Jul 12, 2023·edited Aug 15, 2023Liked by Robert Reich
Yeah, you'd think we could do better. but being the President of the United States of America is a shitty job. Some of the people love you, some outright hate you, and the rest just don't give a damn. You work very, very, long hours, you are on display 24/7. We, the people expect you to have all the right answers at your finger tips, no matter what happens. And we expect you to solve all our problems in four years even though you are not allowed to write a single piece of legislation. You have 24/7 surveillance on you, because there's always some psychopathic numbskull out there trying to assassinate you. Not only do we expect you to know the Constitution and both civil and criminal law; but also, to fully understand social welfare, economics and history. You must also be a great orator and diplomat. All this and we frequently give you an impossible Congress with which to accomplish anything. All this for a piddling $400,000 per year. Frankly I'm glad to have a person as honest and experienced as Joe Biden. He definitely has both my vote and my gratitude.
Gratitude is the right word. After all, he did, as he claimed he wanted to do, take Trump out behind the woodshed and beat the crap out of him. Only trouble is he didn't get all of that "crap!" So he is going to have to do it again.
I doubt even Heracles--who cleaned the Augean Stables in one day--could get ALL the crap out of Defendant Trump.
Although, I must admit the mental picture of Trump being dragged out behind the woodshed by his ear--kicking and whining the whole time--and the sound of hearty thwacks and the subsequent emittance of pained yelps is a soothing palliative.
You need to put this on billboards across the country ..what Biden has given up in his perhaps last few years to try and fix and save our country from Trump’s undoing should give him all of our gratitude
I wish I had that kind of money, Lesly. Unfortunately, I've retired and on a fixed income in a senior rental, my budget simply couldn't be squeezed to accommodate billboards LOL
Wait, you mean you didn’t sell your business for $300 million and now plowed it into expanding Christian charter schools like a guy did here in Missouri?
And to top all of that off, the opposition party investigates & attacks your family members. If they find anything halfway shady they blow it completely out of proportion, then call for the death penalty or a one-way ticket to Guantanamo.
How about we elect one of us? Someone that has a vision for this country that is disconnected from either political parties' ideologies and constrictions? A leader with new ideas and a new way of thinking to reunite the country?
8 mil almost makes him a 1%’er. We are being governed by career politicians that have been materially influenced by monied interests. We need more common men and women in government.
I continue to be amazed by people whose sole criticism of Joe Biden is his age, while proclaiming "I'm not ageist."
President Biden has achieved more in his short tenure than most do in a full term, or two. If not for his age, there'd be no argument against his running for re-election.
It's not an excuse but those who do not follow politics still vote, and often just for the incumbent because it's easier, even though if they paid attn, they'd know they'd be voting against their own best interests. And many are single issue only voters who may, for example, only care about restricting abortion rights, not understanding the national security risks tfg has put the entire country under... etc etc.
it is reality. while you like Biden, as I do, from a practical point of view it will cost votes. We cannot loose the next election. Ds seem to split themselves up at great cost. We have to attract the independent middle. Elder care is not attractive.
Okay, let’s assume Pres. Biden is re-elected and 2 years into his new 4 year term, he has deteriorated
cognitively or physically or both. I seriously don’t think it would be a problem, because among other things I’ve noticed, he has surrounded himself with
with exceptional people. He’s been in the Senate for 50 years so he knows who’s competent.
Think about it--Not only did Trump not accomplish much of anything during his four years, there had to be people cleaning up the “messes,” diplomatic blunders, general incompetence he displayed and more or less keeping the government going. Trump was nothing more than a figurehead who went around the country entertaining his supporters at rallies, looking for an angle that would benefit him personally, and answering questions from journalists with stock phrases like, “We’re looking into that.” or “We’re going to be looking into that.” or “We’ll take care of it.” or “Many people are saying...” He almost always responded to questions with generalities.
Plus, although we haven’t seen a lot of her, we do have a very competent VP who had a politically
sensitive job as Attorney General for the State of
California and was a Senator for a few years before
accepting the VP nomination. I’m not worried about
No Kidding! He has such vast experience in this business of running a country. Unlike the last one who sat at that sacred desk and who did nothing but pad his bottom line and those of his family.
Huh? With tfg violating the balance of powers by interfering with the DOJ (in their investigation of him), and firing people who would not do as he liked, and hiring an A.G. who was not working for the U. S. A. and it's voters, but only for tfg alone. With tfg messing up the transfer of power and hampering President Biden's entry into the oval office and his first term, violating the rules concerning documents for those in Afghanistan (who were translators and allies in the 20 year war). By strong arming Ukraine's leader ; President Zelenskyy in an attempt to get 'Dirt on the Bidens", : by killing children with families attempting to get across desert areas to legally apply for asylum ; (water placed in the desert was spilled by border thugs to deter and harm these families and their children); Separating kids from infants to older children from their parents ; (Many never seeing their folks again) ; Tax evasion, Fomenting a coup on our Capitol ; Inciting a 'riot' that ultimately killed people and severely injured many more ; most of them Capitol Police ; Stealing Government Secrets affecting our National Security and Defense , then sharing it with enemies of our country. broadcasting " Russia ; If you're listening" and encouraging agents in Russia to 'find Hillary Clinton's emails' to help him 'win' his presidential election. Cheating in his campaign by taking money from Foreign oligarchs, Hiding his affair with a Porn star just before the election, . Installing a 'Postmaster general (Louis DeJoy) who has tried to privatize the postal service and threatens mail in voting/election security. Pulling the U'S. out of important treaties (Paris Accord) anti nuclear treaty with Iran, Firing anyone who would not do his bidding, no matter how illegal or unconstitutional. Obstruction of investigations, violating emoluments clause. Improper billing for service members staying at his private hotels at higher rates than would be proper. Using his private hotel (former post office) in D.C. to entertain (and bill) those traveling for government business, and personally profiting from that grifting. Hatch Act violations. Not allowing recordings and notes during government business. And on and on ; there is more, I'm sure. Also things he has been doing ( more defamation ) , (hiding secret documents), after he left office, and continues to do now, and will undoubtedly do in the future. TFG is Totally unfit for holding ANY public office, much less, the Presidency of the United States of America. Our country needs to be protected from Donald John Trump!!!
Laurie thank you for listing all of 45’s accomplishments. Too bad it doesn’t fit on a bumper sticker. Great message for doing everything possible to be sure he is not 47. 💙
We also need to make it clear to our growing Hispanic population, which is tending Republican, how much better they're doing when there are competent Democrats - not incompetent and racist Republicans - in political office. This next election for President may hinge on the Hispanic vote.
Is it really so monolithically hopeless? Is there REALLY no good Democratic successor out there? I suggest my Party needs to get down to business and stop the internal quibbling. Get behind a candidate now.
If Biden goes now so goes the country. Yes, yes age. Are the details so important that we forget that fascism is on our doorstep? Would a newer younger Democratic nominee be better able to do democracy justiceor would a new comer give fascissm a boost in the poles?
There are some very good potential candidates in the making but I can not imagine anyone with Joe's knowledge of how our government works best and someone who the rest of the world leaders would work better with at this crossroads in history.
In any case, I believe that if he is up to the task that he will do what he needs to do and accomplish more of what he has already accomplished for this country. And he has made sure that he has schooled Kamala in how to pick up the reins if need be.
I agree with Jerry's statement too! A smart marketing / messaging team (HELLO AGAIN, Democrat Campaign Organizers) could take this short, sweet concept and RUN with it after just a tweak or two. GEEEEZ they frustrate me so!! How CAN we get their attention???
Thank you for saving me the effort of thinking about how to word my post! With the DNC, who needs the Republicans to spoil things?
Their inward-facing parochialism almost certainly will prevent a meaningful challenger to Biden getting anywhere.
I have not donated since they sabotaged Bernie all those years ago. But it seems nothing can shake their policy of preferring political dynasties, or sequels a la Hollywood to true political activism.
Even the Indiana Jones series, popular though it is, will end some day!
Michael Hutchinson ; Who needs the DNC? It should be banned, because of toxicity ; too much Corporate money pollution: which is nothing less than bribery, and stealing of votes and blocking the will of the human people! the legitimate people of this country!
Two strange bedfellows. On one hand, we have a respected aging public servant who has served his country politically for decades but is now showing signs of weakness associated with his age and on the other, we have an abject criminal whose exploits socially and politically shame our country. Trump is the "Pied Piper of Fools" capturing the attention of millions through baseless lies and meaningless promises the man is little more than a public menace. Yet Donald Trump has crawled his way to the top of the Republican party in his attempt to reenter the White House. He reminds me of a roll of film that has never been properly developed, as a result, all we have left is a bunch of personal negatives. President Biden's future is uncertain with Vice President Harris in the wings on the verge of becoming the first woman to hold the office of the President should Joe be unable to finish his full second term. Clint, Eli, and Lee stared in a good old western back in the day. Today we have the Good, the bad, but Mrs. Harris is anything but ugly. We currently are stuck in a vacuum where young political candidates have seemingly left the room. There is little our populous can do but ride out the storm and hope for the best. It's a sad testament to our Democracy that we ever got to this point and hopefully this story will be a work no one will ever find the need to revisit. There are so many mentally challenged Republicans it's almost like our country has given birth to a bunch of "Trump-lets."
Right now I'd take an aging Lincoln, Washington, Franklin or FDR. It isn't the age, it's the stature, the intelligence, the education, the broad-based competence, and the charisma that are important.
Padma--Who in their right mind would want anything to do with Trump. But look at Boebert, Greene, and Santos. Young and stupid, not much to relate to and who would want to. If they are the future of the Republican party the Republican party has no future. Three of the dumbest individuals ever to be elected to anything. Hillsdale college in Michigan is pumping out young conservative hopefuls one graduation class after another. As to where the young progressives are coming from, only their mothers know for sure.
A recent look at a filmed speech by JFK made it clear to me, for the zillionth time, that the Democratic Party lacks active or potential candidates with charisma. People who can make you want to stand up and cheer.
I don't mean verbal bomb-throwers, although it might be helpful to have one or two of those in the Party. I mean people like Bernie who are forthright, say what they mean (and mean what they say), and fervently and clearly speak to the problems we all face in everyday life, and their obvious, common-sense remedies.
Bernie has been "too old" for the last decade or two. That's so ridiculous, I know. Elizabeth Warren is a female Bernie (but less rumpled); still, smart as a tack and would be an incredible Vice President, able to step into the Presidency at a moment's notice. Instead, we have Kamala, whom I used to love until she demonstrated in 2020 that all she was really good at was smiling. She gets up to speak, people clap and cheer and she looks like she was just elected prom queen. The smiles end, and you discover she's got nothing of substance to say.
People have been speaking recently about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan - charismatic, smart, tough when she needs to be, and competent - as a potential Kamala replacement. What do you folks think of Whitmer? Could she help bolster Biden into a second term?
