So you do not want Biden to run. Who do you want as the D nominee? (If you are so adamant it shouldn't be Biden, you have an obligation to "call it like [you] see it" and offer up at least one name.)
This is what I mean. I don't really have an opinion on whether Biden should run. My view is only that his age is something that's on the minds of lots and lots of voters and, therefore, is a legitimate issue to write about.
That is the point I tried to make in other comments. A post which just casts shade on Biden as if there were no other considerations is just a big bonus for Trump -- the context of what is and has been going on in the country is relevant to any discussion of Biden's suitability for another term.
"Majorities of voters in the country say they don't want him to run again ..."
Given that it is too late for anyone else to enter the race on the D side, this is pretty much a moot issue don't you think? And if that is the case, the race is between Trump and Biden, which means Biden's age is only an issue to the extent that Biden's age makes him a less attractive candidate than Trump. Are you suggesting that voters should select Trump over Biden due to Biden's age?
Have you seen Kissinger lately!! Not my favorite but at almost 100 he is still traveling the world doing speaking engagements! Agree with you... his age isn’t a factor, when trump is only 3 years younger.
The conclusion of Robert Reichs Substack blog this morning concludes with this paragraph.
“Sadly, there are still mainstream news outlets and journalists who believe that holding Trump accountable for what he has done (and continues to do) to this country is a form of partisanship, and that such partisanship has no place in so-called “balanced journalism.” This view is itself dangerous.
On his last CNN show, last August, Brian Stelter said:
It’s not partisan to stand up for decency and democracy and dialogue. It’s not partisan to stand up to demagogues. It’s required. It’s patriotic. We must make sure we don’t give platforms to those who are lying to our faces.”
Ok. I get it. You want to be fair to both sides. Except that reckless and dangerous doesn’t even begin to describe Trump, and treating DeSantis as if he’s a “normal” candidate and a fair alternative on any level is unconscionable. Setting aside Joe’s age, those alternatives are Fascists. And you, Chris, should be using your journalistic skills to inform the American public of that fact. Start sounding the alarm just as Steve Schmidt, Joyce Vance, Heather Cox-Richardson and many other Substack writers are doing every day. Your Ho-hum approach to what’s going on is absurd. Take a Stand.
I agree with the points here. I guess what I struggle with is that it seems like the media in general seems to give equal footing and air time to things like inciting an insurrection, constantly lying about pretty much everything, being found guilty of sexual assault, and say, falling off of a bicycle. Those things are not equal and yet it seems to come off that way when watching the news or reading the paper, especially if one is just looking through headlines which many people do. When everything seems to get equal attention, does that mean everything is equally bad or good? How can it be reported in a way that conveys the relative seriousness of one thing versus the other?
I agree that they are not equal. There is no equating Biden falling off a bicycle and Trump's unwillingness to concede the 2020 election. None.
And I hope I have never given the impression there is.
That said, I DO think is is fair game to write about Biden and Trump with a critical eye. Just because Trump has done what he has done doesn't make Biden infallible or exempt from criticism.
Agree with your last paragraph but there has to be more nuance. This is not about writing apples to apples. And you as one who wants to be objective, as well you should, you are being played by every lesson you were taught as a cub-journalist.
Trump:
30,000+ lies on every and any topic regardless of importance
Biden:
Goes full-Irish by embellishing stories of no consequence
====================
Trump:
Is loud and boisterous (unless reading facts from a teleprompter when his vocal register heightens two octaves), offering nonsensical screeds, but is considered a 'good speaker.' [Growing up in NYC the joke was that if you said anything loud enough, it had to be true]
Biden:
Is not a good public speaker and speaks in a modulated tone, but his intent is to educate the listener.
=========================
Trump:
Attacks NATO allies & praises Putin and other authoritarian regimes
Biden:
Is persuasive enough to have NATO allies support the struggling infant democracy of Ukraine from the terrorist/military attack by Trump's sweetheart.
