I do not think that Dems are in denial. I am completely clear eyed about this. Yes, Biden is not anyone's "best choice" (though i do think he is doing a better job, given the hand he was dealt, than just about anyone could do). But what else is there? I don't see any person out there who is going to swoop in and be a better nominee. What was it that Rumsfeld said...? "you go to war with the army you have..." It does no one any good to keep harping about Biden's weaknesses, let's move on from the car wreck and see how to win this thing.
This may be the key point: Democrats are sort of resigned to Biden as the nominee -- and focused on the fact that the key thing is nominating someone who can beat Trump.
Agree, but I think you have the party followers before the leader, Chris.
Instead of acting as stabilizer/caretaker for one term step, Biden should step down for the next generations, and rest on the laurels of his work accomplished.
But, he has become drunk-with-power and recriminations of "what could have been."
By staying in power he assuages his anger over being pushed aside by Hillary and the Clinton mafia in 2016.
So he stays and the ReTrumplican'ts run against Kamala, a women of color with two immigrant parents.
ReTrumplican't messaging will be 24/7 offering racist, misogynistic, anti-Immigrant send-ups that would make the KKK blush.
I can't imagine Biden being "drunk with power." I simply believe that he sees himself as being competent and able to lead as president. He may be somewhat blind of his weaknesses, but he isn't wallowing in his own greatness.
Chris, I agree absolutely with what you say in your footnote, "My job as a journalist isn’t to root for a side — or to prop some up or drag them down."
Someone needs to please explain to me why Biden's age and fitness is a concern, but Trump, who has nowhere near the discipline of Biden in terms of health, intellectual curiosity, and self-reflection, is not painted with the same brush. Add to the mix that Fred Trump Sr. suffered from dementia I don't get it.
Is the answer that RW media is pushing this out, or do people think Trump's attack-mode interviews and speeches are now normal for a POTUS?
I am going to write something on this in the near future because I think it is a really good question.
We know almost nothing about Trump's health because, well, he has failed to release anything about his health. But we know his diet and exercise regime leave something to be desired when you are talking about how to be healthy.
I *think* concerns about Biden are based, primarily, in his lack of clarity in speech. His allies insist that is because of his childhood stuttering issues -- and isn't indicative of any sort of cognitive decline.
But I think people see him stumble over words or struggle, seemingly, to remember things and see that as evidence that he is getting old.
Also, Trump - as awful as he is - is always out and about, gladhanding, setting up rallies (even if he cancels them). He talks to the media when they're around. Biden doesn't. Biden only gives tightly scripted speeches or controlled press conferences or interviews. When he does appear, he shuffles around. He just looks and acts old. Again, acknowledging that Trump is terrible - look at him this weekend, living it up as host of a LIV event (YUCK!).
Trump might only be a few years younger than Biden, but he acts about 20 years younger. I'm sorry to say. Whether it is true or not, the perception is that Trump is just more energetic. And I'm not going to vote for either one of them. I pray we have a better option on one side or the other.
When Trump speaks, he sounotic -- generally just dishing out word salad. It is unclear if he has the intelligence to put together two coherent sentences -- mostly he just complains about what a victim he is and how great he is -- meaningless.
When Biden speaks, he makes sense -- it seems that, unlike Trump, he can form coherent ideas and communicate them. Your characterization: "Biden only gives tightly scripted speeches or controlled press conferences or interviews." doesn't square with what we saw in the debates or at the SOTU. Just hating the guy and then trying to come up with reasons to hate him is non-productive.
I believe a large part of the bad polling numbers is predicated on media wonkiness! Fox (Faux) News...CNN trying to play both sides of the street, etc.
You do the nation a great disservice not identifying media bias....for Madison Ave sake!
Bottom line: Trump sells Cheerios/it's in the media interest to keep him front and center.
In the piece I cite polling from a variety of media orgs that all show Biden in a weak position. Is it your contention that they're all in on some sort of conspiracy to make Trump president?
