This morning, President Biden announced his 2024 re-election bid. I believe that it shows a lack of imagination on the part of the Democratic Party, but I also want to reiterate the importance of beating Donald Trump so that America can move forward to a brighter future. More of my thoughts here:
I had to stop in the middle of the video. We have such an ingrained anti-ageist mindset in America. It’s insidious. Joe Biden has demonstrated he still embodies the Kennedy legacy. The wisdom, the patience, the love of family, the respect of the work ethic, the understanding of America’s role in all foreign diplomatic endeavors, the understanding that we have of what “America’s soul” really is, the respect for the vast American experience: President Joseph Robinette Biden has all these characteristics. He is not a puppet of the intelligence we still need. He is a supreme captain. My father is in his 80’s, and I have come to understand that every diagnosis people without true humility ascribe to people of age is one of the biggest problems we have. It doesn’t bother me that people will make fun of his gaffes. That is part of a presidential legacy. At this point, Biden is almost our “Reagan.” The far right has gone that far off track. I know what you are saying. But even your own gaffes should reprove you. Yes, this is a frightening place for all of us. But Biden has stood the test. His humility is hidden in these things: the slings and arrows he is taking just to try to help stop тяump from destroying the little bit of dignity he left to the office of the Presidency. We came so close to losing the structure of America that gave us our strength in the first place. Those determined to destroy it hate Biden. I love your writing. I am enthralled with your historic perspective. I understand your statements, here. I have become a caregiver and care recipient in my family. The respect for the wisdom of your elders is not a small commodity. It is a strong foundation. Biden does have honor, and humility is a fruit of honor. As always, thank you for activating my desire to write and respond. This is an essential component of democracy: believing that we all count. We all have worth. The voices and actions of those who are deliberately causing harm to others must be made transparent. Knowing Biden is our President greatly assuages many fears. Тяump has no place, and should have no voice as he continues to foment discord and to encourage violence against our true American ideals. I cannot forgive his announcement of WW3 on Easter Sunday. We need all hands on deck and must have him defeated for good.
This is so spot on. Unlike most other cultures, Americans have never been good at honoring or valuing our elders. We're impatient and want to move on to the next shiny thing. Remember in the 60's when we were advised to never trust anyone over 30? Phew! Silliness. I'm currently watching The Diplomat on Netflix. The behind the scenes diplomatic machinations, among both allies and foes, is only a fraction of what goes on in the real world. Biden's ability to pull together--and sustain--our coalition of partners in this fight with Ukraine and Russia is one small case in point. Only someone as experienced, patient and learned could do what Biden has done during this phase of world unrest. Yet here we are and the vast majority of Americans just shrug it off as of little importance. Thank you for reminding us why humility is one of Biden's most endearing attributes, worthy of our consideration and respect.
Beautifully written, Pamela. I’m going to go out on a limb here & say something that I have never written on social media. Before Biden announced his candidacy the 1st time, I was certain we would have 4 more years of 45. I prayed to God to give us someone that could win. Someone that He wanted for this country. And I prayed some more. I felt and knew, that the only way we could defeat 45 was with God’s help. We know how that turned out. Over the past 5 years there have been things that have happened that I would never dream would happen in America. If we lose the WH, we will lose everything. If we only win the WH & do not win significantly at the state & local levels, the slow roll of losing our democracy will continue until MAGA takes the WH. We have the numbers, energy & awareness to strengthen our numbers, members & democracy.
I hope I did not offend anyone by mentioning my religious beliefs. I respect everyone’s ability to determine what they believe. I still believe to this day, that God answered my prayers when Biden announced. Pamela, your comments about Biden, which I agree with, encourages me to continue to believe. Thank you.
As a nurse for 24 years, your words are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences so openly. It might break your heart if I told you of all that I have seen - so much despair and so many die alone. You are your father’s angel.
I appreciate Biden's leadership and legacy. My very personal opinion about another Biden term is simply that the stress level of that office might bring about the death of the man. Every leader has a duty to mentor a successor . Do we not have one other person among the dems to take on leadership and promote the same policies (or direction at least)? Policy should be important even though the face of the leader might change.
I’m one American that’s glad to see/hear that President Biden has announced he’s running for reelection. President Biden has been in public office since 1972. Fast forward to now, the past two and a half years. President Biden walked into a national disaster when he took office. Not inky was he refused a “smooth transition” as every president before him, he had to have his meetings over video chat group meetings with everyone due to the pandemic.
President Biden accomplished more his first two years than anyone expected, and did more for the ‘common American person’ than has ever been done since the early 60s by any president.
