Gaslighting is a sin, not a strategy, and when employed as such by the side claiming “good man” as the spine of their brand, it destroys the brand and everything associated with it.
Much of what you say is true, but you are reminding me of the person who shares a recipe and omits either an important step or a crucial ingredient. I realize that you were not even born in 1968, when Lyndon Johnson took himself out of the running, split the party, and gifted the American people with Richard Nixon. We all know how that worked out. Then in 1980 when you were very young, Ted Kennedy felt that he was entitled to challenge President Carter. Never mind that when asked why he wanted to be president he had no answer. Once again, the Democratic Party entered into an internecine war and we, the people of the United States got Ronald Reagan. If we democrats follow your lead, we will surely get Donald Trump. Is this what you want to happen? By the way, spare me your “righteous indignation” Steve. God didn’t go on vacation and leave you in charge!
I totally agree. This feels so much like "I need to stir up interest so I'm going out there and dump all over the place because it pays the bills. I am old enough to have watched years and years of Dems jumping ship and wringing hands and losing. Dammit let's do this. We CAN if we stop this BS
I was already angry at the piling on, particularly from Steve whom I used to respect! I found it egregious to the point of being offensive, that Steve Schmidt would think he was qualified to determine what is or is not a sin.
Steve says, "Make no mistake, the Biden team is fueled by resentment, grievance and self-interest every bit as much as the Trump team, to whom they have handed the issue of honesty (!)." This is RIDICULOUS, sensationalist and totally untrue.
We can agree to disagree, but to claim that I’m doing this to “pay the bills,” is deeply upsetting to me. I have made my position clear: Biden cannot beat Trump, and Trump must be defeated.
It is the pile on from ALL media over and over and over and they rarely say a word bad about DJT. Not just you in particular. They are almost giddy to have horrible things to report while seldom mentioning the mentally deficient DJT.
Steve, I share and understand your passionate, fundamental honesty. For me also, it is the sine qua non. And, all you other Democrats here, I appreciate and share your desire to win against the malignant narcissist/career criminal Trump. The contrast between him and Biden, or any other possible Democratic candidate is well understood here and I think we can assume it. Biden, unfortunately is in some form of neurogenerative decline: his many errors in speech and recall, low energy, reduced facial expression, type of movement which includes shorter steps, unsteadiness and forward tilt. Could be one of the synucleinopathies. In any case, whatever form of cognitive decline it is, this will only get worse, though how quickly varies. A demanding job in which he and his most uncritical supporters must keep pretending he is and will be entirely fit for, is very stressful and may hasten his deterioration. I agree with Steve and the many others here and in other friendly countries that facing this reality and uniting to go through a process which involves an open convention would be the wisest, choice. The drama involved could be attractive and engaging for the electorate, IF Democrats could rise above excessive factionalism and nastiness—a big ask for many. That prospective failure in being able to unite behind a new and fitter candidate is the one, or most, legitimate reason to proceed with Biden. But he will continue to fail physically, neurologically, which will also result in trouble for our country, and he will end up having to hand the reins over to Harris, who would not be politically capable for this many faceted role. She has shown she does not have the skill set—and there is no blame in that. We need to find and get behind someone who does.
Does anyone who comments on Steve’s writing know a dam thing about US history? Because surely you don’t.
LBJ did NOT split the party in 1968. His remaining in the race would have done that. If RFK had not been assassinated he would have led a united Democratic Party to victory.
As for 1980, Carter was the equivalent of Biden. A dead man walking. Heading to certain defeat to Reagan. That is why he was challenged by Ted Kennedy.
Individuals who twist the past to fit their argument are guilty of deceit and gross ignorance.
With all due respect, nowhere did I say LBJ split the party, what I DID say was that his decision not to run set off an internecine war in the party, exacerbated by the assassination of RFK, and the disaster that was the Democratic convention, which left us with a candidate who was not fully supported b the party and went on to lose the election. I also disagree strongly with your assertion that President Carter was a “dead man walking.” As a lifelong Democrat I ave often wondered what the hell it is about my party that makes us turn on each other. The fact, whether or not you agree with me, is that in Jimmy Carter Americans had a president who was honest with them and who “the people “ rewarded by electing Ronald Reagan because he told them what they wanted to hear, and who lost the full support of his party because of Ted Kennedy’s hubris and entitlement!
May I suggest that instead of trading insults that we agree to disagree?
The difference here is that there is no one to step up. We Dems haven't been raising the profile of others to come behind. While we who follow politics know most of the names mentioned, most Americans have no idea who Wes Moore is, let alone any of the others. Many of us in the Midwest have heard from peers that the ONLY reason Hillary lost, was because they refuse to have a woman run the country and they sure as hell aren't allowing another "black" in. This isn't white guy replacing white guy. Sadly, this is still an incredibly racist and misogynistic country and they will vote for Joe over DJT.
Knowing history and living it have never been analogous. Deceit is the failure to acknowledge what many of us lived through.
Voter disenchantment with Democrats ability to pivot or embrace the future Robert Kennedy envisioned and the southern democrats dismay at the passage of the Civil Rights Act forced LBJ to opt out.
A difference of 500,000 votes elected two criminals - Nixon and Agnew.
In 1980, the Reagan campaign framed Carter's handling of "the hostages" as weak. Then, lo and behold, Reagan’s inaugurated and the hostages are released. Sound familiar. The result, a President who set in motion the campaign to purge the "administrative state". He gave us the failed "trickle down theory of economics", welfare queens while surrounding himself with criminals and "originalists" - aka the architects of dismantling government and legislating from the bench.
Don’t forget that RFK was assassinated during 1968. At the time of his death, Kennedy was substantially behind Humphrey in convention delegate support, but many believe that, following his victory in the California primary, he would have ultimately secured the nomination. RFK was much more dynamic and charismatic than Humphrey. So we may not have ended up with Nixon had it been Kennedy instead of Humphrey. Johnson was of ill health (heart).
I am aware, as a matter of fact, I’m not sure that had Bobby Kennedy been the candidate that it would have had a different result. 1968 was the year that I found out that m idol, RFK had feet of clay.
