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Joe Biden: Too Old to Run?

The New York Times reports Joe Biden wants to run for President again in 2024 but polls show Democrats don't like the idea.

I thought he was too old when he ran in 2020. He'll be ancient in 2024. Can he even make it to 2028 when his term ends?

Maybe if he was an inspiring, engaging, full of life leader who fostered a heightened sense of patriotism in us, I would care a little bit. But he isn't and I don't care for him or his politics or his leadership, so I hope he does the right thing for the country and gracefully exits.

Why have the Democrats avoided having a discussion about Biden's replacement candidate for so long? Republicans like Ditsy Doozy Donald Trump (and his offspring) are chomping at the bit to get back that desk in the oval office so they can make some more millions playing monopoloy with real estate deals from Saudi Arabia to South Florida - and look for new loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

Can't anyone think of a Democrat who would be good for progressive issues and under the age of 80? If not, maybe my write-in candidate will be Mick Jagger. (Yes, I know he can't be President because he's a British citizen but at least he acts alive and can stay up past 9:00 at night.)

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  • Display: Sort:
    I hate to agree about Biden (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 01:58:14 PM EST
    but I kind of do.  He's too old to run again.  The problem is as you said - who else.  

    Certainly not Kamala in my opinion.  Nice lady who would lose in a landslide.

    I understand (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 02:33:49 PM EST
    this argument but at this point we really can't afford to have a free for all primary. We as a country screwed the pooch in 2016 and here we are.

    Parent
    That makes no sense (none / 0) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 03:27:14 PM EST
    at all to me beyond picking at the Hillary scab.

    Parent
    Perhaps (none / 0) (#18)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 01:30:25 PM EST
    Democrats needs to start looking outside their current national political circles.

    Parent
    AL "mofo" FRANKEN!!!! (5.00 / 3) (#63)
    by Chuck0 on Mon Jul 25, 2022 at 11:39:54 PM EST
    If we're gonna go down (none / 0) (#64)
    by jondee on Wed Jul 27, 2022 at 02:20:52 PM EST
    we might as well go down loudly and in flames, like Jimi at Monterey..

    Btw, how long are we going to let these unreconstructed pagan Neanderthals, who now make up the majority of the GOP, get away with calling themselves "Christians"?

    They're bipedal like Jesus was, but that's about the only similarity.

    Parent

    Christian is (none / 0) (#65)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 27, 2022 at 03:18:53 PM EST
    as christian does

    Parent
    Indeed (none / 0) (#66)
    by jondee on Wed Jul 27, 2022 at 04:05:50 PM EST
    I'm looking hard (none / 0) (#19)
    by jondee on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 02:47:30 PM EST
    at Amy Klobuchar. Not.

    Parent
    Wellllll ... she (none / 0) (#20)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 04:43:53 PM EST
    She IS part of that current circle. Besides senators don't have a good track record getting elected President.

    Dems need to look at up and comers in the states. Perhaps Colorado? Someone not currently in politics. I agree, no one name jumps out. But the same tired faces are going to do it.


    Parent

    Gavin (none / 0) (#23)
    by FlJoe on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 05:21:30 PM EST
    Newsome seems interested in the job, I really don't know much about him but he is taking on DeSantis head on in Florida so that's a plus in my book.


    Parent
    No. Gawd no. (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 05:39:14 PM EST
    He is unelectable nationwide.

    Parent
    Says who? (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 03:49:04 AM EST
    I haven't exactly been a fan of Gavin Newsom for reasons I've stated in prior threads and won't rehash here. But one can't help but be impressed by the way he seized California's 2021 recall election and chewed up the GOP, picked his teeth with their bones and then asked what was for dessert.

    So, how's he unelectable as president, but Florida right-wing warlord Ron DeSantis isn't? Just for starters, California's politics is actually far closer to the mainstream than is Florida's right now, and it's much more competently run.

    Newsom has shown he can brawl with Republicans and not only prevail but more importantly, take the fight to them with the intent of winning big. Hell, he's doing ad buys targeting DeSantis in the Florida governor's race!

