There's some talk in the comments section lately about what I "owe" readers. I wanted to address that because I think it's important.
What I feel like I "owe" subscribers is the following:
1. Honest and transparent analysis based on my years of covering, observing and analyzing politics
2. A willingness to admit when that analysis is wrong or circumstances change that affect my conclusions
3. An open mind --- and the humbleness to admit that I do not have a monopoly on good ideas or right thinking.
What I do NOT think I "owe" subscribers:
1. Telling you that Biden OR Trump MUST drop from the race because, well, *I* think they should
2. Telling you who you HAVE to vote for
If you support those basic principles, I hope you will consider investing in me as a paid subscriber. If you don't, well, then I hope you can understand where I am coming from.
I will say this again for the people in the back: I am a journalist. Not an activist.
I hope this clears up any confusion as to what I "owe" subscribers and what I don't.
Thanks as always for your thoughtfulness, your generosity and your engagement.
Enough with the CC bashing. Did you folks see the debate? Did you read the reports from WH staffers and European leaders re how shocked they are about how rapidly Biden has declined? Yes. Trump sux. He must be defeated. Let's get someone in there who can get out there EVERY DAY. Someone who can forcefully and energetically pound home the message...Trump is a despicable creature who has zero business being anywhere near 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. That is what needs to be said and heard constantly. Not once per week.
To go after pundits like Chris, who are just commenting on what is obvious to most of us and who are performing a valuable service, is unfair and ridiculous.
He can't. It. Is. Unfixable. The biggest day of the campaign, the biggest stage, Donny teeing up easily respondable garbage, and...."beat Medicare".
The MAGA crowd is steady, Dem support has weakened, and Independents are likely to stay home because voting for either would mean they couldn't look at themselves in a mirror without getting ill.
Somebody better say goodbye to Mr. Denial and move on before it's too late....
I'm actually an Independent, my 'politics' slightly right of center. Take it for what it's worth, and it's not a huge sample size, but--to my post--I'm not a fan of Hillary and I hate Trump. I did not cast a Presidential vote in 2016....
This arrived in my mailbox from the Biden camp a little while ago, part of a longer email - "So, let me say this as clearly and simply as I can: I'm running.". What did I feel when I read this? Depressed and dismayed. In fact, the same visceral feeling of misery that I felt when I witnessed the debate. I'm not even sure I believe Biden himself dictated or directed that message. That is a measure of how much confidence I've lost in the Biden campaign, and I know I'm not the only one feeling this way. It's not good.
The Biden team/DNC can keep saying this, but it doesn’t really sound believable. If the bad polls keep coming in, he’s going to face even more pressure to let someone else else run.
Check out the very bad polls Trump got in 2016 after the Hollywood Access tape dropped, he still went on to win the Electoral college and hence the Presidency. Please check out what the famous Allan Lichtman said about this whole saga and also what The Philadelphia Inquirer editorcalled Board said today about who should drop out of the race
There is nothing about the 2024 election that is "politics as usual". A Trump administration & Project 2025 would mean an end to American democracy. THIS IS NOT HYPERBOLE. A vote for Joe Biden & all Democrats on the ticket is a vote to save this country & our freedoms. Period.
Trump lies incessantly but let's concentrate on how the guy that told the truth and had a cold should resign. The media has failed us. They're worthless.
The American people will make sure Trump never enters the White House!
That's why I wear this "vote removes stubborn orange stains" t-shirt everyday 👇
I watched the debate also and completely understand the concerns about Biden, and even the calls for him to step down. However, I don't understand the asymmetry with respect to Trump. His debate performance was also disturbing with respect to his dishonesty and the content of what he was saying, even if he did say it somewhat more clearly. Yet, no calls for Trump to step aside. Even setting the debate aside, why haven't there been calls from the media for Trump to step aside after his convictions for sexual assault and financial fraud?
I think it is because he is currently ahead and his cult will support him no matter what. The reason I am so anxious for Biden to resign is I would like much more focus to be given to how unfit for office Trump is. Biden is not the right person to make that case.