==============================
Trump:
Offers vitriolic outbursts against anyone (white male or not) who hints at disloyalty
Biden:
Works with people with whom he is 180 degrees different in political ideology
================================
Trump:
Uses Christianity as a club against those who don't adhere to his anti-Jesus Nationalistic Christianity
Biden:
Uses Jesus-based tenets Christianity as a source of moral strength and guiding hope for his life and decision-making
==============================
You get my point...there is a major difference between the two candidates that has nothing to do with policy, but with person.
============================
Chris,
The difficulty for you and your colleagues in the political media is to portray Trump in his reality, not the one that "he should be covered because he's running for president."
Trump suckered the media into forcing it to cover him as if he was a "normal" political player with interest in policy, facts, and a legislative agenda.
The corporate con-man conned you all. He played you like suckers as he has those in his sham Real Estate Empire over the decades.
If you and your colleagues don't figure out a way to portray Trump for who he is, regardless of the MAGA backlash, his re-election could readily bring on the destruction of the nation's foundations.
And it will be on the 4th Estate not showing the Wannabe Emperor has no scrupples.
"And I hope I have never given the impression there is."
Actually, I have gotten the impression that you don't see a great deal of difference between Trump and Biden -- your attacks on Biden for the trivial issue of his age (he shows no signs of senility, unlike Trump) while not having ever written about Trump's mental defect (that I'm aware of) certainly imply an equivalence or even bias against Biden.
"I’ve noticed something in the five months (or so) that I have been writing this newsletter.
"When I write something critical of Donald Trump, people eat it up — it drives comments, praise and, yes, subscriptions.
"So What? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
"When I write something critical about Joe Biden, the opposite happens — people seem offended that I am trying to “get” him, insisting that I look elsewhere for content to write about."
I guess from this we should conclude that you see Trump and Biden and their worldviews as essentially equivalent -- one no better or worse than the other. This speaks volumes.
The problem is that Biden has been inundated with bad press from many outlets because of his age. However, I believe if a story is relevant and true it should be told without slant. Keep writing the truth and you will not have a problem with this community.
His age is definitely an issue for me, however, there are no other viable options at this moment. I will not vote for Trump or a Trump light candidate. Furthermore, I will not vote for anyone who is more interested in fighting a culture war than governing. That leaves everyone on the Republican side out. Unless Liz Cheney throws her hat in the ring, I will gladly pull the lever again for Joe Biden.
It is interesting that you evidently think that there has been relatively little (as opposed to a great deal) of discussion of Biden's age. A quick Google search lists page after page after page of links to articles discussing Biden's age One wonders how many articles would have to be written for you to consider "inundated" to be an appropriate description of the focus on Biden's age.
The idea that Biden is 80 is not new -- writing new columns doubling down on it is just a gift to Trump/DeSantis. If Biden's age (health) is truly an issue, any discussion of it should include a discussion of Trump's manifestly terrible health -- a 78 year old morbidly obese man who can barely walk a block and doesn't have the intellectual capacity to string together three coherent sentences.
"... I believe if a story is relevant and true it should be told without slant." Harping on Biden's age without talking about his physical and mental fitness and ignoring Trump's total lack of both is a slanted article.
I’ve canceled my subscription. I was so disgusted at your rant, going on & on & on about Biden tripping over a SANDBAG onstage. I asked you ‘What was a sandbag doing onstage and in his path?’ And Why didn’t the Secret Service pick it up before he stumbled? Your reply was snarky and defensive when I was asking you 2 realistic
Questions.
I used to love watching you and listened to your opinions but at 85 years old, I’m really disgusted at your take on age.
Thank you Chris. I'm a subscriber to your Substack because you have built enormous credibility with me over your career so far analyzing national politics and campaigns at The Washington Post and CNN. I admire you for your honest criticism. Keep up the good work. I count on it as an important contributor to me being an informed American voter.
One of the reasons I like listening to you, even if you aren't on the TK show, is because I think you work to give both sides or a balanced look at the news. I may not like things but ignoring all sides of the issues doesn't help me understand the world.
