Biden announces he won’t seek reelection

[Roc A Bee]

Biden was not going to win in November. We now have a chance. I’m honestly excited!

[pixy0stix]

I'd caution against getting too excited about Harris. The delegates have to decide, and the party hasn't endorsed her. Obama's statement was very neutral on the path forward.

[mofongo]

Jul 21, 2024 14:49:38 GMT -5 tamarindy said:

Jul 21, 2024 14:42:13 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

No, I am saying that I think he has - for the most part - done a super job of running this country. I think he has surrounded himself with great people. I think that he did not perform his best at the debate and that he is aging. I cannot rule out more than ordinary cognitive decline, but do not see signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia and feel it was out of the line to suggest that. I do not dispute that a younger candidate is desirable. I am FAR FAR left of any president we have ever had and Biden was not my first choice in 2020. I think expressing concern is normal, although I wish there had been more recognition of the good work he has done and the flailing was (I’m sure not surprising) deeply annoying to me.

I also think the idea that we didn’t have a democratic primary is utter bullshit. And I hate that a narrative regarding Biden’s mental capacity - that was started by wealthy donors who don’t want to pay taxes and hate the idea of a Black woman President - was ultimately carried by people who love our country and want the best for it.

It makes me deeply sad that this compassionate and honorable man has been pushed out by people on our side. This was handled extremely poorly. If people on the inside had concerns about him, they should have expressed this many, many months ago. Instead, they all leapt aboard a Republican-driven train. I’m really hoping we weren’t just driven off a cliff.

I appreciate the clarity, because we seem to just fundamentally disagree on this. I saw a lot of evidence that he was not well beyond being “old.” This takes nothing away from what he has accomplished at all, and has nothing to do with his insane opponent. Personally I was just getting tired of people acting like he was fine. He’s not and I think it was borderline inhumane for those around him not to step in sooner.

I understand this feeling. All I can guess is that it wasn’t as widely apparent until after the debate. It was clear, to me, that something was very wrong while watching that. I felt sad for him, for us. I don’t mean just this board, b/c it’s been on the internet and irl. He was NOT ok, it’s not just age. I don’t want to speculate a diagnosis, but I think he did what he had to. I did feel a bit crazy how some people were saying he was just fine, it was a bad night, etc, when. I’m guessing those that know him and spend time with him saw even more concerning signs. He’s a good man, he has served this country well, and I hope he is able to live the rest of his life with his family, and without the weight of the world on his shoulders.

[VillainV]

Jul 21, 2024 14:42:13 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

Jul 21, 2024 14:33:26 GMT -5 tamarindy said:

I don’t disagree that there was absolutely a lot at play with the media narrative and the overall push for this, but are you really saying we didn’t all see what we saw regarding Biden’s mental capacity?

No, I am saying that I think he has - for the most part - done a super job of running this country. I think he has surrounded himself with great people. I think that he did not perform his best at the debate and that he is aging. I cannot rule out more than ordinary cognitive decline, but do not see signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia and feel it was out of the line to suggest that. I do not dispute that a younger candidate is desirable. I am FAR FAR left of any president we have ever had and Biden was not my first choice in 2020. I think expressing concern is normal, although I wish there had been more recognition of the good work he has done and the flailing was (I’m sure not surprising) deeply annoying to me.

I also think the idea that we didn’t have a democratic primary is utter bullshit. And I hate that a narrative regarding Biden’s mental capacity - that was started by wealthy donors who don’t want to pay taxes and hate the idea of a Black woman President - was ultimately carried by people who love our country and want the best for it.

It makes me deeply sad that this compassionate and honorable man has been pushed out by people on our side. This was handled extremely poorly. If people on the inside had concerns about him, they should have expressed this many, many months ago. Instead, they all leapt aboard a Republican-driven train. I’m really hoping we weren’t just driven off a cliff.

People have been concerned about his age since 2020 when he ran last time. This has been coming for a long time. “People” aren’t “suddenly concerned.” We’ve been concerned. The media and some notable very visible democrats have emphasized it over the last few weeks, but the rest of us have been deeply concerned.

At least in my circle, the only people who have been holding up the narrative that he’s “just fine” are old people, boomers my parents age who don’t like the implication that they too aren’t as sharp as they used to be. Everyone younger (especially Gen X and younger) would rather vote for someone younger instead of continue to kick the can down the road.

