Is anyone else getting a little tired of hearing how courageous and selfless Biden was for DOING THE RIGHT THING?
I’m delighted that he did it. But it hardly qualifies for “Profiles in Courage” when someone overcomes their ego to do the right thing for their country, and avoids the personal humiliation of losing to Trump.
But remember that if it wasn’t for Team Biden’s concerted efforts to downplay the evidence of Biden’s obvious decline, we wouldn’t be where we are at today.
So it’s great Biden ultimately - reluctantly - did the right thing and stepped aside. But that doesn’t really qualify for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
I would also add that the Presidency is a job Biden has wanted for 40 years. After multiple attempts and misses, he finally earns the spot. To walk away after a single term has to have been an impossibly difficult decision for him. Ultimately, the right decision for the party, and maybe for the country. But still a difficult decision.
It seems to me that the criteria should be, in descending order:
1. What’s best for the country?
2. What’s best for the party?
3. What’s best for Joe Biden?
When viewed through the criteria above, it seems to be a pretty straightforward decision.
But folks seem to have inverted the list, implying that Joe Biden’s personal struggle to not run in November is somehow the most praiseworthy. I disagree.
And Republicans should have urged Donald Trump to go through this same drill. And Trump should have done it. But they didn’t, and he didn’t. The difference is that. Trump does’t care about party or country, and his cult followers equate Trump with party and country. This hubris is going to be fatal.
Reminds me of the praise for Pence doing the right thing Jan 6. He was a total sycophant for 4 years and didn't push back on the stolen election crap. Yes, he got it right finally but it doesn't absolve him of the rest.
I'm more tired of hearing the people who spent the last three weeks stabbing him in the back now turn around and sing his praises. It's gross. Bunch of Judases, especially Obama.
Agreed. It’s such a shame that Biden didn’t just do the right thing on the day after the debate debacle. How different things would have looked. Biden would at minimum have looked decisive by placing the good of the country ahead of his own personal desires. Now it appears that he was led kicking and screaming to the decision, while facing down a fait accompli from the party.
Biden cannot say he is “thinking about exiting” until he actually exits.
And to the people here who think his act wasn’t selfless, well I respectfully disagree with you all. He was under no obligation to do it, and yet he did. That merits high praise.
Well, again. Lots and lots of words about the folks hiding Biden's condition. and one measly sentence about Trump's lying. "That's different because he lies about everything." Well, how many words have been said about the White House physician who lied about about trump's statistics - adding inches, shaving off pounds? And is there NO ONE in trump's circle who has noticed his word salads, mistakes (Haley = Pelosi?), slurred and made up words? Trump has noticeably declined since 2020, but I guess his folks get to not have to say anything.
I seriously think the media needs to now focus on the cognitive issues of Trump because they have been there to see, but Biden‘s were so much more obvious they drew all the attention.
With Trump now being the oldest person to ever run for the presidency, there needs to be a serious discussion on how old he is and his cognitive ability.
Everyone knows that Trump lies. All the time. Not only is this not news, it’s also irrelevant at this point. Trump’s MAGA meatheads love the fact that he constantly lies. The rest of us also know that Trump lies and don’t think that it’s such a great thing. Either way, bringing up the fact that Trump lies - constantly - won’t change a single vote. The focus should be on what will result in more votes for Kamala, not what makes you feel good.
The presidential election is often a referendum on the incumbent. With Biden vs. Trump, the intention was to make it a referendum on Trump not on what made Democrats "feel good." After the debate, it became a referendum on Biden and whether he was capable of doing the job. With his stepping aside, we can put the focus back on Trump: his lies, his failures, his corruption. A day should not go by without voters being reminded what a disaster he was and how he must never be allowed in the White House again.
Low information voters who proclaim themselves "independent" but are suddenly waking up to the fact that there's a presidential election this year. These are the people who say they're "undecided" weeks before an election but what it really means is that they haven't been paying attention. Those are the people who need to be reminded over and over about what a horrorshow Convicted Felon Trump was.
