years? (look it up) And start fixing the thousands of bridges that're gonna fall? We'll get to you in a bit, okay?
And he's not afraid to punch people in the face once they've proven an impediment. I love it. His words--perfectly stated--say what most of us have thought for months. Good on him. I hope he makes more. Every simple-minded, Faustian-era conspiracy theorist can scream to the heavens (and will, without even a simple "thanks" afterward) but if it means we can get past this (oh, like we coulda-shoulda by now) who cares?
I read your comment which totally reflects my thoughts and opinions. I am baffled by people who are”concerned Biden is losing his mind”. His latest intervention on the pandemic is mind boggling. It is so right with impeccable timing. I think most of us are so fed up with these policies to protect the anti maskers of Abbot and DeSantis
I pointed out to someone recently that, while Trump routinely tries to poke at Biden's age, he's in fact only four years younger himself (he was surprised). No, he's definitely not losing his mind--in fact, I've been impressed with his strategic mindset, pace and messaging tenor. A lot. I DO think age is a factor, and no Biden's age isn't ideal (if he gets re-elected, he'll turn 87 before leaving office), but that's one "rule" there isn't a crime in bending (in an era when people are justifying any means for their "ideals").
So let’s remind the trump supporters how old HE will be in 2024. Tfg ought to shut up.
Boxer Biden got ‘Sloppy Seconds ‘ for a plate from day one.
This is just right wing talk. I see it all the time on threads in posts made by members of death star's cult.
I believe Biden’s age is his political superpower. What does he has to loose? Re-election? Of course he doesn’t care for re-election at his age. He is free to do and say whatever his moral compass tells him. Politicians are not so much immoral as they are slaves of the next election results
Presidents have two terms. Rather he is here one or two he is stepping up to the plate with action and working hard to combat the destruction our governors are doing to our citizens. It is shameful that they are willing to put our children at risk by not requiring masks in school. He is confronting this. I think you are underestimating his stepping up to the plate. In my mind he is leaving a legacy we can be proud of. He was not my choice of Democrats but I think he was the right choice for our country at this time.
Term limits in congress might be helpful.
I’m not underestimating Biden And think he is more free to fight establishment because of his age than a younger politician
His age means he's had a long lifetime of experience, likely meaning he's learned from his mistakes and better recognizes his weaknesses. (At least that's what I tell myself when looking at the stranger in the mirror.) Combine these qualities with his deep innate empathy and we have the right kind of leader at such a perilous time. Imagine dealing with a pandemic and trying to help a delusional cult that despises you avoid death and suffering.
I didn't even know what I was doing before I aged a bit.
You too? ;-)
In a sense, I agree, but there will be TREMENDOUS pressure on Biden to run again, esp. if Trump runs again. Lots of people conjecture about him "stepping down" and "letting VP Harris" become president. It doesn't work that way. The DNC will see this an an imperative; unless his health is failing, he will run again.
Maybe not re-election ? But he really loves, cares and takes pride in his family, years serving and last but not least our Country, I think his Son’s Legacy and his own are important to him, Has he made mistakes along the way ? They all have. You know/ we all know a Narcissistic Con’s life blood is the ‘Con’. If TFG stops he’s done for.Sucker born every 3 minutes. And boy do I know ! Any loyalty to him will be personal choice , Not Demanded.He will read the Briefs ! I’m good with our “ New and Improved Alternative Reality “.
Dang ! Loyalty to Boxer Biden I meant.
I was an early supporter of Biden. He has not let me down. Steve Schmidt has declared Biden the man of our time.
Yes! Hoping Steve Schmidt will declare a woman for our future.
Your words echo my thoughts. Initially, my thought was that at least he isn't TFG, but even knowing the depth of his experience, I worried about his age (the same as mine). I had it all wrong. He has performed amazingly, despite his age, and despite the morass he inherited. Now, if his mandate reduces the spread of Covid, and if he can take Manchin and Sinema to the woodshed and pass the infrastructure bills, then tackle voting rights, with the help of newly-energized AG Merrick Garland, he will not only have worked miracles, but also be able to overcome the loudmouthed, racist Rethuglican hordes at the ballot box.
President Biden's age needn't even be a factor when it is his insight, his experience, his learning and his concern for our country and its citizens that matter!
That's the reason I voted for him, but I was still concerned. Shouldn't have been.
Yes hope we learned that it is important to have a President who has experience in government unlike the apprentice who had no relevant experience and has serious learning disabilities. I see how Joe’s experience in Congress has really made a huge difference. Even more than that a narcissistic sociopath should be disqualified. Biden has a conscience and empathy which needs to be a trait our President should have.