But my dear Chris, the same thing happened in 2024 when almost all the Polls predicted a Rubby Red wave for the Republicans . But this never materialised. Why should we believe them now
JW, you took the words out of my mouth. This is exactly what is happening here with all these insinuations and polls about Joe Biden's age and achievements. Who wants to believe the polls again after their Red wave predictions never come to pass in the 2022 elections.
The Press may find Biden boring but he is going to win again in 2024.
"Calling it how I see it" ... which results in cheerleading for Trump. Yes, Biden is over 80 -- everyone knows it and Biden is being attacked for it daily by the right. Your regurgitating the attacks don't enhance understanding, it just promotes Trump. In a balanced article, it would be appropriate to point out that Trump is a near 80 year old morbidly obese man who can barely walk the distance from a golf cart to a tee (who rides in a golf cart from one speaking point to another when dozens of other world leaders at the same event a walking,
Yes, Biden has low poll numbers. EVERYONE now has low poll numbers. Are you using those numbers to predict a Trump victory in 2024? Just like in 2020? Is this calling it like you see it?
It's easy to trash someone -- especially someone who is actually doing things. I will call it like I see it -- Biden is a much better choice than Trump. On the issue of honesty and integrity alone, Biden is the only choice. On the issue of surrendering to Putin and handing him Ukraine (which Trump loudly proclaimed he will do), Biden is the only choice. On virtually any issue you name, Biden is the better choice. And yet you attack him and call for anyone else to run -- that is cheerleading for Trump.
This is interesting. I think the question is what to do about it? If you stipulate that Trump is the nominee (probable-likely) *and* you think that Biden remains the best person to beat him, there isn’t much of a Plan B other than really tighten up your messaging and convince the progressive wing to get on board because Biden winning is a billion times better for them than Trump.
I think the lack of a Plan B is really important. For whatever reason -- whether justified or not -- the reality is that Biden and his team didn't believe Kamala was ready to step in. Which left a bunch of longer shot options...
I do not contend that "they" want to make Trump president....I contend they want to sell more Wheaties. When you look at what Biden has ACTUALLY accomplished, and compare it with the short shrift the media give said accomplishments, there's your answer!
Do we hear of record employment? Green and chip programs? Gun control efforts? A dip in the deficit? No, all we hear are republican talking points and some bs desire to show both sides a fair shake....the reality is that Biden has quietly accomplished more than any President in my lifetime ..I’m a child of 1956.
A tight horserace means more $$$ for everyone in the media, and if Trump is in the race VOILA! the numbers of eyes become astronomical!
Chris, I like your writing and POV, but I dare say you and many cut from similar cloth obtained your positions in large degree thanks to The Cheetoh!
If he were to go away, you folks would have to scramble to find another cash cow like that!
I feel Biden’s age may be a deterrent to voters, however, I will vote for him. In all honesty, I wish he would have said that he was a one term president and have a younger candidate come forth. It won’t happen unless Biden either dies or becomes incapacitated. If the choice is Biden or Trump, Biden could be 100 and I’d still vote for him. I think Trump should be held to the same standard as any other candidate for everything, including his age. While I think some may see it that way, his base won’t care and the politicians are too afraid of going after Trump. They still cower in the corner and will not cross him. Sad! Trump is a bully (amongst other things) and he speaks loudly and often, beats everything to death. Perception is key. I read something interesting, the key to try and topple Trump is with the media. Not saying that they shouldn’t cover him as he’s a presidential candidate (I’d prefer him to not be covered), but to hold his feet to the fire. It should be a taped interview, but have the journalist ask a question and have him say the lie and keep after him and say that’s not true. He starts again, that’s not true, it’s been debunked. Keep at it, showcase the lies. One of 2 things will happen, Trump will walk off which should be a big story. Or, have the journalist stand up, drop the mic and say, until you can truthfully answer my questions, this interview is done. Walk off. DO. NOT. ACCEPT. HIS. LIES. We know he’s a bully and will just run over anyone, someone has to be able to stand up to him.
Could Biden do a 2nd term? Probably. That doesn't mean I want a choice between someone who has a fair chance of dying in office versus an orange gorilla.