When confronted on his wrongs, he quickly left the Presidency. No huge and vulgar fuss, expensive, time-wasting lawsuits, then the additional assault of yet another “Go”, as Trump has done. I sure hope the movie about Trump will come out soon. Come on, millionaires, show some spine!
Amen, Steve! I support Dems. Shamefully they are the only party of democracy. I want nothing more than to permanently kick back the oily-orange, pathologically lying, sociopath Trumpler & his criminal sycophants, once and for all.
That said, I’m so angry that this is where we find ourselves. We’ve seen it coming for years, had a beautiful opportunity to call Joe a one-term POTUS and see him elegantly pass baton to deep bench of qualified next gen candidates for a vigorous primary process - 20 +/- months ago.
Beautiful legacy versus epic ego-driven failure of intransigence, blindness and stupidity.
NOW - IT IS NOT TOO LATE. STOP GASLIGHTING OURSELVES - THAT'S WHAT THE OTHER SIDE DOES!!! NOT US! 😱😱😱
I had to take my mom’s car from her as she wasn’t alert enough to understand the danger to the universe she represented. This is that -- exponentially and on steroids.
Now, a rapid-fire, abbreviated primary process, after Joe and family step back with class. All, everyone in the party of hope - Joe, Kamala, Nancy, Chuck, Pete, Barack, Bill, Hakeem, etc. all get behind and bless the new twosome. We launch hard and roar to a NOVEMBER BLUENAMI.
WE ARE the party wise enough to hear the people and give next gens the future vision team for coming times. Now - do it!
If Biden had announced at any time that he was not running, he would have been instantly labeled a lame duck. It would have been impossible for him to achieve what he has achieved.
My first reaction was the same... But now that I am looking at various data, I think it's worth listening to what Allan Lichtman has to say about this:
That is the problem. Everyone thinks they have the correct solution when they are in the dark about the best way forward. I’m disappointed that Steve finds it necessary to denigrate Ms Pelosi and Rep Clyburn to make his point. How dare they have a different opinion and viewpoint. They must be gaslighting the American people because he Steve knows their intentions. I have no problem with Steve not believing that Mr Biden was the correct choice, something he’s said way before the debate. But let’s not gaslight the audience here into believing that your position is objective solely from the debate. There is a saying: “she doth protest too much” that comes to mind here. I think more thought and less lashing out might be useful. But that’s me.
Steve says, "Make no mistake, the Biden team is fueled by resentment, grievance and self-interest every bit as much as the Trump team, to whom they have handed the issue of honesty (!)." Steve is now attacking the Biden team and comparing it to the Trump team!
Thank you for your remarks, John. The posts by SS over the last several days have been very disturbing from my point of view. I think his trip to Poland created PTSD for him. It is easy for me to envision his angst at the prospect of the Evil One being elected and bringing fascism to our country. All like minded people are feeling this way now. But jumping ship is not the answer imho. And there is an undertone of arrogance and self-righteousness in his comments. They are bringing fear and panic during a period that requires calm and clear thinking. I fail to see how any rational person would vote for a notorious liar and felon in light his 45 minutes of BS.
Very good article also. I thought this was the most thought-proking part: Does not directly apply to Steve because he was out on Biden a long time ago.
"This is politics turned inside out. They believed that Biden was too old when it was possible and practical to effectively do something about it - primary season. But they failed to speak up because it would cost them personally. Now they will do it because they feel it is safe because there is safety in numbers - at a time when it is not possible and practical to effectively do something about it."
Yes Michael he was, as many were. To me, this piece is speaking to the changing of horses mid stream. A curious USA Today piece was sent my way, I posted that as well.
Yes, I do agree that Steve never stifled his thoughts on believing Biden shouldn't run again. He expressed it both then and now, and I respect his core honesty.
Well what I heard from Raskin is what we commentators on your thread today have been saying. Biden had a poor debate. Biden is still the candidate until he decides otherwise. If he remains the candidate we will support him. If he is not, we will support the replacement. We MUST have a Dem President. A Trump win is unthinkable. The difference between us is that I believe most voters think the same way. Getting out the Dem vote is what counts. Not whether Biden stays or not. (I would, however, want to see a new VP.)
Yes, I think Raskin, Pelosi and Clyburn all acknowledged the obvious- Biden turned in a bad performance, it's undeniable and they didn't deny it. Clearly, opinions differ on how consequential that is to the election.
On the one hand is the elderly diaper-wearing GOP candidate who would step down if he had any decency or shame, as a convicted felon and rapist who lies whenever his mouth moves.
On the other, our incumbent president Biden who truly accomplished great things through his knowledge of the levers of government, even with the economic & political trainwreck Trump left him (with almost NO transition period, remember that fiasco with the GSA, I believe, around Thanksgiving 2020?)
Also an elderly man, who stutters while also indisputably a dedicated, tested public servant and, importantly, holding all the delegates and campaign funds.
Focus group responses as well as Lichtman's 13 factors still support Biden, especially with the current lack of checks and balances from SCOTUS and Congress. I think the center will hold and expand in our direction.
I have taken about a hundred deep breaths and so now I can write this. There is no gaslighting happening but a whole lot of knee jerk stuff going on. This is Hillary’s email crap. This is Kerry’s swift boat crap. Clearly it was a disastrous 90 minutes but this president has fought the forces of the most hostile media and clearly the forces of the most disgusting, wretched despicable people roaming the earth…the MAGA movement, the power hungry and morally hollowed out Republican party and 6 Supreme Court justices who are shockingly corrupt. And of course Trump of whom I have not enough disgusting adjectives to describe. And Biden did that with the help of a lot of people who have been around the block a number of times and now with the help of a new generation of voters who enthusiastically support all that he will do to address their concerns. He didn’t suddenly get dementia or Parkinson’s or whatever other ridiculous thing the media will throw around. Trump’s handlers know what he is. He’s a moron. They’ll sit him in the Oval Office every morning at 11 and he’ll drink Diet Coke and they’ll run the show. They are hateful and dangerous and scare the crap out of me. Biden is the only shot we have at winning this election. If I’m wrong, I’ll discuss this again in 4 months but please , for now, don’t do this .
