Biden would be admired and respected infinitely more if he does NOT run again. Ego should not get in the way... Senator Feinstein would be a more respected and admired Senator had she given up her seat years ago. Now she is a " has been", like an old football that needs to be tucked away. Age is very fickle- dementia can creep up very fast and unexpectedly. Obama and Kennedy, both young presidents, brought the entire country into a different realm - we had a more energetic "step", more optimism, more energy... or at least that's how I remember I felt. The world needs capable , energetic leaders with stamina to address all the newness thrown at us constantly. For myself I am increasingly frustrated by simple changes on my computer, simple changes in protocol. Yes the president has younger people all around... that helps. But it would be great if the president and his staff had the same level of stamina.
MY vote is NO - for the love of this country , President Biden do not run again .
I'm approaching 70, survived prostate cancer and not befuddled at all except by how many stupid people we have in the country. Be sure to watch 80-year-old Harrison Ford a horseback in 1923 and the new Indiana Jones. Speak for yourself, man.
Mark, I am your age and agree completely. When I was 50 I would not have made a good president. I didn't have the ego, the experience, the breadth of knowledge to have done a good job. I am wiser at nearly 70, but would still not make a good president. I do think Biden has the abilities to be president if he chooses to run again. He might not be as fast as he is now, but so what. Speed only counts in certain areas of life and long-term decision-making is not one of those areas where speed is an asset. If Biden starts having trouble walking as some older folks do, we have all kinds of assistive devices to help out. Biden knows the world leaders and knows how to communicate with them, takes no crap from any of them (well most of them), and is a pretty good negotiator. It would be good if some of the younger Dems hung around him to learn some of the strategies he uses. Biden has also been through a lot of the same kind of sorrow most people have experienced at some level and actually cares. That kind of empathy helps. Remember, Trump has none of those qualities and neither does DeSantis. They just have ego and addiction to power and adulation, oh yes, and money too.
Running a country isn’t the same as learning your lines for a movie. It’s more like reading several scripts a day, and then acting and reacting accordingly-- after writing your own script. Every day the movie changes. WTF does cancer have to do with it? I have been a bladder cancer patient for 30 years, going for another surgery this week.
I'm sorry to hear about your bladder cancer. My father struggled with this constantly for the past 30ish years too. Agent Orange.... I'm glad you are staying on top of it. Take care!
Well so what then? You’re not president or ever will be. Biden is. None of us are dead yet. Not everyone is a grumpy old crank. Hope your surgery works out. The head is a different matter.
I don't even get what you're saying here. I am harder on Brandon than Robert. In fact, Reich is OVERLY KIND. Joe was washed up when he was still in his basement in Wilmington. Sure, a lot of people are spry into their 90s. Joe isn't one of them. AND, he's a pathological liar.
Funny, I didn't face significant changes until 88. I worked 40 to 60 hour weeks and traveled all over the eastern to mid western part of the country, returning home to California infrequently. we cannot make blanket statements about each individual, Now at 90, I admit the only reliably functional part of my body is my brain.
That is good... my MIL was right at 90 even though we could tell she was slower and methodical, she still managed to drive in Austin, go to all of her activities. After 90 she declined more rapidly and passed at 94 and 10 months of age. But declining typically shows right around 80ish... that is what I saw as a nurse.
I just celebrated my 80th birthday and have no problems with memory. My parents lived a healthy life into their late 80's and I had a cousin who lived into her late 90's with no mental problems!
I don't think anyone is disputing that some people are mentally and physically vigorous well into their 80s or 90s. I think we can all cite friends or family members who maintained physical and mental acuity despite advanced. I think, however, it's safe to say that none of those people has the kind of extraordinary stress and complex responsibilities that go with being a head of state. President Biden takes very good care of his health. However, he has a history of circulation issues including having been treated for two brain aneurisms in 1988 (webmd details this history). His age and his health are valid concerns, not simple ageism. If he runs again, I will vote for him -- not only because the Republicans are likely to put up another venal travesty of a candidate but also because he has a vast amount of practical, qualifying experience. I am appalled that one of the most complex jobs in the world has so few hiring requirements. Is there any other job anywhere for which you can say "I have never worked in this field. I have never studied this or anything remotely like it. I have spent my entire working life doing something wholly unrelated" and be hired?
Good grief, man. Please learn the difference between meticulously crafted fiction -- as in TV and film -- and reality. Cold, hard, inexorable reality, absent body doubles, CGI, and SAG- or Equity-imposed rest periods.
People age differently but in real (as distinct from reel) life, it is inevitably diminishing.
Yes, people age differently. When I was 80, there were many things I could do and now, at 85, I simply can’t do, physically or mentally. Joe should not run for re-election, particularly with the house being in Republican control. Quit while you are on top. Happy retirement.
I agree. At 71 I'm recovering from post knee replacement strokes (2 1/2 years now) and having a difficult time of it. My mainstay is my "gallows" sense of humor. I agree with Robert's 5 point assessment and his final NO. Not from any sense that Joe Biden could NOT do the job until the end, but from all the - flak - he'll be confronted with by the - recent document debacle - classified or not, found at his properties, et al, not to mention anything and everything else that - the 'criminal right' will and would most likely concoct to - bring him down ~ ~ ~ and - steal back the country ~ ~ ~ I wouldn't wish any/all that on - anyone or anything ~ (except maybe K.M & crew ~)
I was going to write a comment, but I can't say a thing to improve on what you just posted.
I was third-tier technical support for a large publishing company; and any technical/computer question I couldn't resolve THEN went to Apple, Microsoft, Adobe or Dell. That said: I'm approaching 70, and when software companies make major changes in their operating systems (Mac OS 10 -> Mac OS 12; Windows 10 -> Windows 11), I get annoyed and I'm only 68.
Boomers have done some good things; but Boomers have done many things which have made our country a much worse place to live. It's time for us to butt out and let younger generations try their hand at governing.
Painting generations with a broad brush is not helpful. Biden has been winning, and accomplishing for his working voters., against all odds.. He is a better choice and is already President.
For me it isnt totally about age, i am the same age as Biden, lol. It is about the nature of the Democratic Party. No new thinking. Neoliberalism and endless wars. So no to Joe, for me!
Exactly. I thought it was pretty smart of Biden to select a female VP. Considering how much the Trump Party and the RINOs dislike women there would be no threat to Joe's life.
On the the other hand, as you mentioned, Ms. Hall, if he resigns Ms. Harris would become our first Lady President. Sweet! She would knock those fruitcakes for a loop.
I really resent the comments about age. I'm 76, the same age as the Orange Blemish, and my mind is still very sharp. I like to joke that I remember birth. Thank you, Laurie Blair for your comment.
Thank you, Richard La France. I really believe that age is the least of our problems in government. Witness the fact of MTG, Santos, and Ms. Boebert and Matt Gaetz. They are not very old at all, and yet do not enhance our governing in our 'People's House'. To the contrary, they now threaten our credit rating on the National level!
Thanks Laurie Blair for pointing out so many “young” fools. It’s not age, it’s integrity, and team building with people who are honest, caring, and not “know it alls”.
Yep, and then we would have a capable Kamala Harris, young and a smart prosecutor, who would succeed him. There is the racist chorus all over the media who have low rated and attacked her all along, but I think she is smart and capable. Consider the source of all that negativity. We have criminals galore in our government, many of them in the party that owns so much of the media ; even the 'lefty' or 'progressive' media. Why would they feel threatened by a smart woman of color who is a courageous experienced prosecutor?
Gandalf Grey : your posts are irrelevant. Go get your yuks elsewhere. There are ideas I want to share, but I have allowed myself to be distracted by your insincere drivel.
brian lindberg ; Biden chose his veep wisely, as he knows he is not a young man, and has the experience of knowing the treachery surrounding his job which requires strength and the courage of a good prosecutor.
Roger, good point ; It's like scientists who are smart enough to know that we need more answers. I guess that is why some do not like science. It takes effort to learn and humility to admit we don't know all the answers, and courage to change our worldview.
Now we know Biden is not the only one. Vice President Pence has some classified docs too. More will be found, no doubt. George W. Bush, Obama, who knows?
The small number of classified documents he had, and now Mike Pence also should lead us to question NARA and the procedures used to pack up an office when a term is over.
I understand everyone's concerns. Unless someone comes along and 'wows' me, I will be fine if Biden wants to run again. Of course I have reservations; but, I know that no stable president runs the country alone. (not including the previous wanna-be dictator) There are experts in these positions for a reason. No president knows it all. As long as he feels he is steady enough to lead, I will let him.
Regarding these documents...yes, he should have been more careful. I do not for a hot second believe he had any malicious intent. If they keep track of where and when these documents are handed out and viewed, maybe an audit should be done. If these two have documents, I am willing to bet there are a lot more out there that have slipped away over the years.
Shanna, I like your perspective on Biden running again. I also like your reminder that no president functions alone. The better-qualified and experienced an official working with the president, the better the chance of a positive outcome. As for the documents, the lessons here should be that more care should be taken in packing up boxes when leaving an office, what Biden and his staff did by including some classified documents among a lot of other papers is not the same even in degree as Trump's stealing documents, taking them, many boxes of them, to his Florida home and possibly other homes and refusing to give them back, so the FBI needed to seize them under warrant. The media is working really hard to make it look like it is the same and deserves the same level of coverage, even MSNBC. I expect that of Fox Not Really News, but not the mainstream media and MSNBC. We don't even know the kind of classification those pages fit and if they are so important, why does the National Archives have no record of them. I keep wondering if this is a case of everything being classified even when it should not be as with the materials Chelsea Manning found in the 2000s in our conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Much of what was classified should never have been. We need to stop the hype, move on, and wait to see what the "documents" really are.
Very perceptive, Ruth. My main question has been "Why is there no check out system?" The White House papers have existed since the 18th century. If they 'belong' to the National Archives, then that agency should be notified of each and every State Document that exists, and keep track of each of them. Since the age of computers there is no excuse for such laxity. Obviously, Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Heads of Cabinets, etc. need to review such documents periodically and should have the right to check them out. Why a semi-literate like Trump should need reference material is questionable and particularly in the quantities that he took. But that does not excuse the lack of security surrounding ALL White House and other Agency documents..
How about a - check out system - that is used by every public library that I've ever dealt with, where the books - I want to borrow - are kept on file so that I have to sign out for each and every one of those books.
And, IF ? I want my own copy of a particular book I - buy it - from the
library's excess book - sale OR from a retail book store (I worked in wholesale & retail book sales back in the late 70's to early 80's).
But, then again, perhaps there is no - budget - for such a system and/or
like the repuG's in congress - would NOT fund such a system - for whatever - pathetic - reasons ~ ~
My only questions are How secure must a computer tracking system be? ......and .....Are there perhaps 'documents' that can't be tracked as even entering their name/subject matter into a system would violate their security? Not that these issues can't be dealt with but isn't this opening another can of worms?
Fay, I think there is a system, otherwise the Archives would not have known how much and what kind of stuff Trump had. The fact they didn't have a record of what Biden had, the very few items may mean they were not important or were something so temporary there was no record. The government marks a lot of stuff "classified" when it probably should not have been. Until we find out what Biden actually had, it will be hard to know how much attention should have been paid to it. This reminds me of when just before the 2016 election in violation of DOJ practice, Comey of the FBI came out and claimed they found new emails of Clinton. He didn't know what they were and deliberately sabotaged her campaign for what, the publicity, to help Trump, what? Those emails turned out to be old emails they already had had for a long time. Had Comey waited as the rules said, he would have known that. There is no way to know if the election results would have been different, but it is a pretty good guess it would have. It is the same thing with this. Does the media go after this as a means of bringing Biden down as they make inaccurate comparisons with Trump's thefts of documents the Archives knew were in his possession or is something else going on? It will help if we learn what those documents contained, probably not exactly if they really ARE classified, but the whole thing if they are not. We at least need to know what they were about, and their level of secrecy.
No we don't, Katrina. But, it makes little difference if, as has been implied, all documents 'belong' to the National Archives, then the National Archives is responsible, and they are the ones who need to devise a check out and tracking system, by which all White House personnel including the President, Vice-President, Department heads, etc would need to comply, I think this should have been in place since the beginning of computerization. If we ever achieve absolute security it would probably be better to do away with paper copies altogether and digitize it all - but that's off in the future.
Mark, I agree that boomers have done some good, but also not so good things, but that is true of people in every generation. "The Greatest Generation," the WWII generation has been given all kinds of kudos, but they also fought with tooth and nail the civil rights actions of people of color to gain their rights as Americans, approved of the internment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps right here in the good ole USA, and knew about global warming but said nothing and kept on polluting and building our current crisis. Biden is not a boomer. He is one of those of the "Greatest Generation" or the sometimes referred to as the in-between generation before the baby boom, who actually cares about our planet's future. He has proven he can learn and change over time as new information is brought forth, something a whole lot of young people I know cannot do. Age should only be a minor factor in Biden's decision to run or not.
Ruth Sheets ; I agree! he has a good VP, one can tell by how her opponents across the aisle and in the right wing (and even 'leftist') media have treated her. She is a tough prosecutor, and I still remember the way she questioned Bill Barr in hearings concerning the Mueller investigation lies he put forth in his 'summary'. She showed anyone paying attention how tough and skilled she is. The 'right' are scared $#it of her, with good reason. She is everything that Biden is not, and now has experience and knowledge of how our top echelon of government works. Our best bet is to Keep the president we have. If anything prevents President Biden from doing his job, she is next in line! Be afraid, crudballs, very afraid!
If he did not run again, he could STILL be a valuable consultant and advisor.... possibly even work as an "ambassador" at large on special occasions like Ukraine where his reputation, knowledge, EXPERIENCE and long-built/nurtured relationships would make a difference (either from behind the scenes or occasionally out front).
DeSantis becomes President with the support of Trump because DeSantis promises Trump the high honor of UN Ambassador.
The U.N. votes to move its headquarters out of the U.S.
Trump donates the land for the new U.N. headquarters, right next to his golf resort in Scotland.
Scotch becomes the official drink of the U. N.
Everyone forgets about Climate Change as the glaciers advance toward New Yotk City and Yosemite Valley. Humanity devolves back into beasts who can only survive near the equator where there is ample wood for fire. There the remaining rugged 200,000 survivors struggle naked for 200,000 years until the next short warm cycle, when we di it again.
I am going to have to agree with you on a lot points, Dalia.
All people age somewhat differently, and while I don't think Joe Biden is necessarily ready for the knacker's yard, I find him uninspiring and lackluster.
It's interesting that while he runs to the left of both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, he is, for my preferences, pretty firmly centrist.
I have a lot of grievances where St. Obama is concerned, from his unwillingness to go big enough when it came to the financial meltdown to his weakness on healthcare. His foreign policy was also lacking; that and more made me feel rather betrayed by my 2008 vote. By late 2009, I was fast becoming disillusioned by his soaring rhetoric and lack of action that would rise to the moment. I feel we were left with a lot of half-measures and unnecessary compromises because he was more concerned with his political life than mine or yours.