I am still stunned and depressed about the debate performance. I am not sure what the answer is but I know I will back whoever is on the Democratic ticket. I would have preferred that Biden not run in 2024 and am sure he would not have run if Trump was not running. However, Trump was running and here we are. This may not be the right way to think but I will do whatever is necessary to keep Trump out of the Oval Office. If it means voting for Biden, I will. I like Biden and believe he has done a great job in the last 3.5 years. I would rather see Biden step aside now rather than lose in November. However, if he steps down, what is the answer? Kamala? Someone else? If someone else, who? It’s complicated. The easiest Kamala, however, we need to have the best person to beat Trump. Period.
I have a question for Chris and the panel. We all know Joe Biden is a standup guy who loves his country and wants what's best for her. That being said, if he knows he's cognitively impaired, in his heart of hearts, despite what his inner circle says, wouldn't he bow out for the good of the country?
And not every “old” folk is this way, but my experience is that it seems common and we know politicians on both sides stay well past when they should of retired
Well! I’d hate to have a bad day as your friend. One bad debate and the walls crumble.
Biden is not the first to have a bad debate and won’t be the last. As much as he has been able to do during his term at his age should at least give him some credibility.
A convicted felon, coup leading liar for the full 90 minutes of the debate with absolutely nothing positive to offer this country should be the recipient of all the vitriol, not President Biden.
All of what reports? This madness all started AFTER the debate. So what other reports prior to the debate are you referring to? Not others comments but reports.
We have a problem with age in this country. Everybody wants to be forever young. But those of us over 80 are not all senile or incapable of performing important jobs. Even younger people have bad days but you don’t kick them to the curb.
People should just think before they start making statements that can have a detrimental effect on a persons reputation and in this case on the country.
For all intents and purposes Biden was fine until the debate, which was disastrous, admittedly. Then all the pundits and talking heads went apeshit. Biden's old and a shaky public speaker. But before the debate he was doing a perfectly fine job of being president and running the country. Pundits like stuff to happen. They want dramatic events. As of now, Biden's the nominee. There's no clear evidence that some other perfect candidate to be named later could beat Trump. Vote blue and pray.
If he bows out gracefully his legacy will be that of one of the best presidents. If we bows out and we still lose the election. his legacy will be tarnished a bit by the decison he made to run for a second term.
One of the key points folks aren’t talking about is what kind of cognitive decline will happen to Biden over the next 4 years if he wins a second term. Folks have charitably said he’s “lost a step or two” since last time he ran 4 years ago. The rate of decline increases with age when you are talking about folks in their 80s. I’ve seen it with a number of family members.
So maybe he’s still capable now of running the country. But from what I read, there are plenty of “issues” with his performance.
I think in 4 years he won’t be doing much of anything and his advisors will be doing everything for someone with greatly diminished capacity.
Let’s please just be honest here.
P.S. I think Chris is just calling “balls and strikes” on this issue. I’m not paying to read puff pieces on how great Biden is. I subscribed to Chris (and don’t to anyone else) because he was (is) my favorite political analyst / commentator.
I just hope Biden accepts the counsel to drop out and we don't have to wait for dem leaders to call for him to drop out. There will be more and more calling for that soon, including top leaders. I'd like to see him retire with as much dignity as possible
There's some talk in the comments section lately about what I "owe" readers. I wanted to address that because I think it's important.
What I feel like I "owe" subscribers is the following:
1. Honest and transparent analysis based on my years of covering, observing and analyzing politics
2. A willingness to admit when that analysis is wrong or circumstances change that affect my conclusions
3. An open mind --- and the humbleness to admit that I do not have a monopoly on good ideas or right thinking.
What I do NOT think I "owe" subscribers:
1. Telling you that Biden OR Trump MUST drop from the race because, well, *I* think they should
2. Telling you who you HAVE to vote for
If you support those basic principles, I hope you will consider investing in me as a paid subscriber. If you don't, well, then I hope you can understand where I am coming from.
I will say this again for the people in the back: I am a journalist. Not an activist.
I hope this clears up any confusion as to what I "owe" subscribers and what I don't.
Thanks as always for your thoughtfulness, your generosity and your engagement.
-- Chris
And you deliver.