It's not gaslighting. Gaslighting would be if they insisted Biden did great Thursday night. They feel differently. You feel the way you do because, when it comes to Biden, people see what they see. You've felt the way you do for a long time. I know you think we're wrong. Maybe we are, but I assure you we are not a bunch of ostriches, and leadership is not gaslighting: We just don't see it the way you do.
I watched the Pelosi clip and then I saw an article that said she was telling the Biden campaign something different. It is the same old story. Say one thing publicly and something different privately.
Steve says, "Make no mistake, the Biden team is fueled by resentment, grievance and self-interest every bit as much as the Trump team, to whom they have handed the issue of honesty (!)." Steve is now attacking the Biden team and comparing it to the Trump team! Absurd.
Thank you for speaking the truth. I cried when I read your last piece. It was such a relief to hear you say what every American I know is feeling. You are trying to use your talent to help save us and to reach them. I only hope that the people who surround him will read your article and respond to this moment. They need to think of the American people and our children and their futures. Elections have consequences and these consequences are too important. It could well be the death of our nation. Thank you again. I have passed your article on to everyone I know.
The top notch Democrats who could replace Biden as a candidate, have serious drawbacks: Gavin Newsom? He is from a big blue state where he is not popular. Gretchen Witmer? A woman. Josh Shapiro? Jewish. Pete Buttegiug? (Sic),married gay man. Every single viable candidate, on a national
level would be disqualifying for Independents and former Republicans. Without a winning replacement , this late in the game, you are blowing smoke. Nothing more.
I’m waiting for the reality of this election to be pushed hard and really sink it to the national consciousness and conversation. Because it is not being talked about nearly enough. It is not about the men, but about remaining a Democracy or becoming a Fascist state, a Christian Nationalist Fascist state with the shredding of our Constitution. A place where all of our rights are stripped away. It’s already begun with Dobbs, Chevron, 10 Commandments posted in schools in Louisiana, the Bible as a mandatory school text book in Oklahoma, all of the book bans, etc. Project 2025 just for starters will dismantle The Department of Education, and remove all civil servant job holders, replacing them with Trump loyalists. This has yet to be made the message. Why?
Newsom has won two elections in CA and another recall election. He won his first election with 62% and his second with 59% so to say that he’s not popular is quite a stretch. CA is the fifth largest economy in the world so he appears to be quite a capable governor. So is Josh Shapiro and he polls well against trump.
Midwest independents who haven't committed to Biden yet certainly will not commit to vote fir Newsom, they're allergic to California, right or wrong. I think he's fine, but he's not centrist enough at this late date, at best they won't vote for either Pres candidate, or else for RFK which is worse. Harris would have the same problem only more so, sadly.
I assume that if we change from Biden, it would be to capture more voters in the middle especially young ones, so it wouldn't be worth considering a new ticket without at least one swing state Dem.
I have been alluding to the idea for a pretty good while now,that there should have long ago since been in place to get worthy Democratic and Independent candidates for POTUS.This thing of waiting for what is basically the very last minute to do so is going to blow sky high in our faces.Like, aren't we supposed to be trying to keep tfg OUT?We are playing into their hands with this.
This conversation should have been started on the day Biden was elected,to talk to him then about being a one-term president,and start talking to the senior Congress people about helping to suggest the best of the next generation of some worthy,decently semi well known candidates that could begin to go through a process of being vetted to run this year,but in 2020.We could right now have a couple or a few really decent people ready to be nominated for president.
So who are we going to find in less than a few weeks to get up to speed to defeat Trump?This is a very tall order.We cannot afford to pick some random person from scratch and get them elected in less than 6 months.
On the other hand, thinking it is all too late and is an inevitable certainty comes from a lot of fear and trepidation coming from folks who are not seasoned experts in politics and the history of politics. Things used to be decided at the convention. Gradually it slid down into a boring and predictable, much more managed game. I think this came from both parties becoming more concerned with control and keeping those in office in office. Corruption grew from that control in politics on both sides because of the lack of fresh moving water. Personally, I think kicking the table would put cracks in all that control, and that would open up a whole new game. People who are so dead certain they think any change would be too risky, too bad., are the same people who know things are bad and think things need to change. I don't trust people who cannot unclutch their pearls.
So if we were talking about the early 90s into the mid early 2000s(known as the"aughts")this discussion would be much different.People had political opposition,sure,but nobody ever threatened to kill or maim, especially in the mainstream,over it.We could talk like civilized people and even learn something in the difference of opinion.We were"rivals",not"enemies".
Remember Bush vs Gore?Yeah that was crazy as hell,Gore had a legit right to throw a fit,pull an insurrection,refuse to certify the vote,etc,but He Did None Of These Things.He said it mattered more not to do them,and to be respectful and take the higher ground.He himself certified George W.Bush's win.The same man who he ran against and lost to through shady circumstances.He wanted to preserve peace and sanity.You cannot say until this day he ever said the election was"stolen" or that he should just be able to force people to just go along and give him the win.A similar event happened with JFK and Nixon.Again,the loser of the election gracefully certified the winner,even as people said he shouldn't.Again,Nixon also took the high road and decided our democracy mattered more.
The point is,Trump didn't do any of these things.He don't understand honor and sacrifice,in fact,he believes those to be weaknesses.He has been trying to convince people since early 2019 if he lost the election someone cheated.This even before he knew who he'd be running against!He wanted this idea already out there in the wild,growing in the minds of the people he wanted to impress.
In pretty much any other time or place in the history of the US,we could have in theory did the trick of pulling a candidate for POTUS out of thin air,fairly unknown to most people,and had a chance to have him vetted and convince people to support him,and he would have had a decent chance of nomination and also to win.The opposition wouldn't be a threat to this idea,or relentlessly attack and intimidate this person,and put it out that he needs to be gotten"out of the way"and have people willing to take this person out to please their preferred candidate.
