American politics has become a proving ground for the proposition that malice, incompetence, corruption, dishonesty, extremism and weirdness are the rocket fuel for success.
This is probably the most simplistic view of some thing I’ve ever heard you take. There’s a lot here that is not addressed and maybe it was only intended to spark discussion. Biden does appear weak right now and Garland is not helping. I’m not sure if we can discuss a failed Biden presidency without any mention of Manchin and Sinema because there is no doubt the messaging would be better if you were actually able to get things done. I agree that just watching Biden stand behind a podium and quietly denounce things we never dreamt we would see in our lifetimes is not enough. But we need a solution. What is the solution?
Any elected official may be brilliant on policy and governmental organization but if it is not communicated vociferously and frequently, the voters drift away.
I was a congressman in 1994 when the wheels came off the Democratic Party. Unnerved that Gingrich had become the most powerful man in Washington, Clinton brought in Dick Morris, the Triangulator, to make snarky deals with the invigorated opposition. The success of the GOP in shaping the national agenda since those days is due more to the obsequiousness of the Democrats than to the perfidy of the Republicans. When the Dems screwed Bernie in 2016, they got what they deserved, a bozo president who matched their own cluelessness and corruption.
I think it is both the obsequiousness of the Democrats and perfidy of the Republicans. I fumed when Donna Brazile said something like "I got one word for everyone. Superdelegates." Using their superdelegate powers they bulldozed the will of the voters in 2016. (I say that as someone who preferred Clinton.) There are reasons why voters in both parties have come to hate "the establishment."
I think I know what you're saying & honestly we could've had that with Hillary Clinton. Where would America be if we hadn't been hit in the gut with a conman as our president. The misogyny was a huge red flag in America in 2016. Even James Comey fell into the trap. I'm still pissed at him today. Just a huge stupid fucking mistake at a time that was vital to democracy.
How do we overcome this? Well you can't work with the GOP or their constituents. There is no compromise. This about MONEY. Corporate money has infiltrated the Supreme Court & they are getting exactly what they've fought so hard for. EPA is now left up to the states. In Alabama more drilling on our coasts. Beautiful river systems will be contaminated. Southern energy will fire up the coal plants.
There is only ONE WAY: infiltrate the voters, independents, students & minorities with information about who the Democratic Party is & get them to the polls. We are goi g to have to fight like hell. 2 years is a long way off to start losing faith in Biden. I'm willing to bet he has a few tricks up his sleeve. I do think after the midterms we will have a much clearer stradegy.
It is tough to summarize all that is happening in a short format. That said, I am counting on women and those that care about their independence to push Democratic candidates through in 22 and 24. I believe gun violence and voting rights will bring out voters too. Biden needs the senate too!
Steve, I signed on because I've experienced you as a bright guy who makes important connections and who has stood up boldly to a party fallen captive to a mad man. But here you foolishly trash Biden, whose presidency is under siege by global events like the pandemic and war, and is being trashed by the GOP for naught but political gain -- hardly by "extremists" on the left. I agree we need younger people to call us to the task of revisioning and rebuilding America -- but I suspect (and hope) that most of these these younger folks are rising among feminists, LGBTQ and Black and brown Americans, economic reformers, and others dedicated to a truly just society.
I would vote for Steve if he ran for prez. Seriously. A great leader must have the ability to inspire, hopefully, for lofty ideals based in reality with creative solutions, all motivated by what is best for the country. Reagan, Clinton & Obama, flawed as they were, gained 2nd terms because of their ability to inspire and communicate the lofty ideals that made us feel there was something worth voting for.
I would vote for Steve as well. He has the grit and the substance to do what needs to be done right now and to win. The stakes are really high and that’s what we need. He’s been right about everything I’ve heard him say since 2016. Even when I didn’t want him to be.
Wow. This is pretty bleak. Gas prices are coming down and we still have two full years to go before the chips are this far down! The candidates like Tim Ryan not showing up for Biden in their own states are not doing us any favors. In fact, it really pisses me off. Trump candidates lick his boots and Democratic candidates run from a sitting president. This is the fault in the star of Democrats. Republicans will vote for a demagogue and traitor who tried to overthrow the government and Democrats run at the first sign of trouble. I'm sick of it.
What are you doing to help? Everyone is not reading your articles. You are experienced, and maybe you should be advising Joe Biden. Help us out Steve you have the reach.