Now, this last two years, since the election of 2022, we are faced with a split Congress. We have a Democratic majority Senate, while we have a Republican majority House. The House majority has elected a Speaker of the House which sold his soul, and the people’s souls, to get the opportunity to hold the gavel.
Since Speaker McCarthy has taken the gavel, he has accomplished absolutely nothing. It’s been 6 months and all we have is a lot of bickering between the MAGA Republicans and the remaining few true Republicans in the House. We can expect nothing to be accomplished the remainder will f this 2 years. The MAGA Republicans that are leading McCarthy around like a dog on a leash are running the House now. They are pulling all their strings because McCarthy gave them the power to become Speaker.
Yes, President Biden will be 82 in 2024. So what? He’s of sound mind. Great health. His mind certainly is more sound than TFG’s when he was elected to office. If anyone should have been checked psychologically prior to taking office, or running for office, it’s Donald J. Trump.
Bottom line here. If we elect anyone but Joe Biden as our next president, it will be the biggest mistake we ever make. We made a big mistake in 2022 allowing the MAGA movement to take power in the House of Representatives. We need to get it right in 2024 so President Biden can go into office the next 4 years and hopefully finish straightening out this mess he was left with.
I can understand your trepidation about our president's candidacy, especially considering how the gop is trying to engineer a guaranteed victory for the insipid traitor who held that office for 4 terrible years. If, and it's a big if, he survives another 4 years with the support of the congress at his back, we may be witnessing one of the greatest presidencies in our history. Joe Biden is a deeply compassionate man who cares about all Americans, I too worry about his age and his ability to finish the task, I'm only 4 years behind him and the future isn't endless any more. I'll support him until his last breath, I know he's not without flaws, none of us are. but he's got all of our interests at heart and that's a damn sight better than the insipid one. We can build a better nation with liberty and justice for all, it's going to take time, every journey does, some including me may be lost along the way, but that's no reason not to embark, while I may have some concerns they pale in comparison to my revulsion of the insipid imbecile.
Couldn't disagree with you more Steve. Lack of imagination? Look at his accomplishments - passed the Inflation Reduction Act, his manufacturing incentives are starting to have a big impact, passed the American Rescue plan, an unprecedented economic recovery in 40 years. Look how he castrated the GOP at the State of the Union address in Jan over their plans for social security and medicare. It is an EPIC takedown. Why wouldn't we give him another 4 years? These days 79 is the new 69. If you need/want more data check out Simon Rosenberg Hopium Chronicles @SimonWDC @ Substack for his presentation of 'Things are Better with Democrats.
I watched President Biden’s announcement today. He actually sounded better than many who are much younger. He also seems healthier. Seeing thru the professional lens, you are right to be apprehensive. But as an ordinary citizen, I am voting for his record. Biden is the very first president I am really happy with, from the past to the present. I will be watching what your crystal ball says daily just to be safe.
To say I am not worried about his age, is an understatement. However, if in fact he does face Trump again, I do not feel apprehensive because Trump is also well past his sell by date. Unfortunately, I honestly believe he will be rejected in the coming months after he is indicted on more crimes in Georgia and in federal court. If a younger person runs against Joe then his age is a major factor. So I feel funny about saying this, I want a rematch against Joe and Trump.
Dear Marsha, you are back. You were in my thoughts and I happily now read your comment. I am not a spring chicken myself, not at all. Age in the life of my loved ones is truly like the aging of life, wise. And mostly healthy. Grounded and here, yes. I am thankful for this, because it is not the reality of so many others. The Honorable Senator Dianne Feinstein did for California what not one Republican has done for America. Her legacy is that of those who will be remembered as long as there are living experiences of others that will honor her great work. For a woman, it was a battlefield she conquered. But she should retire. She is being ill-advised. She is incapacitated. I can not watch it. And all the discussion around it just leaves me dumbfounded. Tough love is the only answer. We live vicious moral times when lowlifes will do anything to destroy a public servant's work given for the common good. Those who honor it should guard it. Love you.
Do I wish Joe Biden was younger? Yes, and he probably does too. However I will proudly vote for him! I call him my Grandpa President and I know he will protect his “family” always.
I could have sworn you wrote an essay a few days ago about this very issue. I, of course read it at 3am. Tried to respond, set it aside, pondered some more over the next few days, looked for the post & can’t find it. I felt your message in that essay did not follow your general thought processes that you have utilized as long as I have followed you. This essay is similar in tone, so I will apply my thoughts here.
