An NBC poll released yesterday shows that the majority of Americans are not interested in a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump in 2024. Last July, I shared my thoughts on this, and called it a national catastrophe. Yet, despite how I feel about this, voting for President Biden in a rematch is the only logical choice to take down Trump and the rest of the MAGA movement. Have a listen:
Nobody might want this match up but are there other options out there? I will not support Kennedy and I definitely will not support Trump. That leaves only Joe, so I say I am all in with Joe for a 2nd term in office.
Of course President Biden knows his own age! He knows what the risks are. Given that, and the intelligent job he's done so far, he most likely has a very good plan for whatever happens (various scenarios) that will be the best for our nation. We may not even know what that is until we need to. Biden is a smart guy! Biden has earned my trust and respect.
Yes. But his political greatness has not passed down to the anti-vaccine Kennedy running. I agree with everything Steve has said. I also believe that the younger Democrats who are working the party have to gain thelir strengths and move into position to run for president. Why not Hakeem Jeffries?
Until someone steps forward, Biden will push himself to carry the country. I just pray that he will not succumb to aging issues but will be able to make it.
Sure...because mainstream media polls are always spot on. 😮💨😮💨 I'm sorry, 2022 midterms should've shut this polling obsession ALL the way down but here we are again relying on what the exasperated Gap khaki enthusiast says on all NBC shows. I'm so sick of it that as soon as anyone starts in on polls polls polls I reach for the remote.
Steve Schmidt draws the contrast in the coming election exactly as it is: a contest not between candidates per se, but one between freedom and liberty versus authoritarianism. President Biden is a decent man, Donald Trump is a hooligan, a grotesque demagogue with no shred of decency. Donald Trump is a threat, as are his most devoted followers in and out of government, because he and they care nothing for the country, the Constitution or the concept of government for and by the people. Their only interest is power, and in that they are only interested in lording that power over others. As history teaches, the thirst for power is unquenchable, and its pursuit leaves only ruins in its wake. I, too, wish there would be a viable Democratic candidate who would represent generational change, but it doesn’t look like that is in the offing for 2024. So be it! Biden may only offer half a loaf compared to what I’d like, but he’s far better than the rancid crust that is Trump’s MAGA Republican Party!
The pressure is enormous for us all. You’re spot on about this admins failure to crush MAGA. Without removing trump from the scene I’m not sure it’s possible to a solve the mental health component that working against us all. The inability of the media to tell a story that doesn’t somehow hinge on “what will he do?” Placing “him” the eternal “he” in the center of every conversation. Biden is the only one standing that can take a punch from “him”. Joe will squint and sneer. Like McCanine would have. Hilary didn’t have the same strength. No true misogynist would be moved by her. Trump is frightened of Biden cause he sees through him. Joe knows everything concerning trump.
With luck, trump will take a pounding every day from E. Jean trial this week and every day till Election Day.
How can anyone (god I wanted to put that all in caps) say this administration failed to “crush MAGA”.? I don’t believe MAGA death will ever be accomplished by anyone of the opposing party. It’s own end will have to come from internal rot or maybe if the oligarchs who have bought the Party tire of pouring money into that dispirited hole, though I wouldn’t count on that happening. Given that they’ve managed to buy many state legislatures, state courts and the Supreme Court makes any legislative remedy of MAGA a monumental task that may only be accomplished if everyone who hates what’s happening VOTES. It isn’t just about ending MAGA. Let’s face it, MAGA was just the final step into ending our Democratic government, a process that began with Reagan and (hopefully) will end with trump. We ceased to be a democracy and became an oligarchy, so the goal has to be more than ending governing by the uber rich but a restoration of rule by the majority.
odd, deleted my comment because it went twice. oh well What I had wanted to say was that Nazi's were suppressed by law in Germany. We can't do that here because we value free speech. I think many many have wandered in the States. Not sure that's true but a guess. We will need to bring back mental health services that seemed to be taken in Reagan era. MAGA is a mental health problem. I'm not kidding or joking. We all need to start to shift some thoughts here if we are going to survive this cult.
