671 Comments

You're a class act. He was not. You stand taller them him on character and integrity and that's worth far more.

Expand full comment

Hear! Hear!

Expand full comment
Expand full comment

Sometimes not giving a reaction speaks volumes more then a clever comeback. 😉

Expand full comment
founding

And your suit is quite remarkable, Senator. Did it come with a hood?

Expand full comment

Wow! How disgusting! What a total POS Thurman was!

Expand full comment

“Did i hear correctly what you just said?'

Expand full comment

A despicable man does not merit a reply.

Expand full comment

An insult is an insult and deserved to be responded to with a slap to

ol’ Strom’s face.

Expand full comment
RemovedFeb 23
Comment removed
Expand full comment

Biggest lie ever told. Yes, sticks and stones will break your bones, but lies will spread by lieing bullies who want to hurt others. It all comes back down to mean spirited bullies who will manipulate others to make themselves look powerful , Trump, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin and many others all down thru history . The Wicked Witch of the west and her winged monkeys ...

Expand full comment

You overstate the case, as pacifists tend to do. Sometimes it’s necessary to teach respect in a physical way when words do not suffice.

Expand full comment

It is NEVER necessary to resort to physical altercations. Pacifism has nothing to do with it.

Expand full comment

.

Expand full comment
deletedFeb 22
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

How about something like, "Does your gray uniform still fit?"

Expand full comment

Or the white one. The one with the pointy hood.

Expand full comment

Butter nut and grey

Expand full comment
Feb 23·edited Feb 23

That takes time, so I go the faux concern route because it both infuriates assholes like this and leaves them with absolutely no comeback - and as it's appropriate for all encounters you don't have to waste time thrashing around for a more apt comeback. The south's "bless your heart" has always been a killer condescending and contemptuous shiv between the ribs, but there's no harm in expanding on that so it's a real "fuck you sideways" wearing a bulletproof vest.

Look at any bully who pulls this sort of smirking put-down with brimming concern and say in a "there, there/tsk tsk" tone: "Do you feel better now? I am SO sorry that our mental health care system has utterly failed you, but is the therapy you so obviously need really THAT expensive?"

Sigh sadly, shake your head, and absolutely be the first one off the elevator.

Try to resist the urge to crop dust them as you exit.

Expand full comment

Really. Just what narrow minded oafs what, for you to get riled and get in the name calling gutter they live in.

Expand full comment

I think they come in white with a hood!

Expand full comment
Comment removed
Expand full comment

Fuck off dweeb.

Expand full comment
deletedFeb 24
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Comment removed
Expand full comment

Shame on you--this is why I rarely read comments, because they have become so degrading. and Lee's comment below? Just as bad! Stop it everyone! Be CIVIL to each other, please!

Expand full comment

Catherine being blunt sometimes is the only way to deal with a pest.

If Trump had been dealt with bluntly, upfront and vigorously, instead of being treated as just another "normaL" billionaire we wouldn't be in this mess today.

Expand full comment

NEVER thought “silence” could sound SO LOUD!!!

Expand full comment
Comment removed
Expand full comment

It was an ELEVATOR. Doors opened and it was over.

Expand full comment

Janet, unfortunately it was not over. The Confederate wanted to hurt Robert. Why? The answer to this question explains Trump.

Expand full comment

Not at all. In a different place and time Ol’ Strom would have been challenged to a duel.

Expand full comment

Yes, and it would have been somewhat difficult to hit a 4 foot 11-inch target.

Expand full comment
Comment removed
Expand full comment

I definitely understand your sentiment and agree that in 99% of cases, speaking up is warranted, especially in these times. Where I disagree is this specific instance which RR was caught of guard + he did respond. ST was looking to ruffle him and he didn't give him that. That's what I mean by this doesn't make him a coward. There's times like this where not taking the bait is the right response. But I wish you well and hope that we all have a strong voice, especially now! ❤️

Expand full comment
Feb 22·edited Feb 22

Sam Leonard, in a situation where the affront is directed only toward one person and there are only 2 peoole. Silence, a non-response is actually strength. The ego in the perpetrator wants power, wants to get a reaction or conflict, so they can feel superior, by controlling the emotions or actions of the other person

Expand full comment

Thurman wasn't the type to be affected by a clever retort, still if Prof Reich had given one it would be more than merited, but I can't blame him for his initial silence, it's better than a flailing attempt that would have given Thurman some satisfaction, and a clever reply doesn't always come quickly. I think the important point is Prof Reich didn't stay silent, he has spent his life fighting the good fight for ordinary and oppressed people. Good strategists don't burst into every provocation, they look for ways to have maximum affect. John Brown stood up, fought back and got himself killed. While he was certainly a good man the people in Washington hashing out the debate over slavery probably did more to bring about its demise than John Brown did.