Porter--Whitmer is a potential gem, properly promoted she would be a formattable foe for any Republican currently within their ranks. As for the depth of the well when looking at possible future Democrats who might be considering running for a lofty office, the minority leader in the senate might be someone to consider. The Democrats are in need of some new blood, President Biden's age is definitely a negative but he beat Trump once and he can do it again, to replace him knowing that would be a mistake. Trump is a throw back to the mid-1930s and everything bad that was going on in Europe at that time. His white nationalism and the anti-semantic attitude he spreads like peanut butter is a poison that he feeds willingly to his lost followers. I really don't think good old George was a barrel of laughs in his day either, but he got the job done and that is the bottom line. Keeping Trump out of anything to do with this country is the main objective, solutions don't have to be shinny to be effective. Trump's negativity and his personal ignorance as to how this country functions will be his down fall. Once that man is history the Democratic party can began to rebuild itself, free from the hatred and tyranny Trump lives on.
“Has the DNC done anything of real value?” I can’t let that go without responding. No political party is perfect--like human beings aren’t perfect either. But the DNC is inclusive of LGBGT folks, people of color, and immigrants. It gave us Barack Obama & affordable healthcare. It supported and still supports unions & collective bargaining which have been instrumental in making sure folks are paid decently & get other benefits from employment like paid time off & healthcare. The DNC supports increasing the minimum wage.
In fact the DNC and unions were instrumental in building a prosperous middle class, which was in turn the key to making America the most prosperous nation on the planet & the envy of the world, post WWII. The DNC gave us medicare/medicaid, social security and a myriad of other benefits for the poor and disabled, many of whom have a lot to offer if they aren’t spending all of their energy trying to stay alive.
There’s more, but I’ll stop here and point out that most of the things I’ve listed as beneficial are in danger of being ended by the Republican party. The Republican party is the party of “no.” The RNC has been trying for years to end social security and affordable healthcare and replace them with nothing. Republicans are anti-union and have refused to raise the minimum wage since July 4, 2009--14 years. They even refuse to take steps to stop the random slaughter of innocent children. There’s no excuse for that. Republicans are the party of “I’ve got mine, screw you.” The DNC is the party of compassion.
Because, like you, he’d be going for ideological purity over actually getting things done.
You may not like it, but politics IS compromise and very slow gradual progress.
It’s like taking the bus. You won’t find one that takes you right to your home, so you ride the one that gets you closest to it. Insisting you won’t get on any bus that doesn’t drop you on your doorstep is being a petulant toddler. Bernie’s followers need to grow up.
there are a few reasonable senators - Merkeley, Sherrod Brown, Warren, Klobuchar - who could do the job with integrity. Is the DNC an enemy of democracy, having been purchased by the highest bidder just as has the RNC?
Jerry, While I agree Biden, particularly in his first two years and despite narrow majority margins, especially in the Senate, garnered an impressive record of domestic achievements, I also believe, if one has to repeatedly tell people that one is doing things for them, people must not be feeling the effects. Indeed, I’ve noted that people can see the data and they can understand it. But, if they don’t feel the effects in their own lives, they’re not likely to connect the dots.
On a somewhat related note, I recall, back in 2020, that Biden was his most effective ever when he spoke on the Monday night before Michigan, the last rally before the Corona Virus shut down everything, about being a bridge to a next generation, and stood on stage with Gretchen Whitmer, Kamala Harris, and Corey Booker. I sensed then and still sense that a lot of Democrats and a lot of Americans would be excited about that kind of transition, the anticipation, if you will, of a new generation stepping up, much like we’ve seen in the Democratic House Caucus.
Barbara Jo, the problem with infrastructure projects, and subsidies for new technologies, is that it takes a lot of time for planning and development. The very earliest projects are just now starting to get underway. It's easy to forget that the country was in a gigantic hole 3 years ago, and that ordinary normal is itself tremendous progress.
That being said, Democrats do need to continue publicizing what’s been accomplished, and pointing to the clearly discernible path ahead that the Biden administration has constructed. That's what the campaign will be doing all next year.
I too remember that moment when President Biden acknowledged his place as a bridge to the next generation. I've thought about it a lot the last few months. And honestly, I was a bit disappointed at first when he decided to run again. The transition of leadership in the House was graceful and exciting.
But I really never expected Mr. Biden's presidency to be so productive and successful. The strength of his leadership is being acknowledged around the world, currently at NATO where he just persuaded right-wing leaders of Turkey and Hungary to support membership for Sweden.
The fact is, Joe Biden is still the most qualified Democratic candidate for President. And he's proven to be really very good at the job.
Jerry, While I don’t dispute your assessment overall, admittedly, I did expect passage of a more progressive domestic agenda based on the committed efforts in Summer of 2020 between Biden and Sanders folks to arrive at compromise legislation on education, climate change, healthcare, the economy, criminal justice, and immigration reform. What I didn’t, then, anticipate was that Manchin and Sinema would block virtually all of it.
Because I don’t expect everyday people will factor in this distinction, setting aside accomplishments, I expect Democratic leadership, repeatedly, to go make the argument, particularly in battleground states, and say, “This is what we have tried to deliver and these folks (including every Republican legislator) have voted against it.” Simply stated, in my view, Democrats have to be willing to engage in war. One can’t play fair with people who don’t play fair. The other side has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to attain power. Therefore, Democrats, with facts in-hand, have got to say, “America, when they didn’t care about you, we did.”
For the record, I think he is too old (as is Feinstein) and too anti-labor. His and the democrats intervention on behalf of the rail corporations against the rail employees' legitimate grievances was abhorrent.
Why isn't something being done about child labor in states such as Arkansas and Iowa, among others?
Why hasn't Biden spoken out in favor of unionization for employees such as those at Starbuck's, Amazon, and other atrocious workplaces? I know why - All you have to do is look at the FEC reports. I wish I had time to do this myself.
Marty Walsh was Secretary of Labor for two years, then resigned to head the National Hockey League. Being a cabinet secretary might be a great way to polish your resume but what did he accomplish?
Secretary Walsh and Secretary Buttigieg were deeply involved in the railway negotiations for months before the settlement, and for many months after the settlement (which BTW had been approved by 8 of the 12 unions negotiating).
Since the settlement, there have been new agreements reached with BNSF Railway, CSX and Union Pacific on paid sick leave and rest/work issues. The team never stopped advocating for the union workers.
It's not really his "age", but how he has moments when it seems that he isn't altogether there. Just look at Bernie who is almost three years older but he is sharp anf focused, never loosing a beat.
Biden continues to fight against his speech problems. He has stuttered for much of his life, and on occasion he gets tongue-tied and it makes him seem old and doddering, when he's anything but. If we could have a huge popular and effective President in a wheelchair for four (4) terms, surely we can overlooked Biden's speech problems.
But look at the way Biden walks, he looks like he might fall at any moment. He has to take short baby steps. It does not give you confidence to see your leader tottering.
It's not about the comparison with Trump. It's whether Biden can demonstrate the physical and mental capacities to meet the extreme demands of the office of president. Your thinking is what has gotten us into the position of voting for the person least objectionable. That is no way to run a democracy and see that the most talented and capable lead our government. The cream should rise to the top.
None of my three grandsons in their 20’s will vote for Biden for exactly that reason. They want a President they can be”proud of” on the world stage. I don’t agree with their viewpoint but I get why they feel that way.
If Bernie didn't call himself a democratic "socialist" he wouldn't have scared so many people. For a smart guy, he doesn't read the room very well and gave his foes a word to hang him with.
I think it’s a combination of ageism and misogyny. Since even if Biden does begin to have work performance issues tied to his age, or die in office of something related to “old age”, we have a perfectly capable person in the form of Kamala Harris who can take over. She doesn’t get the credit she deserves and is often denigrated for things no one would ever think twice about if she were a man.
In my case, it's NOT his AGE! It's the increasing number of "senior moments" where he doesn't seem to know where he is or what he is doing! I saw the same behavior in family members who soon descended into the horror of dementia. I respect what Joe Biden has done, but we absolutely need another Democrat to run in2024.
It's not Biden's age; it's his veep. Even if Biden was 40 years old I'd want a new veep. She may be nice and she may be smart, but she's not presidential. I say, "What about getting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer a call to run for prez?" She's got everything going for her.
If suggesting that a person younger than 80 (82 serving until 86) is a good idea - if that is called "ageism", sign me up.
Joe Biden is and will be recorded as one our greatest Presidents. Ever.
But Robert Reich is correct. It is time for a younger, more nimble leader.
For two reasons. First, younger voters will be more apt to show up. Younger voters believe in attacking Climate Change. Not working on it. But attacking it. Younger voters grew up with diversity. We need them to vote.
Second. I am Robert Reichs age. I am in excellent health. I am still thinking clearly. I think.
But at thus age, I am not half the man I used to be. Energy, endurance, focus, memory, stamina, sharpness, flexibility...are all reduced.
Anyone who tells you that old folks are as good as they were 20 years ago is totally full of it. Pure BS. Fantasy.
Pass the torch, Joe. The bench is deep. Go out on top. Put the nation and the Earth ahead of your ego.
America: Biden is wonderful. But he is not a shoe in for the job in 2024. And wouldn't it be great to have a President who is eloquent and inspiring with every speech?
I agree. The man works hard and some youthful others would not be willing to deal with all the inconveniences that a US President has to deal with during the term of 4 very long years. Granted there are perks if you will, but it is a really, really tough job IF you do it right which certainly was NOT the case with the last old man in that office.
My criticism of Biden is not because of his age, it is because of his acts. Appointing Garland and not prosecuting the insurrection is unforgivable. His appointing Elliott Abrams is appalling. His supporting unlimited greed and overpopulation while claiming to protect the environment, is insane. He pretends to be a leftist who defends unions and the environment, he is a lot like Trump. There is no future for liars on this planet. And there are so many liars, that there is no future for truth seekers either. Sterilization and abortion should be required for All humans, until they become civilized.
This troubles me too!! Perhaps our terrible media has something to do with this? And, perhaps wedge issues and gerrymandering are creating a world no one can live in?
Certainly, the reckless adoption of rapacious neoliberalism has created an inability among the business class to see beyond next quarter. This has long been a problem, but, there were some checks, which have been corroded to nothing.
In the words of David Frishberg, we know the price of everything and the value of nothing at all.
One of our biggest problems as a country now is our division in thinking. And IMO, It’s a direct result of a mindset and belief in profit at the cost of so many of our ideals that gave us a collective heart and soul, that’s dividing us. It’s also a mindset that needs to bully and believe that somehow power comes from control. It doesn’t. True power is control over our desperation and lack that has been bred into so many from their struggle and fears over eons of development.
We are in the middle of a mindset of division--divide and conquer-- and it ain’t new. Our short term game of somehow displaying our net worth as a substitute and indicator of our true worth as a person, must end.
I’m sure that the decision makers in the DNC are as anxious to hold on to power as they are to ideals, and may be grasping at straws now, but President Biden is the only one who held us together as a country when we were in the throws of falling apart. Sometimes It feels like we’re being held together as a country by chewing gum and paperclips.
Yes, we need new leaders. Ones that reflect ideals that we’ve all forgotten: trust in a common goal that somehow makes us truly proud to be American. One who can pull us through the next leg of this self-destructive phase.
Our desperation and confusion as a people is a direct result of being herded by advertisers and bribed representatives. We only hear the bell of a Judas goat of divisional thinking, our own flakey collective desire to get rich and famous--quickly, and our propensity to settle our disputes with the world’s finest self-destruct armaments.
Right now at this stage, we’re easy pickings to any huckster that promises what isolated groups want to hear. Age aside, the Biden Adm. needs a second term to give the country a sense of continuity and stability from our own fears, and quite frankly, to chase away the bullies.
