Democrats openly talk about replacing Biden

[underwaterrhymes]

Jul 12, 2024 8:33:20 GMT -5 stuffandthings said:

Jul 11, 2024 16:27:45 GMT -5 sillygoosegirl said:

Should people really be that concerned about him being old? I thought that was literally why we have Harris. I mean, if Biden's running mate was somebody like Sarah Palin, I'd be concerned about his age and health (and sanity), but considering how I feel about Biden and Harris, I'd certainly be sad for his family if Biden kicked the bucket while in office, but I'd still feel the nation was in fine hands. What I do wish is that we could add a vice vice president to the ticket. Because congress.

I'm not actually personally worried about his ability to govern. I don't imagine that the President actually runs everything themselves--it's mostly advisors and staff doing the day-to-day stuff, and I think Biden is fine to make big decisions if given enough time and space. If Biden is incapacitated, Harris steps in, no problem.

I am purely concerned from an electoral point of view. Biden's age is *perceived* as a problem by a lot of low-propensity voters, and we need those voters to turn out. We can't afford for our candidate to be seen as just another grumpy old man, because low-information voters won't see the difference between the two. We need to draw a contrast between our candidate and the GOP's. If Biden could do that, I'd be fine with him staying in the race, but so far he hasn't been able to.

There is no other option. It’s four months before the election.

First, every state has had their primary and all of the delegates have pledged to support Biden. If he leaves the race, there would be a free for all to replace him. Even if he resigned from the presidency and Kamala Harris became president, she still wouldn’t be the automatic nominee. (BTW, funding is critical to winning the presidency and she is the only person who could carry over what Biden has raised.)

Also, the GOP will file suits around the country.

It just is not feasible and would be a guaranteed shit show and likely a giant loss for us.

[underwaterrhymes]

Jul 12, 2024 8:58:15 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

Jul 12, 2024 7:43:51 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

He made a few gaffes, but he caught and corrected himself quickly. Predictably, the media jumped on the gaffes, but he it’s clear he still has a strong grasp of both domestic and foreign policy.

Biden has never been a very good public speaker. He just hasn't. I don't know if anyone remembers, but there was a bit of panic when he was picked as Obama's VP because he has very strong "foot in mouth" syndrome. Now is some of this age related? Probably, but some of it is just him.

He has ALWAYS made gaffes and the media’s handwringing is infuriating. Their need to drive clicks is going to send us into autocracy.

[Pom]

I’m waiting on the media to talk about the insane shit the orange fascist, wannabe dictator blathers on about since always. Suddenly, both sides means it’s all “Biden is old, all the time.” We knew that. The time for a new candidate was before the primaries.

Old man Biden is not ideal just viable. But Project 2025? That is hell for many, many people. Let’s spend more time talking about what that will look like, on the news. Biden spent an hour speaking on foreign policy with a stutter he has to correct, at his age. NATO alliance meetings have been handled correctly, without diaper Don’s naps or craziness. Let’s discuss the past POTUS gaffes over the years. Christ on a cracker.

Leave it to Dems to ruin our chances for ourselves while the GOP enjoys the chaos they start. Biden is an old flubber. Hillary’s too emotional and her emails. Birtherism anyone? Holy shit.

I’m not downplaying anyone’s concerns, but my god, the media can fuck right off.

We are all scared, but this chicken little act does not help. Remember who owns the media.

[stuffandthings]

Jul 12, 2024 9:00:47 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Jul 12, 2024 8:33:20 GMT -5 stuffandthings said:

I'm not actually personally worried about his ability to govern. I don't imagine that the President actually runs everything themselves--it's mostly advisors and staff doing the day-to-day stuff, and I think Biden is fine to make big decisions if given enough time and space. If Biden is incapacitated, Harris steps in, no problem.

I am purely concerned from an electoral point of view. Biden's age is *perceived* as a problem by a lot of low-propensity voters, and we need those voters to turn out. We can't afford for our candidate to be seen as just another grumpy old man, because low-information voters won't see the difference between the two. We need to draw a contrast between our candidate and the GOP's. If Biden could do that, I'd be fine with him staying in the race, but so far he hasn't been able to.

There is no other option. It’s four months before the election.

First, every state has had their primary and all of the delegates have pledged to support Biden. If he leaves the race, first, there would be a free for all to replace him. Even if he resigned from the presidency and Kamala Harris became president, she still wouldn’t be the automatic nominee. (BTW, funding is critical to winning the presidency and she is the only person who could carry over what Biden has raised.)