Nicely said, Susan.
I’m with you Robert. I too had reservations about Biden at first, I worried that his age and his polite demeanor wouldn’t be able to match the sociopath currently residing in the White House at the time. I am pleased to know that he didn’t resort to playing the dirty tricks and manipulation game of the right, he took the high road and it paid off. Since his inauguration Biden has shown himself to be the right man for the job, and surrounded himself with a team of smart, experienced women and men, many of whom are smarter than he, he knows it and is not intimidated! Instead he sees the advantage, unlike his predecessor who was under the delusion that he was smarter than those around him—even as he hand picked a team of misfit puppets… I digress.
President Biden, while not perfect, is what presidential should look and sound like!
He and Kamala need to set a fire under the asses of Manchin, Sinema, Cortez and a few others before they ruin it all, allowing us to regress to the US in the 1950’s as the idjts would have it.
He, Kamala and Nancy need to .... Never underestimate an old woman either... Obama didn't.
I believe our children bring many gifts if we’re paying attention and that Joe Biden was given some very special ones from his. Beau, guided well by his Dad, returned to our POTUS, increased strength and courage to hold onto what is right despite intense opposition. Every morning I awaken and give thanks to everyone who overcame difficult barriers to cast their vote for Joe Biden, saving us from the too frightening alternative.
Precisely my thoughts and feelings about President Biden, Robert McTague. Thank you for expressing them so clearly -- and with a nice sprinkle of sarcasm and wit.
I believe with 100% of my being that TFG would not have brought ‘Any’ Afghanistan supporters out .Releasing those 5K would have been part of my End Game or up them.Like closing the barn door after the horse got loose.Not i discussion with the Taliban ? If Ur spending all Ur time focused on a Loss of an Election. When do you find time to plan a withdrawal ?Most newly elected presidents have time from Election Day until an Inauguration to be briefed on TFG’s “ Deals “. Not this time, never have seen that in my whole lifetime .
Correction: Up to them.2 Correction : Not one discussion with the Taliban ?
“We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. And your refusal has cost all of us.”
“Today, the United States of America sued the state of Texas for acting “in open defiance of the Constitution” when it passed S. B. 8 and deprived “individuals of their constitutional rights.”
Finally, the federal government has been poked in the eye with sharp sticks often enough to do battle directly.
“There were other wins today for the Biden administration.”
True, I guess. But only if one is willing to entertain the loosest of definitions for “wins”.
Eric, I usually admire your analysis, but in this case, I think you're being too pessimistic. I like what Biden is doing, and not just because he isn't TFG.
I wrote a long paean to Biden a month or two ago. I think he has governed with rectitude and some force, and was of the same mind as you, that it was much more than him not being TFG.
I am certainly in favor of what he did vis-a-vis the vaccination front yesterday. But I am sickened and alarmed by the increasing boldness and inhumanity from the red states. It troubles me that we seem to be acquiescent (too strong a word) in the face of these moral outrages.
So his action feels late, but still worthy.
To describe it as a “win” and Garland’s action similarly was surprisingly ill-considered, coming from one whose judgment is so acute. It’s like declaring victory at the kickoff of a football game. The DOJ has, charitably, unclear standing in the Texas case. And the Administration will face a queue of lawsuits and duplicity en route to cornering the refuseniks.
But he is at last unequivocally in the battle and I am heartened by that.
I like his path and would like it more if I saw some more speed. But this is probably unjust - the pressures must be fearsome.
These times. Alberta, which is more like your 51st state and a red one at that, has just announced a $100 payment to all people getting vaccinated going forward. Their hospitals are cancelling elective surgeries of all sorts and the province has no mandates. And they’re paying people to get vaccinated. Should I be paid to wear a seatbelt? We are accepting moral turpitude.
And I feel like the skunk at the garden party.
Thank you for your point. A large part of me disagrees with myself. :)
Eric, I value your insights, and I've been frustrated often by what seems like inaction by Biden and DOJ. However, I've also observed that the fact that they're not constantly playing public defense doesn't necessarily indicate that they haven't formed a strategy. At issue in this country is, obviously, the fact that we are so divided. I believe that Biden is doing his best to not divide us further. He is doubtless hoping to engage those on the right who haven't fallen under TFG's thrall, and are not so hostile and wed to fascism that they're not salvageable or beyond forming actual policies beyond racism and authoritarianism.
