I agree with most of what you wrote in today’s piece. However, while I was one of the 1%, following a “bad divorce from a rich white man who sent his money offshore to avoid paying taxes”, (yes one of those the additional IRS agents were supposed to check), I have been in the position of one of those 40% of people to whom a $400 bill is devastating. Do not tell me that Democracy doesn’t mean much - it means Everything!!! Joe Biden’s brand of Democracy means Everything! “That Old Man” had the guts and the willingness to join a UAW picket line to support higher wages for the workers. Executives have been raking 400 x what the workers make. Years ago it was 40x a workers wages. “That Old Man” assured us that our Social Security wouldn’t be cut! Can you imagine what that means to someone who is $400 away from default? “That Old Man” brought down the cost of prescription drugs - again - a life saver - literally for people who may have been cutting their pills in half because they couldn’t afford their prescriptions. “That Old Man” made sure that these flaming idiots didn’t cut our “Obamacare”. The health care that saved the leg of a diabetic friend of mine when he lost his company insurance. “That Old Man” used his diplomatic ties to re-establish our relationship with our allies in NATO which the orange fool had tried to destroy (and still wants to destroy). I don’t care if Biden is old. He’s in good shape and intelligent. Trump is old, fat, crazy, evil, misogynistic, racist, and a spoiled rich brat who cares about other spoiled rich white men. Trump wants to be a dictator not a President. The Republicans want to turn the women of the United States into second class people AGAIN!! Agenda 47. Been there - done that. I didn’t care who the hell the Democrats ran against Trump the last time because trump was horrific as a President. But Biden has been even better than expected and his experience has only been a benefit. I want “That Old Man” who knows what the hell he’s doing running the country. Someone like trump and his MAGAts will just make life more difficult on anyone with less money. That’s their agenda - cut the social safety net. Cut back on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness - any progress that women and other “minorities have made into the American mainstream - cut out so even from school education so we don’t make male white children “uncomfortable”. Force the American people into their FALSE CHRISTIANITY (the antithesis of what Jesus Christ actually taught) and turn the United States into a North American version of Iran. We have choice to continue to be the United States that I grew up in and want my relatives to continue to see develop or watch it be destroyed by evil men and stupid greedy women. Live Free or Die - there is no choice
That is a great breakdown of the issues important to voters. Let the history books be clear that an eighty year old man fought back the forces of evil and saved the country from destruction.
Oh Kay! Still on the fence, eh? Kidding. Yours is a brilliant piece perfectly timed but there is one thing everyone seems to be missing and is a great communications opportunity. Have you noticed how calm and patient and competent and dedicated Democrats are across the board? In the Senate, excellent. In the House, Hakim. In the Cabinet, superb people. The Vice-president, competent, caring, a fighter. Governors in place, superb leaders in a number of states fighting for fair elections. Contrast to the dumb Republicans, elephants tied trunk to tail waddling to the cliff edge with a lunatic. Not one of them. Not one quality person interested in what is good for America. If the past is prologue, the Democratic Party has done it and will do it into the future. Consolidate and sell the quality of these public servants led by an extremely and provably capable leader who has auditioned for three years and clearly deserves the part. The communications weakness needs to be turned into a strength NOW! The other guy auditioned for four years and is a one-way ticket to Hell.
Bob, everything you said about the republicans I have thought too, but addition, they all have snarling faces, don't have a sense of humor, and have no funny comedians
sbchica They may also wet their beds, have halitosis and wear their socks too many days in a row. In any case they are undesirable and useless. Just sayin'.
Kay, excellent breakdown on what the real issues and concerns are. Maybe you could join the Biden political team and give them some with your passionate and persuasive comments.
I agree entirely with your every point. As I mentioned in earlier post response, I would vote for a Biden cadaver or mannequin over the MAGA menace. However, it needs to be pointed out that a presidential contest has a certain quantity of beauty contest quality where a audience with a short attention span responds strongly to charisma, poise, political talent, composure, eloquence, and how well they wield the zinger sword.
Thanks, Kay. Biden has not received the recognition he deserves. Where are Congressional Democrats? Where are Democratic governors? Democrats need to become more visible and make their case. If all we hear is Trump, we may destroy our own democracy. Talk about the difficult issues, like immigration. Talk about student loan forgiveness. Talk about reproductive rights. Come out and talk directly to the American people.
Unfortunately, this election will be won or lost by the press. And if you consider that Trump has an entire media ecosystem dedicated to carrying his water, then it’s inevitable that Trump has a major advantage and will win.
For example, since Kushner’s buddy bought Univision, Biden has lost a double digit advantage in the Hispanic community. He’s also lost ground within the African American community.