Social media is a major factor in creating our upside down world. Along with more billionaire libertarians than you can shake a stick at . economic inequalities. Monopolies.
Robert Reich should read fellow substacker's Heather Richardson's daily commentaries in Letter from an American. It might help him appreciate what Biden has accomplished in foreign policy, in restoring credibility to the American presidency, and in boosting the American economy through initiatives such as the CHIPs and Sciences Act. I totally agree with some of the other reactions to Reich's column. The equivalence between Biden and Trump- as if both were equally poor choices for president with a begrudging nod to Biden- is frankly outrageous Lately, there have been a lot of cheap shots against Biden because of his age from purportedly progressive commentators. Please Mr. Reich, rethink your position on this.
No one is denying any of those things, but Biden is a diplomat. What the presidency needs is a dynamic leader who can accomplish the impossible, or at least be willing to try. Strict gun laws are needed. Abortion rights must be legalized in every state in the union. No one can be denied the vote for any reason. And more. Biden is incapable of accomplishing these needs! Elect someone who can, before it is too late!
If this is true American politics is more screwed up than even I realized. Biden had msjorities in both houses for his first two years, that was the time he needed to accomplish those things. Now he has lost the House, so his power is weakened. The Dems will probably win back the House in 2024, but they may lose the Senate. Biden still won't be able to accomplish these things if he is re-elected, and the people will be waiting at least two more years, probably more. No, these needs need to be met ASAP, not down the road. He has 18 months yet to be dynamic. His nistory tells me he will never be dynamic.
The president does not set the calendar for Congress nor the Senate. He has priorities but everything takes time. Getting judges appointed, cabinet members, rolling out and pushing COVID vaccines and trying to overcome that crisis as well as some large pieces of legislation along with trying to negotiate those large pieces of legislation with Senators of his own party who were not disposed to be cooperative were challenges along with dealing with some foreign policy issues like the retreat from Afghanistan which was a set up if I ever saw one and the Ukraine/Russian War, etc. that Biden had since 1/20/21.
OMG, Rawgod, you are thinking the president is the congress, the courts, and the executive all wrapped into one! We need all of what you mentioned, but no matter how good that person is, he/she/they can't do that alone. We the People need to be voting for intelligent caring people who want the things you said. That mythical Congress can pass the bills and the president will sign them. Biden would do that if Congress sent that to him, but that would not be a guarantee the current Supreme Court 6 would approve. Those things to make this nation a better place. Already the SC has gutted voting rights, dumped abortion rights on states filled with rich white mostly male state legislators and governors. The SC has practically said anyone who wants a gun should be able to have one because well, the 2nd amendment or something. With those folks deciding what is allowed to be law and where, it won't matter much what the president wants or does not want or how dynamic. In Biden's case, he had to spend a lot of time after taking office, trying to clean up the mess his predecessor had done. Even with that, he accomplished more than most of those presidents who preceded him had accomplished. So, who is it you think should replace him?
I'm not saying Biden didn't do a lot of things, but he didn't get the BIG THINGS done. I'm sorry, but I don't see settling for okay as the sign of a good leader. He is a passable leader at best, 1000 times better than Trump, bu t that wsn't hard to do.
The USA is in shambles right now, and it is probably even more divided today than it was in 2021. He had the House, he had the Senate, and he spent his time mopping the floor, not building a healthy nation. Now he only has the Senste, so he is slready a lame duck. Even if he grts re-elected, he won't accomplish much without the House and the Senste. He was too cautious! Thus the need for someone dynamic i want to see the USA whole, not on the brink of civil war. Is that asking too much?
President Biden is wise. He’s not going to “rock the boat.” He’s low-key, probably because of how important it is for him to be re-elected. This term is for laying a foundation to build upon in the next term.
I am a fan of Heather’s letters also and frequently share them.
I do think Biden’s experience is extremely valuable now, especially internationally, and that continuity is a good thing. I don’t watch TV, so I haven’t seen the “senior moments” that have been mentioned. I’m not confident that Kamala could step in if needed. But there are good younger Dems coming along. Gov Whitmer has been mentioned. I’m a big fan of Pete Buttigieg. He needs more National experience, but he seemed to me the most capable of the younger set.
Nothing is right. Everything is wrong within this rigged and corrupted system that was created by a FASCIST leaning SCOTUS through rulings such as Citizens United. And nothing will get right until we undo the damage inflicted on our Constitution with HJR54, the We the People Amendment. But our Constitution will not amend itself. We need you to help a little. MoveToAmend.org can not do it by itself. We need everyone and every social and environmental justice organization onboard, demanding HJR54! Check out these organizations and make sure that yours are listed: movetoamend.org/organizations Resist! Don’t accept this! We can and must do much better!!!
Daniel you have it right. Why bicker about all of this. The choice is simple- either we Vote for democracy or for fascism. The rest are details. The former Republicon part has become the fascist party. Do you want anything to do with that? That is the vital question.
When I started advocating to repeal, remove, amend, overturn the Citizens United decision (the moment it was announced) and said it was the worst thing to ever happen and would be the end of Democracy, I also read that it takes at least 14 years to get an amendment passed.
We are approaching that 14 year mark on Jan 21, 2024. I explode with rage every time I donate $5 to a political cause and have to give my life history while corporations give millions with no hassle. If you don't donate to campaigns, maybe you don't realize who politicians are beholden to-the same people who addict you to sugar, spray you vegetables with poison, keep your meat in windowless, filthy pens where they can't even move and allow corporations to pour filth and poison into our water supply and then have the nerve to overcharge you for medicines to "sure" ailments they have given you by the actions just mentioned above.
Corporations are their OWN CONSUMERS. They focus on short term profits, not long term solutions. And have no concern for anything beyond their death otherwise they would be trying to save the planet for their children and grandchildren.
Start small but TAKE ACTION.
We, at the minumum, need CLEAN WATER and EDUCATION. Maybe 4 years of Peace Corps in AMerica as a choice between 4 years in the military-both PAID with other perks for helping save humanity.
Spot on! All of our local Reps are cosponsors of HJR54, except Nancy Pelosi, Eric Swalwell, and Josh Harder. Our Senators have not yet supported this effort to introduce a Senate Companion to HJR54. Let’s stay on them for support!!! And check out movetoamend.org please
When I interviewed in front of a panel of 7 for acceptance into a Physician Assistant program, one member of the panel questioned my ability as I was in my early 40’s. He said, “I couldn’t do it”. He was out of shape, BTW.
I answered that I was in much better shape physically and more disciplined than I had been in my 20’s. (I had received all A’s in the pre-requisites). I was able to multitask, I was more secure economically and I had a good support system.
I think we should remember that people are thriving at older ages particularly when exercising and eating properly, both of which President Biden does. We should find comfort in that. Trump does not.
President Biden also has a good “support system” in his advisers for his cabinet and an intelligent wife. Trump did not.
I agree although I know several people who were taken by surprise by how quickly things changed when they hit their 80s. I’m all for Joe but none of us lasts forever and human frailty is real.
Most people in their 80’s are not working out & eating well as President Biden does. And he looks like he sleeps well. Trump does none of those things.
You've surveyed octogenarians, or just have unfounded opinions about the personal habits of "most people in their 80's"? And nobody here supports trump—his behavior is irrelevant to this discussion.
I had to laugh at your comment on being able to multitask. That is because you were 40. I am 82 and believe me at least last 10 years my ability to multitask has gone to zero. Part of joe’s problem with falling is a thinking multitask problem. Where are you stepping. How are you walking. Old people have falls for a reason.
Have you noticed that everybody involved in this thread but you is >80 and disagrees with you? But what do we know? You're the self-appointed expert on octogenarians.
Maybe they aren’t unusual. I think we should support our President. It’s too late for others to get in the race, isn’t it? If everyone complains about his age when the other candidate, most likely 77 year old Trump WELCOMES those criticisms, we are going to lose. What do you suggest other than repeatedly attacking me?
Take it from one who has left both places in the rearview mirror, 80 is not 40, not even 75. Bernie, who Maria Fernbach cites in another comment, stands out as the exception who proves the rule. Of course I'll vote for Joe even while recognizing signs that if he doesn't step out of the path Dianne Feinstein has been, uh, blazing, he too is going to end up looking pathetic in office. The notion of voting for support staff and/or spouse is offensive. This country and party surely can do better. RR sums up the present moment perfectly.
Most all of Trump’s staff ended up being criminals. He had Perry, who wanted to get rid of the EPA, in CHARGE of the EPA. Trump wouldn’t listen to his own intelligence, I.e., “SUPPORT” and believed Putin who told him he wasn’t interfering in the election. He has been distracted with MULTIPLE lawsuits of infidelity, rape, etc. He and his wife and daughter are now polarized. He has no support from either. Need I go on?
Really? You think trump might have chosen staff that were not mini-mes? Melaria swatted trump's hand away. Jill clings to Joe's as if he might lose his way without her guidance.
You miss my point. That person was questioning me if I could do the work DUE to MY AGE (discrimination). I EXPLAINED why at that time in my life I was BETTER. He was an instructor of mine. He did not exercise believe me. I was NOT criticizing fat people.
BTW, while I got on the alternate list for PA school, I did not pursue it as my dad died suddenly, my mother had a stroke. So I took care of my paralyzed mother for 15 years. She passed in 2021 at 100 years old (I successfully protected her from Covid)
I don't care about Biden's age. Look at his achievements: consistently low unemployment, reducing inflation for eleven straight months, strengthening NATO. No, we could not have found a better President at any age.
"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should". We need a better vetting process for choosing our leaders. If there was a way to get money out of this process, in favor of true leadership qualities, it would help. We could start by enforcing rules already in place. For instance ; We have Oaths of office: WHAT FOR, if they are meaningless?! We have anti trust laws and guardrails that have been de-railed. In stead of fake 'toughness' of a DeSantis, or the over indulged overgrown brat that is TFG, we need real adults who have ethics and follow rules. I'm sick of hearing that nobody is above the law and then hearing over and over from 'news' pundits that tfg can 'pardon' himself and other criminals! When are we going to GROW UP and act like adults?
We definitely need a better vetting process particularly for the highest office in our country, the presidency. FBI applicants have stringent vetting, shouldn’t the applicants for the presidency?
I feel jurors, who decide a person life or death, should also be vetted; not just by the attorneys who may or may not ask the right questions. They should have to take a test to see if they have enough memory recall, ability to reason to a logical conclusion and for comprehension. Or how can they conclude a complicated case?
I feel with President Biden we have a chance at getting these things. There is NO chance with Trump. He thinks so little of women, the way things are going, he may take away a woman’s right to vote next!
Laurie, your comment was right on target. I, too, am disgusted with the way certain people are above the law and prove it regularly. If any other citizen of this nation had stolen as many secret critical documents as Baby Donnie has, they would be in jail, not running around giving speeches where he is allowed to lie over and over about everything even related to his theft, blaming everyone but himself. That truly is what a toddler does. Why we want to give a toddler the freedom to put people in danger with his theft then let him run for the office that would let him put Americans at risk again is beyond comprehension. We even have an amendment of our Constitution that forbids it but hey, he's the ?Donald, right?