👏👏👏👏
Enough with the CC bashing. Did you folks see the debate? Did you read the reports from WH staffers and European leaders re how shocked they are about how rapidly Biden has declined? Yes. Trump sux. He must be defeated. Let's get someone in there who can get out there EVERY DAY. Someone who can forcefully and energetically pound home the message...Trump is a despicable creature who has zero business being anywhere near 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. That is what needs to be said and heard constantly. Not once per week.
To go after pundits like Chris, who are just commenting on what is obvious to most of us and who are performing a valuable service, is unfair and ridiculous.
Thanks Jeff.
Super agree!!
Those so called reports the WH staff and European leaders are anonymous though
He can't. It. Is. Unfixable. The biggest day of the campaign, the biggest stage, Donny teeing up easily respondable garbage, and...."beat Medicare".
The MAGA crowd is steady, Dem support has weakened, and Independents are likely to stay home because voting for either would mean they couldn't look at themselves in a mirror without getting ill.
Somebody better say goodbye to Mr. Denial and move on before it's too late....
I agree with you Thomas. I feel a lot of Biden voters will stay home now.
It will be a big mistake if they do!
With short-sighted, whiney voters like you, who needs MAGA?
I'm actually an Independent, my 'politics' slightly right of center. Take it for what it's worth, and it's not a huge sample size, but--to my post--I'm not a fan of Hillary and I hate Trump. I did not cast a Presidential vote in 2016....
Man, talk about Mr. Denial - did nothing to prevent trump in 2016 and prepared to do the same thing 8 years later
This arrived in my mailbox from the Biden camp a little while ago, part of a longer email - "So, let me say this as clearly and simply as I can: I'm running.". What did I feel when I read this? Depressed and dismayed. In fact, the same visceral feeling of misery that I felt when I witnessed the debate. I'm not even sure I believe Biden himself dictated or directed that message. That is a measure of how much confidence I've lost in the Biden campaign, and I know I'm not the only one feeling this way. It's not good.
The Biden team/DNC can keep saying this, but it doesn’t really sound believable. If the bad polls keep coming in, he’s going to face even more pressure to let someone else else run.
Check out the very bad polls Trump got in 2016 after the Hollywood Access tape dropped, he still went on to win the Electoral college and hence the Presidency. Please check out what the famous Allan Lichtman said about this whole saga and also what The Philadelphia Inquirer editorcalled Board said today about who should drop out of the race
There is nothing about the 2024 election that is "politics as usual". A Trump administration & Project 2025 would mean an end to American democracy. THIS IS NOT HYPERBOLE. A vote for Joe Biden & all Democrats on the ticket is a vote to save this country & our freedoms. Period.
Trump lies incessantly but let's concentrate on how the guy that told the truth and had a cold should resign. The media has failed us. They're worthless.
The American people will make sure Trump never enters the White House!
That's why I wear this "vote removes stubborn orange stains" t-shirt everyday 👇
libtees-2.creator-spring.com/listing/vote24
Let’s not hawk t shirts in the comments..
I watched the debate also and completely understand the concerns about Biden, and even the calls for him to step down. However, I don't understand the asymmetry with respect to Trump. His debate performance was also disturbing with respect to his dishonesty and the content of what he was saying, even if he did say it somewhat more clearly. Yet, no calls for Trump to step aside. Even setting the debate aside, why haven't there been calls from the media for Trump to step aside after his convictions for sexual assault and financial fraud?
I think it is because he is currently ahead and his cult will support him no matter what. The reason I am so anxious for Biden to resign is I would like much more focus to be given to how unfit for office Trump is. Biden is not the right person to make that case.
I am still stunned and depressed about the debate performance. I am not sure what the answer is but I know I will back whoever is on the Democratic ticket. I would have preferred that Biden not run in 2024 and am sure he would not have run if Trump was not running. However, Trump was running and here we are. This may not be the right way to think but I will do whatever is necessary to keep Trump out of the Oval Office. If it means voting for Biden, I will. I like Biden and believe he has done a great job in the last 3.5 years. I would rather see Biden step aside now rather than lose in November. However, if he steps down, what is the answer? Kamala? Someone else? If someone else, who? It’s complicated. The easiest Kamala, however, we need to have the best person to beat Trump. Period.