Right now, our universe consists of 2 groups. One group is made up of white nationalists, fascists & cult members of DJT & all of his colleagues. Their goal is to take control of our country & rip up the Constitution. These people are easy to spot & we will refer to them as MAGA, as we have for the past 8 years. The second group, the larger group, is made up of a more diverse group of Americans. It is made up of Democrats, Independents, former Republicans, NPAs, Americans of color, non English speaking Americans, disabled, veterans, LBGTQ & any other American that believes & supports the US Constitution & the rule of law. The mindset of the 2nd group is to fight this fight to protect everyone’s freedoms, not just their own. I will refer to the 2nd group as nonMAGA.
IN 2020 we were in for the fight of our lives. Americans were dying from COVID while MAGA, lead by the White House, lied & distorted everything about the pandemic & lined their pockets with money they siphoned off from relief packages. Four more years of 45 would have ruined us. Tax breaks to the rich, lifting of oversight restrictions in every industry, diminishing of voting rights. I really thought 45 would be re-elected. Nobody could successfully go up agst this evil machine, known as MAGA. The most recognized nonMAGA possible candidate was former Vice President Joe Biden. He was home in Delaware grieving the loss of a second child. A man that had known immense pain throughout his life, served his state & country for decades, fostered relationships with diplomats & common people throughout the world and KNEW what the responsibilities of the President would entail. When Biden saddled up to run, I felt we had a chance. All of us, nonMAGA, put on our sneakers & met with each other of different cultures to help get him elected. His age was brought up occasionally but his age was not the threat. 45 was the threat and that threat could take us down.
The Biden/Harris alliance won because of democracy loving people of all religions, economic groups, ethnicities, demographics, income level, sexual orientation and all others, wanted our political hellscape to change. If any group of the nonMAGA group dropped out, stayed home and did not vote, 45 would have been re-elected. It took people of all stripes, all beliefs working together, compromising. Nobody could be left out or left behind. Period.
Biden’s administration has been phenomenal. Sure, I’ve had to give up red meat because I can’t afford it but that’s the trade off. He inherited a mess & he has stuck a finger in every hole in the dam that 45 created. Yes, he’s older. But, I have not noticed any behavior that would indicate he’s neurologically on the brink.
I, too, am excited about the futures of (please forgive my spelling) Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Ryan, Schiff, Goodman, Kinzinger, to name a few. But, I believe if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. What is broke is our majorities in both houses & in most state legislatures. We need to formulate our message supporting Biden & pushing nonMAGA candidates at all levels.
Americans are sick of division, infighting & lies. One reason Biden won was because other Dem candidates had to step up & do the right thing & encourage their supporters to back Joe. They put the team, our democracy, first. That’s what real Americans do. If we come out of the gate making an issue out of Biden’s age because we want to gamble on someone younger, someone with fresh ideas, etc. I say, we can’t afford to gamble. Americans are used to seeing fighting with MAGA, they do not want to see that with nonMAGA candidates. They will stay home & pretend it’s not their problem & they don’t want to get in the fray. We must back Biden. We must be united as nonMAGA Americans. We are not out of the woods yet. Be patient. Everything is on the line. Biden deserves this. He stepped up when he could have stayed home surrounded by his family building the Beau Cancer Foundation. He knew what was at stake. We all knew. And we know it now.
There’s just one question....Would Donald Trump be a more fit President than an 80 something Joe Biden?
You know the answer, now to quote a real American patriot, Let’s roll.”
It’s so important that we remain solid, united & focused. If we don’t re-elect Biden AND gain significant majorities in both houses AND in all our state legislatures we will be fighting for our lives every Presidential election until they have stripped us of all our rights. I live in FL. It’s unbearable down here. Now is not the time to gamble on someone that possibly could unite all the diverse groups that are nonMAGA. Now if Biden had, I don’t know, staged an insurrection, stolen top secret documents & refused to give them back, slow rolled a COVID response while commandeering all PPE to garner the favor of all Governors, stolen millions of dollars from donors, attempted to throw a national election by requesting state officials find additional votes or told over 30,000 lies during his Presidency, then I would say, yeah we should use our imagination & find a new, young, dynamic candidate to run. Hey, Biden is not perfect, but he has done better than I thought given the dynamics at play.
The quicker the political players step up & back Biden, the quicker we can get organized, prepare our message & get moving. The longer they hold out, the more anxious nonMAGA voters will become & djt will win. That won’t be our fault. That will fall at the feet of every American that had a platform & failed to use it appropriately.
Thanks, Ruth. Can you tell this is heavy on my heart?