Steve, has the SCOTUS given the Dems an opening here, with their recent rulings? Or another nail in the coffin of the mid-terms? I feel like the Dems could really hammer the GOP on these differences between now and November, IF the Dems would take the opportunity.
At the end of the day, the Dems need to win a few purple races, in purple regions. The numbers from Miami-Dade in 2020 really concerned me. There's demographic groups in S. Florida that aren't naturally Republican. Yet they seem to be trending GOP and MAGA. Democrats seem like they're falling back to trusting the votes they already had from the Northeast that were transplanted to Florida.
Regarding Biden 2024, long story short, America can't retire Grandpa Joe just for the sake of it. The idea of an 80+ year old POTUS makes me cringe. But not as much as Bone Spurs 2.0. If the Dems don't get a suitable replacement in time, they need to "go to war with the army they have".
How do you do it? You have the most perfect break down and analysis of what ails the Democrats and why our country is suffering so badly. Please do us all a favor and keep drumming! If we hear it enough, and take on the huge fight, we may survive yet no guarantee on this horror we ALL face.
She certainly isn't. I'm not pleased with Biden, but I commend him fir stepping up to the plate. He truly proved that he was the only one that could beat Trump. What would be nice is if all of these ex-republicans would step up and volunteer to help Biden. I like Steve Schmidt, but I think that he's damaged.
My instinct is to disagree. But when parrots some of these GOP BS talking points like, gas prices and inflation, I have to hesitate. I'll probably always be on Team Steve, because he's earnest, if nothing else.
I don't parrot GOP talking points ,but everyday people do. Democrats have to combat every attack with the truth/explanation. I understand that where we are today is a result of yesterday. I understand supply and demand, but people at the pump are not thinking economics. I think the Democrats have to do better , when Biden said that he's with Ukraine for as long as it takes, that was a mistake. Do you think that Americans want to suffer due to Ukraine? I don't. People are blaming Biden for everything and the Democrats need to do better at fighting back. I live on Philadelphia and haven't seen on commercial explaining why we are here. That's bad.
There are 3 coequal branches of our government. Biden controls the Executive branch but with holdovers from Spanky's administration. McConnell controls the Senate (thanks to Manchin and Sinema.) Leonard Leo controls the Ecclesiastical Court fka the Supreme Court now with newly added legislative powers.
The Dems ability to accomplish anything unless they can rally at the mid-terms appears slim.
Dems could make a bold change. We have plenty of younger, more energetic, and visionary leaders to choose from. They could do it at the convention, as candidates used to be chosen. Instead of annointing Biden again, they could change the entire scheme of possibility. But can they get over their arrogance, what they think they've earned, to do it? I've known a lot of people in DC who come from very good schools and presume to know more than anyone, thus they get to run things. But not one of them was ever a fighter. Biden's greatest act as president could be to not run and fully endorse a different slate. One that can win, one that can fight to the bitter end, and present the American people with a bold new vision of the future. People respond to hope. Real hope.
Steve, i am extremely disappointed in your response to one 90 minute event! This is not the time to use your voice or intellect to slam Biden ! Yes, it was a sad representation of Biden. He came across poorly, except that I feel he is being judged from this ridiculous male-driven image of strength. He has never had a really loud voice. When he is fired up, he comes across with more vitality. But he was honest, tried to answer the questions before him, and had the interests of the country foremost in his mind. I have debated liars. It is difficult at minimum. Had he simply answered the questions and in rebuttal picked one or two lies that Trump said everytime he opened his mouth, he might have been calmer and clearer. This man as President has been challenged every day of his Presidency, and has recently been dealing with Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine which drains anyone who cares about this world of ours which is going off the rails. Trump uses his days sleeping in trials!! No need to throw out everything he has been for 3and a half years over this one debate. Instead we should be focusing on ways to help him show his strengths right now. Joe is a people person. There should have been an audience. CNN should have fact checked on the spot to lay bare Trumps lies. If Biden failed, he was not alone. Many people should be questioning how they contributed to how Biden came across. Am i distressed about the debate? Yes. But he has been a good President and i owe him my loyalty, especially given the fact that under NO circumstances can Trump return to the Oval Office. We don’t need to give Republicans talking points!
This is probably the most simplistic view of some thing I’ve ever heard you take. There’s a lot here that is not addressed and maybe it was only intended to spark discussion. Biden does appear weak right now and Garland is not helping. I’m not sure if we can discuss a failed Biden presidency without any mention of Manchin and Sinema because there is no doubt the messaging would be better if you were actually able to get things done. I agree that just watching Biden stand behind a podium and quietly denounce things we never dreamt we would see in our lifetimes is not enough. But we need a solution. What is the solution?