Also, the GOP will file suits around the country.

It just is not feasible and would be a guaranteed shit show and likely a giant loss for us.

I disagree.

-The Democratic National Committee's rules are: "Delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.” Legally, if Biden says, "I'm done," those delegates can vote for whomever they want, and if Biden tells them to vote for a particular person, they can say that they are "in all good conscience reflect[ing] the sentiments of those who elected them" by doing so.

-Harris is the person who I think should be nominated here, and she can absolutely take those funds. But even if someone else won the nomination, the Biden/Harris campaign can transfer those funds to a SuperPAC, which can then spend them all on behalf of the nominee.

-I think it's pretty clear that everyone is rallying around Harris as the alternative nominee. I'm sure there would be shenanigans at the convention with the far left, but honestly, those will happen anyways, because the left doesn't like Biden either. I do actually think most people would come together around a nominee if they believe she could beat Trump. People just don't believe Joe can, but if they did, I think there'd be more rallying around him.

-Yes, it is four months until the election, and so largely voters fall into two camps: people who will vote for their party's nominee no matter what (most of us), and people who will decide who to vote for about two weeks prior to the election (low-propensity voters). In my experience, the most critical time is always right before the election. That's why the Comey letter was so devastating--the news broke in late October, within that two-week window when the low-info voters were making their decisions.

-The GOP can file suits all they want, but I'm pretty sure the courts don't have the power to delay the presidential election, and as soon as the election is over the suits will be dismissed as moot. That's the whole reason why we tried to get Trump kicked off the ballot before the 2024 election even started--because cases like this take months, even years, and so we needed to get started several years ago to have a chance at affecting the next election cycle.

-I think four months is less than ideal, but it's doable. In 2020 we didn't even know Harris would even be on the ticket until August. We could have Biden step aside and Harris choose a VP nominee this week, and have our ticket set WEEKS earlier than we did in 2020.

I'm not arguing it won't be hard and shitty to get through. I'm arguing that it's a better gamble than the one we're currently making.

Sources:
www.factcheck.org/2024/07/qa-how-biden-can-be-replaced-as-the-democratic-nominee/
apnews.com/article/kamala-harris-biden-fundraising-election-campaign-donations-5709f07420b4f138caa884361653368e
www.nytimes.com/2024/07/09/us/politics/biden-harris-money.html
fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-comey-letter-probably-cost-clinton-the-election/

[wanderingback]

I would like to clarify I was just commenting purely on the age thing. People need to retire. I agree we shouldn’t have another candidate, that ship sailed awhile ago and the media is the worse and that’s why I don’t watch it anymore. Trump is also too old as well, in case that wasn’t clear!

[wildrice]

Jul 12, 2024 7:43:51 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Jul 12, 2024 6:37:58 GMT -5 Bernadine said:

I wasn’t able to watch it, but this is good to hear.

He made a few gaffes, but he caught and corrected himself quickly. Predictably, the media jumped on the gaffes, but he it’s clear he still has a strong grasp of both domestic and foreign policy.

Admittedly the bar is on the floor, but I thought he did a good job too. I think someone younger and qualified may have been able to do an even better job, but that's not who we have. He was clearly well aware of what was going on, gave intelligent answers, and was able to synthesize information and answer complex questions. I am 42 and would have had trouble remembering all of the elements of some of the questions that were posed, but he seemed to be able to manage them fine. Yes, he rambled at points and had some weird moments, but I mean look at his opposition! Trump can't answer a question coherently and at least we could follow everything Biden was saying. 

I wish the bar wasn't at "at least we can follow what he's saying" but that's where we are. Biden is a good man and has been a good president. I hate how he has handled the Israel/Palestine conflict but I can't see any (possible) alternative being any better with that anyway. 

[kellady]

Jul 12, 2024 8:54:27 GMT -5 Patsy Baloney said:

This is so wild. Age age age age.

When all they had to do was stand up and say, “abortion rights,” for a slam-dunk victory. I am so tired of Dems in disarray.

Yes!  The Republicans can get it together for a trash candidate who has been spewing gibberish all these years, one would think that the Democrats would come together behind Biden and get him elected!  Get a better message out!

[Pom]

As usual, we are at the “Democrats are in disarray” phase of the election, that the GOP needs to get to a win. We have got to do better and the only “better” I’ve seen is the Dem Black Caucus. They are standing up to the media and we need more of that from everyone else.