You are not alone in this. I am praying that AG Garland springs all he has before election. I do mean praying. I just can’t wrap my head around Trump anywhere near our Government. 👺🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
That real American patriot is Todd Beamer. Passenger on 9/11 flight that went down over PA. He said it right before he & other passengers overtook the cockpit.
Just a small example of the past 3 years accomplishments. The President/VP have my vote enthusiastically & without hesitation or disappointment. WE need to make sure they've got a sane and competent House & Senate so they can hopefully continue to get historic achievements done without obstruction!!(from those within the Democratic Party, Maga Republicans and these 3rd party dingbats with their own agenda)
Steve…I really enjoy listening to you and reading your columns most of the time. But the Biden bashing has got to stop. We get it. You think he’s too old and the dems have their heads up their ass. But please take a deep breath and give the guy a little credit. Look what he was able to accomplish in just two years - with a 50/50 senate, a pandemic and a Russian/Ukrainian war:
America has managed the pandemic and is open for business.
An enormous infrastructure bill was passed.
Inflation is coming down.
Supply chains are getting back to normal.
NATO is stronger than ever.
Drug prices are down.
Unions are getting strong again.
And so much more…
None of this - NONE OF THIS - would have happened or will continue under a Republican president. They do not care one whit about America. So, please…it’s going to be Biden. And most likely against Trump. To defeat them, we have to stick together.
I have no idea what will happen in the upcoming election. In theory, it should not be remotely close, given everything that we known about the Former Guy, but I've been around enough to know that it will be close and that (as always) it will be a challenge to overcome the structural imbalance of the electoral college.
Yes, surely there are at least a few Democrats who could and would be elected (Ro Khanna comes to mind). That's yet another story requiring your insight into this political moment's variation on the unholy alliances among money, politics, and mainstream media. And yes, the urgency, the energy, the snap of younger political talent is deeply compelling. Biden loses a step, relies on often-flat rhetoric, occasionally gets caught in the toe clips. But he also lives and acts from a commitment to every one of the essential leadership and political values you enumerate. The only characteristic he can't offer is generational change. It's a significant issue, but not one that outweighs all the rest, most of all: electability.
President Biden made a critically important move towards the political center in anticipation of his run for re-election when he endorsed proposed rules that would:
"give universities and K-12 schools the discretion to limit the participation of students [claiming a gender identity incompatible with their biological sex], if they conclude that including [such] athletes could undermine competitive fairness or potentially lead to sports-related injuries."
Had Biden taken any other position, Trump or whichever malicious Republican he was up against would have crucified him for it.
Democrats and Independents who still don't get the fundamental unfairness of the orthodox progressive position on this issue should listen to this podcast, which most certainly is not the handiwork of anyone in Trumpworld:
"Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay talks to former U.S. Olympic team rower Mary O’Connor about her 1970s-era fight against sports sexism—and today’s battle to keep male bodies out of women’s rowing."
Powerful and true, is it possible to lose our democracy. Is it possible that MAGA’s are a bigger % of our voters? Are people not going to vote for the freedoms we have been given and now have been taken away? I shudder to think that about what will happen if tfg gets elected. However, we know it will happen. They and now the Supreme Courts of our land are part of it. I am mad to think that the powers ie; Our AG and so many. It is taking to long to make them (MAGA) pay for their transgressions against our own Country.
I had to stop in the middle of the video. We have such an ingrained anti-ageist mindset in America. It’s insidious. Joe Biden has demonstrated he still embodies the Kennedy legacy. The wisdom, the patience, the love of family, the respect of the work ethic, the understanding of America’s role in all foreign diplomatic endeavors, the understanding that we have of what “America’s soul” really is, the respect for the vast American experience: President Joseph Robinette Biden has all these characteristics. He is not a puppet of the intelligence we still need. He is a supreme captain. My father is in his 80’s, and I have come to understand that every diagnosis people without true humility ascribe to people of age is one of the biggest problems we have. It doesn’t bother me that people will make fun of his gaffes. That is part of a presidential legacy. At this point, Biden is almost our “Reagan.” The far right has gone that far off track. I know what you are saying. But even your own gaffes should reprove you. Yes, this is a frightening place for all of us. But Biden has stood the test. His humility is hidden in these things: the slings and arrows he is taking just to try to help stop тяump from destroying the little bit of dignity he left to the office of the Presidency. We came so close to losing the structure of America that gave us our strength in the first place. Those determined to destroy it hate Biden. I love your writing. I am enthralled with your historic perspective. I understand your statements, here. I have become a caregiver and care recipient in my family. The respect for the wisdom of your elders is not a small commodity. It is a strong foundation. Biden does have honor, and humility is a fruit of honor. As always, thank you for activating my desire to write and respond. This is an essential component of democracy: believing that we all count. We all have worth. The voices and actions of those who are deliberately causing harm to others must be made transparent. Knowing Biden is our President greatly assuages many fears. Тяump has no place, and should have no voice as he continues to foment discord and to encourage violence against our true American ideals. I cannot forgive his announcement of WW3 on Easter Sunday. We need all hands on deck and must have him defeated for good.