    Quite frankly, we need a warrior who'll kick some a$$ right now, not another middle-of-the-road dreamer who'll promise to bring people together and then take the black-brown-white lib Democratic base for granted while he or she appeals tepidly to squishy white moderate voters who value low gasoline prices more than they do democracy and justice.

    "I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to 'order' than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice."
    - The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" (1963)

    If it ever really existed and wasn't the sort of comforting tale we like to tell ourselves, bipartisanship as we once knew it (and apparently still crave) is dead. Muerte. Mort. Kaput. Trump, McConnell and their GOP doormat lackeys killed it, once and for all. And any Democratic candidate who can't see that ain't worth Schitt.

    Sorry for the rant but the sooner we face that hard truth, the better.

    Parent

    Have serious doubts about Newsom (5.00 / 1) (#62)
    by MO Blue on Fri Jul 22, 2022 at 05:32:45 PM EST
    being able to win nationally. Having said that, I strongly agree with this part of your comment.

    Quite frankly, we need a warrior who'll kick some a$$ right now, not another middle-of-the-road dreamer who'll promise to bring people together and then take the black-brown-white lib Democratic base for granted while he or she appeals tepidly to squishy white moderate voters who value low gasoline prices more than they do democracy and justice.

    There are so many ways that Dems could go on the offensive and yet, fail to do so. Seems they, as a group, are more comfortable playing defense.

    Not sure who. That is the problem.


    Parent

    Me (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 06:45:16 AM EST
    and Chuck.  Sorry.  He would be an electoral disaster.  

    Yes, he beat the CA republicans.  The California republican party is a joke.  

    California has not had a statewide Republican officer since January 2011. Republicans were last elected to a statewide office in 2006, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected as governor and Steve Poizner was elected insurance commissioner.
    https://en.wikipedia.org > wiki > Cal...
    California Republican Party - Wikipedia



    Parent
    What he said. (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 08:34:25 AM EST
    Look. I have no issue with Newsome. I would vote for him in heartbeat. But I think even Californians are  not real happy with him any more.

    He would do great on the West Coast, but I don't believe he could pull off the swing states. He would struggle here in PA.

    And I'm not at all saying that DeSantis is anymore palatable. He makes me wretch.

    Parent

    Newsome's big, loud (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by jondee on Sat Jul 16, 2022 at 03:15:04 PM EST
    and good-looking.

    Did this suddenly become a nation of critical thinkers when I wasn't looking?
    No, it didn't.

    No matter who the Dems run, he or she going to be smeared as a freedom-hating, gun-grabbing, demon-worshipping, unborn-murdering commie. Whether the candidate's from California or not.

    I think Newsome would have as good, if not better, a shot than any other Democrat.

    Parent

    Newsome should run for (5.00 / 2) (#69)
    by Chuck0 on Sun Jul 31, 2022 at 10:25:00 AM EST
    Diane Feinstein's Senate seat. She has got to go. She is 89 and stories of her cognitive abilities abound. She also thinks she is serving in the US Senate of the 70s and 80s. That Senators work together. Those days are gone.

    Parent
    Stacy Abrams might struggle (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 09:50:21 AM EST
    in some of the same places and for some of the same reasons as him but IMO the difference between them is that she would motivate the heck out of the Democratic base.  Including that lifeline demo for the party black women.

    I think we have to stop trying for "the middle".  I think we need to nominate someone who will excite the base.  I don't think that's him.  Or Biden.  Or Whitmer.  Or very many people I can think of.

    Parent

    I disagree (none / 0) (#40)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 09:16:14 PM EST
    on Gavin and Whitmer. Whitmer rocks. She's tough and knows how to win in a purple state. Gavin knows how to message.

    So far with Abrams yes, she would motivate black women but does she alienate more? Don't really know. If she wins in November it's gonna be her record here in GA that is going to make her able to convince people to vote for her but I have to tell you she's running on Post Partisan Unity ala Obama for governor. So while that might work in GA I'm not sure that is the best campaign to run nationwide.