Should Harris also lay out her plans for the future? Absolutely. But it's beyond ignorance to argue that people don't need to be told how horrible Trump was and is.
So you’re saying that somewhere in the US there are low information voters that aren’t aware that Trump is a d-bag??? And that these same ignoramuses will suddenly have an epiphany when presented with enough Trump filth??
I find that VERY hard to believe. Trump’s disgusting behavior is already priced in. Everyone knows about it. And everyone has already decided how they feel about it, and how they will vote in response.
So your theory is that Trump supporters are unaware of the fact that he’s human scum? Interesting. I’d suggest instead that Trump supporters are fully aware of his shortcomings and totally embrace them. They are meatheads and think that Trump “tells it like it is”. The fact that Trump is a d-bag is a FEATURE for them.
It is the job of staff to keep wraps on events until they actually happen. It does not happen until the groundwork is complete and the decision is announced. Until then, there can be a change of heart. Even the leader/candidate needs to keep up appearances. Anything the press interprets as a tepid denial or less than firm push-back is the basis for a story undercutting the status quo that might or might not change. I don't blame the staff or candidate, but I take what they say with a hearty grain of salt. I don't need to see how the sausage is made.
And it's not like this is unique to politicians. The same happens in business, in academia, in non-profits, in absolutely anything that has human beings involved.
How is this "lying" any different than a company saying all is good then shutters? Until the plan is worked out, it's best not to say anything otherwise the rumor mill goes crazy. It's hard in the 24/7 news cycle to write when nothing going on. This is why we got zigs and zags from the op-eds.
Politicians perhaps don't owe the public an answer about all of their future plans, especially years and years ahead of time. I don't think Biden had a choice about projecting confidence in himself even as he was fielding huge doubts from his key supporters.
I think Mark Kelly would be an outstanding pick for veep. Of course the Republicans are going to squawk endlessly that the Dems will take away the gun rights for everyone because of Kelly’s stance, rightly so, against guns. But I don’t care because I believe we have to have stricter laws.
Heading to my grandson’s baseball tournament this weekend in Cooperstown which will be a first for me and my family. Any suggestions for what to do besides the Baseball Hall of Fame which we are going to when the kids aren’t playing baseball? Also any good family restaurants around? Thanks in advance!
There’s a Democratic governor in AZ so she will appoint a Democrat to that seat if it’s vacant. Plus it’s an important swing state so he brings more to the campaign than Kentucky or NC.
Am I the only one lamenting the fact that VP Harris seems to be rolling toward a coronation as the Democratic nominee with very little competition? I know time is short, but I also know she struggled in the last campaign and I'm not certain she's the best or most popular Democrat. If she wins fair and square that's fine but shouldn't she have to compete? Tell me where I'm wrong here....
'Cause she's already been both appointed and anointed by her donors, silly ... T-Minus 100 days and counting ... When mixing the newly christened #Kamala-cocktail, using #Malibu-coconut liquor as a base, what other ingredients #AOC?
It is wonderful to see so many jump on the Harris bandwagon. Volunteers are joining the campaign. Donors are filling coffers. And yet. The mendacious, authoritarian-leaning GOP candidates have not changed. The challenge to having a democracy has not changed. The races up and down the ballots have not changed. The 2024 election should have always been about what kind of country do we live in. In one day, with one change of candidate (albeit at the highest level) suddenly people are standing up for democracy? And had Biden not pulled out, were votors and donors willing to chance a right-wing, facist takeover?
FLASH: #DEMs lose TWO (2) "Keys To The White House" as a result of #Joe being forced out under the threat of the 25th Amendment ... 1.) The #I-PCK = "Intra-party Contest Key" and, 2.) the "Incumbency Key".
The updated score is now:
#MAGAt(s) = Six (6) Keys versus #DEMs = Seven (7) Keys.