Any elected official may be brilliant on policy and governmental organization but if it is not communicated vociferously and frequently, the voters drift away.
I was a congressman in 1994 when the wheels came off the Democratic Party. Unnerved that Gingrich had become the most powerful man in Washington, Clinton brought in Dick Morris, the Triangulator, to make snarky deals with the invigorated opposition. The success of the GOP in shaping the national agenda since those days is due more to the obsequiousness of the Democrats than to the perfidy of the Republicans. When the Dems screwed Bernie in 2016, they got what they deserved, a bozo president who matched their own cluelessness and corruption.
I think it is both the obsequiousness of the Democrats and perfidy of the Republicans. I fumed when Donna Brazile said something like "I got one word for everyone. Superdelegates." Using their superdelegate powers they bulldozed the will of the voters in 2016. (I say that as someone who preferred Clinton.) There are reasons why voters in both parties have come to hate "the establishment."
I think I know what you're saying & honestly we could've had that with Hillary Clinton. Where would America be if we hadn't been hit in the gut with a conman as our president. The misogyny was a huge red flag in America in 2016. Even James Comey fell into the trap. I'm still pissed at him today. Just a huge stupid fucking mistake at a time that was vital to democracy.
How do we overcome this? Well you can't work with the GOP or their constituents. There is no compromise. This about MONEY. Corporate money has infiltrated the Supreme Court & they are getting exactly what they've fought so hard for. EPA is now left up to the states. In Alabama more drilling on our coasts. Beautiful river systems will be contaminated. Southern energy will fire up the coal plants.
There is only ONE WAY: infiltrate the voters, independents, students & minorities with information about who the Democratic Party is & get them to the polls. We are goi g to have to fight like hell. 2 years is a long way off to start losing faith in Biden. I'm willing to bet he has a few tricks up his sleeve. I do think after the midterms we will have a much clearer stradegy.
It is tough to summarize all that is happening in a short format. That said, I am counting on women and those that care about their independence to push Democratic candidates through in 22 and 24. I believe gun violence and voting rights will bring out voters too. Biden needs the senate too!
Steve, I signed on because I've experienced you as a bright guy who makes important connections and who has stood up boldly to a party fallen captive to a mad man. But here you foolishly trash Biden, whose presidency is under siege by global events like the pandemic and war, and is being trashed by the GOP for naught but political gain -- hardly by "extremists" on the left. I agree we need younger people to call us to the task of revisioning and rebuilding America -- but I suspect (and hope) that most of these these younger folks are rising among feminists, LGBTQ and Black and brown Americans, economic reformers, and others dedicated to a truly just society.
I would vote for Steve if he ran for prez. Seriously. A great leader must have the ability to inspire, hopefully, for lofty ideals based in reality with creative solutions, all motivated by what is best for the country. Reagan, Clinton & Obama, flawed as they were, gained 2nd terms because of their ability to inspire and communicate the lofty ideals that made us feel there was something worth voting for.
I would vote for Steve as well. He has the grit and the substance to do what needs to be done right now and to win. The stakes are really high and that’s what we need. He’s been right about everything I’ve heard him say since 2016. Even when I didn’t want him to be.
I wouldn't. I don't think Steve has the temperament. I think that he would be a wonderful advisor because he's smart and informed.
Steve tells us the truth.
Wow. This is pretty bleak. Gas prices are coming down and we still have two full years to go before the chips are this far down! The candidates like Tim Ryan not showing up for Biden in their own states are not doing us any favors. In fact, it really pisses me off. Trump candidates lick his boots and Democratic candidates run from a sitting president. This is the fault in the star of Democrats. Republicans will vote for a demagogue and traitor who tried to overthrow the government and Democrats run at the first sign of trouble. I'm sick of it.
What are you doing to help? Everyone is not reading your articles. You are experienced, and maybe you should be advising Joe Biden. Help us out Steve you have the reach.
What a stupid remark. How in the hell do you think Biden got elected? Ron Klain, he's brilliant.
Wow. I agree that Ron Klain is very smart and should not be underestimated or undervalued. But Wow.