Expand full comment

Sam, you are correct that "Silence nods assent". And since you asked:

Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more

dweeb

/dwēb/

nounDEROGATORY•INFORMAL

a boring, studious, or socially inept person.

That is opposed to an entertaining blabber who doesn't know or study anything but thinks he knows it all, is still a socially inept person, but he doesn't realize he is inept. Just like Trump!

Expand full comment

You know, an aggressive act like that always catches you unawares. So did your reply to Deborah, by the way. You are an asshole as well. There. Sue me

Expand full comment

Don’t feed the trolls.

Expand full comment

(1) be specific, please. It’s Sam Leonard. “You” could be anyone. (Note: I’m reading on a phone.)

(2) ignore trolls.

Expand full comment

I you are replying to me (sorry it’s hard to tell) I was replying to Sam, not Deborah.

Expand full comment
Comment removed
Expand full comment

Please keep comments civil.

Expand full comment

How about banning Sam Leonard? See his other hateful comments- he's a bomb-thrower that went way past civil long ago.

Expand full comment

Looks like your suggestion was taken!

Expand full comment

? What???

Robert is 100% class act.

Expand full comment

Thank you. I wonder what Prof. Reich is thinking when he reads most of these ridiculous comments & sees how quickly some people start up with the name calling. Perfect example of what is wrong in America

Expand full comment

You calling Robert a coward. Mother effer.

Expand full comment

Shame on you for this comment!

Expand full comment

Congratulations Sam. That reply was certainly classy. You and all of your upvoters can take pride in your collective stance and you are a hero for stating things in such a clasic and classy manner.

/s

Expand full comment

What do you suggest he should have done? And what would you have done?

Expand full comment

OH YEAH⁉️💩😡

Expand full comment

Sam Leonard, "Constantly pissed off Progressive," struth. Except the progressive part. 👽

Expand full comment
author

Here's the best rebuttal I've seen of Ezra Klein and others who argue that Biden should step aside: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9vsivYrC4U

Expand full comment

Thank you for this link. As an ordinary person, it’s hard to sift thru all the commentaries and opinions. I was one who voted he should step aside, but didn’t feel comfortable with that vote. I would change that vote now. I like Biden. He’s done an amazing job. I think he should stay in. And hopefully this nonsense about his so called frailty will dissipate.

Expand full comment

I agree that Biden has done an amazing job but there is a valid concern about his frailty and how that will effect voters in November

Expand full comment

Yes I agree. He’s totally capable. It’s the perception that MAGA is perpetuating - totally overlooking of course their own “brilliant” candidate.

Expand full comment

I think you are falling in the trap of listening to those who comment endlessly on the Presidential race as if it were a horse race, Denise.

YOU do not seem to think that Biden's age is a non-starter, but enough propaganda has been put out there on the topic that you are worried that a lot of folks will not vote fore him *because* of his age/ frailty or whatever. Trust yourself: If you are not moved, you are not alone.

FYI, that is precisely the role of the Vice President; To step in in the President becomes incapacitated, so as I see it, this non-problem is already solved.

Expand full comment

He might be frail, but I’m not sure if the criteria for frailty. Biden is really holding up well under the stress and weight of being President. He’s holding up well with all the travel, the variety of urgent decision making, meetings, probably little sleep. His health seems rather good to handle all that stress. And he can still send zingers to the press corp and doesn’t put up with their foolishness. He still rides his bicycle regularly. How many 81 year olds do that? Is he called frail just because he’s slender and he steps stiffly? As for gaffes everyone does that. His speech is slow at times because he slows his speech down to control his stutter.

Expand full comment

I don't disagree with any of that. All I'm concerned with is the "perception" by many that he is old and frail. The presidency certainly takes its toll of anyone in the office and many may be concerned that his frail appearance makes him unsuitable.

I will be voting for Biden in the primary and general election! I believe he's done a fantastic job!

Expand full comment

Denise. I also think he’s done a fantastic job. All his experience since being a young senator has provided wisdom for him.

Expand full comment
RemovedFeb 23
Comment removed
Expand full comment

Magas are single issue oriented too.

Expand full comment

No shit! I wrote exactly this after your original piece about this question. It was obvious long before Mr. O'Donnell cited recent polls. There is NO ONE who will do better than Biden in the general election. Kate Engberg in your Comments was exactly correct in calling out the IDIOTS who think otherwise. Jeezus people, THINK!

Expand full comment

You know, calling people idiots in comment sections isn’t going to magically make Biden win this election. It just makes you a jerk who calls people names in comment sections.

Expand full comment

Count me as an IDIOT that is concerned with how voters will feel about his "frailty" in November. He cannot be the only democrat that can beat Trump! What does it say about the democratic party if all we have to offer is Biden?

