Unlike in Ginsberg's case, where she could have retired with a pretty solid idea of who would replace her, Biden stepping aside after the 2022 midterms (it's too late now, to be clear) would have unleashed a chaotic repeat of the 2020 primary but without him as a the default candidate for normie dems to consolidate behind. So setting aside whether Newsom or Harris would be a stronger candidate than Biden if he could just hand-pick them as a successor, how confident should he have been that they would be after six+ months of mudslinging each other--if they even ended up with the nomination?
That a lifelong corrupt sociopath and pathological liar like Biden has been able to stay in politics for over 50 years is a testament to our human weakness.
You nailed it Jeff, Joe is pulling an RBG and my fellow Dems equate the obvious need for putting in a pinch hitter as some type of disloyalty. Dean Phillips for President.
Are Democrats really worried that Biden may not make it to Jan 2029? I'm not. As long as the Democrats hold the White House until then, I'd be fine with Kamala replacing him sometime in those four years.
Are we worried that he won't make it until Nov 2024? He seems in pretty good shape to me.
Are we worried that the voters will reject him in Nov 2024 because he's too old? Sooooo because Trump is so much younger and less senile?
Should we be mad at him for running because he's blocking some really outstanding Democratic alternative? Gretchen Whitmer seems perfectly decent but, assuming she'd get by Kamala, what makes us think that some untested governor who looks great on paper would be a superior candidate than a sitting President? Ron D? Rick P? Scott W? Care to chime in?
Should he step aside because people think the economy sucks? (They're wrong.) If true, why would any other Democrat fare better?
I hope Biden doesn't fall and break his hip in the coming months. But aside from that, he's the Democrats' best alternative by far.*
The D’s need to run a sentient, thinking human and I, yes even me who has voted for an R in every election since 1988 will vote for him or her. We can’t gamble a “wasted” vote on a third party candidate that has no chance of winning.
Anyone but the horrible, disgusting, troll that is Donald J. Trump!
BTW - just signed up for the full year, I know it will be worth it!
My least favorite argument was “would they tell a MAN to retire?” YES. Joe Biden is a straight white man and he should fucking retire!!
If anyone is on the fence about a paid subscription, the email you get when you subscribe is amazing 😂
Unlike in Ginsberg's case, where she could have retired with a pretty solid idea of who would replace her, Biden stepping aside after the 2022 midterms (it's too late now, to be clear) would have unleashed a chaotic repeat of the 2020 primary but without him as a the default candidate for normie dems to consolidate behind. So setting aside whether Newsom or Harris would be a stronger candidate than Biden if he could just hand-pick them as a successor, how confident should he have been that they would be after six+ months of mudslinging each other--if they even ended up with the nomination?
Build back better is an inspiring legacy! https://yuribezmenov.substack.com/p/how-to-build-back-better-lets-go-brandon
That a lifelong corrupt sociopath and pathological liar like Biden has been able to stay in politics for over 50 years is a testament to our human weakness.
You nailed it Jeff, Joe is pulling an RBG and my fellow Dems equate the obvious need for putting in a pinch hitter as some type of disloyalty. Dean Phillips for President.
RBG was correct during that conversation in 2016. By 2016, it was too late.
When Scalia died an hour later, McConnell refused to let Obama nominate a replacement.
Only after the election was there even a possibility of a liberal getting nominated.
I am 82. I retired at 56. Learned to fly. Traveled, hiked and read a lot. A good life. Joe: give it up.
Are Democrats really worried that Biden may not make it to Jan 2029? I'm not. As long as the Democrats hold the White House until then, I'd be fine with Kamala replacing him sometime in those four years.
Are we worried that he won't make it until Nov 2024? He seems in pretty good shape to me.
Are we worried that the voters will reject him in Nov 2024 because he's too old? Sooooo because Trump is so much younger and less senile?
Should we be mad at him for running because he's blocking some really outstanding Democratic alternative? Gretchen Whitmer seems perfectly decent but, assuming she'd get by Kamala, what makes us think that some untested governor who looks great on paper would be a superior candidate than a sitting President? Ron D? Rick P? Scott W? Care to chime in?
Should he step aside because people think the economy sucks? (They're wrong.) If true, why would any other Democrat fare better?
I hope Biden doesn't fall and break his hip in the coming months. But aside from that, he's the Democrats' best alternative by far.*
*Unless it turns out that Dean Phillips amazes.
Great column--have you been listening to my conversations with husband? :)
Praise: funny! Engaging! Enjoyed!
Constructive criticism: Dylan?!? Dude's right in the middle of like his third creative renaissance!
This is hilarious and so very “spot on”!
The D’s need to run a sentient, thinking human and I, yes even me who has voted for an R in every election since 1988 will vote for him or her. We can’t gamble a “wasted” vote on a third party candidate that has no chance of winning.
Anyone but the horrible, disgusting, troll that is Donald J. Trump!
BTW - just signed up for the full year, I know it will be worth it!
So infuriating you just have to laugh.
That was funny.
Though as a practical matter, do we have data on any *specific* Democrat that polls better than Biden against Trump?