PamelaJo …God Bless every single word you have written you made be
Proud🌹Marsha
Amen
This is so spot on. Unlike most other cultures, Americans have never been good at honoring or valuing our elders. We're impatient and want to move on to the next shiny thing. Remember in the 60's when we were advised to never trust anyone over 30? Phew! Silliness. I'm currently watching The Diplomat on Netflix. The behind the scenes diplomatic machinations, among both allies and foes, is only a fraction of what goes on in the real world. Biden's ability to pull together--and sustain--our coalition of partners in this fight with Ukraine and Russia is one small case in point. Only someone as experienced, patient and learned could do what Biden has done during this phase of world unrest. Yet here we are and the vast majority of Americans just shrug it off as of little importance. Thank you for reminding us why humility is one of Biden's most endearing attributes, worthy of our consideration and respect.
I meant “ageist.” Not anti- ageist. Please forgive that one. I hope the context has corrected it.
Beautifully written, Pamela. I’m going to go out on a limb here & say something that I have never written on social media. Before Biden announced his candidacy the 1st time, I was certain we would have 4 more years of 45. I prayed to God to give us someone that could win. Someone that He wanted for this country. And I prayed some more. I felt and knew, that the only way we could defeat 45 was with God’s help. We know how that turned out. Over the past 5 years there have been things that have happened that I would never dream would happen in America. If we lose the WH, we will lose everything. If we only win the WH & do not win significantly at the state & local levels, the slow roll of losing our democracy will continue until MAGA takes the WH. We have the numbers, energy & awareness to strengthen our numbers, members & democracy.
I hope I did not offend anyone by mentioning my religious beliefs. I respect everyone’s ability to determine what they believe. I still believe to this day, that God answered my prayers when Biden announced. Pamela, your comments about Biden, which I agree with, encourages me to continue to believe. Thank you.
Good night.
As a nurse for 24 years, your words are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences so openly. It might break your heart if I told you of all that I have seen - so much despair and so many die alone. You are your father’s angel.
I appreciate Biden's leadership and legacy. My very personal opinion about another Biden term is simply that the stress level of that office might bring about the death of the man. Every leader has a duty to mentor a successor . Do we not have one other person among the dems to take on leadership and promote the same policies (or direction at least)? Policy should be important even though the face of the leader might change.
We have many talented younger politicians, but the last thing we need is a distracting, divisive primary.
Could not have said it better! Kudos!
I’m one American that’s glad to see/hear that President Biden has announced he’s running for reelection. President Biden has been in public office since 1972. Fast forward to now, the past two and a half years. President Biden walked into a national disaster when he took office. Not inky was he refused a “smooth transition” as every president before him, he had to have his meetings over video chat group meetings with everyone due to the pandemic.
President Biden accomplished more his first two years than anyone expected, and did more for the ‘common American person’ than has ever been done since the early 60s by any president.
Now, this last two years, since the election of 2022, we are faced with a split Congress. We have a Democratic majority Senate, while we have a Republican majority House. The House majority has elected a Speaker of the House which sold his soul, and the people’s souls, to get the opportunity to hold the gavel.
Since Speaker McCarthy has taken the gavel, he has accomplished absolutely nothing. It’s been 6 months and all we have is a lot of bickering between the MAGA Republicans and the remaining few true Republicans in the House. We can expect nothing to be accomplished the remainder will f this 2 years. The MAGA Republicans that are leading McCarthy around like a dog on a leash are running the House now. They are pulling all their strings because McCarthy gave them the power to become Speaker.
Yes, President Biden will be 82 in 2024. So what? He’s of sound mind. Great health. His mind certainly is more sound than TFG’s when he was elected to office. If anyone should have been checked psychologically prior to taking office, or running for office, it’s Donald J. Trump.
Bottom line here. If we elect anyone but Joe Biden as our next president, it will be the biggest mistake we ever make. We made a big mistake in 2022 allowing the MAGA movement to take power in the House of Representatives. We need to get it right in 2024 so President Biden can go into office the next 4 years and hopefully finish straightening out this mess he was left with.