Right now,this is our situation.Any other time,there were margins for error.There were written and unwritten rules of the game that were respected and followed.Even in dubious situations.Not anymore.
Have you heard of Project 2025,basically a strategic manifest meant to overthrow our government and Constitution, especially if(or God forbid,when)Trump gets back into office.All hell would be unleashed on our country,our way of life,it is very scary to contemplate.
I do understand that both our presumptive candidates are old farts who should step out of the way and let younger guys(or,hell,even gals,for that matter)step in and bring fresh blood and fresh ideas to move forward.Wouldn't that be great?To want us to stop fighting amongst ourselves,to remember that all of us are American citizens,all of us should matter,have a voice,etc,etc,etc,and pave a way forward for everyone,not just a few morbidly wealthy entities that want it all for themselves.
So here we are,wondering if in just a few months everything we have,know and/or love,is blown to hell and suddenly we are living in what could amount to Nazi Germany,the old USSR,or in North Korea 2.0.
I would hope to be wrong,hell, I'd be ecstatic to be wrong!!But really,truly, it's been feeling like we've been looking down the barrel of a cannon that will blow us to Kingdom Come.The prospect of trying to get anyone at this short of a time,with what feels like being so much at stake,to run for president,seems like a very bad idea.And literally any other time,or place,we could actually safely say,sure,go for it!What do we have to lose?And it wouldn't be that big a deal,win or lose,life would go on as normal,and routine,but this isn't the same thing as before.The possiblity that things will change for the worst,and all of us lose things we take completely for granted,is very much possible now.
We can hope for the best,and even that will take a lot of work to accomplish,much less bring everyone on the same page to help bring about.However,we would need people willing to help plan for this future.
The alternative has already been planned for,and it isn't good for even the people who think it sounds okay.Think of the anniversary(Yesterday,in fact!) of Hitler's Night of the Long Knives,he had his own supporters murdered in cold blood,to preserve his power, because he feared being overthrown by them.Trump has already threatened to do the same to people he feels would help overthrow him,or who he thinks double-crossed him.
Biden may be an old(old!)man,with a few issues of his age coming on him,slower in thought,maybe having to be a little more careful of how he does things he once could do effectively,or effortlessly,but at least he isn't trying to destroy our country, overthrow our government from the inside out,and intend to stay in power for the rest of his life,or ours, whichever comes first.
There is an old curse,May you live in interesting times.There is actually something to be said for living in safe,sane,boring times,where you know what to expect.As for me,I choose the boring but safe,over exciting and interesting.
Good to hear your recall of when American politics were far better than what they have turned it into today. Your decency is evident throughout. My thoughts around the extant politics we have now go to questions I have about the spread of the contamination. I keep going back to a question--where were all the elected Democrats all along? This contamination grew and their was silence. Seeing it and saying nothing is it's own sin. In terms of the short time line, Biden deserves the lion's share of the blame. He lied regarding his creeping
senility, fed by what I see as his festered ambition. Compare his ambition to those you pointed out acted in the past--those noble acts were dependent on sacrificing their personal ambitions. I also think you seriously underestimate his senility--a mistake many are making. People I think should dwell more closely on the real ramifications. America now, perhaps more than ever, need a leader. With disabling senility, the thought of his enablers, his staff as substitute, running the country seriously sickens me. There is nothing noble about that crew, and they are far from competent. See how they exhausted him before the debate, wrongfully setting up to encourage his senility. Pure, brassy ambition on their part. Much can change in the short timeline left, but if there is no change, real change, we are doomed. The risk factor to me presents hope. Risk is all around. A new candidate could set fresh fires of hope. Remember Obama, coming out of nowhere--that could happen again. It is worth the risk.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Helps us to really drill down and have think through this situation. It's not easy. I have been an avid Biden supporter through Thursday. And I still am. I just care about him and our future and whether or not they are on the same pathways to victory. I'm not sure I have an answer yet, but then, isn't democracy just difficult some times? Which means, I'm not liking what you say but I need to hear your truth. Not wavering as a Dem at all. I'm just listening to everything. I love Biden and my party. Just making sense of it all. Thank you for your brutal points. Not easy to hear, but necessary.
This is where I am now as well, Steve speaks an uncontrollable truth. He has been critical of a lack of a meaningful message for the countries future. Trump is merely a puppet, a means to an end for The Heritage Foundation, Federalist Society and the Christian Nationalists, that being Project 2025. If your not picking this fucking thing apart and understanding what it portends for our future, if your not making it a top of mind conversation with everyone you know, then you’re not paying attention to the cataclysmic place we as Americans are facing. It’s not about the men..
I was guilty of falling into the frenzy of Biden stepping down. However, since then I have changed my perspective after doing a lot of research. Biden brought in 28 million after the debate. An open convention could wind up bringing a disaster. Most are wanting Biden replaced with names that don’t include Harris. The black community will not stand for that and so those will be lost votes. How does this war chest of Biden get applied if it’s not Harris. A Politico poll said 64% of registered voters are not voting for Trump. The historian that 100-% predicted the Presidential winner spans 3 decades. He said only Biden can beat Trump. Btw, why aren’t we screaming to have Trump drop out!
Much of what you say is true, but you are reminding me of the person who shares a recipe and omits either an important step or a crucial ingredient. I realize that you were not even born in 1968, when Lyndon Johnson took himself out of the running, split the party, and gifted the American people with Richard Nixon. We all know how that worked out. Then in 1980 when you were very young, Ted Kennedy felt that he was entitled to challenge President Carter. Never mind that when asked why he wanted to be president he had no answer. Once again, the Democratic Party entered into an internecine war and we, the people of the United States got Ronald Reagan. If we democrats follow your lead, we will surely get Donald Trump. Is this what you want to happen? By the way, spare me your “righteous indignation” Steve. God didn’t go on vacation and leave you in charge!
Thank you, my sentiment as well. Biden or bust. Biden or trump. Biden or too horrible an answer to be named.
Exactly!
Yup!