    Parent

    I'll take Whitmer (none / 0) (#41)
    by Chuck0 on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 10:26:56 PM EST
    over Newsome. Sorry I just don't believe a California Democrat has national appeal. And I'm a former Californian.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#50)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Jul 16, 2022 at 03:48:03 PM EST
    I have lived in the south my entire life and I think his messaging has great appeal--the message of freedom may not appeal to the religious fundamentalists but for the rest of us under the noxious thumb of fundamentalism it has a lot of appeal.

    Parent
    I like John Fetterman (none / 0) (#25)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 06:11:40 PM EST
    I guess maybe health issues

    Parent
    And I like (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 06:13:05 PM EST
    Stacy Abrams

    Parent
    If she becomes the governor of GA (none / 0) (#27)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 06:17:04 PM EST
    this fall look out.

    Parent
    What about (none / 0) (#21)
    by BGinCA on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 05:04:19 PM EST
    Roy Cooper (Gov. N.C.) and Andy Beshear (Gov, KY). Don't know much about either, other than they are Dem. govs in red states.

    Parent
    Beshear came to mind (none / 0) (#22)
    by Chuck0 on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 05:07:19 PM EST
    when I first replied. I like what I've seen when I see him speak on television.

    Parent
    IMO (none / 0) (#28)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 06:46:05 PM EST
    need to look at governors.

    Parent
    Gretchen Whittmer. (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by oculus on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 07:02:03 AM EST
    Democrats most (5.00 / 3) (#4)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 03:06:31 PM EST
    Important reason (as presented in this survey of 191 respondents who plan to vote in the Democratic primary) to prefer someone other than President Biden was age-related.  Age, 33% and someone new 12%, job performance at 32% likely embraces age factors as well. However, based on ability to win the general election the reason is just four percent.  Indeed, "misgivings melt away" when the choice is Trump or Biden. Democrats stick with Biden, 92%. Of course, there was the guy in a diner who. was upset with the price of gas on Biden's watch and was hoping for the return of the 76-year Trump to fix it.

    Some Democrats seem to have noticed that Joe Biden is elderly. He is the oldest president elected and will be in his mid-80s as he completes a second term.

    President Biden assumed office in the wake of a violent, armed insurrection intended to overthrow the government whose ringleader was his opponent in the election. An insurrection that may implicate all three branches of government and whose horrors are still coming to light.

      Moreover, the country was in a public health crisis with its effects cascading across the economy and citizen morale. And, remedial efforts were greeted with  defiance of vaccine and other public heath measures for political advantage. And, then the first land war in Europe with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a nuclear power.  A war with further economic ramifications for the US and the world. The Biden Administration is adeptly navigating these treacherous waters, refurbishing NATO and unifying allies  and partners.

    Accomplishments in the early years are recalled to diminish un-supported age-related encumberments to governance. Of course, the defeat of Trump was the most important achievement, for any progress and hope for the country is derivative. And, it is likely that Joe Biden was the Democrats best option to do so,  At least that is what the primary voters concluded after evaluating diverse contenders.

    Age, in and of it self, or, ageism, should not be the disqualifier.  The qualifier should be accomplishments in the reality of political environs with accommodations if necessary.  For example, recognizing limitations that may exist and working with them.  For example, manage travel so as to be less taxing. Efficiencies of multiple diplomatic stops may need to give way to single destination travel.  Just as accommodations may be needed for a president confined to a wheelchair.

    Some Democrats expect Joe Biden to be someone he is not,  He comes as a package. I too, cringe with that my dear friend across the aisle stuff, but he apparently sees his job as trying to stave off the crazies and stay above the fray.  That being the reality, the times do call for him surrounding himself and supporting some junk-yard dogs.  Merrick Garland, for instance, as good as he is, may be a bad fit for this Administration.

    Surely, no sane Democrat would vote for the youngest governor in the country, Ron De Santis, so as to get some young blood.  Or, entertain a challenge to President Biden in a primary. Anyone considering that notion might consult Jimmy Carter about how that Ted Kennedy thing worked out for Democrats and the country in 1980.  Or, those who think it would be a good idea to drop Kamala Harris might check electoral prospects with the Democratic Party base.