I'm also hopeful that, because those who favor fascism, misogyny, and racism have been so bold, their behavior will be a tipping point for all but their acolytes. DeSantis, Abbott, and other extremists have allowed havoc in their states by mishandling of the pandemic, climate issues, voter suppression, and social hot-button issues that are not aligned with the will of the majority of people in this country.
I see all sorts of landmines in front of Biden, but if he's able to pass voting rights legislation and the infrastructure bills, and if his vaccine mandates help to derail Covid's blight, I think this country has a chance at healing.
Like you, I'd like more tangible results - immediately. However, considering that this pot has been simmering for over 50 years, perhaps that is too much to ask. The simmering pot, plus the current trend in today's political climate worldwide toward authoritarian government, is frightening, and must be viewed through the world-view lens. Anti-democracy is a plague everywhere. Even Canada is experiencing symptoms of our disease, encouraging anti-vaxxers and more conservative government.
Something that you wrote does puzzle me. You characterize Garland's action being "surprisingly ill-considered, coming from one whose judgment is so acute." Many commentators have hailed his stance, and analysis by legal experts has been positive. Garland has been roundly criticized up until now, in that he has been hesitant to denounce the right's actions. Could you please expand on your opinion of yesterday's announcement?
You're no skunk at the garden party. We welcome the intelligence that we see in our relative to our north.
Your analysis and the support you offer for it is brilliant. I must give sustained thought to it.
I think you are, in a clear-eyed way, pointing generally towards positive outcomes (not without setbacks).
I think I have flipped towards generally feeling that there will be negative outcomes and they should be faced sooner rather than later, so that if possible, the fever breaks.
In February I was decidedly optimistic (and running against the general spirit of opinion on the forum). I felt that the Republican position was hopeless. They had lost an election. backed the insane “steal” theory, we’re riddled with internecine strife, and were widely seen as culpable for the horror show of 1/6. My feeling was - how does a political force recover from sinking so deeply into an ocean of sickness?
Then I watched them surviving at first, then creating an alternate reality and then, wonder of wonders, beginning to thrive. It has been a stunning six months for me to absorb all this. I feel like I’m staring into the pit of madness.
The Biden game plan is indeed as you have described, and in a world that has not lurched into insanity, would be met with huge approbation, especially on this forum.
To me it has been rigid and ignored the changing landscape. There has been, in the past couple of months, an increasing sense of irrelevance despite the earnestness and excellence and daring of what they want to do.
The key pieces of legislation are estimable but hopelessly ensnarled in knots. It is to the point where they don’t seem to have won the elections.
Yesterday may have been a game changer. It certainly indicated a willingness to engage in a vigorous way with the tidal wave of irrationality gripping America.
I am a person who takes small things as harbingers of bigger truths and this trait may be weakening my position. The other day I watched video from Nebraska where a woman verbally assaulted a mask wearing mother and daughter. She followed them around the store berating them in a smiling, mocking tone, while coughing energetically in their direction. It struck me that there is no shame any more, that 10 years ago only a person with a severe certifiable mental illness would lose it to this extent.
Yesterday I read that she was fired from her job at SAP - clearly she must have some education. I was jubilant to be honest.
As for the DOJ, I feel that they are going up against a fiendishly clever law designed to be opaque to lawsuits because the government of Texas is ostensibly not the agent acting in these cases. Jeffrey Tobin, whom I respect, made a similar observation. (So I guess I thought I was smart there for a hot minute. :)
I’m any cases lawsuits take an inordinate amount of time and the Supreme Court has already planted a flag. So it feels like a grand gesture. And the clinics are closing. And the legislation is spreading.
I will be thrilled to be proven wrong.
You thoughtfully detailed your idea Eric, in response to Nancy's interest and a question she raised. I have a somewhat different take on a few points you made and wondered if I could appeal to your generosity for a bit more clarification.
1. You wrote, 'To me it has been rigid and ignored the changing landscape.' I gathered from this sentence that you were referring to Biden and his administration as being 'rigid'. That was not my impression. In the early months of his presidency, I thought Biden's efforts at 'bi-partisanship' futile and that he seemed unprepared or unwilling to counter the Trump/Republican offense. Other than that, I thought his goal of getting Americans vaccinated, focused and necessary.
2. Your wrote, 'There has been, in the past couple of months, an increasing sense of irrelevance despite the earnestness and excellence and daring of what they want to do.' Your sense of the public's attitude may not reflect the animosity on the right and, perhaps, a mixture of feelings for the rest. Until 'Delta', Biden's approval ratings were good. Might it instead be that most Americans were relieved by Biden's presidency rather than thinking it 'irrelevant'?