Add in the three stooges: Stein, West and RFK Jr. who are doing the devil’s work and we have a perfect storm.
Bottom line: Trump doesn’t win, Biden loses thanks to his inept campaign, and a corporate MSM more focused on the horse race, ratings and revenue, than caring about our republic.
The election will not be won or lost in the press, it will be won or lost on Tik-Tok, Instagram, Substack (maybe that’s the press, or what once was the press), YouTube, a little bit of Facebook and maybe a little bit of Fox News (maybe, again, that press you talk about) Read Joyce Vance today for an idea of who will or won’t be “informed” when they step up to vote. This election needs to be about personal freedom -- the freedom to have health care if you’re a woman and the freedom to vote and have that counted if you are of color or lean blue in a red state. As for the press, if it can be reinvented bite-size for TikTok and longer-formed for YouTube and those can algorithmically be created to fit the feeds of young and middle-young people, then maybe the press will win or lose this election. Likely, what will win or lose the election is the lack of the “press” that we like to talk about but has disappeared along with the newsprint it lived on. People, except for news junkies and political worriers like us, aren’t watching TV anymore and they sure aren’t reading their local news or the nationals, either. Informational zombies are us.
It is quite bleak when the real information no longer rises to the top and attracts attention. One of the reasons is because of the use of artificial intelligent to stack up the ranking based only on clicks and likes. That is the reason the Russians and Chinese Robo spies are able to influence what we are seeing, watching, and believing. They are expert at it because that is how they control their own political power at home. Digital space has no border and it is enriching the owners of those platforms to the detriment of the democratic world.
I often wonder whether democracy can survive this digital, fractured, manipulated, algorithm Clickbait world. With everyone’s attention, constant and scattered to their smartphone screen winds, We have arrived at the opiate of the masses. I’m not sure they are aware of or care about whatever form of government they live under.
Fair enough, but you get my point. And agreed, social media is by far the worst offender. Hence, I have no social media exposure. Not even Facebook or X. The rest are all Greek to me. As for cable and network news, I never watch except on occasions; a debate or if someone I admire is being interviewed...:)
But there’s not enough of you (or me) to make the difference in an election. The difference will be made by the people who are over-exposed to social media, not under-exposed like you or me. The digitally obsessed are now the majority. Will they vote and how? We are at their mercy.
Jesus said that the “thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10. What are the MAGAts offering the youth of this country? Hope - no! Wages - no! A future - no! Can your young people find affordable housing? No
Can young couples believe that a pregnancy is “safe” if there are complications? NO because the MAGAts have allowed their attorneys to practice medicine without a license. An the MAGAt wealthy have enslaved the population to their financial credit system - which they can’t even protect against hackers!!! They don’t provide a future for the younger people of this country - so work that into the algorithms and they will vote because their hopes for a future depend upon it. The truth will set them free.
I find it interesting how you point out how ridiculously skewed the reporting is, then turn right around and do the same thing you chided the reporters for doing: "whomever built the White House system to keep him “on script” should be fired because it’s not working, and it is helping to elect Trump....". You blame Biden.
It is not Biden's fault how they characterize him, and even though President, he does not have control over what they write, and should not. They will continue to twist everything said in the wrong direction, because our media is owned by the 1%ers who are upset that Biden has the guts to demand they actually pay their fair share of taxes, that minimum wage must rise, that people shouldn't have to pay extreme costs for medicine that keeps them alive, such as insulin.
There really is nothing Biden can do about how they write this crap. FWIW, most people I encounter (whether right or left) dismiss the press these days. In some ways, it raises his stature.
Totally agree SC. Do sane people and Democrats really want Biden cage fighting in the sewer with Orange Jesus? The MSM is mostly garbage since corp. money has bought them. I got rid of cable and don't watch TV at all except for Netflix. My sources are trusted reporters, lawyers etal. with a track record of courage and honesty. I've also noticed that on my social media people are increasingly calling out the liars, hate mongers and Jesus freaks.
Trump is off the ballot when the SCOTUS deems his absurd 'immunity' defense as invalid and he is denied even the attempt to be elected. Then he loses all of the trials against him and is a felony in prison. And then he dies.
That is how trump's last years are going to play out. And the fact that MAGA nation keeps giving him money so that he can be 'their retribution', when in fact he keeps going pay for his attorneys shows how stupid these people that live in the USA but support a fascist instead of supporting the constitution.
Knocked on his ass is right, and I fear, daily, that he won't. He is a zombie.
Any chance, Steve, that you can break through the wall of the Biden campaign and actually take it over? I have zero confidence in those running it today. We only have 10 months.