The Greedhead billionaires and their supporters want tfg to raid our treasury again! They want even more and larger tax breaks! And anything else they can get. Freedom to steal from workers and make wage theft legal! Freedom from Democracy for the humans!!!
Laurie, how is it we can see what is going on and what the result of another term as president for Baby Donnie would be, and so many others can't. I don't understand his attraction for so many people. He is singularly unattractive and I can't even remember what he looks like. His voice is ugly, his speech is ugly, his ideas are ugly, his rallies are ugly, and the people he associates with are appalling. What's the charm! I am clearly missing something. I am so grateful I missed it, but I wish I understood.
They like his humor. Unfortunately people like the fact he gets down in the dirt with bullying & name calling. It’s “ENTERTAINMENT”.
They also think he’s rich and they are under the FALSE assumption that he will help THEM because he LIES and says so. But he will ONLY help his bank account and his RICH supporters.
Yes Marlo, that is a true mystery for me, why people even believe a man who lied while in office, mor than 30,000 times and who knows how many times since he left office. I tend to say that whenever Trump's mouth is moving he is lying. How is it so many Americans can't or won't see that too. These are smart enough people to know what is true and not, but choose to go with the liar no matter what. Then there's DeSantis who regularly lies too, but is brighter, so has figured out how to tuck his lies into blaming the "woke" world for everything, even things he has done. People don't particularly like him, but just with Trump, those who are around him are intimidated by him. I have heard members of the Florida legislature, when asked why they voted for some of the horrific things DeSantis demanded, say they just went along. They said they felt compelled to. I am not sure what that means, but it isn't good when a jerk, toddler-man is ordering them around and they are willing to be pushed or led on a leash (I am not sure which it is). How do we help these people? Can we?
Agreed, many think our political system is flawed. It is a popularity contest coupled with corporate aspirations for power overall. As for our education system, teaching anything to 9-12 or 10-12th graders a thing or two about how a civil society works, including what Robert Reich has been doing for decades (trying to get many to see things in a different light regarding wealth and inequity) it’s not happening. One guesses that as long as many vote their opinion and not their understanding of the country’s situation, we’ll continue to have the deck stacked with what we currently have. Too bad the founding fathers couldn’t get in a clause separating business from government. (Likely, even then, they hedged the constitution to favour those that looked and acted like them). One might guess that until the influence of money and corporate power yield to less of both and a generally more politically educated society emerges, unfortunately, we’re in for more of the same.
Henry Hunt ; Back when the Country was founded ; only wealthy white men went to school! Now, DeSatan and others want to end or limit education enough that voters don't know much, and can't see a bad deal for what it is. F'rinstance, Wealth Inequality destabilizes a community ; Especially in a 'United States" type of Country!! We cannot have equality when there is so much extreme inequality! There are those who do not want us to figure that out. When Martin Luther King said the sanitation workers of both races had common interests it led to his death by assassination the very next day. This desire to keep us down and our resistance to their evil plan is their third rail! Let's fry them!!! Down with Union Busters!
I can't believe i'm disagreeing with you!! Although I totally agree!! It's about Joe Biden. I believe it was NOT his plan to run for president ... he really wanted his son Beau to run. With the danger of another Trump term looming, i sincerely believe he ran FOR THE COUNTRY he loves. I think he sacrificed what would have been a well-earned retirement because he KNEW he was really the only one that had the knowledge, the wisdom, in what he saw as an extremely dangerous time in our nation. I will forever be grateful to him for his service at this time!! Can you really imagine anyone else who could have/would have been able to do what he has done?
Could it be that age actually is his asset? Because of Biden's age and experience, he's been able to pull together the world's strongest alliances for democracy without jockeying for power. Because of his age and experience and the relationships he has developed over the years, he has been able to knock on doors in Congress and pass the most forward-looking bipartisan legislation in decades. Maybe we should quit carping about his age and instead brag about it
The critique in Dr. Reich's post is valid but misdirected. We have an 18th Century system designed to anoint a monarch substitute. Improvements have been made along the way. But, we still have the Electoral College, a relic of times past! The system is capable of anointing mad leaders just as monarchies of the past have done--George III (UK), Charles VI (France),etc.
In short, the U.S. system delivers what it was designed to do.
Vesting executive power in a group rather than a person makes much more sense. Switzerland is an example of how this can happen with a Federal Council serving as the executive. The county's model has evolved considerably since its introduction in 1848 but offers hints of a better way.
We get Joe from top-heavy, moldy-old political party "leadership." Seems like the parties represent MY generation (I am 71) and not my daughter's, or those younger who can vote. I'm nominally a Democrat, but not proud of it. It seems to be the wimpy party of let's not rock the boat. So the boat doesn't go anywhere. The Republican party is off the charts demented and dishonest beyond belief. I want to like Biden, but he can't even grasp the climate calamity that may make all politicking moot. And mute.
"Before you conclude that it’s due to a flaw in our political system, I invite you to consider America’s most “successful” business leaders, in terms of wealth and power." It's the money enabling those with no restraint or maturity to get away with too much. Citizens United was gasoline on the flame, starting a conflagration! We are "in it" now: a world of $#it! We need to rush the Court and Charge the illegitimates in the Congress! No more "Shilly shallying in the courts! No more delaying justice for tfg! It's one arse#o!e against 300 million people! Time to give this toddler a BIG time out! If I hear one more TV pundit say "No one is above the law" and then "Statute of limitations" I will turn off my TV. Really? : we have to allow this guy to run for President again? Shouldn't he be required to clear his name first in court?! Yes, Robert, we can do better with our choice of candidates!
I made an error. In L.A.’s words: ““MoveToAmend.org cannot do it by itself. We need EVERYONE and every social and environmental justice organization onboard, DEMANDING HJR54! Check out these organizations and make sure that yours are listed: movetoamend.org/organizations”
It's not really his "age", but it's worrisome that Biden has moments when it seems that he isn't altogether there. Just look at Bernie who is almost three years older but he is sharp anf focused, never loosing a beat, never allowing to be sidetracked by questions that have nothing to do with policy.
I have emailed the White House several times with suggestions to help him WIN. One of which was to get a microphone to make him sound more ROBUST as people were saying he seemed “weak”.
Did you hear him today? His voice was STRONG! It totally changed his image!
So if you have good suggestions to enable him to win, contact the White House! I sent them to the president & enclosed a note “for his campaign manager “.
Yeah, you'd think we could do better. but being the President of the United States of America is a shitty job. Some of the people love you, some outright hate you, and the rest just don't give a damn. You work very, very, long hours, you are on display 24/7. We, the people expect you to have all the right answers at your finger tips, no matter what happens. And we expect you to solve all our problems in four years even though you are not allowed to write a single piece of legislation. You have 24/7 surveillance on you, because there's always some psychopathic numbskull out there trying to assassinate you. Not only do we expect you to know the Constitution and both civil and criminal law; but also, to fully understand social welfare, economics and history. You must also be a great orator and diplomat. All this and we frequently give you an impossible Congress with which to accomplish anything. All this for a piddling $400,000 per year. Frankly I'm glad to have a person as honest and experienced as Joe Biden. He definitely has both my vote and my gratitude.
Gratitude is the right word. After all, he did, as he claimed he wanted to do, take Trump out behind the woodshed and beat the crap out of him. Only trouble is he didn't get all of that "crap!" So he is going to have to do it again.
Randy Gaul : It would be Great to get all the 'crap' out of Congress, too! They are some residue from tfg!
On another substack thread, they referred to the “crap” in congress as “Tommy Goobervilles “.
I suspect there’s an entire Gooberville clan of congress critters.
So very true.
My main reservations are the appointments of Garland and Jerome Powell.
Powell is a Republican. We have to get the word out like Dr. Reich said, ‘NOT to raise interest rates!’
Garland has been busy with lots of convictions. There will be more to come for Trump! Stay tuned...
I doubt even Heracles--who cleaned the Augean Stables in one day--could get ALL the crap out of Defendant Trump.
Although, I must admit the mental picture of Trump being dragged out behind the woodshed by his ear--kicking and whining the whole time--and the sound of hearty thwacks and the subsequent emittance of pained yelps is a soothing palliative.
You need to put this on billboards across the country ..what Biden has given up in his perhaps last few years to try and fix and save our country from Trump’s undoing should give him all of our gratitude
I wish I had that kind of money, Lesly. Unfortunately, I've retired and on a fixed income in a senior rental, my budget simply couldn't be squeezed to accommodate billboards LOL
Wait, you mean you didn’t sell your business for $300 million and now plowed it into expanding Christian charter schools like a guy did here in Missouri?
I’d like to see this posted as the job description.
Well said, Fay Reid!
And to top all of that off, the opposition party investigates & attacks your family members. If they find anything halfway shady they blow it completely out of proportion, then call for the death penalty or a one-way ticket to Guantanamo.
They would have a field day with Gym Jordan! ; but he is on their own side of the aisle.
For some reason, an old military adage comes to mind. (Maybe from Klausewitz?):
A general never goes to war with the best army; he goes with the army he has.
We have Biden.
And for now he is the best available. We need to start grooming a new one for 2028
In the meantime, I came across elsewhere:
Stop trying to compare Biden with god; compare him with the alternative.
Just to follow up: https://youtu.be/BctAQD7-UhQ
Nah! JFK jr ghosted the Dallas rally! LOL!
The president of the United States is not one person. That leadership is provided by an entire team similar to a corporation.
Big businesses turned the public against the government see the big myth by Oreskes
How about we elect one of us? Someone that has a vision for this country that is disconnected from either political parties' ideologies and constrictions? A leader with new ideas and a new way of thinking to reunite the country?
https://thesingularmovement.substack.com/p/an-open-letter-to-steve-schmidt
Biden is "one of us."
A life long politician with an $8.0 million net worth. I don't think so.
Mark ; 8 mil is chicken feed with Biden's resume.
8 mil almost makes him a 1%’er. We are being governed by career politicians that have been materially influenced by monied interests. We need more common men and women in government.
I continue to be amazed by people whose sole criticism of Joe Biden is his age, while proclaiming "I'm not ageist."
President Biden has achieved more in his short tenure than most do in a full term, or two. If not for his age, there'd be no argument against his running for re-election.
.
I wish I could “like” this comment by Jerry Weiss 150 times! Please excuse my angry shouting but
I AM SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE CRITICIZING PRESIDENT BIDEN ABOUT HIS AGE! Professor Reich- YOU need to do better.
Come Nov '24, Biden’s age won't mean a GD thing when the actual, factual differences between the candidates are taken into consideration.
The problem with that is too many people never consider the ACTUAL, FACTUAL differences. Too many people are "Don't confuse me with the facts"!
"I just try not to follow politics very much," will no longer be a valid excuse at the ballot box any longer.
Go Woke, it's no Joke.
It's not an excuse but those who do not follow politics still vote, and often just for the incumbent because it's easier, even though if they paid attn, they'd know they'd be voting against their own best interests. And many are single issue only voters who may, for example, only care about restricting abortion rights, not understanding the national security risks tfg has put the entire country under... etc etc.
MM Harris; in this thread, there are mist likely fewer anti abortion voters than on a Republican MAGA thread
President Biden won the last two elections.
it is reality. while you like Biden, as I do, from a practical point of view it will cost votes. We cannot loose the next election. Ds seem to split themselves up at great cost. We have to attract the independent middle. Elder care is not attractive.