About a week before his death, historian Howard Zinn gave an interview to The Nation that was published on 22 January 2010. In it, he said, "I think people are dazzled by Obama's rhetoric, and that people ought to begin to understand that Obama is going to be a mediocre president —which means, in our time, a dangerous president— unless there is some national movement to push him in a better direction."
There was no such movement and we got Bill Clinton 2.0.
Joe Biden is bland, and after the turmoil of the Trump administration, boring looks palatable in some ways. The guy isn't on Twitter all day and all night, nor does he have way of making every public appearance about himself. However, this is a man whose worldview was largely forged in the 1960s and 1970s, and I think it shows in his late 20th century approach to the 21st century and its challenges. Recall that Biden once declared that Roe v Wade "went too far" and in 1981 initially supported a bill that would have thrown the question of choice to the states. He voted against busing, and helped hold Clarence Thomas's hand during a contentious Senate confirmation hearing. The man is, by my metric, no liberal at all, but a few shuffles from center on some social issues. A lot people are comfortable with that. I am not, and not to be ageist, but I wish the Democrats--with their uncanny ability to snatch defeat from from the jaws of victory--could come up with a different candidate in 2024. Biden himself had, at one time, stated he would be more of a caretaker C-in-C, but that was a brief moment indeed.
Joe Biden lives in Dianne Feinstein's world, which is mostly a thing of the past. And I agree that Feinstein should have retired years and years ago.
It's doubtful that America at large would go for Kamala Harris, and personally, I am always wary of a prosecutor--especially her, given her record in California.
As California’s attorney general from 2011 to 2017, she refused to endorse a 2015 bill calling for a special prosecutor to investigate deadly police shootings, the Sacramento Bee reported.
She also rejected calls from civil rights groups to investigate deadly police shootings in Los Angeles and San Francisco, following the 2014 police-involved killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
In 2015, Harris required body cameras for California Department of Justice agents but didn’t support legislation mandating them for all police officers.
She sent letters to San Francisco public school parents each year, threatening them with citations for truancy, and sponsored a 2010 law to make it a misdemeanor for parents whose children miss 10 percent of school a year without a good excuse. The punishment: a $2,000 fine, jail or both.
Harris also opposed a state initiative to soften minimum mandatory sentences — even though the criminal justice reform plan she rolled out while running for president called for their end.
And so forth.
Would the country vote for Gavin Newsom? Only if they're equally willing to vote for Ron DeSantis--which may or may not be the case.
If you really want to get yourself worried --or inspired-- go on YouTube and watch one of JFK's press conferences, or "Kennedy After Two Years," which aired in 1963.
When was the last time we had president who presented as that deeply informed and erudite? Not to mention energetic, despite the fact that he was a physical wreck and may or may not have survived a second term?
Whatever the case, I fear we live in a time when Americans are dangerously unsophisticated, distracted, disenfranchised and scrambling so hard to make ends meet that few have the luxury of thinking long and hard about much. Some things, but not a lot.
It was another world when Eisenhower, who warned us about the military-industrial complex, left office and, reentering the world, demonstrated his almost complete ignorance of how to pay for things in a department store, get past a highway toll booth and adjust a television set. Eisenhower's longtime companion, valet John Monaey, had even laid Ike's clothes out for him each morning and strapped on his wrist watch for him. It was, perhaps, a more forgiving world?
The 2020s so far don't feel very forgiving, and even my children tell me they feel like they are witnessing an empire in decline, as enthusiastic as they are about many of the technological advances they have witnessed. That makes me sad.
In fairness, though, I first became really sad when quite young, working at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. Among others, I got to meet and have conversations with Dianne Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi, and formed a long-term acquaintanceship with Walter Mondale. It was at that time I saw, years before Citizens United, the influence of money in politics, and the outsized role even more outsized egos played in the public arena. You should've seen the way Alan Cranston was strutting around, even then...my goodness.
I do not think any of us should be judged by our worst days, or positions we may have once held that have since evolved. However, I do think that as the 2024 election grows nearer, we need to learn to let go of certain things; politicians and presidential candidates who speak to and act in the present as if it's 1993 again need, in my opinion, to be shown the door.
There may be a lack of will for that. If there is, the hardest part becomes even more difficult -- if not Joe Biden, then who? There are candidates who may be "viable" against Trump or DeSantis or another Republican... And there may be some who have what GHW Bush called "the vision thing" and are willing to take dramatic actions to address some of our most pressing problems; but historically, those candidates aren't viable and become the targets of attack from their opposition and their own parties.
But Liz Warren? Pete Buttigieg? Amy Klobuchar? Michael Bloomberg? There must be better than that somewhere?
If someone like DeSantis receives the GOP nod and Trump runs as a third party candidate, could Joe Biden win then?
I'm not sure where we go from here. I hope it's forward.
THANK YOU for expressing all those thoughts, Greg. Could not agree more on all points.
I'm especially gratified to read your critique of Obama. I, too, feel that he fell FAR short of the hype, and definitely let the country down by abandoning single payer, for example,, which he had the votes to pass. But normally, making any negative comments about Obama is touching the third rail. He was so eloquent, and so statesmanlike, people believed he really was a stand-out President, but the reality belied the appearance.
Also applaud your comment about potential real leaders:
"...some who have....'the vision thing' and are willing to take dramatic actions to address some of our most pressing problems; but historically, those candidates aren't viable and become the targets of attack from their opposition and their own parties."
Definitely! Sanders was an excellent recent example---tanked by his own party.
Indeed, criticism of Barack Obama normally results in one getting sent to the corner, as it were. But that's what happens in an age of almost unlimited political and image rehabilitation. Bill Clinton made nice with Nixon. Michelle Obama gave George W Bush a hug and a breath mint (or throat lozenge), and suddenly a guy that arguably should be facing the ICC is "OK" again. Perhaps it's not so shocking when one considers that fundamentally, these people are all on the same team. Neoliberals and neoconservatives have much in common, often travel in the same circles; it's more than the offshore accounts and foundations.
Most of my adolescent and adult life, I longed for a candidate as popular as FDR with the unbridled guts and political acumen of LBJ, the most dynamic and ambitious activist president this country has had in the last 55 or so years (domestically, anyway). One cannot give him a free pass on Vietnam, which destroyed his legacy, but his Great Society, larger and even more ambitious than the New Deal, has never been replicated, even on a small scale. My head is clearly in a different place because when people talk about a presidential candidate with leadership qualities I think about LBJ, perhaps tempered with Carter's good intentions and Obama's polished veneer. But an LBJ core.
After McGovern's loss in 1972 came the superdelegates and other mechanisms that ensured the Democrats would never again reach so high or try so hard to do so much for as many people as possible. Watergate, stagflation, OPEC and more seemed to help cement that cynicism and malaise -- although conservatives openly embraced those things and used them to increasing advantage, catapulting Reagan into office.
As I have written before, there's a straight line from Goldwater '64 to Reagan, and all that came after Reagan who, in a 1 July 1975 interview, proclaimed that libertarianism was the heart of conservatism. We were warned. I don't know how many people caught it or even cared.
As for Sanders getting the shutout, that will of course be debated. Most dismiss that, and a few agree he was done dirty.
For my part, a friend contacted me with concerns about the conduct of the 2016 primary election in Yolo County, California. This friend had serious questions about the handling of the ballots, and I finally agreed to involve myself . . . the short version is that boxes and boxes and boxes of uncounted ballots were "found" and eventually counted. The result was that by 21 June 2016, Yolo County officially flipped from HRC to Sanders. Not that it made any difference in the California primary or general election, but, y'know, election integrity and all that matters. To me.
I'm still very conflicted about both runs Sanders made, and have made myself no friends among diehard leftists because I was never a "Bernie Bro."
Among other "sins," I questioned Sanders' national viability in 2016 and 2020; beyond places one might expect, Sanders is a hard sell, particularly as most people cannot differentiate between and do not understand the differences between social democracy, democratic socialism, socialism, communism, etc. He speaks directly and is perceived by many as cranky and even a little unhinged. Some find that refreshing, others say it "isn't presidential." His message is terrifying to others because either they do not grasp what he advocates for, or because they do get it and they know they may have to pony up. My sister, a One Percenter, refused to vote for him either time because of the latter. She knew better but in the end, she decided that it was better to continue economically insulating herself and her family from the mounting hardships of the 21st century. People like a sense of security. Witness the profoundly ridiculous Department of Homeland Security, an obvious example. Americans have an obsession with security, safety, that went completely haywire after 9/11. It's as if they've forgotten they could step outside and get hit by a bus.
Anyway, I was never certain whether Sanders would fare well in a general election, or as well as his most dedicated supporters seemed to think he would. I think he may not have, but I would like to have been proven wrong.
The complaints about his rhetoric floored me, so many people frightened of what he might do if elected -- seeming to forget he still would have had to deal with the House and Senate to accomplish anything. It's a little bit like people griping about "Joe Biden's inflation," as if he one morning woke up and said, "Hmm. We need some excitement. Something diverting. I think I'll push the 'Inflation' button here next to my bed."
Certainly, Joe Biden did not cause our current economic woes.
But he is part of the larger established political order that seems to work against people like Sanders when they reach too far. The carefully orchestrated dropout of candidates in the 2020 primaries, all over the course of a weekend, effectively leaving only Joe Biden and Sanders, was in part midwifed by a phone call by Obama. Between 29 February and 2 March 2020, Mayor Pete, Klobuchar and Steyer all dropped out, and on the night of 2 March 2020, Buttigieg joined Klobuchar and Beto O'Rourke at a Texas rally to endorse Biden. Bloomberg dropped out on 4 March 2020 and endorsed Biden.
Joe Biden turned out to be the safe bet, but a half-measure at best. That is, he was safe enough to beat Trump --who probably would have been reelected if not for the pandemic. But what Biden has offered policy-wise would've made LBJ shake his head and laugh.
Interesting comments, Greg. I don't at all contest LBJ's effectiveness as a politician, his ability to get legislation passed. I do fault him immensely for escalating in Vietnam; he signed the troop order that JFK wouldn't, four days after JFK's assassination. Also, I've always been of the opinion that, savvy as he was, by pushing through the Great Society provisions, he bowed to what he saw as 1) inevitable, due to the forces at work in the country; and 2) the perfect way to elevate his legacy. I never saw him as remotely noble or trustworthy.
Yeah, too bad about McGovern. As they say, history might have been vastly different, had he been elected (or had Bobby not been killed, for that matter).
As for the magic of rehabilitation, I hark back to the photos of TFG schmoozing with the Clintons. Now, THERE was a 180, if ever there was one. Guess the MAGAs never saw those photos... : )
And yeah, the laundered image of GWB as elder statesman is as disgusting as it is ludicrous. He should long since have been convicted of war crimes, as you say.
As for Sanders, I firmly believe the Dems screwed him in favor of HRC. We'll never know if he would have lived up to the promise I and many others saw in him, but yes, I think he could have accomplished exponentially more than Biden. At least, he would have had the backbone to try. And the polls showed him beating TFG in 2016 by a large margin, so if the Dems had defied their donors and nominated him then, we might have been spared the debacle that was 45's Presidency. If only....
I don't know whether we can ever know with certainty what JFK would've done with Vietnam. Certainly, there are indications he did not want to get in deeper, although the two most certain sources we have for what *might* have been, are at odds. That is:
RFK stated in no uncertain terms that his brother never mentioned drawing down.
Mike Mansfield twice said that JFK had assured him that he would look at drawing down and was leaning that way -- but he wasn't going to do anything until 1965 because it would be bad to look soft on communism going into the '64 election which, there can be little doubt, he would have won. The only man JFK feared in 1964 --as an opponent-- was Gov. George Romney, and Romney was dissuaded from running.
LBJ feared no man. He had a lot of other fears--chiefly death, and various forms of physical harm. But in the political arena, he had everyone's number, or knew people who did.
I don't think LBJ was someone you could necessarily trust...more like you just did not want to be on his bad side. Few who knew him would call him noble, although I think he did believe that where race and poverty were concerned, it was incumbent upon him to act. He'd experienced both and hated both.
In his last interview, given to Walter Cronkite on 12 January 1973, just ten days before his death, Johnson said:
“Practically the entire substance of the Johnson Administration was organized and prepared and recommended more than 20 years before by another president. Lyndon Johnson was the not the first president to recommend federal aid to education. Harry Truman had a group that studied it and Harry Truman asked the Congress to give him educational legislation. Lyndon Johnson was not the first man to recommend Medicare: Harry Truman recommended Medicare and was called a socialist and a communist and everything else. So, in this country, long before Lyndon Johnson came into a position of power our leaders were recommending great advances in the field of civil rights and great advances in the field of health and education and environment and consumer legislation and space and things of that nature. I just happened to be the catalyst and happened to be there at the time and with the support and with the approval of nearly everyone in the country that put them on the statute books. We passed 440 major pieces of legislation in the six years. And a great many people did say that we went too far and we went too fast and well, we might have, but the country was long overdue...In this country we always, it seems, there’s a long lapse between the time something’s proposed and something’s disposed.”
I wouldn't say Johnson bowed to what he saw as inevitability so much as recognized that the time was at hand and he was probably the only one who could get it done. JFK almost certainly would never have gotten half as much done; he was a much more cautious man and he was not prepared to go to the mat for those things, at least not in 1963. He was much more circumspect.
None of Johnson's accomplishments at home excuses his handling of Vietnam, which to greater and lesser degrees enveloped several of my family members, including my uncle and my dad. Dad was an older man than most of the soldiers, if young for a field grade officer, not yet 30; he decided he'd had enough and seen enough of the Army and Vietnam and resigned his commission in 1969. On some weekends, he went out with his wife and young son (me) to protest the war and advocate for peace.
Of course, 1969 was the year Nixon was inaugurated as C-in-C, and we know how he sabotaged LBJ's attempts at peace, using Anna Chennault to poison spike the talks and convince the North Vietnamese they'd get a better deal from Nixon.
Nixon and Kissinger prolonged the war for Nixon's own political gain, and he very effectively used it in his '72 campaign, pledged to at last bring peace.
While Nixon was fleshing out his presidency, 21,194 US personnel were killed in Southeast Asia between 1969 and 1973. Kissinger shared a Nobel Peace Prize. And then there was Chile. And Argentina. And in between, a little break-in at Watergate that took Nixon from a little dog named Checkers to a large check called Plumbers . . .
On balance, our home was the precinct HQ for McGovern's campaign in 1972, and was my first real taste of what a campaign was like, although that taste was mostly licking stamps and putting them on mailers. I went around with my dad when he pounded in yard signs and door-to-door talking to neighborhood residents, handing out literature.
As for Democrats defying their donors, we can't hold our breaths. It almost certainly isn't going to happen any time soon.