Steve, has the SCOTUS given the Dems an opening here, with their recent rulings? Or another nail in the coffin of the mid-terms? I feel like the Dems could really hammer the GOP on these differences between now and November, IF the Dems would take the opportunity.
At the end of the day, the Dems need to win a few purple races, in purple regions. The numbers from Miami-Dade in 2020 really concerned me. There's demographic groups in S. Florida that aren't naturally Republican. Yet they seem to be trending GOP and MAGA. Democrats seem like they're falling back to trusting the votes they already had from the Northeast that were transplanted to Florida.
Regarding Biden 2024, long story short, America can't retire Grandpa Joe just for the sake of it. The idea of an 80+ year old POTUS makes me cringe. But not as much as Bone Spurs 2.0. If the Dems don't get a suitable replacement in time, they need to "go to war with the army they have".
Steve,
How do you do it? You have the most perfect break down and analysis of what ails the Democrats and why our country is suffering so badly. Please do us all a favor and keep drumming! If we hear it enough, and take on the huge fight, we may survive yet no guarantee on this horror we ALL face.
Wouldnt it be Wonderful if the well meaning Grandfather just retired.
As long as there's a viable Plan B. Kamala Harris ain't it.
She certainly isn't. I'm not pleased with Biden, but I commend him fir stepping up to the plate. He truly proved that he was the only one that could beat Trump. What would be nice is if all of these ex-republicans would step up and volunteer to help Biden. I like Steve Schmidt, but I think that he's damaged.
My instinct is to disagree. But when parrots some of these GOP BS talking points like, gas prices and inflation, I have to hesitate. I'll probably always be on Team Steve, because he's earnest, if nothing else.
I don't parrot GOP talking points ,but everyday people do. Democrats have to combat every attack with the truth/explanation. I understand that where we are today is a result of yesterday. I understand supply and demand, but people at the pump are not thinking economics. I think the Democrats have to do better , when Biden said that he's with Ukraine for as long as it takes, that was a mistake. Do you think that Americans want to suffer due to Ukraine? I don't. People are blaming Biden for everything and the Democrats need to do better at fighting back. I live on Philadelphia and haven't seen on commercial explaining why we are here. That's bad.
Apologies. Somehow, I forgot to type "Steve" into that comment about parroting talking points.
There are 3 coequal branches of our government. Biden controls the Executive branch but with holdovers from Spanky's administration. McConnell controls the Senate (thanks to Manchin and Sinema.) Leonard Leo controls the Ecclesiastical Court fka the Supreme Court now with newly added legislative powers.
The Dems ability to accomplish anything unless they can rally at the mid-terms appears slim.
Well you got my attention, Steve. Thanks for the wake up call and WARNING...
Dems could make a bold change. We have plenty of younger, more energetic, and visionary leaders to choose from. They could do it at the convention, as candidates used to be chosen. Instead of annointing Biden again, they could change the entire scheme of possibility. But can they get over their arrogance, what they think they've earned, to do it? I've known a lot of people in DC who come from very good schools and presume to know more than anyone, thus they get to run things. But not one of them was ever a fighter. Biden's greatest act as president could be to not run and fully endorse a different slate. One that can win, one that can fight to the bitter end, and present the American people with a bold new vision of the future. People respond to hope. Real hope.
Steve, i am extremely disappointed in your response to one 90 minute event! This is not the time to use your voice or intellect to slam Biden ! Yes, it was a sad representation of Biden. He came across poorly, except that I feel he is being judged from this ridiculous male-driven image of strength. He has never had a really loud voice. When he is fired up, he comes across with more vitality. But he was honest, tried to answer the questions before him, and had the interests of the country foremost in his mind. I have debated liars. It is difficult at minimum. Had he simply answered the questions and in rebuttal picked one or two lies that Trump said everytime he opened his mouth, he might have been calmer and clearer. This man as President has been challenged every day of his Presidency, and has recently been dealing with Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Palestine which drains anyone who cares about this world of ours which is going off the rails. Trump uses his days sleeping in trials!! No need to throw out everything he has been for 3and a half years over this one debate. Instead we should be focusing on ways to help him show his strengths right now. Joe is a people person. There should have been an audience. CNN should have fact checked on the spot to lay bare Trumps lies. If Biden failed, he was not alone. Many people should be questioning how they contributed to how Biden came across. Am i distressed about the debate? Yes. But he has been a good President and i owe him my loyalty, especially given the fact that under NO circumstances can Trump return to the Oval Office. We don’t need to give Republicans talking points!