Okay, let’s assume Pres. Biden is re-elected and 2 years into his new 4 year term, he has deteriorated
cognitively or physically or both. I seriously don’t think it would be a problem, because among other things I’ve noticed, he has surrounded himself with
with exceptional people. He’s been in the Senate for 50 years so he knows who’s competent.
Think about it--Not only did Trump not accomplish much of anything during his four years, there had to be people cleaning up the “messes,” diplomatic blunders, general incompetence he displayed and more or less keeping the government going. Trump was nothing more than a figurehead who went around the country entertaining his supporters at rallies, looking for an angle that would benefit him personally, and answering questions from journalists with stock phrases like, “We’re looking into that.” or “We’re going to be looking into that.” or “We’ll take care of it.” or “Many people are saying...” He almost always responded to questions with generalities.
Plus, although we haven’t seen a lot of her, we do have a very competent VP who had a politically
sensitive job as Attorney General for the State of
California and was a Senator for a few years before
accepting the VP nomination. I’m not worried about
President Biden’s age.
"Biden... has surrounded himself with exceptional people." Yes- that is where my hope lies (instead of family members & other kooks & criminals).
No Kidding! He has such vast experience in this business of running a country. Unlike the last one who sat at that sacred desk and who did nothing but pad his bottom line and those of his family.
The government worked under tfg because that is what it does.
Huh? With tfg violating the balance of powers by interfering with the DOJ (in their investigation of him), and firing people who would not do as he liked, and hiring an A.G. who was not working for the U. S. A. and it's voters, but only for tfg alone. With tfg messing up the transfer of power and hampering President Biden's entry into the oval office and his first term, violating the rules concerning documents for those in Afghanistan (who were translators and allies in the 20 year war). By strong arming Ukraine's leader ; President Zelenskyy in an attempt to get 'Dirt on the Bidens", : by killing children with families attempting to get across desert areas to legally apply for asylum ; (water placed in the desert was spilled by border thugs to deter and harm these families and their children); Separating kids from infants to older children from their parents ; (Many never seeing their folks again) ; Tax evasion, Fomenting a coup on our Capitol ; Inciting a 'riot' that ultimately killed people and severely injured many more ; most of them Capitol Police ; Stealing Government Secrets affecting our National Security and Defense , then sharing it with enemies of our country. broadcasting " Russia ; If you're listening" and encouraging agents in Russia to 'find Hillary Clinton's emails' to help him 'win' his presidential election. Cheating in his campaign by taking money from Foreign oligarchs, Hiding his affair with a Porn star just before the election, . Installing a 'Postmaster general (Louis DeJoy) who has tried to privatize the postal service and threatens mail in voting/election security. Pulling the U'S. out of important treaties (Paris Accord) anti nuclear treaty with Iran, Firing anyone who would not do his bidding, no matter how illegal or unconstitutional. Obstruction of investigations, violating emoluments clause. Improper billing for service members staying at his private hotels at higher rates than would be proper. Using his private hotel (former post office) in D.C. to entertain (and bill) those traveling for government business, and personally profiting from that grifting. Hatch Act violations. Not allowing recordings and notes during government business. And on and on ; there is more, I'm sure. Also things he has been doing ( more defamation ) , (hiding secret documents), after he left office, and continues to do now, and will undoubtedly do in the future. TFG is Totally unfit for holding ANY public office, much less, the Presidency of the United States of America. Our country needs to be protected from Donald John Trump!!!
Laurie thank you for listing all of 45’s accomplishments. Too bad it doesn’t fit on a bumper sticker. Great message for doing everything possible to be sure he is not 47. 💙
Wow, Laurie, nothing wrong with your memory. What a resume...
Don't hold back, Laurie!
Worked?
Our Government was worked, robbed and violated!
Yeah. Kind of. It limped from crisis to crisis for four years.
We also need to make it clear to our growing Hispanic population, which is tending Republican, how much better they're doing when there are competent Democrats - not incompetent and racist Republicans - in political office. This next election for President may hinge on the Hispanic vote.
Is it really so monolithically hopeless? Is there REALLY no good Democratic successor out there? I suggest my Party needs to get down to business and stop the internal quibbling. Get behind a candidate now.
If Biden goes now so goes the country. Yes, yes age. Are the details so important that we forget that fascism is on our doorstep? Would a newer younger Democratic nominee be better able to do democracy justiceor would a new comer give fascissm a boost in the poles?
There are some very good potential candidates in the making but I can not imagine anyone with Joe's knowledge of how our government works best and someone who the rest of the world leaders would work better with at this crossroads in history.
In any case, I believe that if he is up to the task that he will do what he needs to do and accomplish more of what he has already accomplished for this country. And he has made sure that he has schooled Kamala in how to pick up the reins if need be.
Lao Tse: do your work, then step back.
Biden did what he had to do then he should’ve stepped back . But no sense in crying about it it’s done.
I agree with Jerry's statement too! A smart marketing / messaging team (HELLO AGAIN, Democrat Campaign Organizers) could take this short, sweet concept and RUN with it after just a tweak or two. GEEEEZ they frustrate me so!! How CAN we get their attention???
The DNC won't embrace Sanders, Biden is the best of what's left.
"When you're born, you get a ticket to the freakshow. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat." George Carlin.
Thank you for saving me the effort of thinking about how to word my post! With the DNC, who needs the Republicans to spoil things?
Their inward-facing parochialism almost certainly will prevent a meaningful challenger to Biden getting anywhere.
I have not donated since they sabotaged Bernie all those years ago. But it seems nothing can shake their policy of preferring political dynasties, or sequels a la Hollywood to true political activism.
Even the Indiana Jones series, popular though it is, will end some day!
Michael Hutchinson ; Who needs the DNC? It should be banned, because of toxicity ; too much Corporate money pollution: which is nothing less than bribery, and stealing of votes and blocking the will of the human people! the legitimate people of this country!
Two strange bedfellows. On one hand, we have a respected aging public servant who has served his country politically for decades but is now showing signs of weakness associated with his age and on the other, we have an abject criminal whose exploits socially and politically shame our country. Trump is the "Pied Piper of Fools" capturing the attention of millions through baseless lies and meaningless promises the man is little more than a public menace. Yet Donald Trump has crawled his way to the top of the Republican party in his attempt to reenter the White House. He reminds me of a roll of film that has never been properly developed, as a result, all we have left is a bunch of personal negatives. President Biden's future is uncertain with Vice President Harris in the wings on the verge of becoming the first woman to hold the office of the President should Joe be unable to finish his full second term. Clint, Eli, and Lee stared in a good old western back in the day. Today we have the Good, the bad, but Mrs. Harris is anything but ugly. We currently are stuck in a vacuum where young political candidates have seemingly left the room. There is little our populous can do but ride out the storm and hope for the best. It's a sad testament to our Democracy that we ever got to this point and hopefully this story will be a work no one will ever find the need to revisit. There are so many mentally challenged Republicans it's almost like our country has given birth to a bunch of "Trump-lets."
Donald: I don't think young political candidates have "left the room"; I think they are honoring Biden by not running against him.
Lark--In the Democratic gene pool I agree with you but in the Republican camp What Puck said still rings true, "What fools these mortals be."
Lark--Trump is looking for a female counter part to join him in his run in 2024. That field holds no lilies, nothing there but wilted weeds.
You want term limits on politicians, how about age restrictions as well.
Right now I'd take an aging Lincoln, Washington, Franklin or FDR. It isn't the age, it's the stature, the intelligence, the education, the broad-based competence, and the charisma that are important.
Porter: I would even add strategic competence, patience, vision, and doggedness. So many qualities are necessary for effective leadership.
Ask, "Why have young political activists left the room?" or better yet, ask,"Who pushed them out or would not even let them enter?"
Padma--Who in their right mind would want anything to do with Trump. But look at Boebert, Greene, and Santos. Young and stupid, not much to relate to and who would want to. If they are the future of the Republican party the Republican party has no future. Three of the dumbest individuals ever to be elected to anything. Hillsdale college in Michigan is pumping out young conservative hopefuls one graduation class after another. As to where the young progressives are coming from, only their mothers know for sure.
A recent look at a filmed speech by JFK made it clear to me, for the zillionth time, that the Democratic Party lacks active or potential candidates with charisma. People who can make you want to stand up and cheer.
I don't mean verbal bomb-throwers, although it might be helpful to have one or two of those in the Party. I mean people like Bernie who are forthright, say what they mean (and mean what they say), and fervently and clearly speak to the problems we all face in everyday life, and their obvious, common-sense remedies.
Bernie has been "too old" for the last decade or two. That's so ridiculous, I know. Elizabeth Warren is a female Bernie (but less rumpled); still, smart as a tack and would be an incredible Vice President, able to step into the Presidency at a moment's notice. Instead, we have Kamala, whom I used to love until she demonstrated in 2020 that all she was really good at was smiling. She gets up to speak, people clap and cheer and she looks like she was just elected prom queen. The smiles end, and you discover she's got nothing of substance to say.
People have been speaking recently about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan - charismatic, smart, tough when she needs to be, and competent - as a potential Kamala replacement. What do you folks think of Whitmer? Could she help bolster Biden into a second term?
Porter--Whitmer is a potential gem, properly promoted she would be a formattable foe for any Republican currently within their ranks. As for the depth of the well when looking at possible future Democrats who might be considering running for a lofty office, the minority leader in the senate might be someone to consider. The Democrats are in need of some new blood, President Biden's age is definitely a negative but he beat Trump once and he can do it again, to replace him knowing that would be a mistake. Trump is a throw back to the mid-1930s and everything bad that was going on in Europe at that time. His white nationalism and the anti-semantic attitude he spreads like peanut butter is a poison that he feeds willingly to his lost followers. I really don't think good old George was a barrel of laughs in his day either, but he got the job done and that is the bottom line. Keeping Trump out of anything to do with this country is the main objective, solutions don't have to be shinny to be effective. Trump's negativity and his personal ignorance as to how this country functions will be his down fall. Once that man is history the Democratic party can began to rebuild itself, free from the hatred and tyranny Trump lives on.
I think you meant to write anti-semetic, but anti-semantic would also be true.
I am reading Srongmen by RuthBen Ghiat. Sometimes I read in it, then pick up the paper or watch the news and feel disoriented about the time.
Porter, why bother discussing? The choice for now is Biden/Harris or autocracy/fascism.
I would love Whitmer! But I don't agree that all Kamala is good for is a smile. She has not been given the proper publicity.
Why does Kamala have to be replaced? Porter.
Why did you leave out TFG age?
DK--When I said restrictions on age, TFG was included.
And the DNC has the most obnoxious 'the sky is falling' fundraising emails. Has the DNC done anything of real value? I wonder.
“Has the DNC done anything of real value?” I can’t let that go without responding. No political party is perfect--like human beings aren’t perfect either. But the DNC is inclusive of LGBGT folks, people of color, and immigrants. It gave us Barack Obama & affordable healthcare. It supported and still supports unions & collective bargaining which have been instrumental in making sure folks are paid decently & get other benefits from employment like paid time off & healthcare. The DNC supports increasing the minimum wage.
In fact the DNC and unions were instrumental in building a prosperous middle class, which was in turn the key to making America the most prosperous nation on the planet & the envy of the world, post WWII. The DNC gave us medicare/medicaid, social security and a myriad of other benefits for the poor and disabled, many of whom have a lot to offer if they aren’t spending all of their energy trying to stay alive.