I do not know whether Trump's ascent was avoidable. It was the foreseeable backlash to neoliberalism -- Clinton, Obama. I do not know whether Sanders might have beaten Trump, although the debates certainly would have been fascinating. We were deprived of ever knowing how that might have gone.
A problem, though, is that while Sanders might have given a stellar performance and substantive delivery, people did not seem particularly interested. They seemed angry, agitated, restless, tired of dynastic politics. Aggrieved. Would Sanders talking policy and serious turkey on one side of the stage have triumphed Trump's soundbites, inanity, zingers and posturing? Or would a single, "You hate America; you're a communist" from Trump stoved-in his campaign? We'll never know.
I don't think any amount of photographic evidence or anything else would have made a bit of difference to MAGA Nation. We already had unsettling soundbites and other allegations that left those voters unfazed, even a majority of Evangelicals both times. It could hardly have mattered whether he had schmoozed with the Clintons if his swaggering braggadocio about grabbing women and paying off adult film stars didn't cause his supporters to think twice.
Trump, like Liz Warren and others, has switched parties, and he himself has flip-flopped so often, telling Larry King in 1999 he wanted to run as a Democrat and wanted only to be a one-term president . . . I don't think association with the Clintons was enough to change any MAGA minds.
Was Sanders screwed by the party establishment? Yes, we now have evidence of that.
However, the hour is late for "in only" and we have to concentrate on "now what?" If, in fact, there is anything to be done, or that can be reasonably done within the very broken system we have.
JFK had written a "withdrawal" memo re Vietnam six weeks before he was killed, and the military was aware. He'd fully intended to implement it, which was why they rushed to get LBJ to sign the escalation order.
My guess is that, with the Great Society program, LBJ gambled that he'd be on the right side of history, and as usual, he was correct. And certainly, he was able to push it through, because he knew where all the bodies were buried, and was willing to resort to strong-arm tactics.
Agree about the implacability of MAGA minds. I think Sanders had a broad enough base to have carried the election; after all, he won most of the primaries, had all been above board.
I'm not optimistic about our broken system, myself.
Dalia, it is true Kennedy and Obama were more energetic and a lot more young people were sort of on board, but both of them were less experienced than would have been good for our nation. Had either been more aware of how Congress works and how to schmooze more effectively, a lot more could have happened. Obama did help keep us on a steady course out of the 2008 recession, although he was blamed for it, for not fixing it faster (without Republican help, of course), and not fixing it the way those with a big mouth thought it should be fixed (with no evidence they could do better, of course). Biden does have experience and wisdom and a younger Vice President (whom the media mostly ignore). I would like to see more younger Dems working to develop their leadership skills like taking on issues of importance. Get experience, listen a lot to the people - all the people, get known in more than their own state, work on international issues as well as domestic ones. Even if Biden does win another term, that is only 4 years and we will need strong people to run then.
I agree that Although Biden’s intentions are for the highest good of our country., intention is not always the best, or most effective way to run any country.
I believe that everyone, and everything have their own expiration dates, especially as times change-especially during these insane turbulent times.
I agree that his increasing age does and will, not be effective, aggressive , and assertive enough in returning our country back to our once strong-but rapidly declining Democracy.
Don’t get me wrong, I have in the past voted for a Republican candidate, but only one who I believed to be ethical and who wanted to change the moral compass of the country and the world for the good .
You could say that the party I’m affiliated with is the
“ Ethical” party which is becoming extinct.
He should not run again for at least 2 reasons : 1) if he does decide to run again, it will take crucial votes from any other Democratic candidate, 2) When dealing with gangsters, you must also do some gangster things, and that is what we are currently dealing with-gangsters.
The only thing constant in life is change, and things have certainly changed, but not for the good .
What Biden can do for his country? Stand down. Stand up to false allegations. Offer to take a lie detector test.
I have been pleasantly surprised by Biden. He exceeds expectations. I worked for him in 2020. I donated.
I had reservations. I did not like the way he conducted himself as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. My issue at that time was a "Corps Bill" or Conference Bill." Would have saved the taxpayers millions by consolidation and elimination of duplication in 26 agencies. He went to law school with some of my colleagues and wouldn't even meet with them. Our bills had bipartisan sponsors and some were members of the Judiciary Committee. Same when he was VP. During this time, we were "super hatched" meaning could not be involved in partisan politics. I think that was the problem.
IMHO he was selected as our candidate by Trump, who saw him as the weakest candidate the Democrats could offer due to his family problems, his age, and stuttering. I have to say that HRC was also a flawed candidate in 2016. We don't need a candidate with baggage.
Otherwise, I agree with Robert.
I have expressed my criteria previously. I want a candidate who can pass a lie detector test and has no baggage.
Alas, Daniel, everyone has baggage or they have not lived. We all accumulate stuff we might regret or that seemed right at the time but we learn better over time. I think Biden has learned better over time. HRC did have baggage, but most of it was created by others who decided she should carry it: Ben Gazi and emails. At the time, most officials had private servers in their homes to handle stuff. That does not make them criminals as Republicans insisted while they, themselves were doing the same or worse with their own emails and other communication. I would rather have someone in the presidency who is flawed but understands something of the world: struggle, sorrow, embarrassment over something they have said or done, empathy, wisdom, the ability to listen and learn. Even if Biden decides to run, I want a whole lot of Democrats to be preparing for 2028 and 2032 by further developing their listening skills, their ability to bend and change, their willingness to empathize with those who are not just like them, and be able to do some self-examination that is not navel-gazing. Every good president, even legislator was flawed in some way and that baggage helped make them the person they became.
If Jesus Christ were running for President against Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis, Republicans would be accusing Jesus Christ of being a "community activist", a "social justice warrior", and a "socialist" who didn't charge money for all the miracles He performed!
We ALL have baggage. Some of it is actual baggage. Some of it is pure invention by the opposing side, but it's still "baggage".
You disagree that we all have baggage? Perhaps the average person doesn’t have the kind of baggage that would sink a bid for President, but no politician is so ethical as to be baggage free. And while it may not be Biden’s personal baggage, you know the Republicans won’t let go of Hunter’s problems, and will, in fact, magnify them and keep repeating them. Add to that the issue of files found in his home and you have an ethical mess.
Did Trump do worse? Are Trump’s kids worse? Absolutely. But so many voters don’t mind that Trump is a lying, thieving, misogynistic, xenophobic…well, you get the point. Democrats seem to expect better.
It takes a smart and competent person to look at his or her own baggage and I wouldn't doubt that Joe is sufficiently smart and competent to do that, and to make up his own mind.
I agree/disagree, Daniel. I want a President who has read the Constitution, with comprehension, knows the three branches of Government and the duties of each. As to lie detector tests they work well on normal people, but not so well on psychopaths or sociopaths. Those who are habitual liars, like Trump, have no problem, because as soon as the lie leaves their mouth it becomes the truth and threat of torture or death won't shake them. The No baggage - or at least the kind of baggage that is provable and raises questions in peoples minds - that we don't need.
Fay, Excellent comment. I agree with your assessment of lie detector tests. I just don't know what that would show. Would all candidates be asked the same questions or even the same kind of questions? What would have happened if "George Santos" had been asked questions under a lie detector interrogation? I suspect he believes his lies. It would have been a waste of time. Maybe the justices of the Supreme Court should be asked under such a device which one leaked the anti-Roe decision or how much the American Catholic Bishops influence their decisions or some other things inquiring minds want to know.
Kate, you are right about change, but Biden has proven he can and does change over time as new information and experiences come his way. That does not happen to everyone. Some folks, OK, a lot of folks can't change at all. We have a lot of toddlers in office right now. Biden is not one of those. I wouldn't fret if he decides to run again that he can't meet the challenges of a changing time. He has already proven he can and does change with the times.
Good intentions are not always the best in critical decision making, but again , the operative word here is “good intentions”. Somebody’s evil
can be considered as “ good intentions “ by those evil ones’ mission statements.
Biden’s good intentions to help
Our country and the World , are not strong though to fight those having their own evil “ intentions “. We all know that Good doesn’t always prevail, and the Karma police have way too much to handle by themselves.
My reservations about a 2024 Biden run don't necessarily revolve around age. My mother-in-law is 80, and she's sharp as a tack, all day, every day. It depends on the person, and as Biden continues to be physically active and certainly mentally stimulated, he may remain capable for the rest of his life. As I don't know him personally, I wouldn't judge.
But those good intentions you talk about are the key. Biden talked about a public healthcare option in his 2020 campaign, but quickly went silent on the matter after he was elected. Ditto the $15 minimum wage and other issues. The legislation he's shepherded has been watered-down at best, first because of a misplaced, outdated fealty to bipartisanship, then because he failed to play hardball to bring Manchin and Sinema into line. Biden may indeed mean well, but he isn't the guy to get it done. For that, we need someone like LBJ, and there's been no evidence of anyone like that on the current political scene.
Yes I do agree! I hope that Biden does the right thing for this country and does not run. We have very capable people that certainly can run! There is a time when one needs to step aside.
Biden is a decent person with a moral compass, which is a light year improvement on what we had with TFG; but Biden will be 82 when the next election comes around. Biden's chances of dying in office are HIGH.
It's time to let people from the younger generations have a shot at governing (provided, of course, that they aren't Ron DeSantis, Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert or Marjorie Taylor-Greene!).
Respectfully, I suggest that Biden has been far more successful governing this country than Obama or Kennedy (both of whom I voted for). My biggest concern is the way we choose Vice Presidents. They were once chosen by popular vote, not as a running partner. We need to find a way to elect someone who has a good chance of being a president, if events occur in that direction. Perhaps have elections for VP. Whichever party wins the presidency, that winning VP also wins, even if not receiving the higher vote.
You're right. Biden has been the most effective president since LBJ.
But today he is vulnerable. Age is a factor. But daily discoveries of contraband classified materials on his properties requires an explanation and a special counsel has already been named.
Yes, promoting the VP would be an exercise in conventional wisdom, a safe bet; and I would vote for her and even work for her campaign. But she doesn’t exude charisma — unlike Gavin Newsom — and probably wouldn’t run an exciting campaign that brings in new voters.
Stan of Stanistan ; But it would be the "Greatest show on Earth" if she went after the criminals as only a President can, as a commander in chief can and should! I think a majority would appreciate that over a charismatic entertainer. It would be truly exciting!
i would have liked to see her be the new chief of staff. i think she's been given blatantly awful treatment by the msm. smart, talented, erudite, and black female scares the white establishment, much as obama did. but back to my suggestion. i would propose that every vice president be required to be chief of staff. wonder what kind of quality we'd get in our vp picks then?
But then, there's the issue of Kamala Harris, who's done absolutely nothing to show she's worthy of the Oval Office. Would she automatically get the nod?
Joe Biden offered himself to the nation, if my 76 year-old memory serves me, as a transitional president to bring the nation back from the brink TFG would have gladly shoved us beyond had he won. He has done that.
I remember one acronym used in completion of travel reports in Naval service. The abbreviation in the last box on the form was always "MC", standing for "Mission Complete".
Mission Complete, Joe. Done and done well. Thank you for your service. Enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Doug, I write merely to add to your statement, noting, in my view, that Biden was his most effective ever when he spoke as the presumptive Presidential nominee 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 believe a lot of Democrats and a lot of Americans would be excited were an initiative underway that signaled a new generation was stepping up.
Barbara Jo, that transition to the next generations is already on the way in the House of Representatives just as Nancy Pelosi promised it would. If Biden runs again, he needs to be putting forward strong caring competent Democrats who can assume important roles so they will be ready for the challenges. He is already doing that, just look at his cabinet and other people he has appointed. The president is only one person and we do give that person far more prominence than he should have but it is better in a difficult time to have someone in office who knows the situation and can pass the knowledge on. Biden is bright enough and aware enough to know whether he should run again. He has proven that and deserves our support whichever decision he makes.
Ruth, If Biden were to decide to run, I’d do everything in my power to help him get re-elected. Still, despite his having the advantages of incumbency, I believe my concerns regarding his electability for a second term are, indeed, warranted.
I would note, in June 2020, Senior Editor at the Atlantic Ron Brownstein stated that presumptive nominee Biden “would be well-served to go beyond naming his VP pick and give people a better idea about who else he [Biden] would be bringing into government.” Though not something that nominees generally do, Brownstein viewed the early announcement of presidential appointees as textbook acknowledgement that a new generation was stepping up.
Fast-forwarding to the present, I believe, nationwide, the country needs a tough, strong Educator-in-Chief to educate people about what they’re losing every time the Democrat’s pro-worker agenda—$15 hourly minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, extension of the child tax credit, affordable, quality childcare, universal healthcare, investments in housing, in education, in eldercare, and more— is stalled. Biden, in my view, no longer is that galvanizing, commanding Explainer-in-Chief sorely needed to harness the power of government to make a better America for “we, the people, all of us this time.”
That's what I remember too! Biden was only supposed to be a TRANSITIONAL PRESIDENT. He was only going to serve ONE TERM. After the MAGA GOP bury him and his family in ugly fights Biden won't look so good in two years. The exposure of his son is going to get very dirty. Two words, Bengazi, Hillary Clinton. Biden is too old to run for a second term, such a thought is pure hubris. I think he will lose no matter WHO runs against him. Also, I'm 76 and I totally believe it's time to get the boomers out of power, they've done a lot of harm to this country and I blame them for the loss of our democracy and the extreme inequality we are suffering now. Get them out!
I agree with the sentiment since I was 17 years old when I went down to the city square to hear Jack Kennedy give a speech on his candidacy for President and it did bring a sense of a renewal of the definition of democratic government. I was thrilled-my Democrat parents less so because they knew that Dad Joe Kennedy had bought his sons way into this candidacy. How JFK subsequently performed may be something different- depending what one looks at. That aside, I believe we have many capable younger potential great leaders - a corner needs to be turned and Biden needs to attend to his Library. I call the generation that Biden is in the dinosaurs- I know because I’m in it. this is really picky- there doesn’t seem to be a name for those born before theUS positioned itself as a world power by using its super weapon- the atom bomb- on other humans- Japanese- thus assuring Russia would not invade Japan, by ending the war in the Pacific on US terms. Boomers slightly later- however it’s important to know the effect of US and Russian relations- two Titan superpowers creating an environment psychologically horror show of imminent nuclear death. The subsequent turning of national consciousness to materialism went right with this. As a base line this is what is wrong with an entire generation. Go have a good life oldies but stop trying to run the world. My hero in this world. Zelenskyy.
His poll numbers are terrible, he now has this new document problem and he not only is old, but also looks and speaks like a frail, elderly man. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a political scientist to figure out he will certainly lose. The stakes are much too high to hand the presidency and the remnants of this democracy to a hoard of fascist Republicans.
Joe Biden rescued us from the brink of calamity and saved the nation from an evil demagogue and a truly deranged Republican Party. . The honorable, decent and patriotic thing for him to do now is to announce he will not seek nor if nominated accept the nomination.
Don't believe poll numbers, they are highly transient and often skewed. Whoever is president, they are blamed for the economy as a whole, which a president can't control.