The Election of 2020 was a momentous moment in American history. It was our D-Day. Now the blood on the shores of Normandy have dried and washed away. This election campaign MUST be fought as fiercely as the last. Why? As with all combat we only survive when we are victorious.
Maybe if made a national holiday out if the peaceful transition of power the lesson from the battle of Nov. 3 2020 (NOT Jan 6) would be another celebration Americans are so keen on participating in.
Well, the calendar has flipped to 2024 so I'm going to quit whining about the Democrats pissing away the past few years preparing a better candidate and line up behind old Joe. I hope everyone follows me. In order to win, they are going to have to bring out the big guns early and often in support of the Biden campaign. By the "big guns" I mean people like the Obamas, Oprah, Taylor Swift, Harry and Meghan, Beyonce, and pretty much anyone else with a zillion Instagram followers. The message is simple, "Beat Trump!" Details like accomplishments, policy proposals, qualification comparisons, and all that crap do not matter. Everybody knows what an evil bastard we are up against. The message needs to be simple, emotional, loud, and repetitive. LFG!
It is not only the United States in peril, but, in a very real sense, democracy itself.
Would we sacrifice a hope for equality and government for the people over quibbles and complex global conflicts over which our administration has little control but to hope to contain the crisis and not unwittingly permit a great tsunami of despotic terrorism to drown us all.....
To all of us:
Cut the shit.
It's time to form an indominatable wall against horrific forces of evil, and that's not being hyperbolic!
It is time to forever put to bed the " we go high" strategy and yes, get tough. It is why I first came to know Steve Schmidt because I so admired what the Lincoln Project was doing n 2015-16. It was smart, kick ass, tough strategizing. I know Biden has it in him to give speeches which don't sound so, well, sleepy! I saw him speak at Colgate University in 2012. Had never seen him in person. After he spoke I turned to my husband and said, " I would go through fire for that guy." That's how good he was. I know it's a few years ago, but he better channel that Joe Biden if he wants to win. "He's" in there somewhere. But I don't think those around him are guiding him in that direction. We are facing down and dirty politics in this election (as if politics isn't usually that! ) But today even more so.. Someone better be finding some "cleaner" version of that for Biden to win.
I absolutely agree that Biden and all those who agree that Trump is a danger to this country need to be more forceful. Biden seems to have the comedians in his corner but he needs to project strength not just laughs at the other guy.
I agree with what you said but I don’t think it went far enough...this “storm” as they call it has been coming since 2016 and even farther back. Biden was a last minute foot in the door that delayed it in 2020. Everyone knew Biden would be 81 for the 2024 election. Failure by both democrats and republicans to recognize that this storm was coming for all that believe in democracy and preparing for it was the greatest failure. 4 years wasted not preparing better candidates for president is a failure of both parties.
Biden is a good man that means well. But he really is too old and gets no support. He is not a good messenger. More importantly there is no one really helping him. The democrats are simply inept at messaging. They are tone deaf to what the public needs.
The “news” organizations tell you Trump is bad but fail to tell you Biden’s accomplishments. The narrative is that Biden is old and frail. There is no discussion about the border, fixing immigration and asylum laws, crime, and inflation.
Where is Chuck Schumer? Hakeem Jeffries? Adam Schiff? Katie Porter? Kamala Harris? They have left the messaging to someone who is not a strong at campaigning. Biden got away with campaigning from his basement with Covid as his excuse. No more excuses, and this flaw is exposed, Biden is not a campaigner.
So the fight for democracy is left to the default button.
Arrogance by democrats and cowardice by republicans have left the majority siding with democracy no real voice.
All due respect but Biden isn’t a campaigner???? Have you been around the last 50 years? Where did you get this fiction? The man has NEVER once LOST a general election campaign, for US Senator, Vice President, or POTUS. How do you do that almost 10 times in 50 years if you’re not a campaigner?
Steve: In today’s post, you question Steve Peoples’ assertion that there is overwhelming concern within the Democratic Party about President Biden’s physical and mental fitness. You are right to ask us what we, your readers, think; and whether there’s evidence to support the assertion. Here’s what we think: In 1964, when Jack Weinberg, a leader of the free speech movement was 24 years old, he counseled “don’t trust anyone over 30.” Joe Biden is 81. He’s way over the Weinberg threshold and it’s fair to ask: Do the young trust Biden or is he too old to be trusted? And if they don’t trust him because they think he’s too old, what can he do to turn that around?
Polling suggests that the young are abandoning President Biden. Axios reports that 26% of respondents associated the words, “old, outdated, aging, and elderly,” with Mr. Biden. Only 1% of poll respondents associated those same terms with Donald Trump who is only three years younger. Similarly, in a recent AP-NORC poll 56% of Democrats over 45 years old said they would definitely support Mr. Biden while only 25% of those under 45 said the same.