[stuffandthings]

Interesting Marist poll results, which suggest that the uproar over Biden's candidacy hasn't damaged him, AND that voters are more concerned about Trump's lies than Biden age:


maristpoll.marist.edu/polls/contest-for-president-still-up-for-grabs/

[somersault72]

I almost feel like Ron Burgundy talking to his dog Baxter when he pooped in the refrigerator and ate an entire wheel of cheese.
People act like Biden is running against a 40 year old. I know he dyes his hair and skin orange, but Trump is only 3 and a half years younger, AND used to Tweet things like "covfefe" and "stable genius" (among many, MANY others). Not to mention he's a convicted felon (with other cases pending).So when people tend to ONLY be questioning Biden's age and mental status, I'm *almost* not even mad. Unfortunately since this is real life and not a movie I'm angry, scared, and quite frankly bewildered that anywhere near half our country would even CONSIDER voting Trump, let alone actually do it.

[cous0226]

CNN is covering him now in Michigan in a small place with like 30 people and he’s doing great. They would never have covered this if it wasn’t for the debate mess. It’s helpful.

[msmerymac]

- a friend’s dad was quoted in the LA Times yesterday. He very much suspected Regan had early Alzheimer’s after the 1984 debate and now suspects Biden has a form of Parkinson’s (that Linda Ronstadt also has). He’s a neuro specialist at UCLA, not some rando

- Biden had to be insistent that he is staying in the race up until he’s not, which is why people are still speculating, despite his assurances.

- I’ve seen very few signs for either here in suburban Philly - tons of signs last election, not many in 2016 at all.

- polls show voters actually do not care much about Israel/Palestine. They care about safety (crime and a bit of border), economy (inflation/cost of living), and their futures. While the Gaza war might hurt Biden in some areas and with small pockets of voters, in general people still feel bad about economic prospects which is much more likely to hurt the party in general.

I hate to say it but I think we are effed no matter who the Ds run. I hope I’m wrong.

[minzy]

Jul 13, 2024 12:49:51 GMT -5 msmerymac said:

- a friend’s dad was quoted in the LA Times yesterday. He very much suspected Regan had early Alzheimer’s after the 1984 debate and now suspects Biden has a form of Parkinson’s (that Linda Ronstadt also has). He’s a neuro specialist at UCLA, not some rando

Interesting perspective and I guess time will tell. The mention of progressive supranuclear palsy caught my eye. One of my uncles died from PSP. What a fucking awful disease.

It looks like Biden recently signed a National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, partly named for Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, who has PSP. wexton.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=949

More anecdotes, I’ve been in rural Ohio for the last two months. Zero Biden signs. Trump shit is everywhere. $?!(!$;!

[sonrisa]

Unfortunately the rally images from yesterday feed into the MAGA narrative that one of these men is weak and frail while the other is strong and vigorous.

Yes, it was adrenaline, but that instinctive, pugilistic air punching with blood running down his face fits right into their narrative of trump.

[underwaterrhymes]

Bernie Sanders is talking sense:

“I will do all that I can to see that President Biden is re-elected. Why? Despite my disagreements with him on particular issues, he has been the most effective president in the modern history of our country and is the strongest candidate to defeat Donald Trump — a demagogue and pathological liar.

It’s time to learn a lesson from the progressive and centrist forces in France who, despite profound political differences, came together this week to soundly defeat right-wing extremism.”

[underwaterrhymes]

Biden did a super job pushing back on the media last night with Lester Holt.

[pixy0stix]

I dislike that Biden is now botoxed to the heavens and is as orange as Trump.

[underwaterrhymes]

Also, Mark Hamill is a national treasure. Please no one ruin him.

[hermione]

Jul 16, 2024 7:31:56 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Biden did a super job pushing back on the media last night with Lester Holt.

I am actively choosing to to not watch as much about this election for my own mental health. Is this true or sarcastic?

[underwaterrhymes]

Jul 16, 2024 8:26:47 GMT -5 hermione said:

Jul 16, 2024 7:31:56 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Biden did a super job pushing back on the media last night with Lester Holt.

I am actively choosing to to not watch as much about this election for my own mental health. Is this true or sarcastic?

It’s true. He’s been doing great.

[hermione]

Jul 16, 2024 8:27:46 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Jul 16, 2024 8:26:47 GMT -5 hermione said:

I am actively choosing to to not watch as much about this election for my own mental health. Is this true or sarcastic?