Exactly Lynn. I don’t listen to the poll numbers either. As I recall TFG had a rating that didn’t ever too 38 and dipped into the 20’s just before the election.
EXACTLY. That is why it is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT that if Biden does decide to run in 2024, he STRONGLY consider replacing Harris as his V.P. She has NOT seemed to add much, (though V.P.s historically seldom do), I do not feel confident she has the stature and leadership ability to lead this country. Replacing her with Newsom would provide a MUCH stronger ticket and Newsom has recognized the "ALL FOR-PROFIT" damage that corporations and oligarchs have done to this country over the past six decades. He is presently working with the California legislature to TAX corporations on their EXCESSIVE GREED who have been gouging Californians making enormous record-breaking profits over the past couple of years using the "cover" of inflation, specifically the oil companies. The question is, will the legislatures have the guts to STOP their grift. (They also receive HUGE "campaign contributions" from the oil companies. The oil companies have also been screwing Californians with their "summer blend" of gasoline to reduce pollution for decades. Though this "blend" is doing that, it should NOT be costing over two dollars a gallon MORE to produce!
I think considering he has a speech impediment he speaks well. It’s not about the length of a speach it’s the quality of the words.
I hoping a better man or woman comes along with the compassion and knowledge of our constitution as president Biden has then I will consider dropping president Biden for now I’m back him
Personally I would like to believe that Joe is not as self-centered as any Republican. That he really believed he was the best candidate in 2020 (and he was right). And that If he doesn't think he's the best candidate in 2024 he will step aside and grease the skids for the candidate he believes is best.... and can win. He knows a knock-down, drag-out contest between Democrats will not benefit the winner. Joe has some time to decide but not much.
I think part of the problem of this decision is that the 4 years just about gets the person into their best mode of operating & then they suddenly have to decide to either step aside or carry on with the project - and their natural wish to do all the things they did not yet do makes that decision too simple - of course they don't want to get out !!! I think Joe is already showing his age, and I'm a 82 myself, so sympathetic to how he feels, but recognizing you are going downhill is impossible to ignore if you are honest !! Please step aside Joe - I would like to see someone like Adam Schiff have a chance at the job next time !
While agreeing with you, I don't think Joe will step aside for 2024 if it's not clear to him there's a replacement that can live up to Joe's standards and expectations .....and that can win against DeSantis, et al. Otherwise, I expect him to just keep going and hope enough Republican Boomers die off in the meantime. The electorate in 2028 will look much different than the one next year.
Terry Franzman ; I agree, just look at the midterms, and the FACT that Biden won the last Presidential election with a clear mandate. We will know soon enough if he intends to run again.
I wish more politicians emulated New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern and gracefully resign when the position they were elected to overwhelms.
I'm not suggesting Biden is overwhelmed, but with control of Congress lost (thanks, New York!), Biden will have a much more arduous legislative path ahead.
And while Biden's has rejected much of the damaging neoliberal policies he once ardently embraced (much to my surprise), I still think this should be his last term.
Moreover, while I envision the House majority returning to the Democrats in 2024, the Senate looks more perilous.
In the end, I truly believe that Biden should gracefully resign.
On an altogether different topic: economist Joseph Stiglitz suggests the obscenely wealthy (my term) should be taxed at 70% to reduce inequality; I somehow doubt this idea was discussed in Davos Switzerland.
The job is physically and emotionally demanding and involves landmark decisions hourly. And travel. And I fear he would not win, which is a big reason he should not run. As an 82 y.o. retired physician, i hope he declines to run like N.Z. leader. Go out with dignity.
He should not run again. He has done a fair job. But he has too often compromised the integrity environment, endangered species, the rail workers union, the Post Office, and immigrants on the border. He has not loudly championed the prosecution of those in government who were involved with the insurrection while at the same time speaking of republicans as reasonable people. He has too often demonstrated his pro corporate prejudices when dealing with critical issues.
We are at a very critical crossroad in terms of our planet’s habitability and our faltering democracy. A person who understands the gravity of the moment is needed and has the courage and creativity to face these challenges is much needed as a Presidential candidate for 2024. A person who will both inspire and embolden all sectors of our country who still esteem our Bill of Rights. Someone who truly gets just how the oppressed, i.e., minorities, women, LGBT, our natural world and all the lifeforms trying to survive, need an advocate with the courage and principles who will really challenge the oligarchs and fascists who at this time seem to winning the greedy and power mad dystopian future they have been planning from Ronald Reagan through this moment.
I don't want to see Biden run again. I believe 80 should surely be the cutoff. Actually more like 75 so they aren't in office at 80 years old. I'm not trying to be ageist. But confidence in a president is very important and I don't think enough will be confident he would do well for another term. I don't feel Kamala Harris has the experience or the support to win. Her staff has put out a lot of negatives about her whether they are true or not.
Vice President Harris has been under relentless misogynistic, racist attack. She has served valiantly and uncomplaining as a lightning rod for the President. Let's give her a chance!
@Thomas. It's not a game of dice. No one "gets a chance". Rather it is a bloodthirsty competition. The candidate needs to TAKE the ground. IMO, neither Biden nor Harris can do the job in 2024.
Mala Justed ; It seems that there are a lot of negative media talking points out there against Vice President Kamala Harris. Careful not to drink the kool aid. What is said or not said about her speaks volumes. When was the last time there was a positive piece in any media about her? I don't think that is an accident. Consider the source. Racism is alive and well in this country; especially on the other side of the aisle.
Janet R (CO) ; That was their long time, long term strategy. She should be able to sue for libel or defamation, the way it has persisted in the media. She is a Prosecutor! and no slouch. As the vice president is often seen as a kind of ceremonial back up to the president, she has had to be in the background, and I'm sure her racist detractors know this more than the average voter. The border issue has existed since she was a young child facing segregated schools, but her attackers laid the border problem at her feet and kept up the unfair drumbeat. Some of my right wing customers even referred to her as 'The camel' , because her name made it seem such a smart thing to say. Effing racists!
Janet R (CO) ; I agree, Dick Cheney was very involved with the Presidency of 'W' Bush. From twisting arms at the Pentagon for more 'proof' that WMD's existed in Iraq to making deals that were profitable for his company, Halliburton, the oil services company that he 'no longer was involved with as CEO', he was no mere ceremonial stand in for the President.
Mr. Reich , The Problem People Continue to Have with President Biden is That They under estimate him ! He may have gaps at Times but being a Person who has been around Older People I can Tell you , that There is Nothing wrong with that Man’s Mind or Mental Capacity, in fact I find him a highly Skilled President who knows well with whom he deals ! and I Think he has a good Chance of beating Trump the eternal Sore Loser because he is Truth full even With what’s going on with his Trove of Documents, he didn’t hide , he didn’t hedge he just is takeing it ! Unlike Trump good or bad from that we are at least seeing Honesty at the Top which these days says something !
I am 75 and work to keep myself as fit and aware as anyone I know. So does Biden. BUT...
he has a problem with being overconfident and a bit self-righteous. His handling of the documents displays both of those faults and his inner staff let him get away with it. That is hubris and has been the downfall of many of our best presidents.
I agree with you that his mind is excellent and he knows how to compromise. I admire him enormously. Having said that, I think that fatigue would be the greatest factor that he would have to deal with. That worries me.
You mean on the brink of nuclear war, complete and utter lack of diplomacy, fist-bumping MBS/allying with as genocide in Yemen (and lying about it), committing a war crime in Afghanistan and freezing their Central Bank money, remaining silent on right-wing war crimes in Israel, doing nothing about Trump's postmaster who continues to dismantle the postal service, expanding the privatization of Medicare, spending 15 times on the military than on climate change, with a Fed punishing the majority for the mess the 0.1% has made, and being a clueless wonder when it comes to just about any relevant topic just to name a few? This is what we consider a noble leader today? This kind of "better than Republican" relativism has put us where we are now, and if that is your only yardstick then institutional collapse will continue, whether it's the slow burn of Democratic Party austerity or the more rapid decline induced by Republican theocracy.
Seriously? Your criticism on climate change is drastically untrue. Biden has gotten the biggest package for climate change, ever, passed. Be realistic. He's the President, not a dictator or a magician. Why do so many people keep overlooking the very thin majorities we had in both Houses of Congress? He achieved more in his first two years than any President such LBJ. The Dems also had the best midterm election results than any of Presidents in recent memory. Remember the predicted Red Wave? That would have been the norm. If you don't support Biden because of his age, that's legitimate. But because he wasn't able to accomplish everything, that's lame, IMO.
If you'll notice, Democrats are never able to accomplish anything because of the other party, yet when they are in power they do the bare minimum in order to win elections then the exact opposite after they are in office. Biden passed the biggest climate change package in history because it's the only one in history, but the fact remains it is 15% of what we spend blowing up other countries directly or by proxy. That will ultimately due precious little to reverse the course we have set for the planet but it placates those who watch MSNBC and CNN (or listen to NPR) and think everything is going so jolly well with Biden at the helm. The average American is doing terribly right now, 100 million Americans cannot access or afford health care, and we are back in the McCarthyism days with the Democrats at the helm. We are so used to austerity that you consider Biden's accomplishments impressive, if you look inside the legislation and the priorities that are set it's merely a drop in the ocean of lobbyist written and sponsored legislation that ushered in the era of Trump.
Thank you, you are right. The fact that neither party is actually protecting anyone except for the wealthiest among us is completely lost upon those who fill their days with CNN, MSNBC and NPR. Nobody is genuinely looking out for the future of our children.
And completely ignore much better alternatives in the Democratic Party? Then we would be denying ourselves the possibility of a much better future. You know, now is a very critical point in our history, with huge challenges, some of which are existential. We need an extraordinary person to meet those challenges, & Biden is not the one. Republicans will make things much worse.
The document debacle is a huge blow for dems. Biden would be a very weak candidate so he would only hurt dems chances. Even though he is much more cogent than Reagan, we need a stronger candidate than he would be. I’m certain a good candidate will emerge by the time we need one.
None of the other comments touched on that point: Reagan is on tape taking answers to reporters questions from Nancy towards the end of his term; his clinical condition was later revealed - but obviously the bar is pretty low (thanks Republican Party!)...
PS: Whether capable (enough) or not, he can still win...
I am a boomer from the start of that generation. Age does play a factor and he should not run. No matter what he does they will exaggerate and lie about him. We need a generational shift.
I worry we are at the point where any achievements must be juxtaposed with one, devastating and possibly nation-ending failure...he has not led his party or this country to hold accountable those people who tried to overthrow our government. Through this failure, he has guaranteed future coup attempts. Whether weakness, political ineptitude, capitulation to corporate interests, or whatever excuses we can make, the fact remains the same....he has failed to uphold his oath and protect us from enemies foreign and domestic. We must force the Dems and the corporations that own them to put forth a stronger leader.
I love & deeply respect Robert Reich. The fact is that if Biden became the Democratic Nominee I would support him. If he decides not to run I hope the Democratic choice is Honest, Just & continues to work on the most critical issues before us: 1 Protecting & Upholding every Pillar required in a living Democracy, 2 Protecting & Aggressively working on current Climate Crisis Emergency.
Biden has been an admirable president during a time that was riddled with extreme challenges.
I am not sure who could rise as a candidate for Democrats that would match the years of experience & demonstrate the wisdom Biden has displayed.
However, that doesn’t mean that there are not honorable, passionate & humanitarian leadership that can step in and win. There is one individual who has demonstrated the character & intelligence required Jamie Raskin. I am sure there are others but he stands out to me.
Yes! Raskin is a brilliant suggestion! (Sadly, like Biden, he has lost a son. For both, I think this has served to increase their already compassionate souls.)
I keep forgetting Raskin when considering possible candidates for President, but he should probably be in my Top 5, along with Warren, Merkley & maybe Whitehouse & Inslee or Schatz or Schiff.
The past couple of months I’ve notice a rather troubling thing about President Biden; his gait has become unsteady. And his speech shakes.
He has as done some very good things, but certainly a Democrat can be found that brings a new vision to the race. Even Bernie has a more vital presence and he is “older.” But a younger person with vision is needed.
Biden would be admired and respected infinitely more if he does NOT run again. Ego should not get in the way... Senator Feinstein would be a more respected and admired Senator had she given up her seat years ago. Now she is a " has been", like an old football that needs to be tucked away. Age is very fickle- dementia can creep up very fast and unexpectedly. Obama and Kennedy, both young presidents, brought the entire country into a different realm - we had a more energetic "step", more optimism, more energy... or at least that's how I remember I felt. The world needs capable , energetic leaders with stamina to address all the newness thrown at us constantly. For myself I am increasingly frustrated by simple changes on my computer, simple changes in protocol. Yes the president has younger people all around... that helps. But it would be great if the president and his staff had the same level of stamina.
MY vote is NO - for the love of this country , President Biden do not run again .
I agree. And I so hope his younger staff reads Reich. I'm 75 and rely on wisdom and naps, not enough to run this country/world.
I’m 77 and often befuddled by changes in my internet account. I cannot imagine all the changes a President has to cope with daily
I'm approaching 70, survived prostate cancer and not befuddled at all except by how many stupid people we have in the country. Be sure to watch 80-year-old Harrison Ford a horseback in 1923 and the new Indiana Jones. Speak for yourself, man.
Mark, I am your age and agree completely. When I was 50 I would not have made a good president. I didn't have the ego, the experience, the breadth of knowledge to have done a good job. I am wiser at nearly 70, but would still not make a good president. I do think Biden has the abilities to be president if he chooses to run again. He might not be as fast as he is now, but so what. Speed only counts in certain areas of life and long-term decision-making is not one of those areas where speed is an asset. If Biden starts having trouble walking as some older folks do, we have all kinds of assistive devices to help out. Biden knows the world leaders and knows how to communicate with them, takes no crap from any of them (well most of them), and is a pretty good negotiator. It would be good if some of the younger Dems hung around him to learn some of the strategies he uses. Biden has also been through a lot of the same kind of sorrow most people have experienced at some level and actually cares. That kind of empathy helps. Remember, Trump has none of those qualities and neither does DeSantis. They just have ego and addiction to power and adulation, oh yes, and money too.
Running a country isn’t the same as learning your lines for a movie. It’s more like reading several scripts a day, and then acting and reacting accordingly-- after writing your own script. Every day the movie changes. WTF does cancer have to do with it? I have been a bladder cancer patient for 30 years, going for another surgery this week.
I'm sorry to hear about your bladder cancer. My father struggled with this constantly for the past 30ish years too. Agent Orange.... I'm glad you are staying on top of it. Take care!
Thank you
Good luck to you sir, my fingers crossed for you!
Well so what then? You’re not president or ever will be. Biden is. None of us are dead yet. Not everyone is a grumpy old crank. Hope your surgery works out. The head is a different matter.