I totally agree. This feels so much like "I need to stir up interest so I'm going out there and dump all over the place because it pays the bills. I am old enough to have watched years and years of Dems jumping ship and wringing hands and losing. Dammit let's do this. We CAN if we stop this BS
I was already angry at the piling on, particularly from Steve whom I used to respect! I found it egregious to the point of being offensive, that Steve Schmidt would think he was qualified to determine what is or is not a sin.
Steve says, "Make no mistake, the Biden team is fueled by resentment, grievance and self-interest every bit as much as the Trump team, to whom they have handed the issue of honesty (!)." This is RIDICULOUS, sensationalist and totally untrue.
I agree. If you get a chance, Lisa, read my comment on his latest post.
Yes, I read it. Thank you. Please keep speaking out. We need your voice.
I still respect him. I just happen to disagree on this
Teri,
We can agree to disagree, but to claim that I’m doing this to “pay the bills,” is deeply upsetting to me. I have made my position clear: Biden cannot beat Trump, and Trump must be defeated.
Steve
It is the pile on from ALL media over and over and over and they rarely say a word bad about DJT. Not just you in particular. They are almost giddy to have horrible things to report while seldom mentioning the mentally deficient DJT.
Steve, I share and understand your passionate, fundamental honesty. For me also, it is the sine qua non. And, all you other Democrats here, I appreciate and share your desire to win against the malignant narcissist/career criminal Trump. The contrast between him and Biden, or any other possible Democratic candidate is well understood here and I think we can assume it. Biden, unfortunately is in some form of neurogenerative decline: his many errors in speech and recall, low energy, reduced facial expression, type of movement which includes shorter steps, unsteadiness and forward tilt. Could be one of the synucleinopathies. In any case, whatever form of cognitive decline it is, this will only get worse, though how quickly varies. A demanding job in which he and his most uncritical supporters must keep pretending he is and will be entirely fit for, is very stressful and may hasten his deterioration. I agree with Steve and the many others here and in other friendly countries that facing this reality and uniting to go through a process which involves an open convention would be the wisest, choice. The drama involved could be attractive and engaging for the electorate, IF Democrats could rise above excessive factionalism and nastiness—a big ask for many. That prospective failure in being able to unite behind a new and fitter candidate is the one, or most, legitimate reason to proceed with Biden. But he will continue to fail physically, neurologically, which will also result in trouble for our country, and he will end up having to hand the reins over to Harris, who would not be politically capable for this many faceted role. She has shown she does not have the skill set—and there is no blame in that. We need to find and get behind someone who does.
As do I. Steve and I have agreed to disagree. 😊
Does anyone who comments on Steve’s writing know a dam thing about US history? Because surely you don’t.
LBJ did NOT split the party in 1968. His remaining in the race would have done that. If RFK had not been assassinated he would have led a united Democratic Party to victory.
As for 1980, Carter was the equivalent of Biden. A dead man walking. Heading to certain defeat to Reagan. That is why he was challenged by Ted Kennedy.
Individuals who twist the past to fit their argument are guilty of deceit and gross ignorance.
With all due respect, nowhere did I say LBJ split the party, what I DID say was that his decision not to run set off an internecine war in the party, exacerbated by the assassination of RFK, and the disaster that was the Democratic convention, which left us with a candidate who was not fully supported b the party and went on to lose the election. I also disagree strongly with your assertion that President Carter was a “dead man walking.” As a lifelong Democrat I ave often wondered what the hell it is about my party that makes us turn on each other. The fact, whether or not you agree with me, is that in Jimmy Carter Americans had a president who was honest with them and who “the people “ rewarded by electing Ronald Reagan because he told them what they wanted to hear, and who lost the full support of his party because of Ted Kennedy’s hubris and entitlement!
May I suggest that instead of trading insults that we agree to disagree?
The difference here is that there is no one to step up. We Dems haven't been raising the profile of others to come behind. While we who follow politics know most of the names mentioned, most Americans have no idea who Wes Moore is, let alone any of the others. Many of us in the Midwest have heard from peers that the ONLY reason Hillary lost, was because they refuse to have a woman run the country and they sure as hell aren't allowing another "black" in. This isn't white guy replacing white guy. Sadly, this is still an incredibly racist and misogynistic country and they will vote for Joe over DJT.
Knowing history and living it have never been analogous. Deceit is the failure to acknowledge what many of us lived through.
Voter disenchantment with Democrats ability to pivot or embrace the future Robert Kennedy envisioned and the southern democrats dismay at the passage of the Civil Rights Act forced LBJ to opt out.
A difference of 500,000 votes elected two criminals - Nixon and Agnew.
In 1980, the Reagan campaign framed Carter's handling of "the hostages" as weak. Then, lo and behold, Reagan’s inaugurated and the hostages are released. Sound familiar. The result, a President who set in motion the campaign to purge the "administrative state". He gave us the failed "trickle down theory of economics", welfare queens while surrounding himself with criminals and "originalists" - aka the architects of dismantling government and legislating from the bench.
Well said Mark
Don’t forget that RFK was assassinated during 1968. At the time of his death, Kennedy was substantially behind Humphrey in convention delegate support, but many believe that, following his victory in the California primary, he would have ultimately secured the nomination. RFK was much more dynamic and charismatic than Humphrey. So we may not have ended up with Nixon had it been Kennedy instead of Humphrey. Johnson was of ill health (heart).
I am aware, as a matter of fact, I’m not sure that had Bobby Kennedy been the candidate that it would have had a different result. 1968 was the year that I found out that m idol, RFK had feet of clay.
And Nixon was not nearly as destructive as Trump
When confronted on his wrongs, he quickly left the Presidency. No huge and vulgar fuss, expensive, time-wasting lawsuits, then the additional assault of yet another “Go”, as Trump has done. I sure hope the movie about Trump will come out soon. Come on, millionaires, show some spine!
Amen, Steve! I support Dems. Shamefully they are the only party of democracy. I want nothing more than to permanently kick back the oily-orange, pathologically lying, sociopath Trumpler & his criminal sycophants, once and for all.