    In my view there is ample time in the future for younger leadership. It is critical right now to insure a future for the nation as we know it.  In polite company, it is Blue b Red. But, in reality. It is democracy v fascism.

    No (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 03:38:57 PM EST

    Age, in and of it self, or, ageism, should not be the disqualifier.

    It should not.  But here is a fact, I know several 80 year olds.  Including some mentally sharp and physicaly active ones, I don't know a single one who would be close to being considered up to the 24/7 job of being president.

    IMO this is not about who democrats will or will not vote for.  Or even if Biden could win.  To be honest he is as good as I'm seeing we got.  And he has a better chance than most.  Certainly more than Kamala.

    But I do not think Supreme Court Justices or presidents, or politicians in general, should die in office.  Just because they can.  It's not the freaking Pope we are talking about.

    81 is to old to be inaugurated for a 4 year term.

    I think it makes democrats look pathetic.  Honestly.
    That the best we got is an 80 year old career politician. .

    Parent

    Well (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 06:49:10 PM EST
    this is one of the reasons Biden was near the bottom of my list in 2020. However voters disagreed with me on that.

    Parent
    I think (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 03:48:22 PM EST
    Biden being the political animal he is might agree and that might be part of his wish to run again.

    The thought that if he did not it would be Kamala.

    I actually think a big loud primary might be exactly what we need.  An opportunity for a new person to rise to the moment.

    Parent

    Whatever else (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 03:50:45 PM EST
    there is definitely a moment here to be risen to.

    Parent
    Entirely agree. Why? My thing is (5.00 / 2) (#17)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 08:26:38 PM EST
    classical music. Countless extremely fine conductors work til  they die, sometimes on the podium. FDR died in office. Truman, a relatively unknown VP, who I learned last week at his presidential museum, had met with FDR a scant two times as his VP, and, until FDR's death had not been informed of the Manhattan Project, became president.  Kamala Harris will do the same if President Biden is reelected and dies.  

    Parent
    Local community orchestra (none / 0) (#60)
    by ruffian on Fri Jul 22, 2022 at 01:33:48 PM EST
    conductor in his 80s was asked to retire when he came to rehearsal with no pants....and other episodes. Seems like the arts organizations takes cares of this when necessary with no rules. Politics can do that too.

    Parent
    Ha. Of course, after I (none / 0) (#68)
    by oculus on Sun Jul 31, 2022 at 02:05:21 AM EST
    posted this, a conductor who was 73, died while conducting opera in Munich.

    Parent
    YES... He's too old (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by jmacWA on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 03:32:42 PM EST
    Way passed his use by date.  And if I remember Jerylyn's posts about Biden in the past I would like to say

    He's not my father's Oldsmobile... He's my father's Edsel.

    There is no reason the Democrats cannot put up someone younger... and if Biden bows out gracefully that would help a lot, and I'll move him up a notch.

    Here is my worry (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 06:50:31 PM EST
    with that happening: it would be a free for all that would enable the GOP winning in 2024.

    Parent
    THIS. (5.00 / 2) (#48)
    by Towanda on Sat Jul 16, 2022 at 12:03:25 PM EST
    I can't see the link (none / 0) (#51)
    by Peter G on Sun Jul 17, 2022 at 02:41:01 PM EST
    Someone, please repost?

    Parent
    I assumed that (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by leap2 on Sun Jul 17, 2022 at 02:46:54 PM EST
    Towanda was agreeing with Ga6thDem in #30, so no link? As in

      ⇡⇡
    "This"

    Parent

    yup (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by ruffian on Wed Jul 20, 2022 at 09:26:05 PM EST
    That is my fear too. We can't take another two year primary season.  People in polls always choose an unnamed hypothetical perfect candidate over the known flawed one. And any of the people bandied about as alternatives will have glaring flaws once they are candidates. If Biden can drag himself to the searing in in '25 he ought to run. If he has to resign for health reasons in '26? Fine.

    Parent
    I agree Harris might not be able to win (none / 0) (#56)
    by ruffian on Wed Jul 20, 2022 at 09:29:32 PM EST
    But she would do a perfectly good job taking over for Biden if he resigns, and be building her case for '28, then let the chips fall where they may.