Analysis: #Trump is now One (1) "Key" away from securing a 2nd Term as President of The United States with a 100-days left till the Election. C=> https://www.youtube.com/live/BxvUPI1Bph4 #Holy-Sh't! #Nothing-Is-Easy
Trump isn't qualified to be President. He can't even speak coherently and he's a threat to our democratic Republic! Period. Full stop! I want to see an honest and legitimate competency test. He would fail.
T-Minus 100 days and counting ... When mixing the newly christened #Kamala-cocktail, using #Malibu-coconut liquor as a base, what other ingredients #AOC?
Chris, Glad you are enjoying Cooperstown. Red Sox fan and was there for David Ortiz’ induction two summers ago. Both my kids played baseball. Son for TC Williams and daughter for Alexandria Rec League until she aged out. One of if not only girls. Loves baseball to this day. Her dad was out in CA this weekend to join her at a Dodgers/Red Sox fan.⚾️
Skilled politicians are experts at the non-answer. Whitmer's "not leaving Michigan" comment was an example of such a non-answer. Not leaving ever? Today? Next month? Trump is an expert at making people...specifically duped MAGA folks...believe b.s. that is completely false. That makes him a liar.
Is anyone else getting a little tired of hearing how courageous and selfless Biden was for DOING THE RIGHT THING?
I’m delighted that he did it. But it hardly qualifies for “Profiles in Courage” when someone overcomes their ego to do the right thing for their country, and avoids the personal humiliation of losing to Trump.
But remember that if it wasn’t for Team Biden’s concerted efforts to downplay the evidence of Biden’s obvious decline, we wouldn’t be where we are at today.
So it’s great Biden ultimately - reluctantly - did the right thing and stepped aside. But that doesn’t really qualify for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
You're right, Peter.
I would also add that the Presidency is a job Biden has wanted for 40 years. After multiple attempts and misses, he finally earns the spot. To walk away after a single term has to have been an impossibly difficult decision for him. Ultimately, the right decision for the party, and maybe for the country. But still a difficult decision.
It seems to me that the criteria should be, in descending order:
1. What’s best for the country?
2. What’s best for the party?
3. What’s best for Joe Biden?
When viewed through the criteria above, it seems to be a pretty straightforward decision.
But folks seem to have inverted the list, implying that Joe Biden’s personal struggle to not run in November is somehow the most praiseworthy. I disagree.
And Republicans should have urged Donald Trump to go through this same drill. And Trump should have done it. But they didn’t, and he didn’t. The difference is that. Trump does’t care about party or country, and his cult followers equate Trump with party and country. This hubris is going to be fatal.
Very well said, sir!
No, I'm not tired of it. I just compare what he did to the fact that as a convicted felon, trump hasn't done the same thing.
I wish Substack offered a dislike button. I agree with you.
Reminds me of the praise for Pence doing the right thing Jan 6. He was a total sycophant for 4 years and didn't push back on the stolen election crap. Yes, he got it right finally but it doesn't absolve him of the rest.
I'm more tired of hearing the people who spent the last three weeks stabbing him in the back now turn around and sing his praises. It's gross. Bunch of Judases, especially Obama.
Agreed. It’s such a shame that Biden didn’t just do the right thing on the day after the debate debacle. How different things would have looked. Biden would at minimum have looked decisive by placing the good of the country ahead of his own personal desires. Now it appears that he was led kicking and screaming to the decision, while facing down a fait accompli from the party.
I'm glad you mentioned the Jared Polis quote. It's nice to hear someone with a sense of humor!
I don't believe Biden was lying - I think he was truly trying to stay in until enough of the right people convinced him he needed to withdraw.
Then you are the problem. I know Biden. He was lying
You DON'T know Biden. You're the liar.
Biden leaving the race after the Republican convention was politically brilliant.
Chris, you’re acting like a child.