That said, I’m so angry that this is where we find ourselves. We’ve seen it coming for years, had a beautiful opportunity to call Joe a one-term POTUS and see him elegantly pass baton to deep bench of qualified next gen candidates for a vigorous primary process - 20 +/- months ago.
Beautiful legacy versus epic ego-driven failure of intransigence, blindness and stupidity.
NOW - IT IS NOT TOO LATE. STOP GASLIGHTING OURSELVES - THAT'S WHAT THE OTHER SIDE DOES!!! NOT US! 😱😱😱
I had to take my mom’s car from her as she wasn’t alert enough to understand the danger to the universe she represented. This is that -- exponentially and on steroids.
Now, a rapid-fire, abbreviated primary process, after Joe and family step back with class. All, everyone in the party of hope - Joe, Kamala, Nancy, Chuck, Pete, Barack, Bill, Hakeem, etc. all get behind and bless the new twosome. We launch hard and roar to a NOVEMBER BLUENAMI.
WE ARE the party wise enough to hear the people and give next gens the future vision team for coming times. Now - do it!
Well said!!! 👏👏👏
Ditto for me.
Bravo!
Enough. Jesus Christ. It’s four months out. This fantasy is just a waste of time. Just stop.
If Biden had announced at any time that he was not running, he would have been instantly labeled a lame duck. It would have been impossible for him to achieve what he has achieved.
…and all he achieved will be un-done when the Great Pumpkin arrives.
My first reaction was the same... But now that I am looking at various data, I think it's worth listening to what Allan Lichtman has to say about this:
https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/28/politics/video/allan-lichtman-cnn-debate-democrats-call-to-replace-biden-digvid
And it sure didn't work when Lyndon Johnson dropped out.
I saw the Lichman spot, too. Thank you for posting it.
That is the problem. Everyone thinks they have the correct solution when they are in the dark about the best way forward. I’m disappointed that Steve finds it necessary to denigrate Ms Pelosi and Rep Clyburn to make his point. How dare they have a different opinion and viewpoint. They must be gaslighting the American people because he Steve knows their intentions. I have no problem with Steve not believing that Mr Biden was the correct choice, something he’s said way before the debate. But let’s not gaslight the audience here into believing that your position is objective solely from the debate. There is a saying: “she doth protest too much” that comes to mind here. I think more thought and less lashing out might be useful. But that’s me.
Steve says, "Make no mistake, the Biden team is fueled by resentment, grievance and self-interest every bit as much as the Trump team, to whom they have handed the issue of honesty (!)." Steve is now attacking the Biden team and comparing it to the Trump team!
Thank you for your remarks, John. The posts by SS over the last several days have been very disturbing from my point of view. I think his trip to Poland created PTSD for him. It is easy for me to envision his angst at the prospect of the Evil One being elected and bringing fascism to our country. All like minded people are feeling this way now. But jumping ship is not the answer imho. And there is an undertone of arrogance and self-righteousness in his comments. They are bringing fear and panic during a period that requires calm and clear thinking. I fail to see how any rational person would vote for a notorious liar and felon in light his 45 minutes of BS.
Another point of view that made it's way into my inbox.
https://meidasnews.com/news/for-the-good-of-the-country-its-time-for-some-pundits-to-retire
Very good article also. I thought this was the most thought-proking part: Does not directly apply to Steve because he was out on Biden a long time ago.
"This is politics turned inside out. They believed that Biden was too old when it was possible and practical to effectively do something about it - primary season. But they failed to speak up because it would cost them personally. Now they will do it because they feel it is safe because there is safety in numbers - at a time when it is not possible and practical to effectively do something about it."
Yes Michael he was, as many were. To me, this piece is speaking to the changing of horses mid stream. A curious USA Today piece was sent my way, I posted that as well.
Can you please send the link for the USA Today article? Thanks!
Hi Carol,
As requested,
Cheers, 😎
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/06/30/lichtman-dems-replace-biden/74260967007/
Thanks, Sam!
Yes, I do agree that Steve never stifled his thoughts on believing Biden shouldn't run again. He expressed it both then and now, and I respect his core honesty.
A breath of sanity IMHO.
This was a good article, I read it yesterday and was in agreement.
Well what I heard from Raskin is what we commentators on your thread today have been saying. Biden had a poor debate. Biden is still the candidate until he decides otherwise. If he remains the candidate we will support him. If he is not, we will support the replacement. We MUST have a Dem President. A Trump win is unthinkable. The difference between us is that I believe most voters think the same way. Getting out the Dem vote is what counts. Not whether Biden stays or not. (I would, however, want to see a new VP.)
Yes, I think Raskin, Pelosi and Clyburn all acknowledged the obvious- Biden turned in a bad performance, it's undeniable and they didn't deny it. Clearly, opinions differ on how consequential that is to the election.
On the one hand is the elderly diaper-wearing GOP candidate who would step down if he had any decency or shame, as a convicted felon and rapist who lies whenever his mouth moves.
On the other, our incumbent president Biden who truly accomplished great things through his knowledge of the levers of government, even with the economic & political trainwreck Trump left him (with almost NO transition period, remember that fiasco with the GSA, I believe, around Thanksgiving 2020?)
Also an elderly man, who stutters while also indisputably a dedicated, tested public servant and, importantly, holding all the delegates and campaign funds.
Focus group responses as well as Lichtman's 13 factors still support Biden, especially with the current lack of checks and balances from SCOTUS and Congress. I think the center will hold and expand in our direction.
I have taken about a hundred deep breaths and so now I can write this. There is no gaslighting happening but a whole lot of knee jerk stuff going on. This is Hillary’s email crap. This is Kerry’s swift boat crap. Clearly it was a disastrous 90 minutes but this president has fought the forces of the most hostile media and clearly the forces of the most disgusting, wretched despicable people roaming the earth…the MAGA movement, the power hungry and morally hollowed out Republican party and 6 Supreme Court justices who are shockingly corrupt. And of course Trump of whom I have not enough disgusting adjectives to describe. And Biden did that with the help of a lot of people who have been around the block a number of times and now with the help of a new generation of voters who enthusiastically support all that he will do to address their concerns. He didn’t suddenly get dementia or Parkinson’s or whatever other ridiculous thing the media will throw around. Trump’s handlers know what he is. He’s a moron. They’ll sit him in the Oval Office every morning at 11 and he’ll drink Diet Coke and they’ll run the show. They are hateful and dangerous and scare the crap out of me. Biden is the only shot we have at winning this election. If I’m wrong, I’ll discuss this again in 4 months but please , for now, don’t do this .