    Parent
    Kamala v. Newsom v. (none / 0) (#53)
    by MKS on Mon Jul 18, 2022 at 11:18:45 AM EST
    Mayor Pete, etc.

    Parent
    Forgot about Mayor Pete (none / 0) (#54)
    by jondee on Mon Jul 18, 2022 at 02:15:59 PM EST
    He's probably the best one of the whole lot.

    Parent
    We need young bloiod, (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by KeysDan on Fri Jul 29, 2022 at 10:46:21 AM EST
    maybe this youth fits the bill.

    If Drumpf were to win in 2024.... (none / 0) (#3)
    by Jack E Lope on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 02:47:38 PM EST
    ...he would be the oldest US President at the time of being sworn in to office.

    I think the voters might have a problem with someone seen as too young, also - though I think Pete Buttigieg would be a great candidate if voters can get past that.  He'd be 42 at inauguration.

    Trump (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 04:00:20 PM EST
    will not be the nominee.

    Parent
    You know (none / 0) (#31)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 06:51:41 PM EST
    he might not but he also is not going to go quietly into the night and is gonna continue to muck things up for the GOP like he is here in GA with getting the GOP to nominate Herschel Walker.

    Parent
    Herschel Walker (5.00 / 4) (#32)
    by KeysDan on Tue Jul 12, 2022 at 09:36:27 PM EST
    is 60 years old---young blood, let's go for him..  Michelle Goldberg, in her NYTimes column, expresses  concern for Democrats being old, such as Chuck Schumer, age 72, and Nancy Pelosi, age 82.  Nothing said about their competence or age-related infirmities affecting their work, just age.  Should be on a rocker with a shawl over their shoulders so they don't get a chill.

    Of course, her main target was President Biden. He is old. But, during the last presidential primary election she was in Senator Warren's corner, who is two years older than Senator Schumer.  I get it, some did not like Biden then or now.  And, some still pine over that youngster, Senator Sanders.  But, maybe thought should be given to winning and the stakes.  

    However, it is my view that age as the criticism of President Biden by Democrats  plays into the Republican talking points. Old man, feeble if not senile.  Democrats believe the incumbent should not run again, a failed presidency..  Does not auger well for the election of any Democrat in 2024, and these discussions do not seem wise as we approach the 2022 midterms.

    Maybe, ageism should, at least, be balanced with thoughts of winning.  Dropping President Biden and/or VicePresident Harris with a terrific, young candidate that Democrats can't readily identify or  agree upon does not sound like a great strategy.  

    Parent

    On social (5.00 / 4) (#35)
    by Ga6thDem on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 04:47:07 AM EST
    Media some of the loudest complainers about Biden's age are Sanders supporters. Irony is dead.

    Parent
    A comment about the value of this President (none / 0) (#84)
    by christinep on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 04:04:55 PM EST
    Watching, listening to President Biden has taught me again the value of experience, learning, empathy, intentions.  What I've begun to realize is that this President--in actuality--may be accomplishing more in two years than previous presidents have in two terms. Make a list; that list of good legislation and worthwhile accomplishments--combined esp with our President's international acumen & long-needed relationships--might just bring about a "aha" moment in the best sense.

    Bright shiny newcomers are fine, and will find their day ... yet they usually stumble too much as they learn the ropes in treacherous times such as these. And, yes, it may be that the best combo usually combines the forces of wisdom that comes with hard learning such as Biden has seen with the passionate energy of youth such as the advisors/staff/officeholders he has promoted along the way.  

    I believe (more than ever I thought earlier) that President Biden remains the best path forward to that sense & reality of the functioning democracy that so many of us yearn for.  Biden is showing that he is more than about talk, rhetoric; this man is about deeds.

    Parent

    Agreed. (none / 0) (#34)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Jul 13, 2022 at 04:04:01 AM EST
    Trump won't run in 2024. If not already convicted and imprisoned by then, he'll be indicted, confined to Mar-a-Lago with an electronic ankle bracelet, and much too busy filing for continuances to delay his trial.