Yes, this is a mass cult movement. Millions of people have been indoctrinated. Millions of people will follow TFG off a cliff. It seems we now have one party, The Democrats, and then a cult: the MAGA-Cult. I do feel that more people could have and should have called out fascism and cult tactics and behavior. Thanks, Gari!
Tucker Carlson and FOX News have decided to part ways.... I wonder if father & son Murdoch realized he could be a liability to their corrupt profit-making machine
Alas, as some voices have pointed out here and elsewhere, Tucker and his neo-fascists will surely find some other venue in which to reinforce and magnify each other's evil tendencies.
Just a quick response to Steve’s videos. They are great. However, my morning routine is about 30 min of reading before I get going, so I don’t watch the videos until much later. Please consider including video transcripts? These newsletters have become a daily staple.
I agree, Marlene-- not only can i get through a transcript faster than listening to a video, i can save the text to my huge Word file on Steve's columns and yellow-highlight the sections i want to stand out for later re-reading....
I believe that Donald Trump is running for cover and Biden is ONLY running because Trump is running. I agree with everything you say, Steve. God help us all if Trump gets reelected. Nothing would be better than two new, fresh candidates, one from each party. Sadly, that’s not the case unless Trump gets convicted quickly. Hypothetically, if the Mar-a-Lago case occurred, and Trump were found guilty, he would be prohibited from running for any public office ever again. Merrick Garland dropped the ball- it has taken much too long.
100% Agree. I don't think there is any ego involved in Biden's potential second term as POTUS, rather a sacrifice he'll make to insure the preservation of our Democracy. I felt the same way in 2020. Thanks.
GDS5360, “ONLY running...”? I think you underestimate him. These are the reasons I say that. A. He’s made it clear he stared something he wants to finish. B. He’s been in politics for over 52 years that has undoubtedly given his life meaning and purpose so why would he want to quit now? C. He loves America and the Constitution and that love has made him the President that can (and should) make us proud of hm. He’s not perfect but at least he’s honest, dedicated and forthcoming. Of course I’d prefer someone who is younger or with a bit more gravitas but I’m more than happy to settle for Biden.
Karyl, I never suggested that I under-estimated Biden, although you state that you’ll “settle for” him. I’m quite pleased with Biden and what he has accomplished. I believe that he has “left his mark” and achieved an outstanding legacy in his lengthy career. He could easily retire which, at his age, I think he and Jill would actually prefer. It is his sense of duty, I believe, that compels him to run against Trump since Trump isn’t going away (yet). The problem really is, if Trump does run, whether or not he wins or loses won’t matter. He’ll claim victory no matter what and a “Jan 6 redux” may very well be in store.
Thanks Karyl. We are reading from the same sheet of music, for sure. And yes, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is unfortunately the tune we’re singing, for now, anyways. I also concur with you that so much can happen in the meantime, including - with any luck, a rapid conviction (and take-down) of Trump perhaps. Who knows? I live in Florida and absolutely detest DeSantis. I enjoy watching him and his poll numbers tank; I hope that continues. I like Jamie Raskin a lot, - but I don’t think this country would vote in a Jewish president yet, any more than a gay president; I’m just not sure. I happen to love Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island. If you haven’t watched or seen him in action, pull him up on You Tube. He ‘checks all the boxes’ for me...sharp, good-looking guy (a Harrison Ford look), - and he’s ALL OVER the dark-money and Supreme Court issues. He’s a guest quite often on “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell”. These are interesting times and we’ll just have to see how the chips fall. Anyway...very nice chatting with you and we just have to hope for the best during these tumultuous times!
Thank you for providing your opinion, I honestly appreciate it.