Expand full comment
Feb 23·edited Feb 23

'He cannot be the only...' is NOT a reason. You have no one else. I know you like Biden. Me too. You cannot just throw rocks at the idea of Biden running UNLESS you have a better alternative. YOU DO NOT HAVE A BETTER IDEA. So comments like yours, and Ezra Klein's, are completely beside the point, and unhelpful. In the case of Klein and Jon Stewart, and most of the 'msm,' they say these things to attract clicks and satiate their own egos.

Expand full comment
RemovedFeb 23
Comment removed
Expand full comment

Please provide your medical credentials and the report you wrote after your extensive examination of President Biden.

As to VP Harris as being "stupid"...I'd say considering the handicaps of being of mixed heritage, her career continues to be rather stellar. She has been a state AG, a Senator and now a top knotch VP. Please name someone else who has performed as well in those roles. Stupid? Good grief.

Expand full comment

Everyone says that the candidate of the other party has dementia & theirs doesn't, when in fact, both candidates show moments of confusion or disorientation that can easily be interpreted as dementia, & both candidates show moments of lucidity. Face it that both candidates aren't always completely there. So now it comes down to a candidate who surrounds himself with fascists who are calling for retribution, encampments & the end of democracy, & another one who stands strongly for democracy & human rights & surrounds himself with competent, pro-democracy people.

Expand full comment
RemovedMar 11
Comment removed
Expand full comment

OK. which Democrat do you suggest?

How many Democrats agree with you on THIS SPECIFIC candidate, as yet unnamed? Do you think that this unknown candidate has a chance to rally the majority of Democrats in the few months left?

Also, an interesting argument straight from McDonnell: Who has a war chest big enough to be successful in this attempted sabotage of Biden's candidacy?

There are too many ifs and buts for anyone to mount a real opposition to this successful President. Period. Drop mike.

Expand full comment

How that candidate would be chosen in an open convention is the bigger issue.

There's a really good bench in the party who will be ready to step up and run in 2028. Having delegates select the candidate in 2024 would be a disaster.

Expand full comment

There may be others that can beat tfg, true, but I want a President I know, for certain, that can do the job & has more experience than anyone else I know of, and he is certainly a class act!💙💙💙

Expand full comment

Thank you for sharing and I will certainly be voting for Biden, however, I am still concerned about how he is perceived and the effect on voters.

Expand full comment

I don’t know anyone who actually says they think Biden is too old. People just worry that other people think it because of the constant chatter about it in the media.

It’s not a real issue when the choice is between him and a rapist, traitor, shoe salesman who is going to siphon all the RNC money for court fees.

I wish we were back in the day of “who would you rather have a beer with”. That was meaningful (joking).

Expand full comment

Biden is too old. I like him as a person and as a president this term, but he is now too old.

Expand full comment

He has made several amazing accomplishments for this country in his term as President. I often list these, but look them up! Bernie is outstanding..oh no! He’s too old. What a bunch of right wing inspired BS

Expand full comment

Trump is a tramp

Expand full comment

Trump trompe (cheats)

Expand full comment

Thank you, Professor Reich for sharing this video with us. I am 10 years older than President Biden, I have absolute faith that any decision Joe Biden makes during the next four years will be for the good of ordinary American citizens - not the oligarchy, and most assuredly not for the likes of Putin. Biden doesn't need to have other world leaders fawning over him. He exudes self confidence. Gavin Newsom is my governor, I voted for him twice, but he has made some very bad decisions. I do not expect to be alive in November 2028, but unless he shows a great deal more maturity than he has now I would not vote for him as President.

Expand full comment

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing the link. A must-see.

Expand full comment

This is by far the best rebuttal against asking Joe Biden to step aside! Mr Reich - I hope you could write a letter solely on this commentary. Thank you for providing this link.

Expand full comment

It was a great commentary.

Expand full comment

Watch him nightly!

Expand full comment

Excellent. We benefit from being better grounded in the history that Mr. O’Donnell presents.

Expand full comment

🙌 fascinating

Expand full comment

Thank you for the link, Robert. I put it on my Facebook page.

Expand full comment

Exactly - the people saying an open convention would somehow give a greater voice to voters clearly don't understand how that process works. Having uncommitted delegates deciding the candidate would be chaos, create divisions, and almost certainly hand the election to Trump.

Maybe after this dumpster fire of a year, we can drag these antiquated systems into the light and push to fix the things that prevent good governance and ultimately gave us Trump.

Expand full comment

♥️ Dr Reich,

I had the amazing experience of hearing you speak

(and shake your hand!) in Chicago in November 2008. We are the same height. My friends call me “the world’s smallest viking”.

