“Presumably”? I watched AOC’s whole IG live. It really helps think through brass tacks. I’m super freaked by this folie a pundits:( Please regain your awesomeness
Way too long. And we have Biden because corporations preferred him to Bernie in 2020. Now they’ve decided Biden has been too anti-corporate so he’s got to go & “take that Black woman with him”.
Notice how they’re mostly not promoting Kamala right now either?
They probably want to give us Joe Manchin.
Joe can still do the job, & he’s fine pretty good despite our corporate Dems in Congress, Israeli intransigence & the convicted felon & his followers attacking him & his family dsily. Oops, forgot the lousy Justice department & SCOTUS. No he should never have picked a Repub like Garland for AG, but again the cards were stacked against Biden & I doubt they’ll allow us to have someone better. Don’t forget Clinton's part in NAFTA, or Obama willing to negotiate on Socisl Security.
One of the best analogies, not just of Biden, but of the overall condition we are in. Its very difficult to face the end of life, political and your own. This is more of the boomer mess/situation, another from the worst generation ever. Me first, greed and never wanting to let go of their power, every generation holds too tightly trying to keep things the 'same'. Time moves on. Change is what life is about. Creating new solutions is part of change. The 'Great Again' slogan has always been the way to pander to this futile desire to 'go back'. Reality check. No one goes 'back'. Memories are things past, not a place to hide in and scream for with a U.S.A chant.
Great writing, great analogies, great insight and wonderful reading as ever Jonathan. My only wish is that more people had ears to hear it, eyes to read it and the wisdom to understand it.
Thank you. I feel like folks are sharing TFN more, so I hope that means more eyeballs, ears, etc. I really liked your comment. I resist the temptation to dismiss entire generations, but I feel its pull! And your point about never going back is so spot on and essential, especially given that we're unreliable narrators of our own pasts...
I'm still leaning toward stay, because of all the issues inherent to Pres Biden's departure from the race (Julie highlighted them well already). However, voices as eloquent as yours have been swaying me step by step, and I can see the beauty of a leave decision. It's still scary, because we can't possibly know ahead of time which avenue provides the best chance of success.
I have one question of all of you who bemoan the lack of a competitive primary: how many times in our history (recent or otherwise, you choose) has an incumbent president been seriously challenged in the primary? I always thought both parties took it as a given that the incumbent IS the choice, and the primary was a formality.
the last time an incumbent president was challenged in the primary was 1980! and it shredded and neutered the democratic party and any power and policy it had acquired and made for another generation or two...(bill clinton doesnt count; he was elected and re-elected on modified, softened republican policies)--i dont know whether that would have happened if biden had decided to resign in mid-to-late 2023, (probably not), but it sure as hell would have the same result if he does now...because it actually IS elitism and billonairism and punditism and centrism that are combining forces to try to get uncle joe to step down...i can promise you, if he does, the person who replaces him will not be as union-friendly, regulatory-friendly, or let's-tax-the-shit-out-of-billioniares-and-corporations-friendly
I think that's a fair statement re the primaries typically being a primary. Had that not been the case, though, we might have been compelled to address all of this much earlier. And the incumbent's renomination is typically a formality, but the DNC went out of its way this year to tilt the process against being competitive, and nothing prevented Biden from participating in debates -- or establishment Dem leaders from calling for debates. So, yes, twas ever thus, and now we're grappling with a consequence of that. (Thanks for the kind words!)
I'm still skeptical any of this will make us stronger in this election and is more likely to weaken turnout - always key to defeating the GOP. But I also know that people without much interest in politics or news generally seem to believe the last thing they hear.
This is a beautiful fantasy. Kamala, although she’s very qualified, will never beat trump. She a woman & poc! I think Biden will win, and THEN, in a year, hand the reins to her. Let her show what she can do for 3 years! People seem to be forgetting how the SC has totally fucked us women! There will be hell to pay! We already know Joe can beat that slob, let him win & stop this stupid nonsense!
Yes, Biden is aging and yes, he is not what he was. Trump, however, is exactly who he has always been. Millions of people voted for Biden in the primaries and I’m one of them. The time for replacement has long since passed and continuing to discuss it does not serve the continuance of our democracy. Your piece is beautifully written and well-considered. However, we need to get on board and do everything we can to make sure Trump is not elected. In my opinion, which I clearly understand is just that, having Joe step aside, is going to ensure that he is.