I don't even get what you're saying here. I am harder on Brandon than Robert. In fact, Reich is OVERLY KIND. Joe was washed up when he was still in his basement in Wilmington. Sure, a lot of people are spry into their 90s. Joe isn't one of them. AND, he's a pathological liar.
There are significant changes from 70 to 80+ !
(someone who knows)
Funny, I didn't face significant changes until 88. I worked 40 to 60 hour weeks and traveled all over the eastern to mid western part of the country, returning home to California infrequently. we cannot make blanket statements about each individual, Now at 90, I admit the only reliably functional part of my body is my brain.
That is good... my MIL was right at 90 even though we could tell she was slower and methodical, she still managed to drive in Austin, go to all of her activities. After 90 she declined more rapidly and passed at 94 and 10 months of age. But declining typically shows right around 80ish... that is what I saw as a nurse.
Well, you can lead a brain to water , but you can’t make it 🤔 think… I do agree with you
People like Betty White, Angela Lansbury, Harry Belafonte & Jimmy Carter had/have highly functional brains well into their 90s.
Amen, find something to enjoy every day.
I agree my sister is 80 and runs a farm. She’s smart as a whip
I just celebrated my 80th birthday and have no problems with memory. My parents lived a healthy life into their late 80's and I had a cousin who lived into her late 90's with no mental problems!
I don't think anyone is disputing that some people are mentally and physically vigorous well into their 80s or 90s. I think we can all cite friends or family members who maintained physical and mental acuity despite advanced. I think, however, it's safe to say that none of those people has the kind of extraordinary stress and complex responsibilities that go with being a head of state. President Biden takes very good care of his health. However, he has a history of circulation issues including having been treated for two brain aneurisms in 1988 (webmd details this history). His age and his health are valid concerns, not simple ageism. If he runs again, I will vote for him -- not only because the Republicans are likely to put up another venal travesty of a candidate but also because he has a vast amount of practical, qualifying experience. I am appalled that one of the most complex jobs in the world has so few hiring requirements. Is there any other job anywhere for which you can say "I have never worked in this field. I have never studied this or anything remotely like it. I have spent my entire working life doing something wholly unrelated" and be hired?
Good grief, man. Please learn the difference between meticulously crafted fiction -- as in TV and film -- and reality. Cold, hard, inexorable reality, absent body doubles, CGI, and SAG- or Equity-imposed rest periods.
People age differently but in real (as distinct from reel) life, it is inevitably diminishing.
Yes, people age differently. When I was 80, there were many things I could do and now, at 85, I simply can’t do, physically or mentally. Joe should not run for re-election, particularly with the house being in Republican control. Quit while you are on top. Happy retirement.
David Asche
I agree. At 71 I'm recovering from post knee replacement strokes (2 1/2 years now) and having a difficult time of it. My mainstay is my "gallows" sense of humor. I agree with Robert's 5 point assessment and his final NO. Not from any sense that Joe Biden could NOT do the job until the end, but from all the - flak - he'll be confronted with by the - recent document debacle - classified or not, found at his properties, et al, not to mention anything and everything else that - the 'criminal right' will and would most likely concoct to - bring him down ~ ~ ~ and - steal back the country ~ ~ ~ I wouldn't wish any/all that on - anyone or anything ~ (except maybe K.M & crew ~)
David Asche : Biden is not you
Mark A. York ; did you mean 2023? Biden would have at least had the current year.
I was going to write a comment, but I can't say a thing to improve on what you just posted.
I was third-tier technical support for a large publishing company; and any technical/computer question I couldn't resolve THEN went to Apple, Microsoft, Adobe or Dell. That said: I'm approaching 70, and when software companies make major changes in their operating systems (Mac OS 10 -> Mac OS 12; Windows 10 -> Windows 11), I get annoyed and I'm only 68.
Boomers have done some good things; but Boomers have done many things which have made our country a much worse place to live. It's time for us to butt out and let younger generations try their hand at governing.
Painting generations with a broad brush is not helpful. Biden has been winning, and accomplishing for his working voters., against all odds.. He is a better choice and is already President.
For me it isnt totally about age, i am the same age as Biden, lol. It is about the nature of the Democratic Party. No new thinking. Neoliberalism and endless wars. So no to Joe, for me!
Your choice. I don't tell anyone how to vote.
Thank you, Roger. Glad to hear something positive like this.
Power should be shared with all generations and groups. American history is not filled with heart warming examples of equity.
Penlist ; and money talks, and is not always truthful.
I have no problem with his age and running again. If he cannot finish the 2nd term and Harris is still his VP, he can resign and let her take over.
Exactly. I thought it was pretty smart of Biden to select a female VP. Considering how much the Trump Party and the RINOs dislike women there would be no threat to Joe's life.
On the the other hand, as you mentioned, Ms. Hall, if he resigns Ms. Harris would become our first Lady President. Sweet! She would knock those fruitcakes for a loop.
I really resent the comments about age. I'm 76, the same age as the Orange Blemish, and my mind is still very sharp. I like to joke that I remember birth. Thank you, Laurie Blair for your comment.
Thank you, Richard La France. I really believe that age is the least of our problems in government. Witness the fact of MTG, Santos, and Ms. Boebert and Matt Gaetz. They are not very old at all, and yet do not enhance our governing in our 'People's House'. To the contrary, they now threaten our credit rating on the National level!
Indeed. They threaten everything we stand for.
Thanks Laurie Blair for pointing out so many “young” fools. It’s not age, it’s integrity, and team building with people who are honest, caring, and not “know it alls”.
Paula OH ; yes: Intent, and honestly wanting to help achieve the Common Good is seriously lacking in government, it seems.
Yep, and then we would have a capable Kamala Harris, young and a smart prosecutor, who would succeed him. There is the racist chorus all over the media who have low rated and attacked her all along, but I think she is smart and capable. Consider the source of all that negativity. We have criminals galore in our government, many of them in the party that owns so much of the media ; even the 'lefty' or 'progressive' media. Why would they feel threatened by a smart woman of color who is a courageous experienced prosecutor?
You are so right. We need more laughter in the oval office.
Gandalf Grey : your posts are irrelevant. Go get your yuks elsewhere. There are ideas I want to share, but I have allowed myself to be distracted by your insincere drivel.
brian lindberg ; Biden chose his veep wisely, as he knows he is not a young man, and has the experience of knowing the treachery surrounding his job which requires strength and the courage of a good prosecutor.
Roger, good point ; It's like scientists who are smart enough to know that we need more answers. I guess that is why some do not like science. It takes effort to learn and humility to admit we don't know all the answers, and courage to change our worldview.
Now we know Biden is not the only one. Vice President Pence has some classified docs too. More will be found, no doubt. George W. Bush, Obama, who knows?
My kids forgot their lunches, band instruments, towels; you name it, when they were quite young and into their 20's in college.
The small number of classified documents he had, and now Mike Pence also should lead us to question NARA and the procedures used to pack up an office when a term is over.
Amen to that.
I really am pleased to read everyone’s comments, by sharing them
It doesn’t make a difference to me, what everyone’s beliefs are, I can learn something reading these replies.
We must hang onto our freedom of speech , and fight to keep it
We all know that the more we know , the more we know we don’t know.
Just sayin 🤔
I understand everyone's concerns. Unless someone comes along and 'wows' me, I will be fine if Biden wants to run again. Of course I have reservations; but, I know that no stable president runs the country alone. (not including the previous wanna-be dictator) There are experts in these positions for a reason. No president knows it all. As long as he feels he is steady enough to lead, I will let him.
Regarding these documents...yes, he should have been more careful. I do not for a hot second believe he had any malicious intent. If they keep track of where and when these documents are handed out and viewed, maybe an audit should be done. If these two have documents, I am willing to bet there are a lot more out there that have slipped away over the years.
Shanna, I like your perspective on Biden running again. I also like your reminder that no president functions alone. The better-qualified and experienced an official working with the president, the better the chance of a positive outcome. As for the documents, the lessons here should be that more care should be taken in packing up boxes when leaving an office, what Biden and his staff did by including some classified documents among a lot of other papers is not the same even in degree as Trump's stealing documents, taking them, many boxes of them, to his Florida home and possibly other homes and refusing to give them back, so the FBI needed to seize them under warrant. The media is working really hard to make it look like it is the same and deserves the same level of coverage, even MSNBC. I expect that of Fox Not Really News, but not the mainstream media and MSNBC. We don't even know the kind of classification those pages fit and if they are so important, why does the National Archives have no record of them. I keep wondering if this is a case of everything being classified even when it should not be as with the materials Chelsea Manning found in the 2000s in our conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Much of what was classified should never have been. We need to stop the hype, move on, and wait to see what the "documents" really are.
Very perceptive, Ruth. My main question has been "Why is there no check out system?" The White House papers have existed since the 18th century. If they 'belong' to the National Archives, then that agency should be notified of each and every State Document that exists, and keep track of each of them. Since the age of computers there is no excuse for such laxity. Obviously, Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Heads of Cabinets, etc. need to review such documents periodically and should have the right to check them out. Why a semi-literate like Trump should need reference material is questionable and particularly in the quantities that he took. But that does not excuse the lack of security surrounding ALL White House and other Agency documents..
How about a - check out system - that is used by every public library that I've ever dealt with, where the books - I want to borrow - are kept on file so that I have to sign out for each and every one of those books.
And, IF ? I want my own copy of a particular book I - buy it - from the
library's excess book - sale OR from a retail book store (I worked in wholesale & retail book sales back in the late 70's to early 80's).
But, then again, perhaps there is no - budget - for such a system and/or
like the repuG's in congress - would NOT fund such a system - for whatever - pathetic - reasons ~ ~
My only questions are How secure must a computer tracking system be? ......and .....Are there perhaps 'documents' that can't be tracked as even entering their name/subject matter into a system would violate their security? Not that these issues can't be dealt with but isn't this opening another can of worms?
Fay, I think there is a system, otherwise the Archives would not have known how much and what kind of stuff Trump had. The fact they didn't have a record of what Biden had, the very few items may mean they were not important or were something so temporary there was no record. The government marks a lot of stuff "classified" when it probably should not have been. Until we find out what Biden actually had, it will be hard to know how much attention should have been paid to it. This reminds me of when just before the 2016 election in violation of DOJ practice, Comey of the FBI came out and claimed they found new emails of Clinton. He didn't know what they were and deliberately sabotaged her campaign for what, the publicity, to help Trump, what? Those emails turned out to be old emails they already had had for a long time. Had Comey waited as the rules said, he would have known that. There is no way to know if the election results would have been different, but it is a pretty good guess it would have. It is the same thing with this. Does the media go after this as a means of bringing Biden down as they make inaccurate comparisons with Trump's thefts of documents the Archives knew were in his possession or is something else going on? It will help if we learn what those documents contained, probably not exactly if they really ARE classified, but the whole thing if they are not. We at least need to know what they were about, and their level of secrecy.
We don’t know yet if these classified documents were not declassified do we????
No we don't, Katrina. But, it makes little difference if, as has been implied, all documents 'belong' to the National Archives, then the National Archives is responsible, and they are the ones who need to devise a check out and tracking system, by which all White House personnel including the President, Vice-President, Department heads, etc would need to comply, I think this should have been in place since the beginning of computerization. If we ever achieve absolute security it would probably be better to do away with paper copies altogether and digitize it all - but that's off in the future.
I completely agree with you
Agreed!
Mark, I agree that boomers have done some good, but also not so good things, but that is true of people in every generation. "The Greatest Generation," the WWII generation has been given all kinds of kudos, but they also fought with tooth and nail the civil rights actions of people of color to gain their rights as Americans, approved of the internment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps right here in the good ole USA, and knew about global warming but said nothing and kept on polluting and building our current crisis. Biden is not a boomer. He is one of those of the "Greatest Generation" or the sometimes referred to as the in-between generation before the baby boom, who actually cares about our planet's future. He has proven he can learn and change over time as new information is brought forth, something a whole lot of young people I know cannot do. Age should only be a minor factor in Biden's decision to run or not.
Ruth Sheets ; I agree! he has a good VP, one can tell by how her opponents across the aisle and in the right wing (and even 'leftist') media have treated her. She is a tough prosecutor, and I still remember the way she questioned Bill Barr in hearings concerning the Mueller investigation lies he put forth in his 'summary'. She showed anyone paying attention how tough and skilled she is. The 'right' are scared $#it of her, with good reason. She is everything that Biden is not, and now has experience and knowledge of how our top echelon of government works. Our best bet is to Keep the president we have. If anything prevents President Biden from doing his job, she is next in line! Be afraid, crudballs, very afraid!
If he did not run again, he could STILL be a valuable consultant and advisor.... possibly even work as an "ambassador" at large on special occasions like Ukraine where his reputation, knowledge, EXPERIENCE and long-built/nurtured relationships would make a difference (either from behind the scenes or occasionally out front).
You stole my idea.
DeSantis becomes President with the support of Trump because DeSantis promises Trump the high honor of UN Ambassador.
The U.N. votes to move its headquarters out of the U.S.
Trump donates the land for the new U.N. headquarters, right next to his golf resort in Scotland.
Scotch becomes the official drink of the U. N.
Everyone forgets about Climate Change as the glaciers advance toward New Yotk City and Yosemite Valley. Humanity devolves back into beasts who can only survive near the equator where there is ample wood for fire. There the remaining rugged 200,000 survivors struggle naked for 200,000 years until the next short warm cycle, when we di it again.
Hear, Hear!👍
Yes, the analogy is Bill and Hillary. Remember when Bill stated that, when you vote for him, you get 2 for 1?
I am going to have to agree with you on a lot points, Dalia.
All people age somewhat differently, and while I don't think Joe Biden is necessarily ready for the knacker's yard, I find him uninspiring and lackluster.
It's interesting that while he runs to the left of both Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, he is, for my preferences, pretty firmly centrist.
I have a lot of grievances where St. Obama is concerned, from his unwillingness to go big enough when it came to the financial meltdown to his weakness on healthcare. His foreign policy was also lacking; that and more made me feel rather betrayed by my 2008 vote. By late 2009, I was fast becoming disillusioned by his soaring rhetoric and lack of action that would rise to the moment. I feel we were left with a lot of half-measures and unnecessary compromises because he was more concerned with his political life than mine or yours.
About a week before his death, historian Howard Zinn gave an interview to The Nation that was published on 22 January 2010. In it, he said, "I think people are dazzled by Obama's rhetoric, and that people ought to begin to understand that Obama is going to be a mediocre president —which means, in our time, a dangerous president— unless there is some national movement to push him in a better direction."
There was no such movement and we got Bill Clinton 2.0.