This time, vote for the (D). Vote against Donald J Trump.
Absolutely
The best person to beat Trump is Biden. He did it in 2020 and he will do it again in November. And I know this is not 2020
I have a question for Chris and the panel. We all know Joe Biden is a standup guy who loves his country and wants what's best for her. That being said, if he knows he's cognitively impaired, in his heart of hearts, despite what his inner circle says, wouldn't he bow out for the good of the country?
Quite honestly, he’s “old.”
And old folks can be super stubborn (very illogically so). I’ve seen it with a number of my family members in their 80s.
Are us ‘old folk’ stubborn and illogical or do we just know BS when we hear it?
It’s not either/or. It can be both.
We can also be very reasonable-and age has given us experience-experience which informs our decisions.
And not every “old” folk is this way, but my experience is that it seems common and we know politicians on both sides stay well past when they should of retired
(See McConnell, Feinstein, Grassley, e.g.)
Well! I’d hate to have a bad day as your friend. One bad debate and the walls crumble.
Biden is not the first to have a bad debate and won’t be the last. As much as he has been able to do during his term at his age should at least give him some credibility.
A convicted felon, coup leading liar for the full 90 minutes of the debate with absolutely nothing positive to offer this country should be the recipient of all the vitriol, not President Biden.
It’s not one bad debate. All of the reporting makes that clear.
All of what reports? This madness all started AFTER the debate. So what other reports prior to the debate are you referring to? Not others comments but reports.
We have a problem with age in this country. Everybody wants to be forever young. But those of us over 80 are not all senile or incapable of performing important jobs. Even younger people have bad days but you don’t kick them to the curb.
People should just think before they start making statements that can have a detrimental effect on a persons reputation and in this case on the country.
For all intents and purposes Biden was fine until the debate, which was disastrous, admittedly. Then all the pundits and talking heads went apeshit. Biden's old and a shaky public speaker. But before the debate he was doing a perfectly fine job of being president and running the country. Pundits like stuff to happen. They want dramatic events. As of now, Biden's the nominee. There's no clear evidence that some other perfect candidate to be named later could beat Trump. Vote blue and pray.
Exactly
I am sooooo glad that I've become a subscriber to your content... it's FANTASTIC!!
I am also enjoying the comment section compared to 1000+ comments found at NYT or WAPO.
It's all so frustrating but Trump is still Trump. So I'd vote for Biden, Kamala Harris, another Democratic candidate or a cardboard cutout of Joe.
So my question is if Joe Biden withdraws from the race (I think he will and has to) how does he continue to run the country the next 6 months?
Also, if Joe Biden leaves the race is his legacy that of a quitter?
If he bows out gracefully his legacy will be that of one of the best presidents. If we bows out and we still lose the election. his legacy will be tarnished a bit by the decison he made to run for a second term.
😣🙄🙄
If Joe Biden wants Dems to defeat Trump in November, he must step aside.
One of the key points folks aren’t talking about is what kind of cognitive decline will happen to Biden over the next 4 years if he wins a second term. Folks have charitably said he’s “lost a step or two” since last time he ran 4 years ago. The rate of decline increases with age when you are talking about folks in their 80s. I’ve seen it with a number of family members.
So maybe he’s still capable now of running the country. But from what I read, there are plenty of “issues” with his performance.
I think in 4 years he won’t be doing much of anything and his advisors will be doing everything for someone with greatly diminished capacity.
Let’s please just be honest here.
P.S. I think Chris is just calling “balls and strikes” on this issue. I’m not paying to read puff pieces on how great Biden is. I subscribed to Chris (and don’t to anyone else) because he was (is) my favorite political analyst / commentator.
I just hope Biden accepts the counsel to drop out and we don't have to wait for dem leaders to call for him to drop out. There will be more and more calling for that soon, including top leaders. I'd like to see him retire with as much dignity as possible
Is it time for all of us to buy several hardback copies of "the art of the deal" and have them prominently displayed in our homes?