There’s more, but I’ll stop here and point out that most of the things I’ve listed as beneficial are in danger of being ended by the Republican party. The Republican party is the party of “no.” The RNC has been trying for years to end social security and affordable healthcare and replace them with nothing. Republicans are anti-union and have refused to raise the minimum wage since July 4, 2009--14 years. They even refuse to take steps to stop the random slaughter of innocent children. There’s no excuse for that. Republicans are the party of “I’ve got mine, screw you.” The DNC is the party of compassion.
If we ban it, what will replace it?... Better to fix it.
Sanders would not be a better choice than Biden.
Ideologically -- better. Energetically -- better.
Popularity with old and young alike -- better.
Electability -- due to vested, corporate interests -- never gonna happen.
Well said!
I like much of what Sanders would like to do, but we need someone who is actually able to accomplish things. So...
Effective -- worse. Reality based and pragmatic -- worse. Has supporters eager to whine -- much better.
Why? because the greedheads don't like him?
Because, like you, he’d be going for ideological purity over actually getting things done.
You may not like it, but politics IS compromise and very slow gradual progress.
It’s like taking the bus. You won’t find one that takes you right to your home, so you ride the one that gets you closest to it. Insisting you won’t get on any bus that doesn’t drop you on your doorstep is being a petulant toddler. Bernie’s followers need to grow up.
I agree. And see the world we live in, not the one we would like to have. Reality bites.
there are a few reasonable senators - Merkeley, Sherrod Brown, Warren, Klobuchar - who could do the job with integrity. Is the DNC an enemy of democracy, having been purchased by the highest bidder just as has the RNC?
The answer to the question about the DNC: YES!
Could you actually stay awake after watching and listening to Sherrod Brown for 5 minutes?
Sanders is no spring chicken either...
Jerry, While I agree Biden, particularly in his first two years and despite narrow majority margins, especially in the Senate, garnered an impressive record of domestic achievements, I also believe, if one has to repeatedly tell people that one is doing things for them, people must not be feeling the effects. Indeed, I’ve noted that people can see the data and they can understand it. But, if they don’t feel the effects in their own lives, they’re not likely to connect the dots.
On a somewhat related note, I recall, back in 2020, that Biden was his most effective ever when he spoke on the Monday night before Michigan, the last rally before the Corona Virus shut down everything, about being a bridge to a next generation, and stood on stage with Gretchen Whitmer, Kamala Harris, and Corey Booker. I sensed then and still sense that a lot of Democrats and a lot of Americans would be excited about that kind of transition, the anticipation, if you will, of a new generation stepping up, much like we’ve seen in the Democratic House Caucus.
Barbara Jo, the problem with infrastructure projects, and subsidies for new technologies, is that it takes a lot of time for planning and development. The very earliest projects are just now starting to get underway. It's easy to forget that the country was in a gigantic hole 3 years ago, and that ordinary normal is itself tremendous progress.
That being said, Democrats do need to continue publicizing what’s been accomplished, and pointing to the clearly discernible path ahead that the Biden administration has constructed. That's what the campaign will be doing all next year.
I too remember that moment when President Biden acknowledged his place as a bridge to the next generation. I've thought about it a lot the last few months. And honestly, I was a bit disappointed at first when he decided to run again. The transition of leadership in the House was graceful and exciting.
But I really never expected Mr. Biden's presidency to be so productive and successful. The strength of his leadership is being acknowledged around the world, currently at NATO where he just persuaded right-wing leaders of Turkey and Hungary to support membership for Sweden.
The fact is, Joe Biden is still the most qualified Democratic candidate for President. And he's proven to be really very good at the job.
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Jerry, While I don’t dispute your assessment overall, admittedly, I did expect passage of a more progressive domestic agenda based on the committed efforts in Summer of 2020 between Biden and Sanders folks to arrive at compromise legislation on education, climate change, healthcare, the economy, criminal justice, and immigration reform. What I didn’t, then, anticipate was that Manchin and Sinema would block virtually all of it.
Because I don’t expect everyday people will factor in this distinction, setting aside accomplishments, I expect Democratic leadership, repeatedly, to go make the argument, particularly in battleground states, and say, “This is what we have tried to deliver and these folks (including every Republican legislator) have voted against it.” Simply stated, in my view, Democrats have to be willing to engage in war. One can’t play fair with people who don’t play fair. The other side has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to attain power. Therefore, Democrats, with facts in-hand, have got to say, “America, when they didn’t care about you, we did.”
I agree!
For the record, I think he is too old (as is Feinstein) and too anti-labor. His and the democrats intervention on behalf of the rail corporations against the rail employees' legitimate grievances was abhorrent.
(Edited to fix grammatical ambiguity)
Still, Biden did get a pro labor settlement for railroad workers. Look it up. Under what passes for news coverage today. It did happen.
I appreciate all Biden has done, but I agree about his terrible, and politically stupid intervention upon behalf of railroad Barrons .
Why isn't something being done about child labor in states such as Arkansas and Iowa, among others?
Why hasn't Biden spoken out in favor of unionization for employees such as those at Starbuck's, Amazon, and other atrocious workplaces? I know why - All you have to do is look at the FEC reports. I wish I had time to do this myself.
Marty Walsh was Secretary of Labor for two years, then resigned to head the National Hockey League. Being a cabinet secretary might be a great way to polish your resume but what did he accomplish?
Secretary Walsh and Secretary Buttigieg were deeply involved in the railway negotiations for months before the settlement, and for many months after the settlement (which BTW had been approved by 8 of the 12 unions negotiating).
Since the settlement, there have been new agreements reached with BNSF Railway, CSX and Union Pacific on paid sick leave and rest/work issues. The team never stopped advocating for the union workers.
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It's not really his "age", but how he has moments when it seems that he isn't altogether there. Just look at Bernie who is almost three years older but he is sharp anf focused, never loosing a beat.
Biden continues to fight against his speech problems. He has stuttered for much of his life, and on occasion he gets tongue-tied and it makes him seem old and doddering, when he's anything but. If we could have a huge popular and effective President in a wheelchair for four (4) terms, surely we can overlooked Biden's speech problems.
Bernie does not have the exposure nor the focus that Biden does. Plus Biden has that speech impediment issue.
But look at the way Biden walks, he looks like he might fall at any moment. He has to take short baby steps. It does not give you confidence to see your leader tottering.
Watch him on a bicycle speeding along. And he can actually run. Now imagine Trump trying to run, and what he would look like on a bicycle.
It's not about the comparison with Trump. It's whether Biden can demonstrate the physical and mental capacities to meet the extreme demands of the office of president. Your thinking is what has gotten us into the position of voting for the person least objectionable. That is no way to run a democracy and see that the most talented and capable lead our government. The cream should rise to the top.
My point exactly. Are you sure you read my comment? Are you perhaps referring to my comment that with Kamala, there's no there, there?
If he was in a wheelchair & still has a good brain, that's enough for me.
None of my three grandsons in their 20’s will vote for Biden for exactly that reason. They want a President they can be”proud of” on the world stage. I don’t agree with their viewpoint but I get why they feel that way.
If Bernie didn't call himself a democratic "socialist" he wouldn't have scared so many people. For a smart guy, he doesn't read the room very well and gave his foes a word to hang him with.
Agreed. It's not age but stage of health. I'm sure this job has taken its toll on him (most presidents age quickly).
For sure!
I think it’s a combination of ageism and misogyny. Since even if Biden does begin to have work performance issues tied to his age, or die in office of something related to “old age”, we have a perfectly capable person in the form of Kamala Harris who can take over. She doesn’t get the credit she deserves and is often denigrated for things no one would ever think twice about if she were a man.
And Harris would still be surrounded by the same team of competent people.
Exactly.
In my case, it's NOT his AGE! It's the increasing number of "senior moments" where he doesn't seem to know where he is or what he is doing! I saw the same behavior in family members who soon descended into the horror of dementia. I respect what Joe Biden has done, but we absolutely need another Democrat to run in2024.
It's not Biden's age; it's his veep. Even if Biden was 40 years old I'd want a new veep. She may be nice and she may be smart, but she's not presidential. I say, "What about getting Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer a call to run for prez?" She's got everything going for her.
Usually said this way: "I'm not ageist, BUT.....".
If suggesting that a person younger than 80 (82 serving until 86) is a good idea - if that is called "ageism", sign me up.
Joe Biden is and will be recorded as one our greatest Presidents. Ever.
But Robert Reich is correct. It is time for a younger, more nimble leader.
For two reasons. First, younger voters will be more apt to show up. Younger voters believe in attacking Climate Change. Not working on it. But attacking it. Younger voters grew up with diversity. We need them to vote.
Second. I am Robert Reichs age. I am in excellent health. I am still thinking clearly. I think.
But at thus age, I am not half the man I used to be. Energy, endurance, focus, memory, stamina, sharpness, flexibility...are all reduced.
Anyone who tells you that old folks are as good as they were 20 years ago is totally full of it. Pure BS. Fantasy.
Pass the torch, Joe. The bench is deep. Go out on top. Put the nation and the Earth ahead of your ego.
America: Biden is wonderful. But he is not a shoe in for the job in 2024. And wouldn't it be great to have a President who is eloquent and inspiring with every speech?
Sounds good; maybe you should run for President so long as you focus on what you can achieve and not any perceived limitations.
I agree. The man works hard and some youthful others would not be willing to deal with all the inconveniences that a US President has to deal with during the term of 4 very long years. Granted there are perks if you will, but it is a really, really tough job IF you do it right which certainly was NOT the case with the last old man in that office.
My criticism of Biden is not because of his age, it is because of his acts. Appointing Garland and not prosecuting the insurrection is unforgivable. His appointing Elliott Abrams is appalling. His supporting unlimited greed and overpopulation while claiming to protect the environment, is insane. He pretends to be a leftist who defends unions and the environment, he is a lot like Trump. There is no future for liars on this planet. And there are so many liars, that there is no future for truth seekers either. Sterilization and abortion should be required for All humans, until they become civilized.
Huh, what? Sterilization and abortion are essential to humanity becoming civilized? Really? Is that a Moms for Liberty/Hitlerian quote?
Whoa!
This troubles me too!! Perhaps our terrible media has something to do with this? And, perhaps wedge issues and gerrymandering are creating a world no one can live in?
Certainly, the reckless adoption of rapacious neoliberalism has created an inability among the business class to see beyond next quarter. This has long been a problem, but, there were some checks, which have been corroded to nothing.
In the words of David Frishberg, we know the price of everything and the value of nothing at all.
I agree, Ken.
One of our biggest problems as a country now is our division in thinking. And IMO, It’s a direct result of a mindset and belief in profit at the cost of so many of our ideals that gave us a collective heart and soul, that’s dividing us. It’s also a mindset that needs to bully and believe that somehow power comes from control. It doesn’t. True power is control over our desperation and lack that has been bred into so many from their struggle and fears over eons of development.
We are in the middle of a mindset of division--divide and conquer-- and it ain’t new. Our short term game of somehow displaying our net worth as a substitute and indicator of our true worth as a person, must end.