It's not gaslighting. Gaslighting would be if they insisted Biden did great Thursday night. They feel differently. You feel the way you do because, when it comes to Biden, people see what they see. You've felt the way you do for a long time. I know you think we're wrong. Maybe we are, but I assure you we are not a bunch of ostriches, and leadership is not gaslighting: We just don't see it the way you do.
I watched the Pelosi clip and then I saw an article that said she was telling the Biden campaign something different. It is the same old story. Say one thing publicly and something different privately.
Steve says, "Make no mistake, the Biden team is fueled by resentment, grievance and self-interest every bit as much as the Trump team, to whom they have handed the issue of honesty (!)." Steve is now attacking the Biden team and comparing it to the Trump team! Absurd.
That's insane.
Think Raskin was spot on and straight forward today. One of the few.
Thank you for speaking the truth. I cried when I read your last piece. It was such a relief to hear you say what every American I know is feeling. You are trying to use your talent to help save us and to reach them. I only hope that the people who surround him will read your article and respond to this moment. They need to think of the American people and our children and their futures. Elections have consequences and these consequences are too important. It could well be the death of our nation. Thank you again. I have passed your article on to everyone I know.
The top notch Democrats who could replace Biden as a candidate, have serious drawbacks: Gavin Newsom? He is from a big blue state where he is not popular. Gretchen Witmer? A woman. Josh Shapiro? Jewish. Pete Buttegiug? (Sic),married gay man. Every single viable candidate, on a national
level would be disqualifying for Independents and former Republicans. Without a winning replacement , this late in the game, you are blowing smoke. Nothing more.
I’m waiting for the reality of this election to be pushed hard and really sink it to the national consciousness and conversation. Because it is not being talked about nearly enough. It is not about the men, but about remaining a Democracy or becoming a Fascist state, a Christian Nationalist Fascist state with the shredding of our Constitution. A place where all of our rights are stripped away. It’s already begun with Dobbs, Chevron, 10 Commandments posted in schools in Louisiana, the Bible as a mandatory school text book in Oklahoma, all of the book bans, etc. Project 2025 just for starters will dismantle The Department of Education, and remove all civil servant job holders, replacing them with Trump loyalists. This has yet to be made the message. Why?
Newsom has won two elections in CA and another recall election. He won his first election with 62% and his second with 59% so to say that he’s not popular is quite a stretch. CA is the fifth largest economy in the world so he appears to be quite a capable governor. So is Josh Shapiro and he polls well against trump.
I hope that I live long enough to see a woman or a person of the Jewish faith be elected President.
Midwest independents who haven't committed to Biden yet certainly will not commit to vote fir Newsom, they're allergic to California, right or wrong. I think he's fine, but he's not centrist enough at this late date, at best they won't vote for either Pres candidate, or else for RFK which is worse. Harris would have the same problem only more so, sadly.
I assume that if we change from Biden, it would be to capture more voters in the middle especially young ones, so it wouldn't be worth considering a new ticket without at least one swing state Dem.
Josh Shapiro would fit your swing state scenario
BS. Wes Moore, A General. And what does being a woman have to do with anything?!! You're making excuses!!!
Kamala Harris is a woman and the V.P. Not even considered.
Wes Moore was not even mentioned as a possible replacement.
I guess I'm the only Marylander not in love with Wes Moore. But, hey, he's got a great smile.
I have been alluding to the idea for a pretty good while now,that there should have long ago since been in place to get worthy Democratic and Independent candidates for POTUS.This thing of waiting for what is basically the very last minute to do so is going to blow sky high in our faces.Like, aren't we supposed to be trying to keep tfg OUT?We are playing into their hands with this.
This conversation should have been started on the day Biden was elected,to talk to him then about being a one-term president,and start talking to the senior Congress people about helping to suggest the best of the next generation of some worthy,decently semi well known candidates that could begin to go through a process of being vetted to run this year,but in 2020.We could right now have a couple or a few really decent people ready to be nominated for president.
So who are we going to find in less than a few weeks to get up to speed to defeat Trump?This is a very tall order.We cannot afford to pick some random person from scratch and get them elected in less than 6 months.
This should have started ages ago.
On the other hand, thinking it is all too late and is an inevitable certainty comes from a lot of fear and trepidation coming from folks who are not seasoned experts in politics and the history of politics. Things used to be decided at the convention. Gradually it slid down into a boring and predictable, much more managed game. I think this came from both parties becoming more concerned with control and keeping those in office in office. Corruption grew from that control in politics on both sides because of the lack of fresh moving water. Personally, I think kicking the table would put cracks in all that control, and that would open up a whole new game. People who are so dead certain they think any change would be too risky, too bad., are the same people who know things are bad and think things need to change. I don't trust people who cannot unclutch their pearls.
.
So if we were talking about the early 90s into the mid early 2000s(known as the"aughts")this discussion would be much different.People had political opposition,sure,but nobody ever threatened to kill or maim, especially in the mainstream,over it.We could talk like civilized people and even learn something in the difference of opinion.We were"rivals",not"enemies".
Remember Bush vs Gore?Yeah that was crazy as hell,Gore had a legit right to throw a fit,pull an insurrection,refuse to certify the vote,etc,but He Did None Of These Things.He said it mattered more not to do them,and to be respectful and take the higher ground.He himself certified George W.Bush's win.The same man who he ran against and lost to through shady circumstances.He wanted to preserve peace and sanity.You cannot say until this day he ever said the election was"stolen" or that he should just be able to force people to just go along and give him the win.A similar event happened with JFK and Nixon.Again,the loser of the election gracefully certified the winner,even as people said he shouldn't.Again,Nixon also took the high road and decided our democracy mattered more.
