Thomas you and I agree a good bit and you are right on the money. If we want to rebuild our party we can't win with a failing candidate. Hubris is the down fall of most long time politicians and Biden is no different. Gov. Wes Moore could be a strong candidate and give Trump way more then he can handle.
I don't think it's fair to put it all down to hubris. Biden has an ego like any of us, and Jill is loyal, I'm sure. I was at the Biden rally in Raleigh, and it was a very different Joe Biden that showed up for that daytime event than the 9 pm debate.
I think Joe wants what's best for the country and has been reaching toward all progressive means he has to enact change, in spite of a slim Senate majority and a do-nothing, obstructionist house that refused to pass Lankford's bill. Maybe Biden's advisors are steeped in some other logic that doesn't include the prediction Thom shared based on how his daughter sees the situation: "Young people will vote 3rd party or sit it out." Maybe the Biden camp is thinking young people have no where else to go that's viable. Which I think is mostly true. I know one young person voting for RFK; she's anti-vax; thinks it harms her eggs and fertility.
That's not true for my two boys, 37 and 40. They aren't happy that these are the candidates. But they absolutely will vote Biden.
I dunno. 🤷🏻♀️ We'll see what happens at the convention. I don't see myself as having any influence over that. So, my plan is to keep working for pro-voter, pro-democracy reforms.
Independent redistricting and citizen initiatives/referendums (CIR)
I am concerned about younger voter, my 28 year old daughter is not excited at all about either guys. we have to have someone who inspires people but Biden just doesn't have the tools needed for this now. It isn't his fault but time hurts us all. I have always had a weakness for him even when he is a gaffe machine, but you have to know when to call it a career for the good of the country.
I wish Biden had made the decision a year ago to announce his departure. But right now I can see no path forward that does not divide the Democratic Party even further. So until wiser minds lay out a winning strategy I am doubling down on Biden!
I disagree with your conclusion. The Debate, without an audience was a terrible idea. Biden likes people and he is more comfortable around them. I was far more upset by the lies that Trump repeated. I have been knocking on doors for Democrats for six weeks and I will continue to do this. Look at Biden’s Cabinet, his Vice President. All these people have character. You trust them. Would you trust a single person who chose to serve with Trump? This is not the time to whine but the time to get to work. Sorry. This is not the worst of times.
Before the debate Biden was running a 38% approval rate, and polling behind Democratic Senators and Governors. Folks cannot unsee the debate and Biden will not age in reverse. All the signs were there and the few unscripted appearances were not encouraging. Of course, as usual, as a party the Dems have no coherence and the long time-aides and family who have shieIded Biden have personal interests. I am 83, in good health, physically and mentally and I know cognitive decline when I see it, and I see it. In courting low-information voters, optics are everything and if allowed to continue, he will destroy his legacy and that would be a shame.
I know cognitive decline when I see it, too. And I see it with Biden in terms of retrieving data on demand from memory. And in terms of responding with agility and purpose in the moment to lies.
Again, what are WE supposed to do about it? The decision makers are not people that I have any influence with. I'm sticking with things that I have the power to change, where my actions move the needle.
Glad to hear you hitched up the camper and headed toward the hills. Hiking has its own way of clarifying as do many physical activities. Something about one foot down then the next and the next. I chose water where I could jog with my flotation belt which is less impact but also yields clarity. I appreciate this post. No hedging. Thank you, Thomas and PoliticsNC. When there's no spin to spin, it's time to go. We--as a nation--experienced 187 minutes of horror, Jan. 6, 2021. And we all saw that too and will never unsee it. Our nation and other places seem to thrive on slogans, memes, soundbites. 187 minutes. 187 minutes. In numerological terms, this always carries the sting. A vote for trump takes a minute. 187 minutes kills us.
The reaction of Democrats’ leadership and the Biden campaign to Thursday night’s debate are precisely why we need a new generation leading our Party. (FWIW, I’m 72.)