I think this may be the key to Democrats' hopes. That young people may not a) like Biden or b) want him to run again but there is no way that they are going to vote for Trump or stay home.-
Realistically the only way the Democrats make this change cleanly is for Biden to resign voluntarily, coupled with a party-wide recognized successor waiting in the wings that can retain the aura and advantages of the incumbency. Any type of challenging primary and the entire race becomes an open challenge and a repeat of 2000, 2008, and 2016 etc.
However, the problem is that the Presidency is a powerful aphrodisiac, highly addictive, and once experience almost impossible to give up.
I’m not proposing anybody. If Biden had declined to run, the natural nomination process would be occurring right now and potential candidates would be emerging.
Democrats are expert in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Just because Biden has done a fine job, and I think he has, doesn’t mean he is the best candidate for re-election. His age is a major factor. But he also, sort of like Carter, had failed to connect meaningfully with a large segment of the population, including many Democrats. It’s time to go, Joe. But giving up power willingly is a rare quality in humanity. It takes extraordinary humility and strength of character.
Ok. So sometimes you paint yourself into a corner. And you recognize this, but simply put, you are where you are.
Both the national Democratic and Republican parties "Are where they are." It doesn't seem that any amount of examination or reflection is likely to change that, at least in the near future.
At some point the "paint" will dry and perhaps the situation will greatly change for either or both political parties.
I do not think that Dems are in denial. I am completely clear eyed about this. Yes, Biden is not anyone's "best choice" (though i do think he is doing a better job, given the hand he was dealt, than just about anyone could do). But what else is there? I don't see any person out there who is going to swoop in and be a better nominee. What was it that Rumsfeld said...? "you go to war with the army you have..." It does no one any good to keep harping about Biden's weaknesses, let's move on from the car wreck and see how to win this thing.
This may be the key point: Democrats are sort of resigned to Biden as the nominee -- and focused on the fact that the key thing is nominating someone who can beat Trump.
Biden has beaten Trump before and he will do it again!
We can only hope!!!
Yes, it’s not so much denial as there’s nothing I can do about it.
Agree, but I think you have the party followers before the leader, Chris.
Instead of acting as stabilizer/caretaker for one term step, Biden should step down for the next generations, and rest on the laurels of his work accomplished.
But, he has become drunk-with-power and recriminations of "what could have been."
By staying in power he assuages his anger over being pushed aside by Hillary and the Clinton mafia in 2016.
So he stays and the ReTrumplican'ts run against Kamala, a women of color with two immigrant parents.
ReTrumplican't messaging will be 24/7 offering racist, misogynistic, anti-Immigrant send-ups that would make the KKK blush.
Uncle Joe = Denier-In-Chief...SAD!!
I can't imagine Biden being "drunk with power." I simply believe that he sees himself as being competent and able to lead as president. He may be somewhat blind of his weaknesses, but he isn't wallowing in his own greatness.
Chris, I agree absolutely with what you say in your footnote, "My job as a journalist isn’t to root for a side — or to prop some up or drag them down."
Thank you for your reporting.
Someone needs to please explain to me why Biden's age and fitness is a concern, but Trump, who has nowhere near the discipline of Biden in terms of health, intellectual curiosity, and self-reflection, is not painted with the same brush. Add to the mix that Fred Trump Sr. suffered from dementia I don't get it.
Is the answer that RW media is pushing this out, or do people think Trump's attack-mode interviews and speeches are now normal for a POTUS?
I am going to write something on this in the near future because I think it is a really good question.
We know almost nothing about Trump's health because, well, he has failed to release anything about his health. But we know his diet and exercise regime leave something to be desired when you are talking about how to be healthy.
I *think* concerns about Biden are based, primarily, in his lack of clarity in speech. His allies insist that is because of his childhood stuttering issues -- and isn't indicative of any sort of cognitive decline.
But I think people see him stumble over words or struggle, seemingly, to remember things and see that as evidence that he is getting old.