The point is,Trump didn't do any of these things.He don't understand honor and sacrifice,in fact,he believes those to be weaknesses.He has been trying to convince people since early 2019 if he lost the election someone cheated.This even before he knew who he'd be running against!He wanted this idea already out there in the wild,growing in the minds of the people he wanted to impress.
In pretty much any other time or place in the history of the US,we could have in theory did the trick of pulling a candidate for POTUS out of thin air,fairly unknown to most people,and had a chance to have him vetted and convince people to support him,and he would have had a decent chance of nomination and also to win.The opposition wouldn't be a threat to this idea,or relentlessly attack and intimidate this person,and put it out that he needs to be gotten"out of the way"and have people willing to take this person out to please their preferred candidate.
Right now,this is our situation.Any other time,there were margins for error.There were written and unwritten rules of the game that were respected and followed.Even in dubious situations.Not anymore.
Have you heard of Project 2025,basically a strategic manifest meant to overthrow our government and Constitution, especially if(or God forbid,when)Trump gets back into office.All hell would be unleashed on our country,our way of life,it is very scary to contemplate.
I do understand that both our presumptive candidates are old farts who should step out of the way and let younger guys(or,hell,even gals,for that matter)step in and bring fresh blood and fresh ideas to move forward.Wouldn't that be great?To want us to stop fighting amongst ourselves,to remember that all of us are American citizens,all of us should matter,have a voice,etc,etc,etc,and pave a way forward for everyone,not just a few morbidly wealthy entities that want it all for themselves.
So here we are,wondering if in just a few months everything we have,know and/or love,is blown to hell and suddenly we are living in what could amount to Nazi Germany,the old USSR,or in North Korea 2.0.
I would hope to be wrong,hell, I'd be ecstatic to be wrong!!But really,truly, it's been feeling like we've been looking down the barrel of a cannon that will blow us to Kingdom Come.The prospect of trying to get anyone at this short of a time,with what feels like being so much at stake,to run for president,seems like a very bad idea.And literally any other time,or place,we could actually safely say,sure,go for it!What do we have to lose?And it wouldn't be that big a deal,win or lose,life would go on as normal,and routine,but this isn't the same thing as before.The possiblity that things will change for the worst,and all of us lose things we take completely for granted,is very much possible now.
We can hope for the best,and even that will take a lot of work to accomplish,much less bring everyone on the same page to help bring about.However,we would need people willing to help plan for this future.
The alternative has already been planned for,and it isn't good for even the people who think it sounds okay.Think of the anniversary(Yesterday,in fact!) of Hitler's Night of the Long Knives,he had his own supporters murdered in cold blood,to preserve his power, because he feared being overthrown by them.Trump has already threatened to do the same to people he feels would help overthrow him,or who he thinks double-crossed him.
Biden may be an old(old!)man,with a few issues of his age coming on him,slower in thought,maybe having to be a little more careful of how he does things he once could do effectively,or effortlessly,but at least he isn't trying to destroy our country, overthrow our government from the inside out,and intend to stay in power for the rest of his life,or ours, whichever comes first.
There is an old curse,May you live in interesting times.There is actually something to be said for living in safe,sane,boring times,where you know what to expect.As for me,I choose the boring but safe,over exciting and interesting.
But that's just me.
Good to hear your recall of when American politics were far better than what they have turned it into today. Your decency is evident throughout. My thoughts around the extant politics we have now go to questions I have about the spread of the contamination. I keep going back to a question--where were all the elected Democrats all along? This contamination grew and their was silence. Seeing it and saying nothing is it's own sin. In terms of the short time line, Biden deserves the lion's share of the blame. He lied regarding his creeping
senility, fed by what I see as his festered ambition. Compare his ambition to those you pointed out acted in the past--those noble acts were dependent on sacrificing their personal ambitions. I also think you seriously underestimate his senility--a mistake many are making. People I think should dwell more closely on the real ramifications. America now, perhaps more than ever, need a leader. With disabling senility, the thought of his enablers, his staff as substitute, running the country seriously sickens me. There is nothing noble about that crew, and they are far from competent. See how they exhausted him before the debate, wrongfully setting up to encourage his senility. Pure, brassy ambition on their part. Much can change in the short timeline left, but if there is no change, real change, we are doomed. The risk factor to me presents hope. Risk is all around. A new candidate could set fresh fires of hope. Remember Obama, coming out of nowhere--that could happen again. It is worth the risk.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Helps us to really drill down and have think through this situation. It's not easy. I have been an avid Biden supporter through Thursday. And I still am. I just care about him and our future and whether or not they are on the same pathways to victory. I'm not sure I have an answer yet, but then, isn't democracy just difficult some times? Which means, I'm not liking what you say but I need to hear your truth. Not wavering as a Dem at all. I'm just listening to everything. I love Biden and my party. Just making sense of it all. Thank you for your brutal points. Not easy to hear, but necessary.
This is where I am now as well, Steve speaks an uncontrollable truth. He has been critical of a lack of a meaningful message for the countries future. Trump is merely a puppet, a means to an end for The Heritage Foundation, Federalist Society and the Christian Nationalists, that being Project 2025. If your not picking this fucking thing apart and understanding what it portends for our future, if your not making it a top of mind conversation with everyone you know, then you’re not paying attention to the cataclysmic place we as Americans are facing. It’s not about the men..
Well said.
I was guilty of falling into the frenzy of Biden stepping down. However, since then I have changed my perspective after doing a lot of research. Biden brought in 28 million after the debate. An open convention could wind up bringing a disaster. Most are wanting Biden replaced with names that don’t include Harris. The black community will not stand for that and so those will be lost votes. How does this war chest of Biden get applied if it’s not Harris. A Politico poll said 64% of registered voters are not voting for Trump. The historian that 100-% predicted the Presidential winner spans 3 decades. He said only Biden can beat Trump. Btw, why aren’t we screaming to have Trump drop out!
Exactly!