You told my banking clients not to fire their employees. The bank fired my whole team within 90 days. I have never looked back.

You have a towering intellect and giant character. I will never forget the experience.

Expand full comment

Not a surprise that racists are also assholes. Strom was back then. The goop party are now.

Expand full comment

racist cracker

oops!

that slipped out

you towered over him … in every way that actually matters.

Expand full comment

Thanks for this story--disgusting -- and a window on who he truly was. Ugh.

Expand full comment

What a jerk! I can’t think of any redeeming qualities in Thurmond. None.

Expand full comment
Comment removed
Expand full comment

What is wrong with you? There isn’t any point talking to someone like Storm Thurmond. There is nothing anyone could have said to him in some elevator that would have made one bit of difference in his opinions or behavior. So what’s the point? There is no point.

Expand full comment

He was consistently mean spirited and wrong!

Expand full comment

The comment that Mr. Thurmond so eloquently expressed to you just prior to his exiting that elevator was typical of a man locked in the past. A smug resentment for anything that promoted change followed this guy wherever he went. Although racially biased to the bone Mr. Thurmond was a force to be reckoned with in the political arena for over 50 years. A native son of South Carolina, Thurmond was a figure that meant different things to different people, not all being good.

Expand full comment

Isn't it nice to have memories you can be proud of instead of saying something hateful, the way Strom Thurmond did to you. Your words always lift us up. ❤️

Expand full comment

Well, Strom was not a nice man. There was nothing to say; the higher ground is the better place to be.

Expand full comment

Hi, Robert -- As a native/current South Carolinian, from the millions (yes, millions) like me in my beloved state, I apologize for Sen Thurmond's comment to you. Please know that there are many, many kind and decent people here, and that we still are fighting the good fight.

I wish I could take away all the pain that has gone out from the unintelligence of those who have been in power, and that I could send out the goodness and purity of the beauty of nature that I see every day of my life here. Please know that from the bottom of my heart, I am thankful for all of your good work, and I am supporting it in every way I can.

Expand full comment

Did he attend Harvard also like our resident genius Ron Desantis???

Another bright light 💡 bulb.

Latest news out of Tallahassee is that we only have 11 months in the year in Florida .

Ron the raciest canceled February because it’s Black History Month

Expand full comment
RemovedFeb 23
Comment removed
Expand full comment

There’s the issue of Black history — how it is taught, how it is spun and for whose benefit. DeSantis has imposed his revisions to the how these chapters of American history are presented in the classroom. A vaguely worded law has teachers fearful of even posting pictures of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King in their classrooms.

htps://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article279102084.html#storylink=cpy

Expand full comment

Banning books exposing slavery and its hardships written by black authors. Decrying critical race theory being taught to school children to embarrass & shame white children. Ron DeSantis knows full well that CRT is not taught in grades k-12. It’s not even a college undergraduate course. It’s a post graduate degree course usually taught in law school. What he is calling CRT is simply American history which all American students are required to study geared appropriately to age.

Expand full comment

I’m with you, Robert. I also happen to have a rare mutation that stunted my growth and made me very small. Sometimes small minded people make small minded remarks to small people like you and me. I feel sorry for those people. People who feel a need to cut others down in order to build themselves up must be sad, miserable people. I would much rather be small in stature than in mind.

Expand full comment

Interesting. You had integrity, which he was certainly missing. I am 81 and was a registered Republican for 60 years until I saw what happened January 6th and how badly the President behaved and Republicans that night and days after. Right then and there, I said no more. I'm changing my Party. Not that Democrats are perfect because they are not. But I believe in having compassion for others. I now see the Republican Party as a party of chaos and confusion and misinformation. Frankly, I'm rather embarrassed that I didn't see this sooner.

Expand full comment

Welcome! There is a place for you in the Democratic party. We welcome quite a broad range of views from folks like Joe Manchin, to moderate Amy Klobuchar, to Independent Angus King. We’re not *all* Bernie Sanders (altho, I’m a Elizabeth Warren gal) The thing about radical acceptance is that *everyone* had a valid voice and a seat in the discussion.

Expand full comment
RemovedFeb 23
Comment removed
Expand full comment

From the beginning I knew who Trump was and what he stood for. In his personal life, he was unfaithful and failed at 2 marriages and has been unfaithful to the 3rd. Unfaithful. Unreliable. He's overweight and unhealthy. He can't communicate except for lying. If you read his books and watched the Apprentice you see how full he is of himself. But, when it came to his reelection, we're the ones that said YOU'RE FIRED.

Expand full comment

He was a dick and everyone knew. Lots of those up there!

Expand full comment

What a prick! You should have said, I hear they make Klan robes in adult size.

Expand full comment

Great. They will even throw in a pointy hat that will just fit your head .

Expand full comment