Joe Biden is bland, and after the turmoil of the Trump administration, boring looks palatable in some ways. The guy isn't on Twitter all day and all night, nor does he have way of making every public appearance about himself. However, this is a man whose worldview was largely forged in the 1960s and 1970s, and I think it shows in his late 20th century approach to the 21st century and its challenges. Recall that Biden once declared that Roe v Wade "went too far" and in 1981 initially supported a bill that would have thrown the question of choice to the states. He voted against busing, and helped hold Clarence Thomas's hand during a contentious Senate confirmation hearing. The man is, by my metric, no liberal at all, but a few shuffles from center on some social issues. A lot people are comfortable with that. I am not, and not to be ageist, but I wish the Democrats--with their uncanny ability to snatch defeat from from the jaws of victory--could come up with a different candidate in 2024. Biden himself had, at one time, stated he would be more of a caretaker C-in-C, but that was a brief moment indeed.
Joe Biden lives in Dianne Feinstein's world, which is mostly a thing of the past. And I agree that Feinstein should have retired years and years ago.
It's doubtful that America at large would go for Kamala Harris, and personally, I am always wary of a prosecutor--especially her, given her record in California.
As California’s attorney general from 2011 to 2017, she refused to endorse a 2015 bill calling for a special prosecutor to investigate deadly police shootings, the Sacramento Bee reported.
She also rejected calls from civil rights groups to investigate deadly police shootings in Los Angeles and San Francisco, following the 2014 police-involved killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
In 2015, Harris required body cameras for California Department of Justice agents but didn’t support legislation mandating them for all police officers.
She sent letters to San Francisco public school parents each year, threatening them with citations for truancy, and sponsored a 2010 law to make it a misdemeanor for parents whose children miss 10 percent of school a year without a good excuse. The punishment: a $2,000 fine, jail or both.
Harris also opposed a state initiative to soften minimum mandatory sentences — even though the criminal justice reform plan she rolled out while running for president called for their end.
And so forth.
Would the country vote for Gavin Newsom? Only if they're equally willing to vote for Ron DeSantis--which may or may not be the case.
If you really want to get yourself worried --or inspired-- go on YouTube and watch one of JFK's press conferences, or "Kennedy After Two Years," which aired in 1963.
When was the last time we had president who presented as that deeply informed and erudite? Not to mention energetic, despite the fact that he was a physical wreck and may or may not have survived a second term?
Whatever the case, I fear we live in a time when Americans are dangerously unsophisticated, distracted, disenfranchised and scrambling so hard to make ends meet that few have the luxury of thinking long and hard about much. Some things, but not a lot.
It was another world when Eisenhower, who warned us about the military-industrial complex, left office and, reentering the world, demonstrated his almost complete ignorance of how to pay for things in a department store, get past a highway toll booth and adjust a television set. Eisenhower's longtime companion, valet John Monaey, had even laid Ike's clothes out for him each morning and strapped on his wrist watch for him. It was, perhaps, a more forgiving world?
The 2020s so far don't feel very forgiving, and even my children tell me they feel like they are witnessing an empire in decline, as enthusiastic as they are about many of the technological advances they have witnessed. That makes me sad.
In fairness, though, I first became really sad when quite young, working at the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. Among others, I got to meet and have conversations with Dianne Feinstein and Nancy Pelosi, and formed a long-term acquaintanceship with Walter Mondale. It was at that time I saw, years before Citizens United, the influence of money in politics, and the outsized role even more outsized egos played in the public arena. You should've seen the way Alan Cranston was strutting around, even then...my goodness.
I do not think any of us should be judged by our worst days, or positions we may have once held that have since evolved. However, I do think that as the 2024 election grows nearer, we need to learn to let go of certain things; politicians and presidential candidates who speak to and act in the present as if it's 1993 again need, in my opinion, to be shown the door.
There may be a lack of will for that. If there is, the hardest part becomes even more difficult -- if not Joe Biden, then who? There are candidates who may be "viable" against Trump or DeSantis or another Republican... And there may be some who have what GHW Bush called "the vision thing" and are willing to take dramatic actions to address some of our most pressing problems; but historically, those candidates aren't viable and become the targets of attack from their opposition and their own parties.
But Liz Warren? Pete Buttigieg? Amy Klobuchar? Michael Bloomberg? There must be better than that somewhere?
If someone like DeSantis receives the GOP nod and Trump runs as a third party candidate, could Joe Biden win then?
I'm not sure where we go from here. I hope it's forward.
THANK YOU for expressing all those thoughts, Greg. Could not agree more on all points.
I'm especially gratified to read your critique of Obama. I, too, feel that he fell FAR short of the hype, and definitely let the country down by abandoning single payer, for example,, which he had the votes to pass. But normally, making any negative comments about Obama is touching the third rail. He was so eloquent, and so statesmanlike, people believed he really was a stand-out President, but the reality belied the appearance.
Also applaud your comment about potential real leaders:
"...some who have....'the vision thing' and are willing to take dramatic actions to address some of our most pressing problems; but historically, those candidates aren't viable and become the targets of attack from their opposition and their own parties."
Definitely! Sanders was an excellent recent example---tanked by his own party.
And so it goes.
Thank you for the generous words, Denise.
Indeed, criticism of Barack Obama normally results in one getting sent to the corner, as it were. But that's what happens in an age of almost unlimited political and image rehabilitation. Bill Clinton made nice with Nixon. Michelle Obama gave George W Bush a hug and a breath mint (or throat lozenge), and suddenly a guy that arguably should be facing the ICC is "OK" again. Perhaps it's not so shocking when one considers that fundamentally, these people are all on the same team. Neoliberals and neoconservatives have much in common, often travel in the same circles; it's more than the offshore accounts and foundations.
Most of my adolescent and adult life, I longed for a candidate as popular as FDR with the unbridled guts and political acumen of LBJ, the most dynamic and ambitious activist president this country has had in the last 55 or so years (domestically, anyway). One cannot give him a free pass on Vietnam, which destroyed his legacy, but his Great Society, larger and even more ambitious than the New Deal, has never been replicated, even on a small scale. My head is clearly in a different place because when people talk about a presidential candidate with leadership qualities I think about LBJ, perhaps tempered with Carter's good intentions and Obama's polished veneer. But an LBJ core.
After McGovern's loss in 1972 came the superdelegates and other mechanisms that ensured the Democrats would never again reach so high or try so hard to do so much for as many people as possible. Watergate, stagflation, OPEC and more seemed to help cement that cynicism and malaise -- although conservatives openly embraced those things and used them to increasing advantage, catapulting Reagan into office.
As I have written before, there's a straight line from Goldwater '64 to Reagan, and all that came after Reagan who, in a 1 July 1975 interview, proclaimed that libertarianism was the heart of conservatism. We were warned. I don't know how many people caught it or even cared.
As for Sanders getting the shutout, that will of course be debated. Most dismiss that, and a few agree he was done dirty.
For my part, a friend contacted me with concerns about the conduct of the 2016 primary election in Yolo County, California. This friend had serious questions about the handling of the ballots, and I finally agreed to involve myself . . . the short version is that boxes and boxes and boxes of uncounted ballots were "found" and eventually counted. The result was that by 21 June 2016, Yolo County officially flipped from HRC to Sanders. Not that it made any difference in the California primary or general election, but, y'know, election integrity and all that matters. To me.
I'm still very conflicted about both runs Sanders made, and have made myself no friends among diehard leftists because I was never a "Bernie Bro."
Among other "sins," I questioned Sanders' national viability in 2016 and 2020; beyond places one might expect, Sanders is a hard sell, particularly as most people cannot differentiate between and do not understand the differences between social democracy, democratic socialism, socialism, communism, etc. He speaks directly and is perceived by many as cranky and even a little unhinged. Some find that refreshing, others say it "isn't presidential." His message is terrifying to others because either they do not grasp what he advocates for, or because they do get it and they know they may have to pony up. My sister, a One Percenter, refused to vote for him either time because of the latter. She knew better but in the end, she decided that it was better to continue economically insulating herself and her family from the mounting hardships of the 21st century. People like a sense of security. Witness the profoundly ridiculous Department of Homeland Security, an obvious example. Americans have an obsession with security, safety, that went completely haywire after 9/11. It's as if they've forgotten they could step outside and get hit by a bus.
Anyway, I was never certain whether Sanders would fare well in a general election, or as well as his most dedicated supporters seemed to think he would. I think he may not have, but I would like to have been proven wrong.
The complaints about his rhetoric floored me, so many people frightened of what he might do if elected -- seeming to forget he still would have had to deal with the House and Senate to accomplish anything. It's a little bit like people griping about "Joe Biden's inflation," as if he one morning woke up and said, "Hmm. We need some excitement. Something diverting. I think I'll push the 'Inflation' button here next to my bed."
Certainly, Joe Biden did not cause our current economic woes.
But he is part of the larger established political order that seems to work against people like Sanders when they reach too far. The carefully orchestrated dropout of candidates in the 2020 primaries, all over the course of a weekend, effectively leaving only Joe Biden and Sanders, was in part midwifed by a phone call by Obama. Between 29 February and 2 March 2020, Mayor Pete, Klobuchar and Steyer all dropped out, and on the night of 2 March 2020, Buttigieg joined Klobuchar and Beto O'Rourke at a Texas rally to endorse Biden. Bloomberg dropped out on 4 March 2020 and endorsed Biden.
Joe Biden turned out to be the safe bet, but a half-measure at best. That is, he was safe enough to beat Trump --who probably would have been reelected if not for the pandemic. But what Biden has offered policy-wise would've made LBJ shake his head and laugh.
Interesting comments, Greg. I don't at all contest LBJ's effectiveness as a politician, his ability to get legislation passed. I do fault him immensely for escalating in Vietnam; he signed the troop order that JFK wouldn't, four days after JFK's assassination. Also, I've always been of the opinion that, savvy as he was, by pushing through the Great Society provisions, he bowed to what he saw as 1) inevitable, due to the forces at work in the country; and 2) the perfect way to elevate his legacy. I never saw him as remotely noble or trustworthy.
Yeah, too bad about McGovern. As they say, history might have been vastly different, had he been elected (or had Bobby not been killed, for that matter).
As for the magic of rehabilitation, I hark back to the photos of TFG schmoozing with the Clintons. Now, THERE was a 180, if ever there was one. Guess the MAGAs never saw those photos... : )
And yeah, the laundered image of GWB as elder statesman is as disgusting as it is ludicrous. He should long since have been convicted of war crimes, as you say.
As for Sanders, I firmly believe the Dems screwed him in favor of HRC. We'll never know if he would have lived up to the promise I and many others saw in him, but yes, I think he could have accomplished exponentially more than Biden. At least, he would have had the backbone to try. And the polls showed him beating TFG in 2016 by a large margin, so if the Dems had defied their donors and nominated him then, we might have been spared the debacle that was 45's Presidency. If only....
I don't know whether we can ever know with certainty what JFK would've done with Vietnam. Certainly, there are indications he did not want to get in deeper, although the two most certain sources we have for what *might* have been, are at odds. That is:
RFK stated in no uncertain terms that his brother never mentioned drawing down.
Mike Mansfield twice said that JFK had assured him that he would look at drawing down and was leaning that way -- but he wasn't going to do anything until 1965 because it would be bad to look soft on communism going into the '64 election which, there can be little doubt, he would have won. The only man JFK feared in 1964 --as an opponent-- was Gov. George Romney, and Romney was dissuaded from running.
LBJ feared no man. He had a lot of other fears--chiefly death, and various forms of physical harm. But in the political arena, he had everyone's number, or knew people who did.
I don't think LBJ was someone you could necessarily trust...more like you just did not want to be on his bad side. Few who knew him would call him noble, although I think he did believe that where race and poverty were concerned, it was incumbent upon him to act. He'd experienced both and hated both.
In his last interview, given to Walter Cronkite on 12 January 1973, just ten days before his death, Johnson said:
“Practically the entire substance of the Johnson Administration was organized and prepared and recommended more than 20 years before by another president. Lyndon Johnson was the not the first president to recommend federal aid to education. Harry Truman had a group that studied it and Harry Truman asked the Congress to give him educational legislation. Lyndon Johnson was not the first man to recommend Medicare: Harry Truman recommended Medicare and was called a socialist and a communist and everything else. So, in this country, long before Lyndon Johnson came into a position of power our leaders were recommending great advances in the field of civil rights and great advances in the field of health and education and environment and consumer legislation and space and things of that nature. I just happened to be the catalyst and happened to be there at the time and with the support and with the approval of nearly everyone in the country that put them on the statute books. We passed 440 major pieces of legislation in the six years. And a great many people did say that we went too far and we went too fast and well, we might have, but the country was long overdue...In this country we always, it seems, there’s a long lapse between the time something’s proposed and something’s disposed.”
I wouldn't say Johnson bowed to what he saw as inevitability so much as recognized that the time was at hand and he was probably the only one who could get it done. JFK almost certainly would never have gotten half as much done; he was a much more cautious man and he was not prepared to go to the mat for those things, at least not in 1963. He was much more circumspect.
None of Johnson's accomplishments at home excuses his handling of Vietnam, which to greater and lesser degrees enveloped several of my family members, including my uncle and my dad. Dad was an older man than most of the soldiers, if young for a field grade officer, not yet 30; he decided he'd had enough and seen enough of the Army and Vietnam and resigned his commission in 1969. On some weekends, he went out with his wife and young son (me) to protest the war and advocate for peace.
Of course, 1969 was the year Nixon was inaugurated as C-in-C, and we know how he sabotaged LBJ's attempts at peace, using Anna Chennault to poison spike the talks and convince the North Vietnamese they'd get a better deal from Nixon.
Nixon and Kissinger prolonged the war for Nixon's own political gain, and he very effectively used it in his '72 campaign, pledged to at last bring peace.
While Nixon was fleshing out his presidency, 21,194 US personnel were killed in Southeast Asia between 1969 and 1973. Kissinger shared a Nobel Peace Prize. And then there was Chile. And Argentina. And in between, a little break-in at Watergate that took Nixon from a little dog named Checkers to a large check called Plumbers . . .
On balance, our home was the precinct HQ for McGovern's campaign in 1972, and was my first real taste of what a campaign was like, although that taste was mostly licking stamps and putting them on mailers. I went around with my dad when he pounded in yard signs and door-to-door talking to neighborhood residents, handing out literature.
As for Democrats defying their donors, we can't hold our breaths. It almost certainly isn't going to happen any time soon.
I do not know whether Trump's ascent was avoidable. It was the foreseeable backlash to neoliberalism -- Clinton, Obama. I do not know whether Sanders might have beaten Trump, although the debates certainly would have been fascinating. We were deprived of ever knowing how that might have gone.
A problem, though, is that while Sanders might have given a stellar performance and substantive delivery, people did not seem particularly interested. They seemed angry, agitated, restless, tired of dynastic politics. Aggrieved. Would Sanders talking policy and serious turkey on one side of the stage have triumphed Trump's soundbites, inanity, zingers and posturing? Or would a single, "You hate America; you're a communist" from Trump stoved-in his campaign? We'll never know.
I don't think any amount of photographic evidence or anything else would have made a bit of difference to MAGA Nation. We already had unsettling soundbites and other allegations that left those voters unfazed, even a majority of Evangelicals both times. It could hardly have mattered whether he had schmoozed with the Clintons if his swaggering braggadocio about grabbing women and paying off adult film stars didn't cause his supporters to think twice.