If the polls are correct, Mr. Biden’s re-election is in jeopardy. It is most severe among younger voters—a critical demographic for his campaign. Whether it’s just an ageist perception or there’s some truth to it, the issue must be addressed, not avoided.
Here's how we believe Mr. Biden can address the issue:
"Yes, I am 81 years old. Donald is 3 or 4 years younger. But my day looks like this: I’m up at 7, in the gym from 8-8:30, conducting meetings by 8:30 with heads of state, cabinet members, and Congressmen and women ‘til whenever. We discuss trade relations, social security, national security and defense, college tuition, student debt relief, gun control, and other policy issues until 7:00PM. I then go home, enjoy my family, and work a bit more. Sometimes I fly around the world to U.N. sites, the Middle East, Asia and I meet with world leaders and other foreign dignitaries. Every day varies but I work 6-7 days a week and when necessary, into the evening. I am fully intact cognitively and as sharp as ever. I am old but my ideas are new, young, fresh and innovative. Old doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the past. And on top of everything else, I’m really good at this stuff. Yes, I fumfer sometimes and trip over my own words. I had a stutter as a child and have had a mild speech impediment ever since. It may not be a good look but we all have stuff to deal with. It doesn’t stop me from communicating effectively or from thinking clearly. My mind is lucid and logical. I have my wits about me at all times. 81 years old is a number. True, a big one, but one that comes with real world experience and wisdom. More and more people these days, thanks to medical science, are joining the centenarian’s club. True, I walk slowly, but I’m walking into the future-- not returning to the past. I am 81 but I’m a sharp thinker, am capable of high-quality analysis and decision-making, and I can keep up with advisors half my age. I will conclude with this: Donald is a few years younger but he can’t complete a coherent sentence. He repeats himself endlessly, spews the same old tired nonsense, and accomplished essentially nothing during his term in office except to spread discontent and chaos. He will do far worse if he gets another 4 years in office. I come to the presidency with purpose and to make a better world for you, your families, and the society we live in."
We believe Mr. Biden himself must address the age-related criticisms and so must his surrogates. Few people in the electorate have heard directly from the President personally about the age-bias. Avoiding the issue works against him. The narrative around age, when defined by the opposition, amounts to propaganda that cannot be left unanswered. The President might continue as follows:
"Donald Trump can’t hold a complete thought in his head, even if he had one. If you’re worried about my mental well-being at 81, let me remind you that cognitive competence and rational thinking, perhaps perceived as boring-- are far more effective for governance than impulsive and irrational behavior, rage, blame, cruelty, and retribution, all of which can serve as a cover for serious mental decline. These are only a few of the documented destructive behaviors of my opponent-- indicative of his mental failings. Let me remind you that strength is not belligerence. They may call me “sleepy Joe,” but I do that only at night—at night, when the other guy is half out of his mind tweeting absurdities and giving in to his loathsome impulses. I am cognitively competent, intact, and fit to govern. My opponent governs by fit."
Mr. Trump can play the victim, as he will. But be certain-- he is effective on social media where the younger set lives. If President Biden is to direct a rebuttal to the ageists, he should do so where they congregate. He must address the age matter directly, both in personal appearances and on social media.
We have to create a strategy that is as plebian and irresistable as the one used against the Martians in the movie "Mars Attacks." At the end of the movie we earthlings played Slim Whitman records over loud speakers. When the Martians heard the yodeling their heads exploded.
Biden should move heaven and earth to bring gas, food, and home prices down. (I don't know how he can do this.)
The MAGA people are angry people. They feel victimized. Until there's some relief for them via the economy, I fear many have no compunction about trashing Democracy.