Excellent points.
I can understand your trepidation about our president's candidacy, especially considering how the gop is trying to engineer a guaranteed victory for the insipid traitor who held that office for 4 terrible years. If, and it's a big if, he survives another 4 years with the support of the congress at his back, we may be witnessing one of the greatest presidencies in our history. Joe Biden is a deeply compassionate man who cares about all Americans, I too worry about his age and his ability to finish the task, I'm only 4 years behind him and the future isn't endless any more. I'll support him until his last breath, I know he's not without flaws, none of us are. but he's got all of our interests at heart and that's a damn sight better than the insipid one. We can build a better nation with liberty and justice for all, it's going to take time, every journey does, some including me may be lost along the way, but that's no reason not to embark, while I may have some concerns they pale in comparison to my revulsion of the insipid imbecile.
Dick send you the Biggest thank you
Biden has saved us all …Ty Marsha 🌹
Couldn't disagree with you more Steve. Lack of imagination? Look at his accomplishments - passed the Inflation Reduction Act, his manufacturing incentives are starting to have a big impact, passed the American Rescue plan, an unprecedented economic recovery in 40 years. Look how he castrated the GOP at the State of the Union address in Jan over their plans for social security and medicare. It is an EPIC takedown. Why wouldn't we give him another 4 years? These days 79 is the new 69. If you need/want more data check out Simon Rosenberg Hopium Chronicles @SimonWDC @ Substack for his presentation of 'Things are Better with Democrats.
I watched President Biden’s announcement today. He actually sounded better than many who are much younger. He also seems healthier. Seeing thru the professional lens, you are right to be apprehensive. But as an ordinary citizen, I am voting for his record. Biden is the very first president I am really happy with, from the past to the present. I will be watching what your crystal ball says daily just to be safe.
Kudos May Ng I’m right beside you
Thank You, Marsha
To say I am not worried about his age, is an understatement. However, if in fact he does face Trump again, I do not feel apprehensive because Trump is also well past his sell by date. Unfortunately, I honestly believe he will be rejected in the coming months after he is indicted on more crimes in Georgia and in federal court. If a younger person runs against Joe then his age is a major factor. So I feel funny about saying this, I want a rematch against Joe and Trump.
Steve Joe Biden’s Presidency has saved our sanity and our safety and dignity in the NATO countries..PROUDLY I am voting
A Straight Democratic ticket… Dann all this ageist talk he is doing great job don’t care
How old he will be at least we will not be
NAZI, Fascist, Authoritarian MESS andthe entire world will be grateful! Marsha ✅
Kudos to everyone who realizes
ALL BIDEN has Accomplished
Go JOE BIDEN save our Democracy
You’re Healthy and YOU have soul & Empathy … Fight Stay Strong ✅
Cindy ty for your concern and kindness.. hugs, Marsha
Dear Marsha, you are back. You were in my thoughts and I happily now read your comment. I am not a spring chicken myself, not at all. Age in the life of my loved ones is truly like the aging of life, wise. And mostly healthy. Grounded and here, yes. I am thankful for this, because it is not the reality of so many others. The Honorable Senator Dianne Feinstein did for California what not one Republican has done for America. Her legacy is that of those who will be remembered as long as there are living experiences of others that will honor her great work. For a woman, it was a battlefield she conquered. But she should retire. She is being ill-advised. She is incapacitated. I can not watch it. And all the discussion around it just leaves me dumbfounded. Tough love is the only answer. We live vicious moral times when lowlifes will do anything to destroy a public servant's work given for the common good. Those who honor it should guard it. Love you.
Yes I’m back and love you more ..🌹
That means love you more each day
Republicans never said a word when Reagan was brain incoherent dementia and puppets ran the presidential decisions for years
Diane’s dementia is serious and she should be able to live with Grace….
You are the Best Dearest wisest 🌹
Friend and I have enormous respect
Every word you write I save! Marsha
Blessings to you, sweet Marsha.
Daniel Cooper I shall cherish your
Sweet words..bless you, Marsha 🌹
Together we can save our country
Our Democracy and our future
With love, Marsha ❤️
Do I wish Joe Biden was younger? Yes, and he probably does too. However I will proudly vote for him! I call him my Grandpa President and I know he will protect his “family” always.