I agree, you’re absolutely right but, although you didn’t literally say that, I believe you implied it when you made the ONLY running because of trump determination. I took that to mean you thought he had no other motivation or interest and hence, being underestimated for the reasons I stated. It was not meant to be pejorative or critical, just pointing out what I thought was an erroneous choice of words. Choice of words matter. Just as when even presumed progressive politicians and pundits call “the legal execution of a search warrant at Mar Lago” a “raid”. It was never a raid and yet here we are. I realize how hard it is to be so careful with choice of words and even then there’s no guarantee how intent will be interpreted. Anyway, I appreciate the exchange we are having.✌️
And if I may, the election, and all the predictions and pontifications that precede it, is still distant, all kinds of things can happen. Just a few months ago all we heard about was how Ron DeSantis was a viable contender to trump, rising in the polls, blah, blah, blah and look at what’s being said today. So, in the meantime, dear ODS, keep the faith in the human race, and I don’t mean that in any way relating to religions but in simply wanting to believe in something that can’t be proved. And,yes, I did say “settle for” with regard to Biden because ideally he’s not my first choice. I think he lacks, again in my opinion, the gravitas and energy that Obama possessed, but “you can’t always get what you want... if you try sometimes, you get what you need.” I think I’d prefer Jamie Raskin but that is hardly within the realm of possibilities, is it.
There was a moment, particulalry immediately following Jan 6, 2021, an opportunity where a take-no-prisoners administration could have, well, taken a host of prisoners, made it the focal point of their tenure to ensue that what transpired, and all of the chicanery leading up to it, stood a much lesser chance of a repeat.
But instead, they endowed these distortions, these contortions of greed with greater benefit, greater humanity, far greater than they deserved, and justice did not manifest.
Rather, extremism was normalized.
Now we are left trying to unring that bell, while it taunts us in piercing echoes.
Fucking scary as always. I have found no one who can summarize the intensity of crisis we are in like you, Steve. Thanks for doing what you can. Keep talking.
To breezily say "nobody wants a rematch of 2020" and "Joe Biden is too old" begs the question: "If not Joe, then who in the Democratic party can win in the general?" I'm not saying nobody can, but what exactly is the plan if Joe were not to run? I'd like to hear Steve talk about that . . . .
I truly agree with your feelings of Biden verses Trump. I truly believe that the majority of people would much rather have Biden in the White House again than the possibility of having to deal with and put up with Trump. There are alot of people who do not participate in the "Polling System" and will not show their preference until it is time to vote. How about the Independent's? Does anyone include them in on the polling? I don't participate in the polling system because they always want money to go along with who you say you will vote for. That is true of a lot of polling systems. Poorer people feel like their opinions don't count even if they do intend to vote.
Scarey as it really, surreally and Furreally is out there, I am buoyed by our Youth!
Look at the Tennessee Justins!!!! They and their kin are the Way of the Now Future and I will confidently share and dare to follow, AND lead where I can!
Nobody might want this match up but are there other options out there? I will not support Kennedy and I definitely will not support Trump. That leaves only Joe, so I say I am all in with Joe for a 2nd term in office.
None of the Democratic alternatives can match Biden in expertise.
Of course President Biden knows his own age! He knows what the risks are. Given that, and the intelligent job he's done so far, he most likely has a very good plan for whatever happens (various scenarios) that will be the best for our nation. We may not even know what that is until we need to. Biden is a smart guy! Biden has earned my trust and respect.
Depends on what kind of expertise. We need new blood and new priorities to lead the next generation of Americans. We need another JFK.
There is no one like that in the Dem ranks v
Tim Ryan of Ohio
I like Tim Ryan. I hope/wish that there is a civil, humane way to at least get him on the ticket as VP.
Your thoughts??
I’m not seeing it. Ask Black voters what they think.
I am Black and female, and my comment above suggests Tim Ryan. I want the DEMs to win!