Biden cannot say he is “thinking about exiting” until he actually exits.
And to the people here who think his act wasn’t selfless, well I respectfully disagree with you all. He was under no obligation to do it, and yet he did. That merits high praise.
I think you're harsh on Chris but agree with the rest of it.
Okay, fair point. I am a little harsh. But I think Chris is smart enough to allow for a little more nuance in his analysis.
Well, again. Lots and lots of words about the folks hiding Biden's condition. and one measly sentence about Trump's lying. "That's different because he lies about everything." Well, how many words have been said about the White House physician who lied about about trump's statistics - adding inches, shaving off pounds? And is there NO ONE in trump's circle who has noticed his word salads, mistakes (Haley = Pelosi?), slurred and made up words? Trump has noticeably declined since 2020, but I guess his folks get to not have to say anything.
I seriously think the media needs to now focus on the cognitive issues of Trump because they have been there to see, but Biden‘s were so much more obvious they drew all the attention.
With Trump now being the oldest person to ever run for the presidency, there needs to be a serious discussion on how old he is and his cognitive ability.
Everyone knows that Trump lies. All the time. Not only is this not news, it’s also irrelevant at this point. Trump’s MAGA meatheads love the fact that he constantly lies. The rest of us also know that Trump lies and don’t think that it’s such a great thing. Either way, bringing up the fact that Trump lies - constantly - won’t change a single vote. The focus should be on what will result in more votes for Kamala, not what makes you feel good.
The presidential election is often a referendum on the incumbent. With Biden vs. Trump, the intention was to make it a referendum on Trump not on what made Democrats "feel good." After the debate, it became a referendum on Biden and whether he was capable of doing the job. With his stepping aside, we can put the focus back on Trump: his lies, his failures, his corruption. A day should not go by without voters being reminded what a disaster he was and how he must never be allowed in the White House again.
Ok then. Whose mind are you going to change with your approach??? Who at this point doesn’t know that Trump is human filth???
Low information voters who proclaim themselves "independent" but are suddenly waking up to the fact that there's a presidential election this year. These are the people who say they're "undecided" weeks before an election but what it really means is that they haven't been paying attention. Those are the people who need to be reminded over and over about what a horrorshow Convicted Felon Trump was.
Should Harris also lay out her plans for the future? Absolutely. But it's beyond ignorance to argue that people don't need to be told how horrible Trump was and is.
So you’re saying that somewhere in the US there are low information voters that aren’t aware that Trump is a d-bag??? And that these same ignoramuses will suddenly have an epiphany when presented with enough Trump filth??
I find that VERY hard to believe. Trump’s disgusting behavior is already priced in. Everyone knows about it. And everyone has already decided how they feel about it, and how they will vote in response.
So you're pretending that everyone is following the news as closely as we are?
Welcome to the real world.
So your theory is that Trump supporters are unaware of the fact that he’s human scum? Interesting. I’d suggest instead that Trump supporters are fully aware of his shortcomings and totally embrace them. They are meatheads and think that Trump “tells it like it is”. The fact that Trump is a d-bag is a FEATURE for them.
It is the job of staff to keep wraps on events until they actually happen. It does not happen until the groundwork is complete and the decision is announced. Until then, there can be a change of heart. Even the leader/candidate needs to keep up appearances. Anything the press interprets as a tepid denial or less than firm push-back is the basis for a story undercutting the status quo that might or might not change. I don't blame the staff or candidate, but I take what they say with a hearty grain of salt. I don't need to see how the sausage is made.
And it's not like this is unique to politicians. The same happens in business, in academia, in non-profits, in absolutely anything that has human beings involved.
Chris, when you're back would love a piece about your trip to Cooperstown
How is this "lying" any different than a company saying all is good then shutters? Until the plan is worked out, it's best not to say anything otherwise the rumor mill goes crazy. It's hard in the 24/7 news cycle to write when nothing going on. This is why we got zigs and zags from the op-eds.