I could have sworn you wrote an essay a few days ago about this very issue. I, of course read it at 3am. Tried to respond, set it aside, pondered some more over the next few days, looked for the post & can’t find it. I felt your message in that essay did not follow your general thought processes that you have utilized as long as I have followed you. This essay is similar in tone, so I will apply my thoughts here.
Right now, our universe consists of 2 groups. One group is made up of white nationalists, fascists & cult members of DJT & all of his colleagues. Their goal is to take control of our country & rip up the Constitution. These people are easy to spot & we will refer to them as MAGA, as we have for the past 8 years. The second group, the larger group, is made up of a more diverse group of Americans. It is made up of Democrats, Independents, former Republicans, NPAs, Americans of color, non English speaking Americans, disabled, veterans, LBGTQ & any other American that believes & supports the US Constitution & the rule of law. The mindset of the 2nd group is to fight this fight to protect everyone’s freedoms, not just their own. I will refer to the 2nd group as nonMAGA.
IN 2020 we were in for the fight of our lives. Americans were dying from COVID while MAGA, lead by the White House, lied & distorted everything about the pandemic & lined their pockets with money they siphoned off from relief packages. Four more years of 45 would have ruined us. Tax breaks to the rich, lifting of oversight restrictions in every industry, diminishing of voting rights. I really thought 45 would be re-elected. Nobody could successfully go up agst this evil machine, known as MAGA. The most recognized nonMAGA possible candidate was former Vice President Joe Biden. He was home in Delaware grieving the loss of a second child. A man that had known immense pain throughout his life, served his state & country for decades, fostered relationships with diplomats & common people throughout the world and KNEW what the responsibilities of the President would entail. When Biden saddled up to run, I felt we had a chance. All of us, nonMAGA, put on our sneakers & met with each other of different cultures to help get him elected. His age was brought up occasionally but his age was not the threat. 45 was the threat and that threat could take us down.
The Biden/Harris alliance won because of democracy loving people of all religions, economic groups, ethnicities, demographics, income level, sexual orientation and all others, wanted our political hellscape to change. If any group of the nonMAGA group dropped out, stayed home and did not vote, 45 would have been re-elected. It took people of all stripes, all beliefs working together, compromising. Nobody could be left out or left behind. Period.
Biden’s administration has been phenomenal. Sure, I’ve had to give up red meat because I can’t afford it but that’s the trade off. He inherited a mess & he has stuck a finger in every hole in the dam that 45 created. Yes, he’s older. But, I have not noticed any behavior that would indicate he’s neurologically on the brink.
I, too, am excited about the futures of (please forgive my spelling) Buttigieg, Klobuchar, Ryan, Schiff, Goodman, Kinzinger, to name a few. But, I believe if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. What is broke is our majorities in both houses & in most state legislatures. We need to formulate our message supporting Biden & pushing nonMAGA candidates at all levels.
Americans are sick of division, infighting & lies. One reason Biden won was because other Dem candidates had to step up & do the right thing & encourage their supporters to back Joe. They put the team, our democracy, first. That’s what real Americans do. If we come out of the gate making an issue out of Biden’s age because we want to gamble on someone younger, someone with fresh ideas, etc. I say, we can’t afford to gamble. Americans are used to seeing fighting with MAGA, they do not want to see that with nonMAGA candidates. They will stay home & pretend it’s not their problem & they don’t want to get in the fray. We must back Biden. We must be united as nonMAGA Americans. We are not out of the woods yet. Be patient. Everything is on the line. Biden deserves this. He stepped up when he could have stayed home surrounded by his family building the Beau Cancer Foundation. He knew what was at stake. We all knew. And we know it now.
There’s just one question....Would Donald Trump be a more fit President than an 80 something Joe Biden?
You know the answer, now to quote a real American patriot, Let’s roll.”
Well said. Thank you for your input. All needed to be addressed. We must remain very diligent and together.
Ruth,
It’s so important that we remain solid, united & focused. If we don’t re-elect Biden AND gain significant majorities in both houses AND in all our state legislatures we will be fighting for our lives every Presidential election until they have stripped us of all our rights. I live in FL. It’s unbearable down here. Now is not the time to gamble on someone that possibly could unite all the diverse groups that are nonMAGA. Now if Biden had, I don’t know, staged an insurrection, stolen top secret documents & refused to give them back, slow rolled a COVID response while commandeering all PPE to garner the favor of all Governors, stolen millions of dollars from donors, attempted to throw a national election by requesting state officials find additional votes or told over 30,000 lies during his Presidency, then I would say, yeah we should use our imagination & find a new, young, dynamic candidate to run. Hey, Biden is not perfect, but he has done better than I thought given the dynamics at play.