We need Democrats who want to win and are prepared to do whatever’s needed to do so. Rallying behind the most successful and relatable president of the last 50 years is admirable and understandable, but self-defeating.
Wow! Yes this says it all. Joe Biden is our nominee. Now let's get out the vote! Vote BLUE! And don't let this debate stop people from voting down ballot either.
Sorry Ruth, I thought you were replying to Thomas. And while I admire your loyalty to our President and candidate, Joe Biden, I’m afraid that Lucian Truscott’s opinion comes from his head being either down deep in the sand, or another up deep in another dark place.
Almost any younger Democrat. Cooper, Shapiro, Buttigieg and Newsom come to mind among others. Especially if Kamila Harris will remain as VP. (I don’t think she should risk losing this time around. Better she remain viable to run for president in 2028 or 2032.) I’m not confident a two-woman ticket - Whitmer/Harris - would be as strong against Trump.
I really like a Buttigieg/Harris ticket. Pete would energize youth and gays to vote like no one else.
Pete is definitely more viable now that he has a national position. All of the Governors you mentioned could be good. None have the international experience that Biden has. I just don't know if people could get on board with a new candidate in 4 months. And would Kamala Harris stay on as VP with a new top of the ticket?
I don't think this is accurate, Thomas: "In the minds of most Americans, the choice now is between character and competency."
Trump is incompetent. He has always been incompetent. The only reason he will be more competent if he gets another term is because of Project2025 and all of those people who have mapped out a plan. If we trust foreign policy to Trump, Jared will be building luxury hotels in Gaza, from the river to the sea.
Trump has neither character or competence. Biden has character and his people are competent. I know we need a 'buck stops here.' But I don't undesrtand how rank-and-file voters, or even those of us who are actively engaged in pro-voter reforms, have much say in the matter. I'm personally not willing to raise my voice to ask Biden to step down.
If they used ranked choice voting at the convention to select the best ticket they think the party has to offer, I'd be interested in what the results are.
I am 86 years old and felt qualified to email Joe Biden in January 2024 and ask him not to run in 2024 due to his age. The debate was devastating. I emailed Joe Biden, Jill Biden, and the 5 NC members of the DNC to express my hope that the President would now choose not to run for President. One of the DNC members was kind enough to reply and told me that she had received only 3 emails with a similar message. Apparently, all those Democrats who were not excited enough about Biden to vote are also not excited about finding a replacement. Read the article in today's NYTimes about how we Democrats got ourselves in this situation.
Fall the bitching about how Biden did in the debate, you should have seen him in Raleigh the next day. He was spot on. The crowd couldn't have cheered louder. We drowned out hecklers. It was really inspiring. This was after going to a debate watch group in Atlanta, flying to Raleigh and arriving in the middle of the night to a crowd on the tarmac. He was great and enthusiastic at all of these events. He then went on to other states. And he had his best night of fundraising immediately after the debate.
Biden was incredible at the fairgrounds in Raleigh. He was the same energetic candidate I first met in 1987. Too bad it doesn’t matter… How many still undecided voters do you suppose saw it?
Sorry,I love your work and follow it all the time, but you didn't say who your choice for nominee is. It can't be Kamala Harris, for reasons that are complicated but undeniable, but if you try to pass her by then you will tear the party apart. AND there is no body else that matches up better and can beat Trump. On top of that, Trump's legal problems may knock him out and you will be facing a different right wing Republican. If Biden chooses to step aside and picks a successor, will everyone accept that choice? We will have to wait and see.
Thomas you and I agree a good bit and you are right on the money. If we want to rebuild our party we can't win with a failing candidate. Hubris is the down fall of most long time politicians and Biden is no different. Gov. Wes Moore could be a strong candidate and give Trump way more then he can handle.