I’m sure that the decision makers in the DNC are as anxious to hold on to power as they are to ideals, and may be grasping at straws now, but President Biden is the only one who held us together as a country when we were in the throws of falling apart. Sometimes It feels like we’re being held together as a country by chewing gum and paperclips.
Yes, we need new leaders. Ones that reflect ideals that we’ve all forgotten: trust in a common goal that somehow makes us truly proud to be American. One who can pull us through the next leg of this self-destructive phase.
Our desperation and confusion as a people is a direct result of being herded by advertisers and bribed representatives. We only hear the bell of a Judas goat of divisional thinking, our own flakey collective desire to get rich and famous--quickly, and our propensity to settle our disputes with the world’s finest self-destruct armaments.
Right now at this stage, we’re easy pickings to any huckster that promises what isolated groups want to hear. Age aside, the Biden Adm. needs a second term to give the country a sense of continuity and stability from our own fears, and quite frankly, to chase away the bullies.
Social media is a major factor in creating our upside down world. Along with more billionaire libertarians than you can shake a stick at . economic inequalities. Monopolies.
Robert Reich should read fellow substacker's Heather Richardson's daily commentaries in Letter from an American. It might help him appreciate what Biden has accomplished in foreign policy, in restoring credibility to the American presidency, and in boosting the American economy through initiatives such as the CHIPs and Sciences Act. I totally agree with some of the other reactions to Reich's column. The equivalence between Biden and Trump- as if both were equally poor choices for president with a begrudging nod to Biden- is frankly outrageous Lately, there have been a lot of cheap shots against Biden because of his age from purportedly progressive commentators. Please Mr. Reich, rethink your position on this.
No one is denying any of those things, but Biden is a diplomat. What the presidency needs is a dynamic leader who can accomplish the impossible, or at least be willing to try. Strict gun laws are needed. Abortion rights must be legalized in every state in the union. No one can be denied the vote for any reason. And more. Biden is incapable of accomplishing these needs! Elect someone who can, before it is too late!
These sorts of still needed things are what second terms are for!
If this is true American politics is more screwed up than even I realized. Biden had msjorities in both houses for his first two years, that was the time he needed to accomplish those things. Now he has lost the House, so his power is weakened. The Dems will probably win back the House in 2024, but they may lose the Senate. Biden still won't be able to accomplish these things if he is re-elected, and the people will be waiting at least two more years, probably more. No, these needs need to be met ASAP, not down the road. He has 18 months yet to be dynamic. His nistory tells me he will never be dynamic.
The president does not set the calendar for Congress nor the Senate. He has priorities but everything takes time. Getting judges appointed, cabinet members, rolling out and pushing COVID vaccines and trying to overcome that crisis as well as some large pieces of legislation along with trying to negotiate those large pieces of legislation with Senators of his own party who were not disposed to be cooperative were challenges along with dealing with some foreign policy issues like the retreat from Afghanistan which was a set up if I ever saw one and the Ukraine/Russian War, etc. that Biden had since 1/20/21.
“Biden had majorities in both houses for his first two years, that was the time he needed to accomplish those things.”
Jan, et al, You forgot to mention the effect of Manchin and Sinema in that so called "majority."
OMG, Rawgod, you are thinking the president is the congress, the courts, and the executive all wrapped into one! We need all of what you mentioned, but no matter how good that person is, he/she/they can't do that alone. We the People need to be voting for intelligent caring people who want the things you said. That mythical Congress can pass the bills and the president will sign them. Biden would do that if Congress sent that to him, but that would not be a guarantee the current Supreme Court 6 would approve. Those things to make this nation a better place. Already the SC has gutted voting rights, dumped abortion rights on states filled with rich white mostly male state legislators and governors. The SC has practically said anyone who wants a gun should be able to have one because well, the 2nd amendment or something. With those folks deciding what is allowed to be law and where, it won't matter much what the president wants or does not want or how dynamic. In Biden's case, he had to spend a lot of time after taking office, trying to clean up the mess his predecessor had done. Even with that, he accomplished more than most of those presidents who preceded him had accomplished. So, who is it you think should replace him?
I'm not saying Biden didn't do a lot of things, but he didn't get the BIG THINGS done. I'm sorry, but I don't see settling for okay as the sign of a good leader. He is a passable leader at best, 1000 times better than Trump, bu t that wsn't hard to do.
The USA is in shambles right now, and it is probably even more divided today than it was in 2021. He had the House, he had the Senate, and he spent his time mopping the floor, not building a healthy nation. Now he only has the Senste, so he is slready a lame duck. Even if he grts re-elected, he won't accomplish much without the House and the Senste. He was too cautious! Thus the need for someone dynamic i want to see the USA whole, not on the brink of civil war. Is that asking too much?
He didn’t really have the Senate , only on paper. The reason he didn’t get more done ?well as you said the USA is in shambles now.
President Biden is wise. He’s not going to “rock the boat.” He’s low-key, probably because of how important it is for him to be re-elected. This term is for laying a foundation to build upon in the next term.
rawgod ; It's already too late!
It is never too late, it is more challenging. And, remember, the forces aligned against progress are myriad and relentless.
I for one hope not. There is still time, if voters can find the eill to give the Dems 2 msjorities and the White House.
I am a fan of Heather’s letters also and frequently share them.
I do think Biden’s experience is extremely valuable now, especially internationally, and that continuity is a good thing. I don’t watch TV, so I haven’t seen the “senior moments” that have been mentioned. I’m not confident that Kamala could step in if needed. But there are good younger Dems coming along. Gov Whitmer has been mentioned. I’m a big fan of Pete Buttigieg. He needs more National experience, but he seemed to me the most capable of the younger set.
Nothing is right. Everything is wrong within this rigged and corrupted system that was created by a FASCIST leaning SCOTUS through rulings such as Citizens United. And nothing will get right until we undo the damage inflicted on our Constitution with HJR54, the We the People Amendment. But our Constitution will not amend itself. We need you to help a little. MoveToAmend.org can not do it by itself. We need everyone and every social and environmental justice organization onboard, demanding HJR54! Check out these organizations and make sure that yours are listed: movetoamend.org/organizations Resist! Don’t accept this! We can and must do much better!!!
I'd vote for a yellow dog before ANY Republican.
The choice is democracy vs fascism.
Daniel you have it right. Why bicker about all of this. The choice is simple- either we Vote for democracy or for fascism. The rest are details. The former Republicon part has become the fascist party. Do you want anything to do with that? That is the vital question.
When I started advocating to repeal, remove, amend, overturn the Citizens United decision (the moment it was announced) and said it was the worst thing to ever happen and would be the end of Democracy, I also read that it takes at least 14 years to get an amendment passed.
We are approaching that 14 year mark on Jan 21, 2024. I explode with rage every time I donate $5 to a political cause and have to give my life history while corporations give millions with no hassle. If you don't donate to campaigns, maybe you don't realize who politicians are beholden to-the same people who addict you to sugar, spray you vegetables with poison, keep your meat in windowless, filthy pens where they can't even move and allow corporations to pour filth and poison into our water supply and then have the nerve to overcharge you for medicines to "sure" ailments they have given you by the actions just mentioned above.
Corporations are their OWN CONSUMERS. They focus on short term profits, not long term solutions. And have no concern for anything beyond their death otherwise they would be trying to save the planet for their children and grandchildren.
Start small but TAKE ACTION.
We, at the minumum, need CLEAN WATER and EDUCATION. Maybe 4 years of Peace Corps in AMerica as a choice between 4 years in the military-both PAID with other perks for helping save humanity.
You're RIGHT! Citizens United and the Christo-fascist inferior Court must go. They are mobsters.
Thank you Sharon.
Reading your comments brought out my tears again.
Are we truly so broken as to put up with vulgarity day after day as though that is what we survive for?
Where are we for our children. Well disciplined and carefully guided children turn into .... disciplined and well guided adults.
Those left to wander from mall to mall looking at their phones to entire time are lost souls already.
Is that what we count on to replace our elder spokesmen and women?
We pretend to care about Laws and then stand by when they are broken completely by mobsters with money.
We pretend to care about “our Home” the planet Earth, and continue to close our eyes to facts and occurrences probing that our home is suffering.
Are we truly the “smartest” animals on earth?
Then prove it. Demand order and integrity and civility and respect of character.
This should not be the last third rate film we write about ourselves as a Nation. Is nothing embarrassing anymore?
Stand up, take hands and move toward Adulthood. It really beats bleating sheep!
Spot on! All of our local Reps are cosponsors of HJR54, except Nancy Pelosi, Eric Swalwell, and Josh Harder. Our Senators have not yet supported this effort to introduce a Senate Companion to HJR54. Let’s stay on them for support!!! And check out movetoamend.org please
I also put it on Nextdoor.com in the “Defeat Trump” group
I think the Democrats have some kind of government service program. They keep it well hidden
When I interviewed in front of a panel of 7 for acceptance into a Physician Assistant program, one member of the panel questioned my ability as I was in my early 40’s. He said, “I couldn’t do it”. He was out of shape, BTW.
I answered that I was in much better shape physically and more disciplined than I had been in my 20’s. (I had received all A’s in the pre-requisites). I was able to multitask, I was more secure economically and I had a good support system.
I think we should remember that people are thriving at older ages particularly when exercising and eating properly, both of which President Biden does. We should find comfort in that. Trump does not.
President Biden also has a good “support system” in his advisers for his cabinet and an intelligent wife. Trump did not.
I agree although I know several people who were taken by surprise by how quickly things changed when they hit their 80s. I’m all for Joe but none of us lasts forever and human frailty is real.
Most people in their 80’s are not working out & eating well as President Biden does. And he looks like he sleeps well. Trump does none of those things.
You've surveyed octogenarians, or just have unfounded opinions about the personal habits of "most people in their 80's"? And nobody here supports trump—his behavior is irrelevant to this discussion.
Count me as a stranger >80 who agrees totally with Cindy O’Dell and her friends.
Me,too
So what are we to do? Throw in the towel?
Here: https://politicalwire.com/2023/07/12/do-republicans-really-want-to-run-on-bidens-age/ That should make you feel better. G'night.
I had to laugh at your comment on being able to multitask. That is because you were 40. I am 82 and believe me at least last 10 years my ability to multitask has gone to zero. Part of joe’s problem with falling is a thinking multitask problem. Where are you stepping. How are you walking. Old people have falls for a reason.
He fell because someone had placed an object in his path that wasn’t previously there as he left the podium.
President Biden’s has made great strides cleaning up the mess Trump left, don’t you agree?
The rest of us are focused on the future; we agree on the past.
Do you exercising daily? Do you eat healthy? Do you sleep well? Is your health above average for your age? Do you have a positive attitude?
I think all these things given him a good shot. I would feel better if Elizabeth Warren was his Vice President, however.
You shouldn’t she isn’t popular Maybe Amy Koba Shar would be much better, although I don’t care for her, she would be far more popular
Elizabeth Warren is an attorney and a professor of law. She created the Consumer Protection Agency. She knows her stuff. She cares and has integrity.
She just needs a new image and to stop saying things like “My daddy”.
(I’m just saying this because so many are worried about Biden’s chronological age).
If it’s not too late.
Too late
Do you have any idea how insulting those intrusive personal questions sound?
I am going to be 71. I take no medication and don’t have health problems. I am unusual.
I am just saying President Biden is also UNUSUAL.