I agree with most of what you wrote in today’s piece. However, while I was one of the 1%, following a “bad divorce from a rich white man who sent his money offshore to avoid paying taxes”, (yes one of those the additional IRS agents were supposed to check), I have been in the position of one of those 40% of people to whom a $400 bill is devastating. Do not tell me that Democracy doesn’t mean much - it means Everything!!! Joe Biden’s brand of Democracy means Everything! “That Old Man” had the guts and the willingness to join a UAW picket line to support higher wages for the workers. Executives have been raking 400 x what the workers make. Years ago it was 40x a workers wages. “That Old Man” assured us that our Social Security wouldn’t be cut! Can you imagine what that means to someone who is $400 away from default? “That Old Man” brought down the cost of prescription drugs - again - a life saver - literally for people who may have been cutting their pills in half because they couldn’t afford their prescriptions. “That Old Man” made sure that these flaming idiots didn’t cut our “Obamacare”. The health care that saved the leg of a diabetic friend of mine when he lost his company insurance. “That Old Man” used his diplomatic ties to re-establish our relationship with our allies in NATO which the orange fool had tried to destroy (and still wants to destroy). I don’t care if Biden is old. He’s in good shape and intelligent. Trump is old, fat, crazy, evil, misogynistic, racist, and a spoiled rich brat who cares about other spoiled rich white men. Trump wants to be a dictator not a President. The Republicans want to turn the women of the United States into second class people AGAIN!! Agenda 47. Been there - done that. I didn’t care who the hell the Democrats ran against Trump the last time because trump was horrific as a President. But Biden has been even better than expected and his experience has only been a benefit. I want “That Old Man” who knows what the hell he’s doing running the country. Someone like trump and his MAGAts will just make life more difficult on anyone with less money. That’s their agenda - cut the social safety net. Cut back on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness - any progress that women and other “minorities have made into the American mainstream - cut out so even from school education so we don’t make male white children “uncomfortable”. Force the American people into their FALSE CHRISTIANITY (the antithesis of what Jesus Christ actually taught) and turn the United States into a North American version of Iran. We have choice to continue to be the United States that I grew up in and want my relatives to continue to see develop or watch it be destroyed by evil men and stupid greedy women. Live Free or Die - there is no choice
That is a great breakdown of the issues important to voters. Let the history books be clear that an eighty year old man fought back the forces of evil and saved the country from destruction.
Oh Kay! Still on the fence, eh? Kidding. Yours is a brilliant piece perfectly timed but there is one thing everyone seems to be missing and is a great communications opportunity. Have you noticed how calm and patient and competent and dedicated Democrats are across the board? In the Senate, excellent. In the House, Hakim. In the Cabinet, superb people. The Vice-president, competent, caring, a fighter. Governors in place, superb leaders in a number of states fighting for fair elections. Contrast to the dumb Republicans, elephants tied trunk to tail waddling to the cliff edge with a lunatic. Not one of them. Not one quality person interested in what is good for America. If the past is prologue, the Democratic Party has done it and will do it into the future. Consolidate and sell the quality of these public servants led by an extremely and provably capable leader who has auditioned for three years and clearly deserves the part. The communications weakness needs to be turned into a strength NOW! The other guy auditioned for four years and is a one-way ticket to Hell.
Bob, everything you said about the republicans I have thought too, but addition, they all have snarling faces, don't have a sense of humor, and have no funny comedians
sbchica They may also wet their beds, have halitosis and wear their socks too many days in a row. In any case they are undesirable and useless. Just sayin'.
Kay, excellent breakdown on what the real issues and concerns are. Maybe you could join the Biden political team and give them some with your passionate and persuasive comments.
I totally agree with you and it is the case I made to a millennial during the holiday. And he and his friends were asking what Steve is asking here.
I agree entirely with your every point. As I mentioned in earlier post response, I would vote for a Biden cadaver or mannequin over the MAGA menace. However, it needs to be pointed out that a presidential contest has a certain quantity of beauty contest quality where a audience with a short attention span responds strongly to charisma, poise, political talent, composure, eloquence, and how well they wield the zinger sword.
Thanks, Kay. Biden has not received the recognition he deserves. Where are Congressional Democrats? Where are Democratic governors? Democrats need to become more visible and make their case. If all we hear is Trump, we may destroy our own democracy. Talk about the difficult issues, like immigration. Talk about student loan forgiveness. Talk about reproductive rights. Come out and talk directly to the American people.
Fantastic reply. Thank you Kay G
Well written. The campaign needs to project the anger and forcefulness of your comment.
Thank you for spelling it out, Kate. Where is Dark Brandon, anyway? :)
Kay G I agree with everything you said!
Wow, well said! "That Old Man" is a gift to Democracy, domestically and internationally.
Beautifully said!
This is Stockholm Syndrome on display.
Without reading this all the way through.
I’m so tired of people struggling with Bidens age! Sick of it. It seemed to be fine when Bernie was running being called grandpa Bernie. Sick of it!
I assume everyone understands when he wins again if by chance his health falters that we have a VP to take over?
Just sick of nonsense! Voting for Biden Harris! The 2 folks who have done more in last 4 years then last 20 years. Let’s go Joe!
Three things:
1. Steve Peoples' piece was an opinion piece not journalism. He's wrong!
2. Biden is and will be a "builder". Trump is and will be a "destroyer".
3. Biden will win in 2024.
Period! ;-)
I really hope that you are right but I say this with a very heavy heart.