Hi, I appreciate what you are doing. I give Biden credit for the calm following the craziness of the Trump years. And yet, Biden was an important cog in the wheel of the government that in the last 40 years got us where we are today. Inequity and a hollowed out middle class. Social media run amok. Lower life expectancy, I could go on.
Just last week, I read an article saying he was thinking austerity is the way to go. I don’t know if that is true, I look to you and to others to let us know where the winds blow.
Hillary use to say she was the third term of Obama and that drove me crazy.... status quo is not good and more of the same corporatizing of the government will drive us into the arms of the facists.
So keep pointing out issues, the ship needs to turn and I fear Biden is happily keeping on in the trajectory he help create.
So, if I understand it correctly, you look at the IRA and the Infrastructure bills as driving inequality and, going back to his time as VP, the ACA. This is a strange reading of history.
I made the effort to find your voice after you left CNN. I trust that voice because we need clear-eyed analysis of events, not political pandering.
Thank you very much!
Hear hear, agree with you, Rick. I feel the same. Thanks for continuing to write analysis, Chris! And showing your human-side and sense of humor too.
That's well said. I'd add that in addition to your balanced approach, you're just entertaining.
A fair analysis of your comment section.
I think Uncle Joe is doing a good job considering the circumstances of such a divided country.
I wished that Biden would have decided on only one term. But considering the alternative, I'll support him in 2024.
That said, the age bit is overblown. Rupert Murdock is 92 as is Warren Buffet.
Physical health and mental acuity are more important, considering Trump's obesity and living on the edge of reality.
Go after Joe's policy, not your ill-ease of him being 80.
I think the fact that he is 80 -- given what we know about how we ALL deteriorate mentally and physically as we age -- is a HUGE issue.
And it's not just me. Majorities of voters in the country say they don't want him to run again and his age is a major factor in that calculation.
So you do not want Biden to run. Who do you want as the D nominee? (If you are so adamant it shouldn't be Biden, you have an obligation to "call it like [you] see it" and offer up at least one name.)
This is what I mean. I don't really have an opinion on whether Biden should run. My view is only that his age is something that's on the minds of lots and lots of voters and, therefore, is a legitimate issue to write about.
And the age, obesity, dishonesty and lack of mental faculties of trump do not factor into your thoughts about Biden? SAD!!!
That is the point I tried to make in other comments. A post which just casts shade on Biden as if there were no other considerations is just a big bonus for Trump -- the context of what is and has been going on in the country is relevant to any discussion of Biden's suitability for another term.
I think people don’t want either of them to them. Not really. I know I’d sure like other choices.
"Majorities of voters in the country say they don't want him to run again ..."
Given that it is too late for anyone else to enter the race on the D side, this is pretty much a moot issue don't you think? And if that is the case, the race is between Trump and Biden, which means Biden's age is only an issue to the extent that Biden's age makes him a less attractive candidate than Trump. Are you suggesting that voters should select Trump over Biden due to Biden's age?
Exactly!!
Have you seen Kissinger lately!! Not my favorite but at almost 100 he is still traveling the world doing speaking engagements! Agree with you... his age isn’t a factor, when trump is only 3 years younger.
This is exactly why I subscribed!
Thanks, Ed!
The conclusion of Robert Reichs Substack blog this morning concludes with this paragraph.
“Sadly, there are still mainstream news outlets and journalists who believe that holding Trump accountable for what he has done (and continues to do) to this country is a form of partisanship, and that such partisanship has no place in so-called “balanced journalism.” This view is itself dangerous.
On his last CNN show, last August, Brian Stelter said:
It’s not partisan to stand up for decency and democracy and dialogue. It’s not partisan to stand up to demagogues. It’s required. It’s patriotic. We must make sure we don’t give platforms to those who are lying to our faces.”
Take these words to heart, Chris.
Ok. I get it. You want to be fair to both sides. Except that reckless and dangerous doesn’t even begin to describe Trump, and treating DeSantis as if he’s a “normal” candidate and a fair alternative on any level is unconscionable. Setting aside Joe’s age, those alternatives are Fascists. And you, Chris, should be using your journalistic skills to inform the American public of that fact. Start sounding the alarm just as Steve Schmidt, Joyce Vance, Heather Cox-Richardson and many other Substack writers are doing every day. Your Ho-hum approach to what’s going on is absurd. Take a Stand.