Yes. But his political greatness has not passed down to the anti-vaccine Kennedy running. I agree with everything Steve has said. I also believe that the younger Democrats who are working the party have to gain thelir strengths and move into position to run for president. Why not Hakeem Jeffries?
Until someone steps forward, Biden will push himself to carry the country. I just pray that he will not succumb to aging issues but will be able to make it.
Sure...because mainstream media polls are always spot on. 😮💨😮💨 I'm sorry, 2022 midterms should've shut this polling obsession ALL the way down but here we are again relying on what the exasperated Gap khaki enthusiast says on all NBC shows. I'm so sick of it that as soon as anyone starts in on polls polls polls I reach for the remote.
Steve Schmidt draws the contrast in the coming election exactly as it is: a contest not between candidates per se, but one between freedom and liberty versus authoritarianism. President Biden is a decent man, Donald Trump is a hooligan, a grotesque demagogue with no shred of decency. Donald Trump is a threat, as are his most devoted followers in and out of government, because he and they care nothing for the country, the Constitution or the concept of government for and by the people. Their only interest is power, and in that they are only interested in lording that power over others. As history teaches, the thirst for power is unquenchable, and its pursuit leaves only ruins in its wake. I, too, wish there would be a viable Democratic candidate who would represent generational change, but it doesn’t look like that is in the offing for 2024. So be it! Biden may only offer half a loaf compared to what I’d like, but he’s far better than the rancid crust that is Trump’s MAGA Republican Party!
Bravo, Well stated.
Majority of Americans or a majority of the people polled? How many were asked? These polls are worthless except to further political agendas.
If there was anyone the Ds could run that could beat tfg, I'd be all for it.
BUT who?
Don't change horses in midstream (h/t to Wag the Dog).
The pressure is enormous for us all. You’re spot on about this admins failure to crush MAGA. Without removing trump from the scene I’m not sure it’s possible to a solve the mental health component that working against us all. The inability of the media to tell a story that doesn’t somehow hinge on “what will he do?” Placing “him” the eternal “he” in the center of every conversation. Biden is the only one standing that can take a punch from “him”. Joe will squint and sneer. Like McCanine would have. Hilary didn’t have the same strength. No true misogynist would be moved by her. Trump is frightened of Biden cause he sees through him. Joe knows everything concerning trump.
With luck, trump will take a pounding every day from E. Jean trial this week and every day till Election Day.
How can anyone (god I wanted to put that all in caps) say this administration failed to “crush MAGA”.? I don’t believe MAGA death will ever be accomplished by anyone of the opposing party. It’s own end will have to come from internal rot or maybe if the oligarchs who have bought the Party tire of pouring money into that dispirited hole, though I wouldn’t count on that happening. Given that they’ve managed to buy many state legislatures, state courts and the Supreme Court makes any legislative remedy of MAGA a monumental task that may only be accomplished if everyone who hates what’s happening VOTES. It isn’t just about ending MAGA. Let’s face it, MAGA was just the final step into ending our Democratic government, a process that began with Reagan and (hopefully) will end with trump. We ceased to be a democracy and became an oligarchy, so the goal has to be more than ending governing by the uber rich but a restoration of rule by the majority.
odd, deleted my comment because it went twice. oh well What I had wanted to say was that Nazi's were suppressed by law in Germany. We can't do that here because we value free speech. I think many many have wandered in the States. Not sure that's true but a guess. We will need to bring back mental health services that seemed to be taken in Reagan era. MAGA is a mental health problem. I'm not kidding or joking. We all need to start to shift some thoughts here if we are going to survive this cult.
Yes, this is a mass cult movement. Millions of people have been indoctrinated. Millions of people will follow TFG off a cliff. It seems we now have one party, The Democrats, and then a cult: the MAGA-Cult. I do feel that more people could have and should have called out fascism and cult tactics and behavior. Thanks, Gari!