The quicker the political players step up & back Biden, the quicker we can get organized, prepare our message & get moving. The longer they hold out, the more anxious nonMAGA voters will become & djt will win. That won’t be our fault. That will fall at the feet of every American that had a platform & failed to use it appropriately.
Thanks, Ruth. Can you tell this is heavy on my heart?
You are not alone in this. I am praying that AG Garland springs all he has before election. I do mean praying. I just can’t wrap my head around Trump anywhere near our Government. 👺🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
That real American patriot is Todd Beamer. Passenger on 9/11 flight that went down over PA. He said it right before he & other passengers overtook the cockpit.
Deficit went UP every year under Trump
DOWN every year under Biden
GDP growth over 3% (3x what it was
under Trump)
6 times as many Biden jobs as the last 3
GOP Presidents COMBINED
Best COVID recovery in the G7
Lowest unemployment rate in peacetime
economy since WWII
Lowest poverty/uninsured rates ever
Elevated wage gains/new business
starts
2 job openings per unemployed person-
a record
Real earnings up in 2022
Historic investments in our future
prosperity (infrastructure, CHIPs, climate
health care)
Just a small example of the past 3 years accomplishments. The President/VP have my vote enthusiastically & without hesitation or disappointment. WE need to make sure they've got a sane and competent House & Senate so they can hopefully continue to get historic achievements done without obstruction!!(from those within the Democratic Party, Maga Republicans and these 3rd party dingbats with their own agenda)
I'm a voter. I won't neglect that duty. Ever.
Steve…I really enjoy listening to you and reading your columns most of the time. But the Biden bashing has got to stop. We get it. You think he’s too old and the dems have their heads up their ass. But please take a deep breath and give the guy a little credit. Look what he was able to accomplish in just two years - with a 50/50 senate, a pandemic and a Russian/Ukrainian war:
America has managed the pandemic and is open for business.
An enormous infrastructure bill was passed.
Inflation is coming down.
Supply chains are getting back to normal.
NATO is stronger than ever.
Drug prices are down.
Unions are getting strong again.
And so much more…
None of this - NONE OF THIS - would have happened or will continue under a Republican president. They do not care one whit about America. So, please…it’s going to be Biden. And most likely against Trump. To defeat them, we have to stick together.
I have no idea what will happen in the upcoming election. In theory, it should not be remotely close, given everything that we known about the Former Guy, but I've been around enough to know that it will be close and that (as always) it will be a challenge to overcome the structural imbalance of the electoral college.
Yes, surely there are at least a few Democrats who could and would be elected (Ro Khanna comes to mind). That's yet another story requiring your insight into this political moment's variation on the unholy alliances among money, politics, and mainstream media. And yes, the urgency, the energy, the snap of younger political talent is deeply compelling. Biden loses a step, relies on often-flat rhetoric, occasionally gets caught in the toe clips. But he also lives and acts from a commitment to every one of the essential leadership and political values you enumerate. The only characteristic he can't offer is generational change. It's a significant issue, but not one that outweighs all the rest, most of all: electability.
President Biden made a critically important move towards the political center in anticipation of his run for re-election when he endorsed proposed rules that would:
"give universities and K-12 schools the discretion to limit the participation of students [claiming a gender identity incompatible with their biological sex], if they conclude that including [such] athletes could undermine competitive fairness or potentially lead to sports-related injuries."
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/06/us/transgender-athletes-title-ix-biden-adminstration.html
Had Biden taken any other position, Trump or whichever malicious Republican he was up against would have crucified him for it.
Democrats and Independents who still don't get the fundamental unfairness of the orthodox progressive position on this issue should listen to this podcast, which most certainly is not the handiwork of anyone in Trumpworld:
"Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay talks to former U.S. Olympic team rower Mary O’Connor about her 1970s-era fight against sports sexism—and today’s battle to keep male bodies out of women’s rowing."
https://quillette.com/2023/02/27/fair-play-for-female-athletes-then-and-now/
Are voters able to cross their fingers and vote at the same time for President Biden?
This country must get rid of Trump once and for good!
Powerful and true, is it possible to lose our democracy. Is it possible that MAGA’s are a bigger % of our voters? Are people not going to vote for the freedoms we have been given and now have been taken away? I shudder to think that about what will happen if tfg gets elected. However, we know it will happen. They and now the Supreme Courts of our land are part of it. I am mad to think that the powers ie; Our AG and so many. It is taking to long to make them (MAGA) pay for their transgressions against our own Country.
We know it COULD happen.