I don't think it's fair to put it all down to hubris. Biden has an ego like any of us, and Jill is loyal, I'm sure. I was at the Biden rally in Raleigh, and it was a very different Joe Biden that showed up for that daytime event than the 9 pm debate.
I think Joe wants what's best for the country and has been reaching toward all progressive means he has to enact change, in spite of a slim Senate majority and a do-nothing, obstructionist house that refused to pass Lankford's bill. Maybe Biden's advisors are steeped in some other logic that doesn't include the prediction Thom shared based on how his daughter sees the situation: "Young people will vote 3rd party or sit it out." Maybe the Biden camp is thinking young people have no where else to go that's viable. Which I think is mostly true. I know one young person voting for RFK; she's anti-vax; thinks it harms her eggs and fertility.
That's not true for my two boys, 37 and 40. They aren't happy that these are the candidates. But they absolutely will vote Biden.
I dunno. 🤷🏻♀️ We'll see what happens at the convention. I don't see myself as having any influence over that. So, my plan is to keep working for pro-voter, pro-democracy reforms.
Independent redistricting and citizen initiatives/referendums (CIR)
Ranked choice voting
National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
And so on ...
I am concerned about younger voter, my 28 year old daughter is not excited at all about either guys. we have to have someone who inspires people but Biden just doesn't have the tools needed for this now. It isn't his fault but time hurts us all. I have always had a weakness for him even when he is a gaffe machine, but you have to know when to call it a career for the good of the country.
I agree, Andrew, and I'm worried, too, about younger voters sitting it out or protest voting. What I don't know is what to do about it.
I wish Biden had made the decision a year ago to announce his departure. But right now I can see no path forward that does not divide the Democratic Party even further. So until wiser minds lay out a winning strategy I am doubling down on Biden!
That's kind of where I am ...
I disagree with your conclusion. The Debate, without an audience was a terrible idea. Biden likes people and he is more comfortable around them. I was far more upset by the lies that Trump repeated. I have been knocking on doors for Democrats for six weeks and I will continue to do this. Look at Biden’s Cabinet, his Vice President. All these people have character. You trust them. Would you trust a single person who chose to serve with Trump? This is not the time to whine but the time to get to work. Sorry. This is not the worst of times.
Before the debate Biden was running a 38% approval rate, and polling behind Democratic Senators and Governors. Folks cannot unsee the debate and Biden will not age in reverse. All the signs were there and the few unscripted appearances were not encouraging. Of course, as usual, as a party the Dems have no coherence and the long time-aides and family who have shieIded Biden have personal interests. I am 83, in good health, physically and mentally and I know cognitive decline when I see it, and I see it. In courting low-information voters, optics are everything and if allowed to continue, he will destroy his legacy and that would be a shame.
I know cognitive decline when I see it, too. And I see it with Biden in terms of retrieving data on demand from memory. And in terms of responding with agility and purpose in the moment to lies.
Again, what are WE supposed to do about it? The decision makers are not people that I have any influence with. I'm sticking with things that I have the power to change, where my actions move the needle.
Glad to hear you hitched up the camper and headed toward the hills. Hiking has its own way of clarifying as do many physical activities. Something about one foot down then the next and the next. I chose water where I could jog with my flotation belt which is less impact but also yields clarity. I appreciate this post. No hedging. Thank you, Thomas and PoliticsNC. When there's no spin to spin, it's time to go. We--as a nation--experienced 187 minutes of horror, Jan. 6, 2021. And we all saw that too and will never unsee it. Our nation and other places seem to thrive on slogans, memes, soundbites. 187 minutes. 187 minutes. In numerological terms, this always carries the sting. A vote for trump takes a minute. 187 minutes kills us.
The reaction of Democrats’ leadership and the Biden campaign to Thursday night’s debate are precisely why we need a new generation leading our Party. (FWIW, I’m 72.)