Off-topic -- Breaking news: https://www.axios.com/2023/04/24/tucker-carlson-fox-news-out
Tucker Carlson and FOX News have decided to part ways.... I wonder if father & son Murdoch realized he could be a liability to their corrupt profit-making machine
Tucker didn’t get a final show to say goodbye to his hoodwinked viewers. I feel bad for him! 😹😹😹
So sad! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
🎻 my teeny tiny violin is playing a whole sack full of sad songs for the grieving batshitcrazies during these difficult times 🤭
tee-hee! 🙃 Very funny wording, Debra!
Alas, as some voices have pointed out here and elsewhere, Tucker and his neo-fascists will surely find some other venue in which to reinforce and magnify each other's evil tendencies.
No doubt about that 🤪
p.s.-- Rolling Stone thus far has the best analysis of Carlson and the break-up:
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/tucker-carlson-fox-news-end-relationship-1234722551/
I love how RStone writers, like our Steve Schmidt, don't mince words about the evil, the lies, the lack of integrity.
So, has anyone asked where all the tapes that where given to Tucker by McCarthy have gone?
Be careful, brothers and sisters, schadenfreude feels good but is not helpful. It often leads to retaliation, doesn’t it? Besides, it’s just unkind.
Repression can lead to depression and illness; some of us have been 'nice' long enough.
Just a quick response to Steve’s videos. They are great. However, my morning routine is about 30 min of reading before I get going, so I don’t watch the videos until much later. Please consider including video transcripts? These newsletters have become a daily staple.
I agree, Marlene-- not only can i get through a transcript faster than listening to a video, i can save the text to my huge Word file on Steve's columns and yellow-highlight the sections i want to stand out for later re-reading....
I believe that Donald Trump is running for cover and Biden is ONLY running because Trump is running. I agree with everything you say, Steve. God help us all if Trump gets reelected. Nothing would be better than two new, fresh candidates, one from each party. Sadly, that’s not the case unless Trump gets convicted quickly. Hypothetically, if the Mar-a-Lago case occurred, and Trump were found guilty, he would be prohibited from running for any public office ever again. Merrick Garland dropped the ball- it has taken much too long.
100% Agree. I don't think there is any ego involved in Biden's potential second term as POTUS, rather a sacrifice he'll make to insure the preservation of our Democracy. I felt the same way in 2020. Thanks.
GDS5360, “ONLY running...”? I think you underestimate him. These are the reasons I say that. A. He’s made it clear he stared something he wants to finish. B. He’s been in politics for over 52 years that has undoubtedly given his life meaning and purpose so why would he want to quit now? C. He loves America and the Constitution and that love has made him the President that can (and should) make us proud of hm. He’s not perfect but at least he’s honest, dedicated and forthcoming. Of course I’d prefer someone who is younger or with a bit more gravitas but I’m more than happy to settle for Biden.
Karyl, I never suggested that I under-estimated Biden, although you state that you’ll “settle for” him. I’m quite pleased with Biden and what he has accomplished. I believe that he has “left his mark” and achieved an outstanding legacy in his lengthy career. He could easily retire which, at his age, I think he and Jill would actually prefer. It is his sense of duty, I believe, that compels him to run against Trump since Trump isn’t going away (yet). The problem really is, if Trump does run, whether or not he wins or loses won’t matter. He’ll claim victory no matter what and a “Jan 6 redux” may very well be in store.
Thanks Karyl. We are reading from the same sheet of music, for sure. And yes, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is unfortunately the tune we’re singing, for now, anyways. I also concur with you that so much can happen in the meantime, including - with any luck, a rapid conviction (and take-down) of Trump perhaps. Who knows? I live in Florida and absolutely detest DeSantis. I enjoy watching him and his poll numbers tank; I hope that continues. I like Jamie Raskin a lot, - but I don’t think this country would vote in a Jewish president yet, any more than a gay president; I’m just not sure. I happen to love Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island. If you haven’t watched or seen him in action, pull him up on You Tube. He ‘checks all the boxes’ for me...sharp, good-looking guy (a Harrison Ford look), - and he’s ALL OVER the dark-money and Supreme Court issues. He’s a guest quite often on “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell”. These are interesting times and we’ll just have to see how the chips fall. Anyway...very nice chatting with you and we just have to hope for the best during these tumultuous times!