Unfortunately, this election will be won or lost by the press. And if you consider that Trump has an entire media ecosystem dedicated to carrying his water, then it’s inevitable that Trump has a major advantage and will win.
For example, since Kushner’s buddy bought Univision, Biden has lost a double digit advantage in the Hispanic community. He’s also lost ground within the African American community.
Add in the three stooges: Stein, West and RFK Jr. who are doing the devil’s work and we have a perfect storm.
Bottom line: Trump doesn’t win, Biden loses thanks to his inept campaign, and a corporate MSM more focused on the horse race, ratings and revenue, than caring about our republic.
Let that sink in..:)
The election will not be won or lost in the press, it will be won or lost on Tik-Tok, Instagram, Substack (maybe that’s the press, or what once was the press), YouTube, a little bit of Facebook and maybe a little bit of Fox News (maybe, again, that press you talk about) Read Joyce Vance today for an idea of who will or won’t be “informed” when they step up to vote. This election needs to be about personal freedom -- the freedom to have health care if you’re a woman and the freedom to vote and have that counted if you are of color or lean blue in a red state. As for the press, if it can be reinvented bite-size for TikTok and longer-formed for YouTube and those can algorithmically be created to fit the feeds of young and middle-young people, then maybe the press will win or lose this election. Likely, what will win or lose the election is the lack of the “press” that we like to talk about but has disappeared along with the newsprint it lived on. People, except for news junkies and political worriers like us, aren’t watching TV anymore and they sure aren’t reading their local news or the nationals, either. Informational zombies are us.
It is quite bleak when the real information no longer rises to the top and attracts attention. One of the reasons is because of the use of artificial intelligent to stack up the ranking based only on clicks and likes. That is the reason the Russians and Chinese Robo spies are able to influence what we are seeing, watching, and believing. They are expert at it because that is how they control their own political power at home. Digital space has no border and it is enriching the owners of those platforms to the detriment of the democratic world.
I often wonder whether democracy can survive this digital, fractured, manipulated, algorithm Clickbait world. With everyone’s attention, constant and scattered to their smartphone screen winds, We have arrived at the opiate of the masses. I’m not sure they are aware of or care about whatever form of government they live under.
Yes. This is cyber warfare. People's attention is being marketed and exploited.
Fair enough, but you get my point. And agreed, social media is by far the worst offender. Hence, I have no social media exposure. Not even Facebook or X. The rest are all Greek to me. As for cable and network news, I never watch except on occasions; a debate or if someone I admire is being interviewed...:)
But there’s not enough of you (or me) to make the difference in an election. The difference will be made by the people who are over-exposed to social media, not under-exposed like you or me. The digitally obsessed are now the majority. Will they vote and how? We are at their mercy.
Jesus said that the “thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full. John 10:10. What are the MAGAts offering the youth of this country? Hope - no! Wages - no! A future - no! Can your young people find affordable housing? No
Can young couples believe that a pregnancy is “safe” if there are complications? NO because the MAGAts have allowed their attorneys to practice medicine without a license. An the MAGAt wealthy have enslaved the population to their financial credit system - which they can’t even protect against hackers!!! They don’t provide a future for the younger people of this country - so work that into the algorithms and they will vote because their hopes for a future depend upon it. The truth will set them free.
I find it interesting how you point out how ridiculously skewed the reporting is, then turn right around and do the same thing you chided the reporters for doing: "whomever built the White House system to keep him “on script” should be fired because it’s not working, and it is helping to elect Trump....". You blame Biden.
It is not Biden's fault how they characterize him, and even though President, he does not have control over what they write, and should not. They will continue to twist everything said in the wrong direction, because our media is owned by the 1%ers who are upset that Biden has the guts to demand they actually pay their fair share of taxes, that minimum wage must rise, that people shouldn't have to pay extreme costs for medicine that keeps them alive, such as insulin.
There really is nothing Biden can do about how they write this crap. FWIW, most people I encounter (whether right or left) dismiss the press these days. In some ways, it raises his stature.
Totally agree SC. Do sane people and Democrats really want Biden cage fighting in the sewer with Orange Jesus? The MSM is mostly garbage since corp. money has bought them. I got rid of cable and don't watch TV at all except for Netflix. My sources are trusted reporters, lawyers etal. with a track record of courage and honesty. I've also noticed that on my social media people are increasingly calling out the liars, hate mongers and Jesus freaks.
Trump is off the ballot when the SCOTUS deems his absurd 'immunity' defense as invalid and he is denied even the attempt to be elected. Then he loses all of the trials against him and is a felony in prison. And then he dies.