Also, Trump - as awful as he is - is always out and about, gladhanding, setting up rallies (even if he cancels them). He talks to the media when they're around. Biden doesn't. Biden only gives tightly scripted speeches or controlled press conferences or interviews. When he does appear, he shuffles around. He just looks and acts old. Again, acknowledging that Trump is terrible - look at him this weekend, living it up as host of a LIV event (YUCK!).
Trump might only be a few years younger than Biden, but he acts about 20 years younger. I'm sorry to say. Whether it is true or not, the perception is that Trump is just more energetic. And I'm not going to vote for either one of them. I pray we have a better option on one side or the other.
"He talks to the media when they're around."
When Trump speaks, he sounotic -- generally just dishing out word salad. It is unclear if he has the intelligence to put together two coherent sentences -- mostly he just complains about what a victim he is and how great he is -- meaningless.
When Biden speaks, he makes sense -- it seems that, unlike Trump, he can form coherent ideas and communicate them. Your characterization: "Biden only gives tightly scripted speeches or controlled press conferences or interviews." doesn't square with what we saw in the debates or at the SOTU. Just hating the guy and then trying to come up with reasons to hate him is non-productive.
Perception is everything in today's politics. If you look and move like someone who just might be a fighter and/or a "winner" ....
I believe a large part of the bad polling numbers is predicated on media wonkiness! Fox (Faux) News...CNN trying to play both sides of the street, etc.
You do the nation a great disservice not identifying media bias....for Madison Ave sake!
Bottom line: Trump sells Cheerios/it's in the media interest to keep him front and center.
Totally disagree with this.
In the piece I cite polling from a variety of media orgs that all show Biden in a weak position. Is it your contention that they're all in on some sort of conspiracy to make Trump president?
Chris,
Howdy!
Dr. Richardson describes Biuden's accomplishments succinctly and to the point in this letter.
https://open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/may-30-2023?r=3mm23&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email
Take care,
jw
But my dear Chris, the same thing happened in 2024 when almost all the Polls predicted a Rubby Red wave for the Republicans . But this never materialised. Why should we believe them now
JW, you took the words out of my mouth. This is exactly what is happening here with all these insinuations and polls about Joe Biden's age and achievements. Who wants to believe the polls again after their Red wave predictions never come to pass in the 2022 elections.
The Press may find Biden boring but he is going to win again in 2024.
Another column cheerleading Trump -- Sad.
Not cheerleading Trump. Calling it how I see it -- which is my job.
"Calling it how I see it" ... which results in cheerleading for Trump. Yes, Biden is over 80 -- everyone knows it and Biden is being attacked for it daily by the right. Your regurgitating the attacks don't enhance understanding, it just promotes Trump. In a balanced article, it would be appropriate to point out that Trump is a near 80 year old morbidly obese man who can barely walk the distance from a golf cart to a tee (who rides in a golf cart from one speaking point to another when dozens of other world leaders at the same event a walking,
Yes, Biden has low poll numbers. EVERYONE now has low poll numbers. Are you using those numbers to predict a Trump victory in 2024? Just like in 2020? Is this calling it like you see it?
It's easy to trash someone -- especially someone who is actually doing things. I will call it like I see it -- Biden is a much better choice than Trump. On the issue of honesty and integrity alone, Biden is the only choice. On the issue of surrendering to Putin and handing him Ukraine (which Trump loudly proclaimed he will do), Biden is the only choice. On virtually any issue you name, Biden is the better choice. And yet you attack him and call for anyone else to run -- that is cheerleading for Trump.
This is interesting. I think the question is what to do about it? If you stipulate that Trump is the nominee (probable-likely) *and* you think that Biden remains the best person to beat him, there isn’t much of a Plan B other than really tighten up your messaging and convince the progressive wing to get on board because Biden winning is a billion times better for them than Trump.
I think the lack of a Plan B is really important. For whatever reason -- whether justified or not -- the reality is that Biden and his team didn't believe Kamala was ready to step in. Which left a bunch of longer shot options...