If you missed Jay Rosen on Rachel Maddow last night I think it’s really worth it. It’s on YouTube
GDS, Sheldon Whitehouse would be great. There’s also Sherrod Brown? Sheldon gives us Rhode Island but Sherrod would carry Ohio. 😝
Sorry, GDS, for the ODS in above response... dirty glasses! 😊
Thank you for providing your opinion, I honestly appreciate it.
I agree, you’re absolutely right but, although you didn’t literally say that, I believe you implied it when you made the ONLY running because of trump determination. I took that to mean you thought he had no other motivation or interest and hence, being underestimated for the reasons I stated. It was not meant to be pejorative or critical, just pointing out what I thought was an erroneous choice of words. Choice of words matter. Just as when even presumed progressive politicians and pundits call “the legal execution of a search warrant at Mar Lago” a “raid”. It was never a raid and yet here we are. I realize how hard it is to be so careful with choice of words and even then there’s no guarantee how intent will be interpreted. Anyway, I appreciate the exchange we are having.✌️
And if I may, the election, and all the predictions and pontifications that precede it, is still distant, all kinds of things can happen. Just a few months ago all we heard about was how Ron DeSantis was a viable contender to trump, rising in the polls, blah, blah, blah and look at what’s being said today. So, in the meantime, dear ODS, keep the faith in the human race, and I don’t mean that in any way relating to religions but in simply wanting to believe in something that can’t be proved. And,yes, I did say “settle for” with regard to Biden because ideally he’s not my first choice. I think he lacks, again in my opinion, the gravitas and energy that Obama possessed, but “you can’t always get what you want... if you try sometimes, you get what you need.” I think I’d prefer Jamie Raskin but that is hardly within the realm of possibilities, is it.
Spot on.
There was a moment, particulalry immediately following Jan 6, 2021, an opportunity where a take-no-prisoners administration could have, well, taken a host of prisoners, made it the focal point of their tenure to ensue that what transpired, and all of the chicanery leading up to it, stood a much lesser chance of a repeat.
But instead, they endowed these distortions, these contortions of greed with greater benefit, greater humanity, far greater than they deserved, and justice did not manifest.
Rather, extremism was normalized.
Now we are left trying to unring that bell, while it taunts us in piercing echoes.
Fucking scary as always. I have found no one who can summarize the intensity of crisis we are in like you, Steve. Thanks for doing what you can. Keep talking.
Great Warning! May All Americans hear this and heed it!
Ok! Lets go Joe!
Let’s go Biden,
To breezily say "nobody wants a rematch of 2020" and "Joe Biden is too old" begs the question: "If not Joe, then who in the Democratic party can win in the general?" I'm not saying nobody can, but what exactly is the plan if Joe were not to run? I'd like to hear Steve talk about that . . . .
Steve, thoughts on Fox taking Tucker off the air?
Might it have been part of the negotiations?
I truly agree with your feelings of Biden verses Trump. I truly believe that the majority of people would much rather have Biden in the White House again than the possibility of having to deal with and put up with Trump. There are alot of people who do not participate in the "Polling System" and will not show their preference until it is time to vote. How about the Independent's? Does anyone include them in on the polling? I don't participate in the polling system because they always want money to go along with who you say you will vote for. That is true of a lot of polling systems. Poorer people feel like their opinions don't count even if they do intend to vote.
Mr. J. B. Minton has said it Best!
Scarey as it really, surreally and Furreally is out there, I am buoyed by our Youth!
Look at the Tennessee Justins!!!! They and their kin are the Way of the Now Future and I will confidently share and dare to follow, AND lead where I can!