    Parent
    Offensive Ageism in this Thread (none / 0) (#11)
    by RickyJim on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 04:36:01 PM EST
    His age is not the problem.  It is the fact that he never was very bright and like so many politicians got where he is through his affability.  I am older than Biden and feel I haven't lost many marbles. Many of you don't agree with my posts but they are a product of my ever evolving knowledge and experience and not senility.  

    I assume that's directed at me (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 04:44:37 PM EST
    So
    I never thought you were senile.  But I am really curious.  At "older than Biden" do you really think you are mentally and even more physically up to be the leader of the free world.  To campaigning non stop for a year.

    Because I'm 10 years younger than him and I do not.

    Parent

    Mentally and Physically Definitely Yes (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by RickyJim on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 05:20:42 PM EST
    However emotionally I couldn't handle it.  How could I swear, "and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." when I want it replaced?

    Because of the way the presidential electoral system was set up and evolved, I think that most of the people elected to that post weren't qualified, especially in the past 100 years.

    Parent

    "Bright" (none / 0) (#85)
    by christinep on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 04:20:36 PM EST
    Perhaps, it isn't simply about being "bright."  Heck, for smarts (as traditionally defined), we have Cruz and Hawley and DeSantis and newcomer J.D. Vance  ... and turning to SCt types consider JJ Gorsuch and the late Scalia.  

    For me--as I age--the growing recognition of the importance of good character and good intentions and good staff added to the experience & know-how to accomplish what must be done brings more than smarts any day.  I don't consider myself dumb; but, what I do see is an incredibly focused and active President Biden realizing results most of us would only dream about. (Maybe "ageism" isn't worth much other than being an "ism.")

    Parent

    If (none / 0) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 05:06:24 PM EST
    after having apparently glomed on to the release of these images for a little positive PR, they screw it up, Biden will not make new friends.

    If that was the plan.

    They are finally live (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 05:10:18 PM EST
    On NASA and everywhere else

    Parent
    This is maybe a bit OT for this thread (none / 0) (#16)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jul 11, 2022 at 05:26:03 PM EST
    and maybe not.

    They just made the reveal of a truly remarkable image, of a field thick with galaxies the size of "a grain of sand held at arm's length, boring and tedious.

    The image is amazing.  I assume it will be everywhere by now.  The "preview" was sad.

    Parent

    Galaxy after galaxy.. incredible. (none / 0) (#61)
    by desertswine on Fri Jul 22, 2022 at 04:02:06 PM EST
    Newsom, Whitmer, Abrams (none / 0) (#42)
    by Coral on Thu Jul 14, 2022 at 08:49:43 AM EST
    Are all good choices. I don't think Abrams, if she wins GA governor, would give that up for a risky run for president.

    Tester, though a Senator, would make a very electable Dem presidential candidate. But we would lose a Democrat in the Senate.

    I'd like to see a younger, more feisty candidate--Biden has always been too middle of the road for me.

    If he had gotten through the BBB agenda, his poll numbers would not be where they are now. So we really desperately need enough of a Senate majority to get rid of the filibuster. If Dems don't do it, the GOP will do it in a heartbeat if they control the Senate.

    Agreed. (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 14, 2022 at 02:08:15 PM EST
    The filibuster needs to go.  President Biden has done quite well given a 50/50 senate split with Manchin and Sinema being unreliable other than for judges and the associate justice of the Supreme Court (no small thing, of course).  Agree, too, about the BBB impacting the president's standing, although the vested media's and war-forever crowd's hammering over the ending of the Afghanistan war has a continuing impact.  Until the BBB stall, President Biden was nearing FDR territory in the first legislative year.

    We are now in a war in essence, with. Russia.  President Biden has done an exception job in meeting this challenge.  Changing hands in its midst would bring uncertainties. Of course, no uncertainty if a Republican was president.  TFG would invite Putin to Kyiv.

    Tester is considered a moderate or centrist Democratic senator,to the right of most of his colleagues. GovTrack lists him third most moderate.  He is 65 years old. Young by senate statistics, but not really young blood.