You may be right! But whichever is the best outcome, I think it's important to make room for the discussion and debate. Defeating the naysayers would propel Biden into the general election in a stronger position: "I just corralled the entire Democratic Party into supporting me..." etc.
Biden’s speech issues stem from his stutter, not dementia, per psychologists. See Meidas podcast with Duty to Warn doc.
We need to think about a Plan B. After all , we voted for Biden in the Primaries.
If the replacement is not Kamala, the donor money does not transfer. Do you really think Kamala could win in this SEXIST racist country??
GOP lawyers are lined up to contest any change to ballots in the states. Heritage has published about it. Different States, different campaign laws. Are you sanguine about the Integrity of courts these days?
I’m so sick of the pile on, especially from the media.
My intent certainly wasn't to pile on, more to try to lend a hand for how we think about the pile-on and the possible outcomes. I've written before about Biden's speech and stutter and the nature of memory (even interviewed a Big Brain memory academic type about it!) Sadly, his issues go beyond his stutter. And I've actually had the same concerns you articulate about Harris's electability. I also never imagined a Black guy named Barack Hussein Obama could win against decorated POW John McCain, so what do I know? I also agree that all the roads foward are fraught with peril. I just hope people can see that the debate over how to save democracy is democracy... thank you for weighing in, and from what I've heard, the media talk about nothing else, which is just one reason I don't consume it...
“Presumably”? I watched AOC’s whole IG live. It really helps think through brass tacks. I’m super freaked by this folie a pundits:( Please regain your awesomeness
Way too long. And we have Biden because corporations preferred him to Bernie in 2020. Now they’ve decided Biden has been too anti-corporate so he’s got to go & “take that Black woman with him”.
Notice how they’re mostly not promoting Kamala right now either?
They probably want to give us Joe Manchin.
Joe can still do the job, & he’s fine pretty good despite our corporate Dems in Congress, Israeli intransigence & the convicted felon & his followers attacking him & his family dsily. Oops, forgot the lousy Justice department & SCOTUS. No he should never have picked a Repub like Garland for AG, but again the cards were stacked against Biden & I doubt they’ll allow us to have someone better. Don’t forget Clinton's part in NAFTA, or Obama willing to negotiate on Socisl Security.
I’ve actually said some similar points. And definitely agree about length. I always write too long! Writing short is hard!
writing short IS hard...thanks, Fb, twitter, and the internets in general 😕
You do write well!
One of the best analogies, not just of Biden, but of the overall condition we are in. Its very difficult to face the end of life, political and your own. This is more of the boomer mess/situation, another from the worst generation ever. Me first, greed and never wanting to let go of their power, every generation holds too tightly trying to keep things the 'same'. Time moves on. Change is what life is about. Creating new solutions is part of change. The 'Great Again' slogan has always been the way to pander to this futile desire to 'go back'. Reality check. No one goes 'back'. Memories are things past, not a place to hide in and scream for with a U.S.A chant.
Great writing, great analogies, great insight and wonderful reading as ever Jonathan. My only wish is that more people had ears to hear it, eyes to read it and the wisdom to understand it.
Thank you. I feel like folks are sharing TFN more, so I hope that means more eyeballs, ears, etc. I really liked your comment. I resist the temptation to dismiss entire generations, but I feel its pull! And your point about never going back is so spot on and essential, especially given that we're unreliable narrators of our own pasts...
Excellent
Thank you, Rachel.
Owch! Slap me in the head with your brutal gorgeous logic why don't you, nurse.
*sulks*
*edit* My lizard-brain part still tells me "No, that way lies danger and folly."
I'm still leaning toward stay, because of all the issues inherent to Pres Biden's departure from the race (Julie highlighted them well already). However, voices as eloquent as yours have been swaying me step by step, and I can see the beauty of a leave decision. It's still scary, because we can't possibly know ahead of time which avenue provides the best chance of success.