We need Democrats who want to win and are prepared to do whatever’s needed to do so. Rallying behind the most successful and relatable president of the last 50 years is admirable and understandable, but self-defeating.
https://luciantruscott.substack.com/p/grow-a-spine-democrats?r=3yulr&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0ooh8IxMXwvyhs75wC7z0tSdVWIgxqNJobBiTsFf6Ht8Brxfvs_nlg5kg_aem_iiF0mRFUBU7nvIHO_K9fXw&triedRedirect=true
Wow! Yes this says it all. Joe Biden is our nominee. Now let's get out the vote! Vote BLUE! And don't let this debate stop people from voting down ballot either.
Ruth, did you read the same column I did?
Sorry Ruth, I thought you were replying to Thomas. And while I admire your loyalty to our President and candidate, Joe Biden, I’m afraid that Lucian Truscott’s opinion comes from his head being either down deep in the sand, or another up deep in another dark place.
Bill, who else do you think at this point can win in November?
Almost any younger Democrat. Cooper, Shapiro, Buttigieg and Newsom come to mind among others. Especially if Kamila Harris will remain as VP. (I don’t think she should risk losing this time around. Better she remain viable to run for president in 2028 or 2032.) I’m not confident a two-woman ticket - Whitmer/Harris - would be as strong against Trump.
I really like a Buttigieg/Harris ticket. Pete would energize youth and gays to vote like no one else.
Pete is definitely more viable now that he has a national position. All of the Governors you mentioned could be good. None have the international experience that Biden has. I just don't know if people could get on board with a new candidate in 4 months. And would Kamala Harris stay on as VP with a new top of the ticket?
I don't think this is accurate, Thomas: "In the minds of most Americans, the choice now is between character and competency."
Trump is incompetent. He has always been incompetent. The only reason he will be more competent if he gets another term is because of Project2025 and all of those people who have mapped out a plan. If we trust foreign policy to Trump, Jared will be building luxury hotels in Gaza, from the river to the sea.
Trump has neither character or competence. Biden has character and his people are competent. I know we need a 'buck stops here.' But I don't undesrtand how rank-and-file voters, or even those of us who are actively engaged in pro-voter reforms, have much say in the matter. I'm personally not willing to raise my voice to ask Biden to step down.
If they used ranked choice voting at the convention to select the best ticket they think the party has to offer, I'd be interested in what the results are.
I am 86 years old and felt qualified to email Joe Biden in January 2024 and ask him not to run in 2024 due to his age. The debate was devastating. I emailed Joe Biden, Jill Biden, and the 5 NC members of the DNC to express my hope that the President would now choose not to run for President. One of the DNC members was kind enough to reply and told me that she had received only 3 emails with a similar message. Apparently, all those Democrats who were not excited enough about Biden to vote are also not excited about finding a replacement. Read the article in today's NYTimes about how we Democrats got ourselves in this situation.
Fall the bitching about how Biden did in the debate, you should have seen him in Raleigh the next day. He was spot on. The crowd couldn't have cheered louder. We drowned out hecklers. It was really inspiring. This was after going to a debate watch group in Atlanta, flying to Raleigh and arriving in the middle of the night to a crowd on the tarmac. He was great and enthusiastic at all of these events. He then went on to other states. And he had his best night of fundraising immediately after the debate.
Biden was incredible at the fairgrounds in Raleigh. He was the same energetic candidate I first met in 1987. Too bad it doesn’t matter… How many still undecided voters do you suppose saw it?
Again, who else can win?
Sorry,I love your work and follow it all the time, but you didn't say who your choice for nominee is. It can't be Kamala Harris, for reasons that are complicated but undeniable, but if you try to pass her by then you will tear the party apart. AND there is no body else that matches up better and can beat Trump. On top of that, Trump's legal problems may knock him out and you will be facing a different right wing Republican. If Biden chooses to step aside and picks a successor, will everyone accept that choice? We will have to wait and see.
It’s not about who would replace Biden. It’s about the near certainty Trump will win if Biden doesn’t bow out.