Yeah, this. Horse race as if it’s all very normal people doesn’t work when legitimately it’s democracy vs Fascism.
Bingo!! Treating Trump and Biden as if there is essentially no difference between them and so attacking Biden is essentially cheerleading for Trump.
I agree with the points here. I guess what I struggle with is that it seems like the media in general seems to give equal footing and air time to things like inciting an insurrection, constantly lying about pretty much everything, being found guilty of sexual assault, and say, falling off of a bicycle. Those things are not equal and yet it seems to come off that way when watching the news or reading the paper, especially if one is just looking through headlines which many people do. When everything seems to get equal attention, does that mean everything is equally bad or good? How can it be reported in a way that conveys the relative seriousness of one thing versus the other?
I agree that they are not equal. There is no equating Biden falling off a bicycle and Trump's unwillingness to concede the 2020 election. None.
And I hope I have never given the impression there is.
That said, I DO think is is fair game to write about Biden and Trump with a critical eye. Just because Trump has done what he has done doesn't make Biden infallible or exempt from criticism.
Agree with your last paragraph but there has to be more nuance. This is not about writing apples to apples. And you as one who wants to be objective, as well you should, you are being played by every lesson you were taught as a cub-journalist.
Trump:
30,000+ lies on every and any topic regardless of importance
Biden:
Goes full-Irish by embellishing stories of no consequence
====================
Trump:
Is loud and boisterous (unless reading facts from a teleprompter when his vocal register heightens two octaves), offering nonsensical screeds, but is considered a 'good speaker.' [Growing up in NYC the joke was that if you said anything loud enough, it had to be true]
Biden:
Is not a good public speaker and speaks in a modulated tone, but his intent is to educate the listener.
=========================
Trump:
Attacks NATO allies & praises Putin and other authoritarian regimes
Biden:
Is persuasive enough to have NATO allies support the struggling infant democracy of Ukraine from the terrorist/military attack by Trump's sweetheart.
==============================
Trump:
Offers vitriolic outbursts against anyone (white male or not) who hints at disloyalty
Biden:
Works with people with whom he is 180 degrees different in political ideology
================================
Trump:
Uses Christianity as a club against those who don't adhere to his anti-Jesus Nationalistic Christianity
Biden:
Uses Jesus-based tenets Christianity as a source of moral strength and guiding hope for his life and decision-making
==============================
You get my point...there is a major difference between the two candidates that has nothing to do with policy, but with person.
============================
Chris,
The difficulty for you and your colleagues in the political media is to portray Trump in his reality, not the one that "he should be covered because he's running for president."
Trump suckered the media into forcing it to cover him as if he was a "normal" political player with interest in policy, facts, and a legislative agenda.
The corporate con-man conned you all. He played you like suckers as he has those in his sham Real Estate Empire over the decades.
If you and your colleagues don't figure out a way to portray Trump for who he is, regardless of the MAGA backlash, his re-election could readily bring on the destruction of the nation's foundations.
And it will be on the 4th Estate not showing the Wannabe Emperor has no scrupples.
Yup
"And I hope I have never given the impression there is."
Actually, I have gotten the impression that you don't see a great deal of difference between Trump and Biden -- your attacks on Biden for the trivial issue of his age (he shows no signs of senility, unlike Trump) while not having ever written about Trump's mental defect (that I'm aware of) certainly imply an equivalence or even bias against Biden.
Maybe not. But Joe is not a Facist, so doing anything that makes the 2 of them seem equivalent on ANY level is just straight up foolish.
Exactly.
"I’ve noticed something in the five months (or so) that I have been writing this newsletter.
"When I write something critical of Donald Trump, people eat it up — it drives comments, praise and, yes, subscriptions.
"So What? is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
"When I write something critical about Joe Biden, the opposite happens — people seem offended that I am trying to “get” him, insisting that I look elsewhere for content to write about."