I do not contend that "they" want to make Trump president....I contend they want to sell more Wheaties. When you look at what Biden has ACTUALLY accomplished, and compare it with the short shrift the media give said accomplishments, there's your answer!
Do we hear of record employment? Green and chip programs? Gun control efforts? A dip in the deficit? No, all we hear are republican talking points and some bs desire to show both sides a fair shake....the reality is that Biden has quietly accomplished more than any President in my lifetime ..I’m a child of 1956.
A tight horserace means more $$$ for everyone in the media, and if Trump is in the race VOILA! the numbers of eyes become astronomical!
Chris, I like your writing and POV, but I dare say you and many cut from similar cloth obtained your positions in large degree thanks to The Cheetoh!
If he were to go away, you folks would have to scramble to find another cash cow like that!
I feel Biden’s age may be a deterrent to voters, however, I will vote for him. In all honesty, I wish he would have said that he was a one term president and have a younger candidate come forth. It won’t happen unless Biden either dies or becomes incapacitated. If the choice is Biden or Trump, Biden could be 100 and I’d still vote for him. I think Trump should be held to the same standard as any other candidate for everything, including his age. While I think some may see it that way, his base won’t care and the politicians are too afraid of going after Trump. They still cower in the corner and will not cross him. Sad! Trump is a bully (amongst other things) and he speaks loudly and often, beats everything to death. Perception is key. I read something interesting, the key to try and topple Trump is with the media. Not saying that they shouldn’t cover him as he’s a presidential candidate (I’d prefer him to not be covered), but to hold his feet to the fire. It should be a taped interview, but have the journalist ask a question and have him say the lie and keep after him and say that’s not true. He starts again, that’s not true, it’s been debunked. Keep at it, showcase the lies. One of 2 things will happen, Trump will walk off which should be a big story. Or, have the journalist stand up, drop the mic and say, until you can truthfully answer my questions, this interview is done. Walk off. DO. NOT. ACCEPT. HIS. LIES. We know he’s a bully and will just run over anyone, someone has to be able to stand up to him.
Could Biden do a 2nd term? Probably. That doesn't mean I want a choice between someone who has a fair chance of dying in office versus an orange gorilla.
I think this may be the key to Democrats' hopes. That young people may not a) like Biden or b) want him to run again but there is no way that they are going to vote for Trump or stay home.-
What other Democrat would beat Trump? You can't beat someone with no one.
No response ... Sad!
Realistically the only way the Democrats make this change cleanly is for Biden to resign voluntarily, coupled with a party-wide recognized successor waiting in the wings that can retain the aura and advantages of the incumbency. Any type of challenging primary and the entire race becomes an open challenge and a repeat of 2000, 2008, and 2016 etc.
However, the problem is that the Presidency is a powerful aphrodisiac, highly addictive, and once experience almost impossible to give up.
Plus, pigs aren't very aerodynamic.
I laughed at that last bit. Well done.
No politician (or almost no politician) willingly walks away from the seat of power. Biden is non exception.
I’m not proposing anybody. If Biden had declined to run, the natural nomination process would be occurring right now and potential candidates would be emerging.
Are there polls that show the impact of keeping Harris on the ticket? I know ... LMGTFY
Democrats are expert in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Just because Biden has done a fine job, and I think he has, doesn’t mean he is the best candidate for re-election. His age is a major factor. But he also, sort of like Carter, had failed to connect meaningfully with a large segment of the population, including many Democrats. It’s time to go, Joe. But giving up power willingly is a rare quality in humanity. It takes extraordinary humility and strength of character.
So who are you proposing is a better choice to run and beat Trump?
No reply -- sad.
Ok. So sometimes you paint yourself into a corner. And you recognize this, but simply put, you are where you are.
Both the national Democratic and Republican parties "Are where they are." It doesn't seem that any amount of examination or reflection is likely to change that, at least in the near future.
At some point the "paint" will dry and perhaps the situation will greatly change for either or both political parties.
Can we please get a more complimentary picture of Joe Biden like we always get of smiling Trump. Thanks Chris