Trump, like Liz Warren and others, has switched parties, and he himself has flip-flopped so often, telling Larry King in 1999 he wanted to run as a Democrat and wanted only to be a one-term president . . . I don't think association with the Clintons was enough to change any MAGA minds.
Was Sanders screwed by the party establishment? Yes, we now have evidence of that.
However, the hour is late for "in only" and we have to concentrate on "now what?" If, in fact, there is anything to be done, or that can be reasonably done within the very broken system we have.
JFK had written a "withdrawal" memo re Vietnam six weeks before he was killed, and the military was aware. He'd fully intended to implement it, which was why they rushed to get LBJ to sign the escalation order.
My guess is that, with the Great Society program, LBJ gambled that he'd be on the right side of history, and as usual, he was correct. And certainly, he was able to push it through, because he knew where all the bodies were buried, and was willing to resort to strong-arm tactics.
Agree about the implacability of MAGA minds. I think Sanders had a broad enough base to have carried the election; after all, he won most of the primaries, had all been above board.
I'm not optimistic about our broken system, myself.
Dalia, it is true Kennedy and Obama were more energetic and a lot more young people were sort of on board, but both of them were less experienced than would have been good for our nation. Had either been more aware of how Congress works and how to schmooze more effectively, a lot more could have happened. Obama did help keep us on a steady course out of the 2008 recession, although he was blamed for it, for not fixing it faster (without Republican help, of course), and not fixing it the way those with a big mouth thought it should be fixed (with no evidence they could do better, of course). Biden does have experience and wisdom and a younger Vice President (whom the media mostly ignore). I would like to see more younger Dems working to develop their leadership skills like taking on issues of importance. Get experience, listen a lot to the people - all the people, get known in more than their own state, work on international issues as well as domestic ones. Even if Biden does win another term, that is only 4 years and we will need strong people to run then.
Speaking as a life long liberal Democrat,
I agree that Although Biden’s intentions are for the highest good of our country., intention is not always the best, or most effective way to run any country.
I believe that everyone, and everything have their own expiration dates, especially as times change-especially during these insane turbulent times.
I agree that his increasing age does and will, not be effective, aggressive , and assertive enough in returning our country back to our once strong-but rapidly declining Democracy.
Don’t get me wrong, I have in the past voted for a Republican candidate, but only one who I believed to be ethical and who wanted to change the moral compass of the country and the world for the good .
You could say that the party I’m affiliated with is the
“ Ethical” party which is becoming extinct.
He should not run again for at least 2 reasons : 1) if he does decide to run again, it will take crucial votes from any other Democratic candidate, 2) When dealing with gangsters, you must also do some gangster things, and that is what we are currently dealing with-gangsters.
The only thing constant in life is change, and things have certainly changed, but not for the good .
Just sayin...
What Biden can do for his country? Stand down. Stand up to false allegations. Offer to take a lie detector test.
I have been pleasantly surprised by Biden. He exceeds expectations. I worked for him in 2020. I donated.
I had reservations. I did not like the way he conducted himself as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. My issue at that time was a "Corps Bill" or Conference Bill." Would have saved the taxpayers millions by consolidation and elimination of duplication in 26 agencies. He went to law school with some of my colleagues and wouldn't even meet with them. Our bills had bipartisan sponsors and some were members of the Judiciary Committee. Same when he was VP. During this time, we were "super hatched" meaning could not be involved in partisan politics. I think that was the problem.
IMHO he was selected as our candidate by Trump, who saw him as the weakest candidate the Democrats could offer due to his family problems, his age, and stuttering. I have to say that HRC was also a flawed candidate in 2016. We don't need a candidate with baggage.
Otherwise, I agree with Robert.
I have expressed my criteria previously. I want a candidate who can pass a lie detector test and has no baggage.
Alas, Daniel, everyone has baggage or they have not lived. We all accumulate stuff we might regret or that seemed right at the time but we learn better over time. I think Biden has learned better over time. HRC did have baggage, but most of it was created by others who decided she should carry it: Ben Gazi and emails. At the time, most officials had private servers in their homes to handle stuff. That does not make them criminals as Republicans insisted while they, themselves were doing the same or worse with their own emails and other communication. I would rather have someone in the presidency who is flawed but understands something of the world: struggle, sorrow, embarrassment over something they have said or done, empathy, wisdom, the ability to listen and learn. Even if Biden decides to run, I want a whole lot of Democrats to be preparing for 2028 and 2032 by further developing their listening skills, their ability to bend and change, their willingness to empathize with those who are not just like them, and be able to do some self-examination that is not navel-gazing. Every good president, even legislator was flawed in some way and that baggage helped make them the person they became.
I had to challenge credibility for my entire professional life. People with something to hide will be caught.
Therefore pick a candidate who has NOTHING to hide.
If you’re talking and presidential Biden he hasn’t hidden anything as far as having documents what else are you referring to?
Excellent comment
That last one is a challenge. We all have baggage, IMO.
BS.
Daniel:
If Jesus Christ were running for President against Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis, Republicans would be accusing Jesus Christ of being a "community activist", a "social justice warrior", and a "socialist" who didn't charge money for all the miracles He performed!
We ALL have baggage. Some of it is actual baggage. Some of it is pure invention by the opposing side, but it's still "baggage".
You disagree that we all have baggage? Perhaps the average person doesn’t have the kind of baggage that would sink a bid for President, but no politician is so ethical as to be baggage free. And while it may not be Biden’s personal baggage, you know the Republicans won’t let go of Hunter’s problems, and will, in fact, magnify them and keep repeating them. Add to that the issue of files found in his home and you have an ethical mess.
Did Trump do worse? Are Trump’s kids worse? Absolutely. But so many voters don’t mind that Trump is a lying, thieving, misogynistic, xenophobic…well, you get the point. Democrats seem to expect better.
It takes a smart and competent person to look at his or her own baggage and I wouldn't doubt that Joe is sufficiently smart and competent to do that, and to make up his own mind.
I agree/disagree, Daniel. I want a President who has read the Constitution, with comprehension, knows the three branches of Government and the duties of each. As to lie detector tests they work well on normal people, but not so well on psychopaths or sociopaths. Those who are habitual liars, like Trump, have no problem, because as soon as the lie leaves their mouth it becomes the truth and threat of torture or death won't shake them. The No baggage - or at least the kind of baggage that is provable and raises questions in peoples minds - that we don't need.
You don't get it.
Honest people will try to prove they're honest. Duplicitous people will defend against the inevitable.
"but not so well on psychopaths or sociopaths." MMPI. F scale.
Thanks, Daniel.
Fay, Excellent comment. I agree with your assessment of lie detector tests. I just don't know what that would show. Would all candidates be asked the same questions or even the same kind of questions? What would have happened if "George Santos" had been asked questions under a lie detector interrogation? I suspect he believes his lies. It would have been a waste of time. Maybe the justices of the Supreme Court should be asked under such a device which one leaked the anti-Roe decision or how much the American Catholic Bishops influence their decisions or some other things inquiring minds want to know.
Polygraphs are snake oil. That's widely proven.
OK MMPI. Kleptomaniacs need not apply.
BTW when an experienced trial lawyer has a questionable client, one trick to ascertain the truth is to ask the client to take a lie detector.
Guilty parties may agree, but the next morning the significant other is at the door, requesting the file.
Kate, you are right about change, but Biden has proven he can and does change over time as new information and experiences come his way. That does not happen to everyone. Some folks, OK, a lot of folks can't change at all. We have a lot of toddlers in office right now. Biden is not one of those. I wouldn't fret if he decides to run again that he can't meet the challenges of a changing time. He has already proven he can and does change with the times.
I’m interested in what republican yiu vote for
👍👏 I couldn’t have said this any better.
Good intentions are not always the best in critical decision making, but again , the operative word here is “good intentions”. Somebody’s evil
can be considered as “ good intentions “ by those evil ones’ mission statements.
Biden’s good intentions to help
Our country and the World , are not strong though to fight those having their own evil “ intentions “. We all know that Good doesn’t always prevail, and the Karma police have way too much to handle by themselves.
Just sayin… 🤔
I like your nuanced take here, Kate.
My reservations about a 2024 Biden run don't necessarily revolve around age. My mother-in-law is 80, and she's sharp as a tack, all day, every day. It depends on the person, and as Biden continues to be physically active and certainly mentally stimulated, he may remain capable for the rest of his life. As I don't know him personally, I wouldn't judge.
But those good intentions you talk about are the key. Biden talked about a public healthcare option in his 2020 campaign, but quickly went silent on the matter after he was elected. Ditto the $15 minimum wage and other issues. The legislation he's shepherded has been watered-down at best, first because of a misplaced, outdated fealty to bipartisanship, then because he failed to play hardball to bring Manchin and Sinema into line. Biden may indeed mean well, but he isn't the guy to get it done. For that, we need someone like LBJ, and there's been no evidence of anyone like that on the current political scene.
Yes I do agree! I hope that Biden does the right thing for this country and does not run. We have very capable people that certainly can run! There is a time when one needs to step aside.
Biden is a decent person with a moral compass, which is a light year improvement on what we had with TFG; but Biden will be 82 when the next election comes around. Biden's chances of dying in office are HIGH.
It's time to let people from the younger generations have a shot at governing (provided, of course, that they aren't Ron DeSantis, Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert or Marjorie Taylor-Greene!).
Respectfully, I suggest that Biden has been far more successful governing this country than Obama or Kennedy (both of whom I voted for). My biggest concern is the way we choose Vice Presidents. They were once chosen by popular vote, not as a running partner. We need to find a way to elect someone who has a good chance of being a president, if events occur in that direction. Perhaps have elections for VP. Whichever party wins the presidency, that winning VP also wins, even if not receiving the higher vote.
You're right. Biden has been the most effective president since LBJ.
But today he is vulnerable. Age is a factor. But daily discoveries of contraband classified materials on his properties requires an explanation and a special counsel has already been named.
He needs to get in front of the investigation.
It would noble of Uncle Joe to favor Gavin Newsom or someone similarly younger, as the preferred Democratic nominee.
He could resign in favor of his VP. She would be the incumbent.
Yes, promoting the VP would be an exercise in conventional wisdom, a safe bet; and I would vote for her and even work for her campaign. But she doesn’t exude charisma — unlike Gavin Newsom — and probably wouldn’t run an exciting campaign that brings in new voters.
Stan of Stanistan ; But it would be the "Greatest show on Earth" if she went after the criminals as only a President can, as a commander in chief can and should! I think a majority would appreciate that over a charismatic entertainer. It would be truly exciting!
Newsom's first wife was _____.
i would have liked to see her be the new chief of staff. i think she's been given blatantly awful treatment by the msm. smart, talented, erudite, and black female scares the white establishment, much as obama did. but back to my suggestion. i would propose that every vice president be required to be chief of staff. wonder what kind of quality we'd get in our vp picks then?
That's a demotion.
Agree with you and the analysis you offer
I agree, Dalia. Well said!
But then, there's the issue of Kamala Harris, who's done absolutely nothing to show she's worthy of the Oval Office. Would she automatically get the nod?
Joe Biden offered himself to the nation, if my 76 year-old memory serves me, as a transitional president to bring the nation back from the brink TFG would have gladly shoved us beyond had he won. He has done that.
I remember one acronym used in completion of travel reports in Naval service. The abbreviation in the last box on the form was always "MC", standing for "Mission Complete".
Mission Complete, Joe. Done and done well. Thank you for your service. Enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Doug, I write merely to add to your statement, noting, in my view, that Biden was his most effective ever when he spoke as the presumptive Presidential nominee 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 believe a lot of Democrats and a lot of Americans would be excited were an initiative underway that signaled a new generation was stepping up.
Barbara Jo, that transition to the next generations is already on the way in the House of Representatives just as Nancy Pelosi promised it would. If Biden runs again, he needs to be putting forward strong caring competent Democrats who can assume important roles so they will be ready for the challenges. He is already doing that, just look at his cabinet and other people he has appointed. The president is only one person and we do give that person far more prominence than he should have but it is better in a difficult time to have someone in office who knows the situation and can pass the knowledge on. Biden is bright enough and aware enough to know whether he should run again. He has proven that and deserves our support whichever decision he makes.
Ruth, If Biden were to decide to run, I’d do everything in my power to help him get re-elected. Still, despite his having the advantages of incumbency, I believe my concerns regarding his electability for a second term are, indeed, warranted.
I would note, in June 2020, Senior Editor at the Atlantic Ron Brownstein stated that presumptive nominee Biden “would be well-served to go beyond naming his VP pick and give people a better idea about who else he [Biden] would be bringing into government.” Though not something that nominees generally do, Brownstein viewed the early announcement of presidential appointees as textbook acknowledgement that a new generation was stepping up.
Fast-forwarding to the present, I believe, nationwide, the country needs a tough, strong Educator-in-Chief to educate people about what they’re losing every time the Democrat’s pro-worker agenda—$15 hourly minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, extension of the child tax credit, affordable, quality childcare, universal healthcare, investments in housing, in education, in eldercare, and more— is stalled. Biden, in my view, no longer is that galvanizing, commanding Explainer-in-Chief sorely needed to harness the power of government to make a better America for “we, the people, all of us this time.”
But, whom would that be?
Dawn, Given a Biden-less primary would be wide-open, I hesitate, absent serious, critical scrutiny, to name whom I would consider top successors.
He has a veep.
Daniel, I’m not convinced that VP Harris would be as electable as other potential Democratic prospects.
Exactly!
Mission Complete!
Thank you for everything.
Yes, a deeply heartfelt "Thank you President Biden!"
That's what I remember too! Biden was only supposed to be a TRANSITIONAL PRESIDENT. He was only going to serve ONE TERM. After the MAGA GOP bury him and his family in ugly fights Biden won't look so good in two years. The exposure of his son is going to get very dirty. Two words, Bengazi, Hillary Clinton. Biden is too old to run for a second term, such a thought is pure hubris. I think he will lose no matter WHO runs against him. Also, I'm 76 and I totally believe it's time to get the boomers out of power, they've done a lot of harm to this country and I blame them for the loss of our democracy and the extreme inequality we are suffering now. Get them out!
I agree with the sentiment since I was 17 years old when I went down to the city square to hear Jack Kennedy give a speech on his candidacy for President and it did bring a sense of a renewal of the definition of democratic government. I was thrilled-my Democrat parents less so because they knew that Dad Joe Kennedy had bought his sons way into this candidacy. How JFK subsequently performed may be something different- depending what one looks at. That aside, I believe we have many capable younger potential great leaders - a corner needs to be turned and Biden needs to attend to his Library. I call the generation that Biden is in the dinosaurs- I know because I’m in it. this is really picky- there doesn’t seem to be a name for those born before theUS positioned itself as a world power by using its super weapon- the atom bomb- on other humans- Japanese- thus assuring Russia would not invade Japan, by ending the war in the Pacific on US terms. Boomers slightly later- however it’s important to know the effect of US and Russian relations- two Titan superpowers creating an environment psychologically horror show of imminent nuclear death. The subsequent turning of national consciousness to materialism went right with this. As a base line this is what is wrong with an entire generation. Go have a good life oldies but stop trying to run the world. My hero in this world. Zelenskyy.