That is how trump's last years are going to play out. And the fact that MAGA nation keeps giving him money so that he can be 'their retribution', when in fact he keeps going pay for his attorneys shows how stupid these people that live in the USA but support a fascist instead of supporting the constitution.
Knocked on his ass is right, and I fear, daily, that he won't. He is a zombie.
Any chance, Steve, that you can break through the wall of the Biden campaign and actually take it over? I have zero confidence in those running it today. We only have 10 months.
Campaign manager for the Joe Biden 2024 presidential campaign is not in Julie Chavez Rodriguez’s wheel house. There MUST be a change NOW!
The Election of 2020 was a momentous moment in American history. It was our D-Day. Now the blood on the shores of Normandy have dried and washed away. This election campaign MUST be fought as fiercely as the last. Why? As with all combat we only survive when we are victorious.
Maybe if made a national holiday out if the peaceful transition of power the lesson from the battle of Nov. 3 2020 (NOT Jan 6) would be another celebration Americans are so keen on participating in.
Well, the calendar has flipped to 2024 so I'm going to quit whining about the Democrats pissing away the past few years preparing a better candidate and line up behind old Joe. I hope everyone follows me. In order to win, they are going to have to bring out the big guns early and often in support of the Biden campaign. By the "big guns" I mean people like the Obamas, Oprah, Taylor Swift, Harry and Meghan, Beyonce, and pretty much anyone else with a zillion Instagram followers. The message is simple, "Beat Trump!" Details like accomplishments, policy proposals, qualification comparisons, and all that crap do not matter. Everybody knows what an evil bastard we are up against. The message needs to be simple, emotional, loud, and repetitive. LFG!
You are not wrong. Its almost THAT SIMPLE.
It is not only the United States in peril, but, in a very real sense, democracy itself.
Would we sacrifice a hope for equality and government for the people over quibbles and complex global conflicts over which our administration has little control but to hope to contain the crisis and not unwittingly permit a great tsunami of despotic terrorism to drown us all.....
To all of us:
Cut the shit.
It's time to form an indominatable wall against horrific forces of evil, and that's not being hyperbolic!
Cut the shit.
#democracystrong
It is time to forever put to bed the " we go high" strategy and yes, get tough. It is why I first came to know Steve Schmidt because I so admired what the Lincoln Project was doing n 2015-16. It was smart, kick ass, tough strategizing. I know Biden has it in him to give speeches which don't sound so, well, sleepy! I saw him speak at Colgate University in 2012. Had never seen him in person. After he spoke I turned to my husband and said, " I would go through fire for that guy." That's how good he was. I know it's a few years ago, but he better channel that Joe Biden if he wants to win. "He's" in there somewhere. But I don't think those around him are guiding him in that direction. We are facing down and dirty politics in this election (as if politics isn't usually that! ) But today even more so.. Someone better be finding some "cleaner" version of that for Biden to win.
I think I really like this piece!
I absolutely agree that Biden and all those who agree that Trump is a danger to this country need to be more forceful. Biden seems to have the comedians in his corner but he needs to project strength not just laughs at the other guy.
I agree with what you said but I don’t think it went far enough...this “storm” as they call it has been coming since 2016 and even farther back. Biden was a last minute foot in the door that delayed it in 2020. Everyone knew Biden would be 81 for the 2024 election. Failure by both democrats and republicans to recognize that this storm was coming for all that believe in democracy and preparing for it was the greatest failure. 4 years wasted not preparing better candidates for president is a failure of both parties.
Biden is a good man that means well. But he really is too old and gets no support. He is not a good messenger. More importantly there is no one really helping him. The democrats are simply inept at messaging. They are tone deaf to what the public needs.
The “news” organizations tell you Trump is bad but fail to tell you Biden’s accomplishments. The narrative is that Biden is old and frail. There is no discussion about the border, fixing immigration and asylum laws, crime, and inflation.
Where is Chuck Schumer? Hakeem Jeffries? Adam Schiff? Katie Porter? Kamala Harris? They have left the messaging to someone who is not a strong at campaigning. Biden got away with campaigning from his basement with Covid as his excuse. No more excuses, and this flaw is exposed, Biden is not a campaigner.
So the fight for democracy is left to the default button.
Arrogance by democrats and cowardice by republicans have left the majority siding with democracy no real voice.
All due respect but Biden isn’t a campaigner???? Have you been around the last 50 years? Where did you get this fiction? The man has NEVER once LOST a general election campaign, for US Senator, Vice President, or POTUS. How do you do that almost 10 times in 50 years if you’re not a campaigner?
HAS JOE BIDEN ALREADY LOST THE YOUTH VOTE?