It’s true. He’s been doing great.

Thanks!

[Pom]

Jul 16, 2024 7:31:56 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Biden did a super job pushing back on the media last night with Lester Holt.

IMO Lester was a jerk. And I like Lester. Throwing Biden under the bus, repeatedly, for speaking about a “bullseye” on Trump, after all the insane threats that asshole has made in 8+ years? I’m back to a ban on watching the media for a couple of days. Both sides are NOT the same. I bet if they really put some effort into it, they could show the dangerous, evil shit and propaganda Trump spews daily. You know, just to “both sides” it. Biden did do a good job countering.

[shauni27]

Jul 16, 2024 8:48:49 GMT -5 Pom said:

Jul 16, 2024 7:31:56 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Biden did a super job pushing back on the media last night with Lester Holt.

IMO Lester was a jerk. And I like Lester. Throwing Biden under the bus, repeatedly, for speaking about a “bullseye” on Trump, after all the insane threats that asshole has made in 8+ years? I’m back to a ban on watching the media for a couple of days. Both sides are NOT the same. I bet if they really put some effort into it, they could show the dangerous, evil shit and propaganda Trump spews daily. You know, just to “both sides” it. Biden did do a good job countering.

I heard a recap of the interview and felt similarly--shut up with the bullseye shit. You are making this worse; call out Trump for his rhetoric and ask Biden what he is doing to tone down the violent talks. That's it.

[heat40]

I think the media and the political world, is taking this assassination attempt as seriously and as somberly as it was all times prior. except trump's camp is not. they're taking it as a score to elevate their campaign even more. it was a gift to them and they are gladly running with it. He may very well be shaken by it, but publicly he's using it as a new marketing tool.

which is incredibly frustrating to see everyone treat him with soft gloves. He doesn't care as much as they do.

[underwaterrhymes]

Jul 16, 2024 13:38:42 GMT -5 heat40 said:

I think the media and the political world, is taking this assassination attempt as seriously and as somberly as it was all times prior. except trump's camp is not. they're taking it as a score to elevate their campaign even more. it was a gift to them and they are gladly running with it. He may very well be shaken by it, but publicly he's using it as a new marketing tool.

which is incredibly frustrating to see everyone treat him with soft gloves. He doesn't care as much as they do.

Trump didn’t even call the widow of the man who was killed.

Biden did, but she refused to take his call because she said her husband wouldn’t have wanted her to. (Her husband’s Twitter was atrocious and backs this up. The man held some pretty gross opinions.)

[cous0226]

Jul 16, 2024 13:14:50 GMT -5 shauni27 said:

Jul 16, 2024 8:48:49 GMT -5 Pom said:

IMO Lester was a jerk. And I like Lester. Throwing Biden under the bus, repeatedly, for speaking about a “bullseye” on Trump, after all the insane threats that asshole has made in 8+ years? I’m back to a ban on watching the media for a couple of days. Both sides are NOT the same. I bet if they really put some effort into it, they could show the dangerous, evil shit and propaganda Trump spews daily. You know, just to “both sides” it. Biden did do a good job countering.

I heard a recap of the interview and felt similarly--shut up with the bullseye shit. You are making this worse; call out Trump for his rhetoric and ask Biden what he is doing to tone down the violent talks. That's it.

What’s fucked about the bullseye thing is that it was done in a room with donors. Not like in a rally or public. It was not brought up with context and that was unfair.

[neverfstop]

www.cnn.com/2024/07/17/politics/adam-schiff-joe-biden-congress/index.html


Rep. Adam Schiff calls on Biden to drop out of the race

[underwaterrhymes]

Man, fuck Adam Schiff and fuck CNN.

[TR]

It’s so easy for all these white male talking heads to call for Biden to step down because it’s a win-win situation for them. He loses and they get to say “I told you so” while not losing any of their rights or suffering any real consequences. He wins and they can say we got lucky and blah blah blah. Fuck all the way off.

[erbear]

Jul 17, 2024 13:54:27 GMT -5 TR said:

It’s so easy for all these white male talking heads to call for Biden to step down because it’s a win-win situation for them. He loses and they get to say “I told you so” while not losing any of their rights or suffering any real consequences. He wins and they can say we got lucky and blah blah blah. Fuck all the way off.

Right?! You know who is calling for Biden to stay in the race? Most members of the Black Congressional Congress.