Lovely!
Bravo Zulu
His poll numbers are terrible, he now has this new document problem and he not only is old, but also looks and speaks like a frail, elderly man. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or a political scientist to figure out he will certainly lose. The stakes are much too high to hand the presidency and the remnants of this democracy to a hoard of fascist Republicans.
Joe Biden rescued us from the brink of calamity and saved the nation from an evil demagogue and a truly deranged Republican Party. . The honorable, decent and patriotic thing for him to do now is to announce he will not seek nor if nominated accept the nomination.
Don't believe poll numbers, they are highly transient and often skewed. Whoever is president, they are blamed for the economy as a whole, which a president can't control.
Exactly Lynn. I don’t listen to the poll numbers either. As I recall TFG had a rating that didn’t ever too 38 and dipped into the 20’s just before the election.
538. https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/bidens-approval-rating-is-up-will-his-misplaced-classified-documents-bring-it-down/
It's good to keep in mind that the electoral college does not follow polls.
I agree completely. We need to learn from our supreme Supreme Court loss because RBG didn't step aside when she should have.
EXACTLY. That is why it is CRITICALLY IMPORTANT that if Biden does decide to run in 2024, he STRONGLY consider replacing Harris as his V.P. She has NOT seemed to add much, (though V.P.s historically seldom do), I do not feel confident she has the stature and leadership ability to lead this country. Replacing her with Newsom would provide a MUCH stronger ticket and Newsom has recognized the "ALL FOR-PROFIT" damage that corporations and oligarchs have done to this country over the past six decades. He is presently working with the California legislature to TAX corporations on their EXCESSIVE GREED who have been gouging Californians making enormous record-breaking profits over the past couple of years using the "cover" of inflation, specifically the oil companies. The question is, will the legislatures have the guts to STOP their grift. (They also receive HUGE "campaign contributions" from the oil companies. The oil companies have also been screwing Californians with their "summer blend" of gasoline to reduce pollution for decades. Though this "blend" is doing that, it should NOT be costing over two dollars a gallon MORE to produce!
Leaving while at the top of one's game is never a bad thing.....
I think considering he has a speech impediment he speaks well. It’s not about the length of a speach it’s the quality of the words.
I hoping a better man or woman comes along with the compassion and knowledge of our constitution as president Biden has then I will consider dropping president Biden for now I’m back him
Personally I would like to believe that Joe is not as self-centered as any Republican. That he really believed he was the best candidate in 2020 (and he was right). And that If he doesn't think he's the best candidate in 2024 he will step aside and grease the skids for the candidate he believes is best.... and can win. He knows a knock-down, drag-out contest between Democrats will not benefit the winner. Joe has some time to decide but not much.
I think part of the problem of this decision is that the 4 years just about gets the person into their best mode of operating & then they suddenly have to decide to either step aside or carry on with the project - and their natural wish to do all the things they did not yet do makes that decision too simple - of course they don't want to get out !!! I think Joe is already showing his age, and I'm a 82 myself, so sympathetic to how he feels, but recognizing you are going downhill is impossible to ignore if you are honest !! Please step aside Joe - I would like to see someone like Adam Schiff have a chance at the job next time !
While agreeing with you, I don't think Joe will step aside for 2024 if it's not clear to him there's a replacement that can live up to Joe's standards and expectations .....and that can win against DeSantis, et al. Otherwise, I expect him to just keep going and hope enough Republican Boomers die off in the meantime. The electorate in 2028 will look much different than the one next year.
There is no replacement. It’s a duty he sought, got and will repeat out of necessity.
Terry Franzman ; I agree, just look at the midterms, and the FACT that Biden won the last Presidential election with a clear mandate. We will know soon enough if he intends to run again.
I wish more politicians emulated New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern and gracefully resign when the position they were elected to overwhelms.
I'm not suggesting Biden is overwhelmed, but with control of Congress lost (thanks, New York!), Biden will have a much more arduous legislative path ahead.
And while Biden's has rejected much of the damaging neoliberal policies he once ardently embraced (much to my surprise), I still think this should be his last term.
Moreover, while I envision the House majority returning to the Democrats in 2024, the Senate looks more perilous.
In the end, I truly believe that Biden should gracefully resign.
On an altogether different topic: economist Joseph Stiglitz suggests the obscenely wealthy (my term) should be taxed at 70% to reduce inequality; I somehow doubt this idea was discussed in Davos Switzerland.
Excellent post!
The job is physically and emotionally demanding and involves landmark decisions hourly. And travel. And I fear he would not win, which is a big reason he should not run. As an 82 y.o. retired physician, i hope he declines to run like N.Z. leader. Go out with dignity.
As a 70 y.o. retired physician, I agree with you 100%.
He should not run again. He has done a fair job. But he has too often compromised the integrity environment, endangered species, the rail workers union, the Post Office, and immigrants on the border. He has not loudly championed the prosecution of those in government who were involved with the insurrection while at the same time speaking of republicans as reasonable people. He has too often demonstrated his pro corporate prejudices when dealing with critical issues.
We are at a very critical crossroad in terms of our planet’s habitability and our faltering democracy. A person who understands the gravity of the moment is needed and has the courage and creativity to face these challenges is much needed as a Presidential candidate for 2024. A person who will both inspire and embolden all sectors of our country who still esteem our Bill of Rights. Someone who truly gets just how the oppressed, i.e., minorities, women, LGBT, our natural world and all the lifeforms trying to survive, need an advocate with the courage and principles who will really challenge the oligarchs and fascists who at this time seem to winning the greedy and power mad dystopian future they have been planning from Ronald Reagan through this moment.
No. Joe Biden is not the right person for 2024.
I completely agree that Biden should not run again, but only because of his age and the physical demands of the job.
I don't want to see Biden run again. I believe 80 should surely be the cutoff. Actually more like 75 so they aren't in office at 80 years old. I'm not trying to be ageist. But confidence in a president is very important and I don't think enough will be confident he would do well for another term. I don't feel Kamala Harris has the experience or the support to win. Her staff has put out a lot of negatives about her whether they are true or not.
Vice President Harris has been under relentless misogynistic, racist attack. She has served valiantly and uncomplaining as a lightning rod for the President. Let's give her a chance!
@Thomas. It's not a game of dice. No one "gets a chance". Rather it is a bloodthirsty competition. The candidate needs to TAKE the ground. IMO, neither Biden nor Harris can do the job in 2024.
"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” - Arundhati Roy
Mala Justed ; It seems that there are a lot of negative media talking points out there against Vice President Kamala Harris. Careful not to drink the kool aid. What is said or not said about her speaks volumes. When was the last time there was a positive piece in any media about her? I don't think that is an accident. Consider the source. Racism is alive and well in this country; especially on the other side of the aisle.
Janet R (CO) ; That was their long time, long term strategy. She should be able to sue for libel or defamation, the way it has persisted in the media. She is a Prosecutor! and no slouch. As the vice president is often seen as a kind of ceremonial back up to the president, she has had to be in the background, and I'm sure her racist detractors know this more than the average voter. The border issue has existed since she was a young child facing segregated schools, but her attackers laid the border problem at her feet and kept up the unfair drumbeat. Some of my right wing customers even referred to her as 'The camel' , because her name made it seem such a smart thing to say. Effing racists!
Janet R (CO) ; I agree, Dick Cheney was very involved with the Presidency of 'W' Bush. From twisting arms at the Pentagon for more 'proof' that WMD's existed in Iraq to making deals that were profitable for his company, Halliburton, the oil services company that he 'no longer was involved with as CEO', he was no mere ceremonial stand in for the President.
Mr. Reich , The Problem People Continue to Have with President Biden is That They under estimate him ! He may have gaps at Times but being a Person who has been around Older People I can Tell you , that There is Nothing wrong with that Man’s Mind or Mental Capacity, in fact I find him a highly Skilled President who knows well with whom he deals ! and I Think he has a good Chance of beating Trump the eternal Sore Loser because he is Truth full even With what’s going on with his Trove of Documents, he didn’t hide , he didn’t hedge he just is takeing it ! Unlike Trump good or bad from that we are at least seeing Honesty at the Top which these days says something !
I am 75 and work to keep myself as fit and aware as anyone I know. So does Biden. BUT...
he has a problem with being overconfident and a bit self-righteous. His handling of the documents displays both of those faults and his inner staff let him get away with it. That is hubris and has been the downfall of many of our best presidents.
Are you the the Susan McClure from Charleston?!
I agree with you that his mind is excellent and he knows how to compromise. I admire him enormously. Having said that, I think that fatigue would be the greatest factor that he would have to deal with. That worries me.
Even Sea Biscuit eventually ran out of steam.
We have to ask ourselves, would we as a country be better off with President Biden or whoever the Republican candidate would be?
@Keith. Biden running again greatly increases the odds of getting a Republican President.
Depends on if they're foaming at the mouth, don't you think?
You mean on the brink of nuclear war, complete and utter lack of diplomacy, fist-bumping MBS/allying with as genocide in Yemen (and lying about it), committing a war crime in Afghanistan and freezing their Central Bank money, remaining silent on right-wing war crimes in Israel, doing nothing about Trump's postmaster who continues to dismantle the postal service, expanding the privatization of Medicare, spending 15 times on the military than on climate change, with a Fed punishing the majority for the mess the 0.1% has made, and being a clueless wonder when it comes to just about any relevant topic just to name a few? This is what we consider a noble leader today? This kind of "better than Republican" relativism has put us where we are now, and if that is your only yardstick then institutional collapse will continue, whether it's the slow burn of Democratic Party austerity or the more rapid decline induced by Republican theocracy.
Seriously? Your criticism on climate change is drastically untrue. Biden has gotten the biggest package for climate change, ever, passed. Be realistic. He's the President, not a dictator or a magician. Why do so many people keep overlooking the very thin majorities we had in both Houses of Congress? He achieved more in his first two years than any President such LBJ. The Dems also had the best midterm election results than any of Presidents in recent memory. Remember the predicted Red Wave? That would have been the norm. If you don't support Biden because of his age, that's legitimate. But because he wasn't able to accomplish everything, that's lame, IMO.
If you'll notice, Democrats are never able to accomplish anything because of the other party, yet when they are in power they do the bare minimum in order to win elections then the exact opposite after they are in office. Biden passed the biggest climate change package in history because it's the only one in history, but the fact remains it is 15% of what we spend blowing up other countries directly or by proxy. That will ultimately due precious little to reverse the course we have set for the planet but it placates those who watch MSNBC and CNN (or listen to NPR) and think everything is going so jolly well with Biden at the helm. The average American is doing terribly right now, 100 million Americans cannot access or afford health care, and we are back in the McCarthyism days with the Democrats at the helm. We are so used to austerity that you consider Biden's accomplishments impressive, if you look inside the legislation and the priorities that are set it's merely a drop in the ocean of lobbyist written and sponsored legislation that ushered in the era of Trump.
you are so right, these are fact and there are so many issues. I want to see the next generation of leaders protect their future.
Thank you, you are right. The fact that neither party is actually protecting anyone except for the wealthiest among us is completely lost upon those who fill their days with CNN, MSNBC and NPR. Nobody is genuinely looking out for the future of our children.
And completely ignore much better alternatives in the Democratic Party? Then we would be denying ourselves the possibility of a much better future. You know, now is a very critical point in our history, with huge challenges, some of which are existential. We need an extraordinary person to meet those challenges, & Biden is not the one. Republicans will make things much worse.
Fine. Now tell me who that alternative is.
Some people I would consider are Warren, Merkley, Inslee, Whitehouse, Schatz, Raskin, Grijalva, Schiff, Booker & Neil DeGrasse Tyson.
The document debacle is a huge blow for dems. Biden would be a very weak candidate so he would only hurt dems chances. Even though he is much more cogent than Reagan, we need a stronger candidate than he would be. I’m certain a good candidate will emerge by the time we need one.
Why are you certain? I haven’t seen one. There some good Democrats for the position. But I don’t see them making any moves.
They won’t until Biden formally decides.
None of the other comments touched on that point: Reagan is on tape taking answers to reporters questions from Nancy towards the end of his term; his clinical condition was later revealed - but obviously the bar is pretty low (thanks Republican Party!)...
PS: Whether capable (enough) or not, he can still win...
I am a boomer from the start of that generation. Age does play a factor and he should not run. No matter what he does they will exaggerate and lie about him. We need a generational shift.
Let's shift several generations.
I worry we are at the point where any achievements must be juxtaposed with one, devastating and possibly nation-ending failure...he has not led his party or this country to hold accountable those people who tried to overthrow our government. Through this failure, he has guaranteed future coup attempts. Whether weakness, political ineptitude, capitulation to corporate interests, or whatever excuses we can make, the fact remains the same....he has failed to uphold his oath and protect us from enemies foreign and domestic. We must force the Dems and the corporations that own them to put forth a stronger leader.
This is an extremely important point & major failure of this administration.
Exactly!
Ian ; I wonder how?
I love & deeply respect Robert Reich. The fact is that if Biden became the Democratic Nominee I would support him. If he decides not to run I hope the Democratic choice is Honest, Just & continues to work on the most critical issues before us: 1 Protecting & Upholding every Pillar required in a living Democracy, 2 Protecting & Aggressively working on current Climate Crisis Emergency.
Biden has been an admirable president during a time that was riddled with extreme challenges.
I am not sure who could rise as a candidate for Democrats that would match the years of experience & demonstrate the wisdom Biden has displayed.
However, that doesn’t mean that there are not honorable, passionate & humanitarian leadership that can step in and win. There is one individual who has demonstrated the character & intelligence required Jamie Raskin. I am sure there are others but he stands out to me.
I think Jamie Raskin would be exceptional. He would bring the country together. He would be a great leader. So smart, and sharp.
Yes! Raskin is a brilliant suggestion! (Sadly, like Biden, he has lost a son. For both, I think this has served to increase their already compassionate souls.)
And, he is under punishing cancer treatment. Breaks my heart.
Oh, I forgot... So awful... How much is one person supposed to go through, and all at once?
I keep forgetting Raskin when considering possible candidates for President, but he should probably be in my Top 5, along with Warren, Merkley & maybe Whitehouse & Inslee or Schatz or Schiff.
Short and sweet- NO! We have to invigorate and motivate our younger voters and Biden would be a disaster.
The past couple of months I’ve notice a rather troubling thing about President Biden; his gait has become unsteady. And his speech shakes.
He has as done some very good things, but certainly a Democrat can be found that brings a new vision to the race. Even Bernie has a more vital presence and he is “older.” But a younger person with vision is needed.