I guess from this we should conclude that you see Trump and Biden and their worldviews as essentially equivalent -- one no better or worse than the other. This speaks volumes.
Precisely what I just said. Trump and DeSantis are fascists. . It’s time more journalists started saying so. Loudly.
A good reminder - thank you.
Now, let's talk about the lack of an Oxford comma... ("I am reading, thinking and talking about politics.")
😉
Man, that is MY fault. ;)
I like what you have to give, for the most part.
What I do worry about is treating it all as a horse race tends to normalize Trump and Republican Fascism.
The problem is that Biden has been inundated with bad press from many outlets because of his age. However, I believe if a story is relevant and true it should be told without slant. Keep writing the truth and you will not have a problem with this community.
I don;'t think he had been inundated. I DO think it is absolutely an issue that the public cares about though.
His age is definitely an issue for me, however, there are no other viable options at this moment. I will not vote for Trump or a Trump light candidate. Furthermore, I will not vote for anyone who is more interested in fighting a culture war than governing. That leaves everyone on the Republican side out. Unless Liz Cheney throws her hat in the ring, I will gladly pull the lever again for Joe Biden.
No. He’s been pretty well inundated with negative press about his age.
It is interesting that you evidently think that there has been relatively little (as opposed to a great deal) of discussion of Biden's age. A quick Google search lists page after page after page of links to articles discussing Biden's age One wonders how many articles would have to be written for you to consider "inundated" to be an appropriate description of the focus on Biden's age.
The idea that Biden is 80 is not new -- writing new columns doubling down on it is just a gift to Trump/DeSantis. If Biden's age (health) is truly an issue, any discussion of it should include a discussion of Trump's manifestly terrible health -- a 78 year old morbidly obese man who can barely walk a block and doesn't have the intellectual capacity to string together three coherent sentences.
"... I believe if a story is relevant and true it should be told without slant." Harping on Biden's age without talking about his physical and mental fitness and ignoring Trump's total lack of both is a slanted article.
You are working from a place of integrity, Chris! We need that, keep it coming, please.
Thank you Chris, I have followed your work avidly and support you for EXACTLY this reason! Keep it up, we are with you.
Thank you! And spread the word!
I’ve canceled my subscription. I was so disgusted at your rant, going on & on & on about Biden tripping over a SANDBAG onstage. I asked you ‘What was a sandbag doing onstage and in his path?’ And Why didn’t the Secret Service pick it up before he stumbled? Your reply was snarky and defensive when I was asking you 2 realistic
Questions.
I used to love watching you and listened to your opinions but at 85 years old, I’m really disgusted at your take on age.
So long, it’s been good to know ya.
Sorry, Carol. Appreciate your honesty. Wishing you well.
Thank you Chris. I'm a subscriber to your Substack because you have built enormous credibility with me over your career so far analyzing national politics and campaigns at The Washington Post and CNN. I admire you for your honest criticism. Keep up the good work. I count on it as an important contributor to me being an informed American voter.
Yes, I’ve been reading your work for years.
One of the reasons I like listening to you, even if you aren't on the TK show, is because I think you work to give both sides or a balanced look at the news. I may not like things but ignoring all sides of the issues doesn't help me understand the world.
Hi, I appreciate what you are doing. I give Biden credit for the calm following the craziness of the Trump years. And yet, Biden was an important cog in the wheel of the government that in the last 40 years got us where we are today. Inequity and a hollowed out middle class. Social media run amok. Lower life expectancy, I could go on.
Just last week, I read an article saying he was thinking austerity is the way to go. I don’t know if that is true, I look to you and to others to let us know where the winds blow.
Hillary use to say she was the third term of Obama and that drove me crazy.... status quo is not good and more of the same corporatizing of the government will drive us into the arms of the facists.
So keep pointing out issues, the ship needs to turn and I fear Biden is happily keeping on in the trajectory he help create.
This is a very good point -- and a thoughtful one. Many thanks.
So, if I understand it correctly, you look at the IRA and the Infrastructure bills as driving inequality and, going back to his time as VP, the ACA. This is a strange reading of history.