I have one question of all of you who bemoan the lack of a competitive primary: how many times in our history (recent or otherwise, you choose) has an incumbent president been seriously challenged in the primary? I always thought both parties took it as a given that the incumbent IS the choice, and the primary was a formality.
the last time an incumbent president was challenged in the primary was 1980! and it shredded and neutered the democratic party and any power and policy it had acquired and made for another generation or two...(bill clinton doesnt count; he was elected and re-elected on modified, softened republican policies)--i dont know whether that would have happened if biden had decided to resign in mid-to-late 2023, (probably not), but it sure as hell would have the same result if he does now...because it actually IS elitism and billonairism and punditism and centrism that are combining forces to try to get uncle joe to step down...i can promise you, if he does, the person who replaces him will not be as union-friendly, regulatory-friendly, or let's-tax-the-shit-out-of-billioniares-and-corporations-friendly
I think that's a fair statement re the primaries typically being a primary. Had that not been the case, though, we might have been compelled to address all of this much earlier. And the incumbent's renomination is typically a formality, but the DNC went out of its way this year to tilt the process against being competitive, and nothing prevented Biden from participating in debates -- or establishment Dem leaders from calling for debates. So, yes, twas ever thus, and now we're grappling with a consequence of that. (Thanks for the kind words!)
Nicely done.
I'm still skeptical any of this will make us stronger in this election and is more likely to weaken turnout - always key to defeating the GOP. But I also know that people without much interest in politics or news generally seem to believe the last thing they hear.
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
Thank you. Big fan of skepticism. Let's keep it up!
This is a beautiful fantasy. Kamala, although she’s very qualified, will never beat trump. She a woman & poc! I think Biden will win, and THEN, in a year, hand the reins to her. Let her show what she can do for 3 years! People seem to be forgetting how the SC has totally fucked us women! There will be hell to pay! We already know Joe can beat that slob, let him win & stop this stupid nonsense!
Thankfully, I was wrong!! The reaction to Kamala is fantastic! Restores my faith in humanity!!
I love a good humanity-faith restoration!
You may be right! In which case let's hope Biden stays in...
Just stopping by to say Bernie isn't the only one being undercut by establishment Dems.
Extra points for the Bruce Cockburn ref., Jon... thank you.
Amen, brother. You have gathered all of my random thoughts and feelings and made sense of them for me, and I am so very grateful! Just. Perfect.
Thank you, Linda.
Excellent piece of work! I love TFN:)
Thank you, Jerry.
Yes, Biden is aging and yes, he is not what he was. Trump, however, is exactly who he has always been. Millions of people voted for Biden in the primaries and I’m one of them. The time for replacement has long since passed and continuing to discuss it does not serve the continuance of our democracy. Your piece is beautifully written and well-considered. However, we need to get on board and do everything we can to make sure Trump is not elected. In my opinion, which I clearly understand is just that, having Joe step aside, is going to ensure that he is.
You may be right! But whichever is the best outcome, I think it's important to make room for the discussion and debate. Defeating the naysayers would propel Biden into the general election in a stronger position: "I just corralled the entire Democratic Party into supporting me..." etc.
This was a beautiful piece.
Thank you, Laura.
This was a beautifully written piece. Nice work.
Thank you!
Biden’s speech issues stem from his stutter, not dementia, per psychologists. See Meidas podcast with Duty to Warn doc.
We need to think about a Plan B. After all , we voted for Biden in the Primaries.
If the replacement is not Kamala, the donor money does not transfer. Do you really think Kamala could win in this SEXIST racist country??
GOP lawyers are lined up to contest any change to ballots in the states. Heritage has published about it. Different States, different campaign laws. Are you sanguine about the Integrity of courts these days?
I’m so sick of the pile on, especially from the media.
My intent certainly wasn't to pile on, more to try to lend a hand for how we think about the pile-on and the possible outcomes. I've written before about Biden's speech and stutter and the nature of memory (even interviewed a Big Brain memory academic type about it!) Sadly, his issues go beyond his stutter. And I've actually had the same concerns you articulate about Harris's electability. I also never imagined a Black guy named Barack Hussein Obama could win against decorated POW John McCain, so what do I know? I also agree that all the roads foward are fraught with peril. I just hope people can see that the debate over how to save democracy is democracy... thank you for weighing in, and from what I've heard, the media talk about nothing else, which is just one reason I don't consume it...