Politicians perhaps don't owe the public an answer about all of their future plans, especially years and years ahead of time. I don't think Biden had a choice about projecting confidence in himself even as he was fielding huge doubts from his key supporters.
I think Mark Kelly would be an outstanding pick for veep. Of course the Republicans are going to squawk endlessly that the Dems will take away the gun rights for everyone because of Kelly’s stance, rightly so, against guns. But I don’t care because I believe we have to have stricter laws.
Heading to my grandson’s baseball tournament this weekend in Cooperstown which will be a first for me and my family. Any suggestions for what to do besides the Baseball Hall of Fame which we are going to when the kids aren’t playing baseball? Also any good family restaurants around? Thanks in advance!
It shouldn't be Kelly for the simple reason that we want to keep control of the Senate. If we do, the margin will remain razor thin.
I believe it will be a governor, most likely Beshear or Cooper.
There’s a Democratic governor in AZ so she will appoint a Democrat to that seat if it’s vacant. Plus it’s an important swing state so he brings more to the campaign than Kentucky or NC.
I like Gov. Shapiro!
I like him too. We're both alumni of the University of Rochester. However he's only been governor for a year and a half.
Am I the only one lamenting the fact that VP Harris seems to be rolling toward a coronation as the Democratic nominee with very little competition? I know time is short, but I also know she struggled in the last campaign and I'm not certain she's the best or most popular Democrat. If she wins fair and square that's fine but shouldn't she have to compete? Tell me where I'm wrong here....
'Cause she's already been both appointed and anointed by her donors, silly ... T-Minus 100 days and counting ... When mixing the newly christened #Kamala-cocktail, using #Malibu-coconut liquor as a base, what other ingredients #AOC?
It is wonderful to see so many jump on the Harris bandwagon. Volunteers are joining the campaign. Donors are filling coffers. And yet. The mendacious, authoritarian-leaning GOP candidates have not changed. The challenge to having a democracy has not changed. The races up and down the ballots have not changed. The 2024 election should have always been about what kind of country do we live in. In one day, with one change of candidate (albeit at the highest level) suddenly people are standing up for democracy? And had Biden not pulled out, were votors and donors willing to chance a right-wing, facist takeover?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
FLASH: #DEMs lose TWO (2) "Keys To The White House" as a result of #Joe being forced out under the threat of the 25th Amendment ... 1.) The #I-PCK = "Intra-party Contest Key" and, 2.) the "Incumbency Key".
The updated score is now:
#MAGAt(s) = Six (6) Keys versus #DEMs = Seven (7) Keys.
Analysis: #Trump is now One (1) "Key" away from securing a 2nd Term as President of The United States with a 100-days left till the Election. C=> https://www.youtube.com/live/BxvUPI1Bph4 #Holy-Sh't! #Nothing-Is-Easy
Trump isn't qualified to be President. He can't even speak coherently and he's a threat to our democratic Republic! Period. Full stop! I want to see an honest and legitimate competency test. He would fail.
T-Minus 100 days and counting ... When mixing the newly christened #Kamala-cocktail, using #Malibu-coconut liquor as a base, what other ingredients #AOC?
Chris, Glad you are enjoying Cooperstown. Red Sox fan and was there for David Ortiz’ induction two summers ago. Both my kids played baseball. Son for TC Williams and daughter for Alexandria Rec League until she aged out. One of if not only girls. Loves baseball to this day. Her dad was out in CA this weekend to join her at a Dodgers/Red Sox fan.⚾️
Skilled politicians are experts at the non-answer. Whitmer's "not leaving Michigan" comment was an example of such a non-answer. Not leaving ever? Today? Next month? Trump is an expert at making people...specifically duped MAGA folks...believe b.s. that is completely false. That makes him a liar.
Orville Peck is basically rhinestone Morrissey 😎