    Parent

    Tester (none / 0) (#44)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 14, 2022 at 12:42:52 PM EST
    Yes

    Parent
    Abrams (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 14, 2022 at 12:53:41 PM EST
    I'm not sure about that.  She is very ambitious.  She has said her goal is to be president.  If there was ever, as I said, a chance to rise to the moment this is it.  Obama was not ready.  But he was.

    I'm sure she would make sure it was passed to good hands.

    I would really love to see her run.  And I think most of her supporters in GA would too.

    Parent

    I believe (none / 0) (#47)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 14, 2022 at 02:15:03 PM EST
    Abrams is looking at 2028 or 2032 not 2024 and if there were to be a primary in 2024 I'm not sure she would want to challenge Kamala.

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    First things first (none / 0) (#86)
    by christinep on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 04:26:06 PM EST
    Stacey Abrams has tremendous potential ... but, lest we forget, she (and others with potential) will need to win a significant office First to be formidable.

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    James Mattis, age 71, (none / 0) (#43)
    by KeysDan on Thu Jul 14, 2022 at 10:49:07 AM EST
    Trump's first Sec of Defense, retired General, and life-long bachelor, has married Christina Lomasney, a former officer at Boeing Corp.  A wedding ceremony was on the banks of the Columbia river, followed by another ceremony in Las Vegas with an Elvis impersonator officiating.  

    Ret. Admiral Robert Harward, Mattis's decades-long roommate and one-time deputy, was best man. (Harward was offered the position of National Security Advisor by TFG, after the infamous ending to Michael Flynn's 23-day tenure. Harward declined the position).

    It may be that General Mattis sees himself as a candidate for president or some other political office.

    Biden running, winning, and dying in office (none / 0) (#57)
    by ruffian on Wed Jul 20, 2022 at 09:32:06 PM EST
    would be about the most on-brand Biden thing ever. Of course he is going to run.

    Keeping the Senate in the fall (none / 0) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Jul 21, 2022 at 07:59:41 AM EST
    is really important.  The republicans will kill the filibuster the first week.  But the House.

    I really hope we keep the House.  But you could argue having a republican House doing crazy clown theater would not be a bad thing in the run up to the 24 election.

    The house GOP (5.00 / 2) (#59)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Jul 21, 2022 at 02:23:09 PM EST
    is already teeing up the worst legislation ever. So either McCarthy brings it to a vote & everybody sees how bad they are or he has a total insurrection in the membership. Personally I think he may not even be the leader if they take over.

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    Not bad for an old guy (none / 0) (#70)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 07, 2022 at 01:07:00 PM EST

    Biden is About to Make History
    August 7, 2022 at 12:53 pm EDT By Taegan Goddard 172 Comments

    Playbook: "Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act will make Biden one of the most legislatively successful presidents of the modern era. We once noted that the mismatch between the size of Biden's ambitions and his margins in Congress made it seem like he was trying to pass a Rhinoceros through a garden hose. It ended up being more like a pony, but it's still pretty impressive..."

    "That's a nearly $3.5 trillion agenda. The scope of the issues addressed is notable: the pandemic and its economic fallout, highways, bridges, broadband, rail, manufacturing, science, prescription drug prices, health insurance, climate change, deficit reduction and tax equity."

    "He also expanded NATO, passed a new gun safety law and passed a bill to address the effects of vets exposed to toxic burn pits. Five out of seven of these laws -- all but the two biggies, the ARP and IRA -- received significant Republican support."

    "There's not much debate anymore over whether Biden has been a consequential president. In the long run, his first two years may be remembered as akin to LBJ when it comes to moving his agenda through Congress



    Maureen Dowd's, in (none / 0) (#71)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 07, 2022 at 01:48:04 PM EST
    her Sunday NYTimes phoned-in column, advises President Biden to announce that he will not run again.  To go out on his achievements and assures that he will be stronger for the next two years and not a lame duck.  Maureen, who has been writing long past her sell-by date, has moved from her usual Hillary is evil and must go,  to Joe is great and must go.