3. Your wrote, 'The key pieces of legislation are estimable but hopelessly ensnarled in knots. It is to the point where they don’t seem to have won the elections.' Getting legislation through the house and senate in the USA is often a very time consuming process, called 'sausage making'. What is your basis for believing that key pieces of legislation are '...hopelessly ensnarled in knots'?
Your desire for faster responses to the Republican Party's and extreme right's onslaught as well as quicker solutions to serious problems mirrors the wishes of many Americans. You get some pushback from me having lived through the seemingly endless process of getting important problems successfully addressed. Improving governance in the USA is imperative but so is responding to some who may be unrealistically rushing to judgement.
4. As to your statement, 'It is to the point where they don’t seem to have won the elections.' I believe here, you were referring to 'key' legislation. I think that passing one and, even better, both infrastructure bills would make a big difference in the 2022 mid-terms elections, boosting the Democrats' performance in some states. Those bills may win a number of elections. Most outstanding, passing one or two national voting rights bills would clearly have a big impact on voting access and election results. Why have Republicans been rushing to suppress voting access and the subvert of elections?
It is good practice for me to bat around differences of opinion with subscribers on the forum. I hope that is true for you as well. Thank you for your consideration. Eric.
Eric, you are reasonable to anticipate that negative outcomes can occur, and after the last five years, that has been the case. Temperamentally, my thought process functions like that. If I anticipate the worst and it doesn't occur, then I'm pleased. However, I do hope that Americans are bone-tired and ready for some peace and reason. If Biden can manage to enact his proposed legislation, I'm hopeful that the people who've lost hope will be able to see that things can be better, even those who've been voting against their own self interest. I know that, whatever the outcome, the extremism on the right will not die peacefully. Still, Biden's agenda will help the hopeless, provide jobs while improving our infrastructure, ensure that everyone can vote without obstruction, solidify women's rights, and improve our environment, although that will be a work in progress - no instant gratification there.
We still must deal with an overly-politicized Supreme Court, and overturn Citizens United and any other legislation that allows dark money into politics. Those objectives will be thorny, and there will be a great deal of dark money behind blocking them. I firmly believe that the military industrial complex is behind the drubbing that Biden is taking because of the exit from Afghanistan. $6 trillion over 20 years that will quickly dry up explains a lot about usually-liberal networks joining the cacophony.
I agree that there is a tremendous amount of hostility here, and it borders on insanity. Clearly, that has been simmering just under the surface, and I think TFG (I can't write his name) provided permission for it to erupt. I think that social media and faux news outlets have contributed to it as well. Yesterday, while waiting to check out at the pharmacy, the man ahead of me began to talk about Covid. He was masked, and said he'd been vaccinated (I didn't ask), but was holding forth that we'd have to wear masks forever, pointed out that my mask (multi-layered washable cotton) did no good, and pointed to others in line who were also wearing other than n-95 masks, calling them just germ-laden jokes (his was not an n-95). Seeing blinking red lights, I stayed quiet, until he asked when boosters were going to be available. Foolishly, I said "Dr. Fauci said," and he again erupted into a diatribe about "Crooked Fauci - you can't believe a word he says"-isms, "follow the money, he was giving Wuhan cash through the NIH," "it was spread on purpose." Luckily, the cashier called him to check out, and I beat a path to another register. If the ship is ever righted, maybe some of these angry people will be helped, but I'm not counting on that. For those who are politically motivated, there are 40 million more of us, so perhaps we can stifle some of it.
As far as AG Garland's statement, what I heard from several legal authorities (Neal Katyal and others whose names I've forgotten) said that DOJ's suit will put an immediate halt to the Texas law, and although it will be countersued, it would hold the line for now. Eventually, it will end up at the Supreme Court, which can be problematic, but SCOTUS didn't rule on it because it "wasn't presented properly" or words to that effect, and Garland's order would be presented in such a way that they'll have to deal with it, with no such smokescreen. His ruling compares it to Confederates enabling vigilantes - the KKK, which has been ruled to be unconstitutional, so that would do away with the premise that Texas is not the agent. Meanwhile, maybe the Biden administration can end all of this by codifying Roe. Even those who wouldn't rule on the Texas law all said during their congressional hearings that Roe v. Wade was "established law." I'm no legal scholar, but I tend to believe that Garland has the bona fides, and has been reticent in making statements he knows will be successfully challenged, so believes he's on solid ground in this. Anyway, Little Merry Sunshine is signing off for now. The outcome will probably fall somewhere in between our analyses. Even that would be an improvement over TFG.