Most people my age and older take medication, don’t really exercise, and can’t get a good nights’s sleep. It’s just a fact.
You CAN be chronologically old but be BIOLOGICALLY YOUNG!
I am sorry, I wasn’t expecting you to answer those questions. Just trying to make a point.
Have you noticed that everybody involved in this thread but you is >80 and disagrees with you? But what do we know? You're the self-appointed expert on octogenarians.
Maybe they aren’t unusual. I think we should support our President. It’s too late for others to get in the race, isn’t it? If everyone complains about his age when the other candidate, most likely 77 year old Trump WELCOMES those criticisms, we are going to lose. What do you suggest other than repeatedly attacking me?
Take it from one who has left both places in the rearview mirror, 80 is not 40, not even 75. Bernie, who Maria Fernbach cites in another comment, stands out as the exception who proves the rule. Of course I'll vote for Joe even while recognizing signs that if he doesn't step out of the path Dianne Feinstein has been, uh, blazing, he too is going to end up looking pathetic in office. The notion of voting for support staff and/or spouse is offensive. This country and party surely can do better. RR sums up the present moment perfectly.
Most all of Trump’s staff ended up being criminals. He had Perry, who wanted to get rid of the EPA, in CHARGE of the EPA. Trump wouldn’t listen to his own intelligence, I.e., “SUPPORT” and believed Putin who told him he wasn’t interfering in the election. He has been distracted with MULTIPLE lawsuits of infidelity, rape, etc. He and his wife and daughter are now polarized. He has no support from either. Need I go on?
Really? You think trump might have chosen staff that were not mini-mes? Melaria swatted trump's hand away. Jill clings to Joe's as if he might lose his way without her guidance.
Jill loves her husband. That’s why she stays close. They love and support each other. The way s good marriage should be.
You miss my point. That person was questioning me if I could do the work DUE to MY AGE (discrimination). I EXPLAINED why at that time in my life I was BETTER. He was an instructor of mine. He did not exercise believe me. I was NOT criticizing fat people.
BTW, while I got on the alternate list for PA school, I did not pursue it as my dad died suddenly, my mother had a stroke. So I took care of my paralyzed mother for 15 years. She passed in 2021 at 100 years old (I successfully protected her from Covid)
I don't care about Biden's age. Look at his achievements: consistently low unemployment, reducing inflation for eleven straight months, strengthening NATO. No, we could not have found a better President at any age.
Agree with you 100%. My thoughts precisely. Which is why I voted for Elizabeth Warren.
Jude ; Good thought ; but she is not running now.
Wouldn’t everyone feel better if Elizabeth Warren were Vice President?
No , voters don’t care for her. This is not about who you like it’s about who is more likely to win by being on the ticket.
Elizabeth Warren was my choice.
"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should". We need a better vetting process for choosing our leaders. If there was a way to get money out of this process, in favor of true leadership qualities, it would help. We could start by enforcing rules already in place. For instance ; We have Oaths of office: WHAT FOR, if they are meaningless?! We have anti trust laws and guardrails that have been de-railed. In stead of fake 'toughness' of a DeSantis, or the over indulged overgrown brat that is TFG, we need real adults who have ethics and follow rules. I'm sick of hearing that nobody is above the law and then hearing over and over from 'news' pundits that tfg can 'pardon' himself and other criminals! When are we going to GROW UP and act like adults?
We definitely need a better vetting process particularly for the highest office in our country, the presidency. FBI applicants have stringent vetting, shouldn’t the applicants for the presidency?
I feel jurors, who decide a person life or death, should also be vetted; not just by the attorneys who may or may not ask the right questions. They should have to take a test to see if they have enough memory recall, ability to reason to a logical conclusion and for comprehension. Or how can they conclude a complicated case?
I feel with President Biden we have a chance at getting these things. There is NO chance with Trump. He thinks so little of women, the way things are going, he may take away a woman’s right to vote next!
Marlo ; Before even running for office , a Presidential Candidate should be able to pass a security clearance! Period!
At the VERY least! Email your representatives!
Laurie, your comment was right on target. I, too, am disgusted with the way certain people are above the law and prove it regularly. If any other citizen of this nation had stolen as many secret critical documents as Baby Donnie has, they would be in jail, not running around giving speeches where he is allowed to lie over and over about everything even related to his theft, blaming everyone but himself. That truly is what a toddler does. Why we want to give a toddler the freedom to put people in danger with his theft then let him run for the office that would let him put Americans at risk again is beyond comprehension. We even have an amendment of our Constitution that forbids it but hey, he's the ?Donald, right?
The Greedhead billionaires and their supporters want tfg to raid our treasury again! They want even more and larger tax breaks! And anything else they can get. Freedom to steal from workers and make wage theft legal! Freedom from Democracy for the humans!!!
Laurie, how is it we can see what is going on and what the result of another term as president for Baby Donnie would be, and so many others can't. I don't understand his attraction for so many people. He is singularly unattractive and I can't even remember what he looks like. His voice is ugly, his speech is ugly, his ideas are ugly, his rallies are ugly, and the people he associates with are appalling. What's the charm! I am clearly missing something. I am so grateful I missed it, but I wish I understood.
They like his humor. Unfortunately people like the fact he gets down in the dirt with bullying & name calling. It’s “ENTERTAINMENT”.
They also think he’s rich and they are under the FALSE assumption that he will help THEM because he LIES and says so. But he will ONLY help his bank account and his RICH supporters.
Yes Marlo, that is a true mystery for me, why people even believe a man who lied while in office, mor than 30,000 times and who knows how many times since he left office. I tend to say that whenever Trump's mouth is moving he is lying. How is it so many Americans can't or won't see that too. These are smart enough people to know what is true and not, but choose to go with the liar no matter what. Then there's DeSantis who regularly lies too, but is brighter, so has figured out how to tuck his lies into blaming the "woke" world for everything, even things he has done. People don't particularly like him, but just with Trump, those who are around him are intimidated by him. I have heard members of the Florida legislature, when asked why they voted for some of the horrific things DeSantis demanded, say they just went along. They said they felt compelled to. I am not sure what that means, but it isn't good when a jerk, toddler-man is ordering them around and they are willing to be pushed or led on a leash (I am not sure which it is). How do we help these people? Can we?
Insanity! and they want to repeat it! Where is the"BREAK GLASS in case of EMERGENCY" unit?
Ruth Sheets ; What is it that is said about insanity ? To repeat the same mistakes again and again.?!
Agreed, many think our political system is flawed. It is a popularity contest coupled with corporate aspirations for power overall. As for our education system, teaching anything to 9-12 or 10-12th graders a thing or two about how a civil society works, including what Robert Reich has been doing for decades (trying to get many to see things in a different light regarding wealth and inequity) it’s not happening. One guesses that as long as many vote their opinion and not their understanding of the country’s situation, we’ll continue to have the deck stacked with what we currently have. Too bad the founding fathers couldn’t get in a clause separating business from government. (Likely, even then, they hedged the constitution to favour those that looked and acted like them). One might guess that until the influence of money and corporate power yield to less of both and a generally more politically educated society emerges, unfortunately, we’re in for more of the same.
Henry Hunt ; Back when the Country was founded ; only wealthy white men went to school! Now, DeSatan and others want to end or limit education enough that voters don't know much, and can't see a bad deal for what it is. F'rinstance, Wealth Inequality destabilizes a community ; Especially in a 'United States" type of Country!! We cannot have equality when there is so much extreme inequality! There are those who do not want us to figure that out. When Martin Luther King said the sanitation workers of both races had common interests it led to his death by assassination the very next day. This desire to keep us down and our resistance to their evil plan is their third rail! Let's fry them!!! Down with Union Busters!
Remarkably silent on the whole area of economics and wealth
I can't believe i'm disagreeing with you!! Although I totally agree!! It's about Joe Biden. I believe it was NOT his plan to run for president ... he really wanted his son Beau to run. With the danger of another Trump term looming, i sincerely believe he ran FOR THE COUNTRY he loves. I think he sacrificed what would have been a well-earned retirement because he KNEW he was really the only one that had the knowledge, the wisdom, in what he saw as an extremely dangerous time in our nation. I will forever be grateful to him for his service at this time!! Can you really imagine anyone else who could have/would have been able to do what he has done?
Could it be that age actually is his asset? Because of Biden's age and experience, he's been able to pull together the world's strongest alliances for democracy without jockeying for power. Because of his age and experience and the relationships he has developed over the years, he has been able to knock on doors in Congress and pass the most forward-looking bipartisan legislation in decades. Maybe we should quit carping about his age and instead brag about it
The critique in Dr. Reich's post is valid but misdirected. We have an 18th Century system designed to anoint a monarch substitute. Improvements have been made along the way. But, we still have the Electoral College, a relic of times past! The system is capable of anointing mad leaders just as monarchies of the past have done--George III (UK), Charles VI (France),etc.
In short, the U.S. system delivers what it was designed to do.
Vesting executive power in a group rather than a person makes much more sense. Switzerland is an example of how this can happen with a Federal Council serving as the executive. The county's model has evolved considerably since its introduction in 1848 but offers hints of a better way.
We get Joe from top-heavy, moldy-old political party "leadership." Seems like the parties represent MY generation (I am 71) and not my daughter's, or those younger who can vote. I'm nominally a Democrat, but not proud of it. It seems to be the wimpy party of let's not rock the boat. So the boat doesn't go anywhere. The Republican party is off the charts demented and dishonest beyond belief. I want to like Biden, but he can't even grasp the climate calamity that may make all politicking moot. And mute.
It’s not Biden, it’s the Republicans that BLOCK what he wants passed. He has made great strides however.
"Before you conclude that it’s due to a flaw in our political system, I invite you to consider America’s most “successful” business leaders, in terms of wealth and power." It's the money enabling those with no restraint or maturity to get away with too much. Citizens United was gasoline on the flame, starting a conflagration! We are "in it" now: a world of $#it! We need to rush the Court and Charge the illegitimates in the Congress! No more "Shilly shallying in the courts! No more delaying justice for tfg! It's one arse#o!e against 300 million people! Time to give this toddler a BIG time out! If I hear one more TV pundit say "No one is above the law" and then "Statute of limitations" I will turn off my TV. Really? : we have to allow this guy to run for President again? Shouldn't he be required to clear his name first in court?! Yes, Robert, we can do better with our choice of candidates!
I made an error. In L.A.’s words: ““MoveToAmend.org cannot do it by itself. We need EVERYONE and every social and environmental justice organization onboard, DEMANDING HJR54! Check out these organizations and make sure that yours are listed: movetoamend.org/organizations”
This will correct Citizens United.
It is the inevitable result of allowing a few ultra rich to own everything.
It's not really his "age", but it's worrisome that Biden has moments when it seems that he isn't altogether there. Just look at Bernie who is almost three years older but he is sharp anf focused, never loosing a beat, never allowing to be sidetracked by questions that have nothing to do with policy.
I have emailed the White House several times with suggestions to help him WIN. One of which was to get a microphone to make him sound more ROBUST as people were saying he seemed “weak”.
Did you hear him today? His voice was STRONG! It totally changed his image!
So if you have good suggestions to enable him to win, contact the White House! I sent them to the president & enclosed a note “for his campaign manager “.
Amen, Maria Fernbach! The contrast couldn't be more startling.