Steve: In today’s post, you question Steve Peoples’ assertion that there is overwhelming concern within the Democratic Party about President Biden’s physical and mental fitness. You are right to ask us what we, your readers, think; and whether there’s evidence to support the assertion. Here’s what we think: In 1964, when Jack Weinberg, a leader of the free speech movement was 24 years old, he counseled “don’t trust anyone over 30.” Joe Biden is 81. He’s way over the Weinberg threshold and it’s fair to ask: Do the young trust Biden or is he too old to be trusted? And if they don’t trust him because they think he’s too old, what can he do to turn that around?
Polling suggests that the young are abandoning President Biden. Axios reports that 26% of respondents associated the words, “old, outdated, aging, and elderly,” with Mr. Biden. Only 1% of poll respondents associated those same terms with Donald Trump who is only three years younger. Similarly, in a recent AP-NORC poll 56% of Democrats over 45 years old said they would definitely support Mr. Biden while only 25% of those under 45 said the same.
If the polls are correct, Mr. Biden’s re-election is in jeopardy. It is most severe among younger voters—a critical demographic for his campaign. Whether it’s just an ageist perception or there’s some truth to it, the issue must be addressed, not avoided.
Here's how we believe Mr. Biden can address the issue:
"Yes, I am 81 years old. Donald is 3 or 4 years younger. But my day looks like this: I’m up at 7, in the gym from 8-8:30, conducting meetings by 8:30 with heads of state, cabinet members, and Congressmen and women ‘til whenever. We discuss trade relations, social security, national security and defense, college tuition, student debt relief, gun control, and other policy issues until 7:00PM. I then go home, enjoy my family, and work a bit more. Sometimes I fly around the world to U.N. sites, the Middle East, Asia and I meet with world leaders and other foreign dignitaries. Every day varies but I work 6-7 days a week and when necessary, into the evening. I am fully intact cognitively and as sharp as ever. I am old but my ideas are new, young, fresh and innovative. Old doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the past. And on top of everything else, I’m really good at this stuff. Yes, I fumfer sometimes and trip over my own words. I had a stutter as a child and have had a mild speech impediment ever since. It may not be a good look but we all have stuff to deal with. It doesn’t stop me from communicating effectively or from thinking clearly. My mind is lucid and logical. I have my wits about me at all times. 81 years old is a number. True, a big one, but one that comes with real world experience and wisdom. More and more people these days, thanks to medical science, are joining the centenarian’s club. True, I walk slowly, but I’m walking into the future-- not returning to the past. I am 81 but I’m a sharp thinker, am capable of high-quality analysis and decision-making, and I can keep up with advisors half my age. I will conclude with this: Donald is a few years younger but he can’t complete a coherent sentence. He repeats himself endlessly, spews the same old tired nonsense, and accomplished essentially nothing during his term in office except to spread discontent and chaos. He will do far worse if he gets another 4 years in office. I come to the presidency with purpose and to make a better world for you, your families, and the society we live in."
We believe Mr. Biden himself must address the age-related criticisms and so must his surrogates. Few people in the electorate have heard directly from the President personally about the age-bias. Avoiding the issue works against him. The narrative around age, when defined by the opposition, amounts to propaganda that cannot be left unanswered. The President might continue as follows:
"Donald Trump can’t hold a complete thought in his head, even if he had one. If you’re worried about my mental well-being at 81, let me remind you that cognitive competence and rational thinking, perhaps perceived as boring-- are far more effective for governance than impulsive and irrational behavior, rage, blame, cruelty, and retribution, all of which can serve as a cover for serious mental decline. These are only a few of the documented destructive behaviors of my opponent-- indicative of his mental failings. Let me remind you that strength is not belligerence. They may call me “sleepy Joe,” but I do that only at night—at night, when the other guy is half out of his mind tweeting absurdities and giving in to his loathsome impulses. I am cognitively competent, intact, and fit to govern. My opponent governs by fit."
Mr. Trump can play the victim, as he will. But be certain-- he is effective on social media where the younger set lives. If President Biden is to direct a rebuttal to the ageists, he should do so where they congregate. He must address the age matter directly, both in personal appearances and on social media.
Paul Schnur
Paul Rappoport
Well done Paul. Totally agree.
A great thought. Definitely something to seriously consider.
Right On!! Thanks.
We have to create a strategy that is as plebian and irresistable as the one used against the Martians in the movie "Mars Attacks." At the end of the movie we earthlings played Slim Whitman records over loud speakers. When the Martians heard the yodeling their heads exploded.
Biden should move heaven and earth to bring gas, food, and home prices down. (I don't know how he can do this.)
The MAGA people are angry people. They feel victimized. Until there's some relief for them via the economy, I fear many have no compunction about trashing Democracy.