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    My general rule is (none / 0) (#73)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Aug 07, 2022 at 03:17:12 PM EST
    If Maurene agrees with me I should reassess

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    A good (none / 0) (#75)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 07, 2022 at 07:02:03 PM EST
    Rule.

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    This is true (none / 0) (#72)
    by Ga6thDem on Sun Aug 07, 2022 at 02:30:54 PM EST
    but honestly on a couple of things he just was there at the right time like gun legislation & infrastructure has been on the agenda for years.

    Parent
    Don't think (5.00 / 2) (#74)
    by KeysDan on Sun Aug 07, 2022 at 03:23:33 PM EST
    this was happenstance.   The agenda comes from.the top and effectuation involves a determined team.   Trump's "Infrastructure week" was a favorite of the late-night comedians. Gun control was out-of-reach. Foreign affairs are well-attended. Achievements are not a matter of chance in government in my observation.

    This ageism pushed by the media is bothersome.  At this juncture, the sagacity that President Biden brings from 36 years in the US Senate, eight years as Vice President and what will be four years as President is what is needed.  More than ever.

    In the second Democratic primary debate, Rep. Swallwell called for a "passing of the Torch".  New blood was needed  and he was most willing to transfuse his into the race.  Indeed, all the candidates were younger or much younger.  Bernie's age was not much of an issue,ever, even after his cardiac event.  Biden prevailed to the chagrin of those holding on to dead-end hopes for a most wonderful candidate that would do great things even if she or he  could not defeat Trump.

    The drum beat of some has been he has failed, after all that Afghan war did not end beautifully like all wars of the past. Just ask Richard Engel.  And, what about those gas prices.  Oh, and "president Manchin". Now,  President Biden is so successful,  he should quit.  But why?   He is old!

    From a electoral point of view, it does not seem smart  to demean owing to age in favor of a golden but unknown youth.


    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#76)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 08, 2022 at 08:36:35 AM EST
    what I mean is Dems having control meant infrastructure was going to pass. McConnell was never going to pass any infrastructure package. So in that sense it was mostly beyond Biden & gun control it took a vicious murder in Texas to finally move enough Republicans to quit blocking any legislation. I give Biden the credit for everything else that was passed however.

    Parent
    Why give Biden any Credit? (1.00 / 1) (#77)
    by RickyJim on Mon Aug 08, 2022 at 11:32:36 AM EST
    Except for being a cheerleader on the sidelines.

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    Because this (5.00 / 1) (#78)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 08, 2022 at 11:51:03 AM EST
    So What Did the White House Offer? (none / 0) (#80)
    by RickyJim on Mon Aug 08, 2022 at 04:11:36 PM EST
    That article had this:
    Ultimately, Biden stayed on the sidelines and allowed Manchin and Schumer to hash out the contours of a deal that was announced in late July. As the final deal came together and the Senate prepared to vote, Biden was isolating in the White House with COVID-19.

    I've still haven't seen any evidence that Biden actually did something to get the votes of the 2 holdouts.

    Parent
    The holdouts (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 08, 2022 at 05:33:04 PM EST
    Who knows about Sinema but the republicans are upset enough to make me suspect this could have always been the plan.  More or less.
    It looks like Biden and Manchin screwed the republicans with this long con.
    Maybe they thought Sinema would be more reasonable alone.  It does seem pretty clear she was not consulted.

    It did not just happen.

    Parent

    Certainly the timing of this reconciliation deal (none / 0) (#83)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Aug 08, 2022 at 05:34:52 PM EST
    is politically way better now than doing it a year ago.

    Parent
    Because (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by Ga6thDem on Mon Aug 08, 2022 at 03:05:35 PM EST
    of what Howdy said. There was a lot of arm twisting that went on behind the scenes.

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    The Republican (none / 0) (#81)
    by KeysDan on Mon Aug 08, 2022 at 04:17:01 PM EST
    Senators were cheerleaders for the IRA Act by killing the $35 price cap on insulin.  

    Parent
    Bravo, KeysDan. Bravo! (none / 0) (#87)
    by christinep on Fri Oct 07, 2022 at 04:32:19 PM EST