[babsbunny]

Any chance Pelosi was executing this strategy for a few weeks? While many of us got annoyed at the constant chatter, it was almost over shadowing the RNC. We kept the spotlight and have now made things interesting.

In order to live in this world, I have to think there are people smarter than me (and more smart good people than smart bad people).

[ECB]

I’m just so annoyed with the Democratic Party. They have NO plan. The second trump won in 2016, they needed to start formulating a plan that didn’t rely on a (at the time) 73 year old man to win the next TWO elections. 2020, sure, fine. That worked out. But they should have been lining someone younger up who could bring the right energy to 2024 instead of this last minute panic move 4 months out.

[katieb4tom]

I live in western PA. Post shooting, the amount of Trump support I’ve seen and heard has quadrupled. This is a good thing. Joe has really pulled a George Washington here. 😉

[jeaniebueller]

Big Gretch reporting for duty.

[pixy0stix]

Jul 21, 2024 15:16:40 GMT -5 ECB said:

I’m just so annoyed with the Democratic Party. They have NO plan. The second trump won in 2016, they needed to start formulating a plan that didn’t rely on a (at the time) 73 year old man to win the next TWO elections. 2020, sure, fine. That worked out. But they should have been lining someone younger up who could bring the right energy to 2024 instead of this last minute panic move 4 months out.

TBF, I don't think the party was expecting Biden to win the nomination the first time.

[fernweh]

Jul 21, 2024 15:18:45 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

Big Gretch reporting for duty.

She is my governor and I love her. However, I think an all woman ticket (assuming Harris gets the nomination) is a lot to ask for. I want to be wrong but I think there is just too much misogyny in the country. I worry about the possibility of getting one woman elected but two…

[fernweh]

Also I’m starting to see “if he isn’t fit to run then he isn’t fit to serve and needs to resign immediately” from Republicans. I know he said in his statement he would serve the rest of his term and I’m not advocating that he not.

What do the republicans gain by him resigning now? Do they think that would help them win in November somehow?

[maudefindlay]

Jul 21, 2024 15:24:54 GMT -5 fernweh said:

Jul 21, 2024 15:18:45 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

Big Gretch reporting for duty.

She is my governor and I love her. However, I think an all woman ticket (assuming Harris gets the nomination) is a lot to ask for. I want to be wrong but I think there is just too much misogyny in the country. I worry about the possibility of getting one woman elected but two…

Same unfortunately. This country's history of racism and sexism is still loud and proud.

[underwaterrhymes]

I agree that Whitmer can’t be the VP pick.

Unfortunately it needs to be a white, cis-het, man.

[maudefindlay]

I'm hearing lots of Andy Beshear support on SM.

Eta Governor of Ky

[fernweh]

Jul 21, 2024 15:33:49 GMT -5 maudefindlay said:

I'm hearing lots of Andy Beshear support on SM.

Off to Google him because I have no idea who he is…

ETA: immediately shocked that Kentucky has a Democrat governor.

[pixy0stix]

I've created another thread to talk about the ins and outs.

[pixy0stix]

Jul 21, 2024 15:34:30 GMT -5 fernweh said:

Jul 21, 2024 15:33:49 GMT -5 maudefindlay said:

I'm hearing lots of Andy Beshear support on SM.

Off to Google him because I have no idea who he is…

This is going to be an issue for a lot of names thrown around, and why people we hanging on by their fingernails to Biden.

[Bad Dingo]

The Clintons have endorsed Harris.
www.wsj.com/livecoverage/biden-drops-out-election-2024/card/bill-and-hillary-clinton-endorse-harris-praise-biden-UT8ad7G3AcOqbnge1MCf

[rubytue]

Jul 21, 2024 15:11:04 GMT -5 Roc A Bee said:

Biden was not going to win in November. We now have a chance. I’m honestly excited!

I’m here. I think we were cooked. I almost posted yesterday that it was inevitable. Though mostly bc the media wouldn’t shut up and the narrative wasn’t going away. 

I think it’s a case of damned if you go, damned it you don’t. 

edit: Harris/Newsome 

[kellady]

Jul 21, 2024 15:30:58 GMT -5 maudefindlay said:

Jul 21, 2024 15:24:54 GMT -5 fernweh said:

She is my governor and I love her. However, I think an all woman ticket (assuming Harris gets the nomination) is a lot to ask for. I want to be wrong but I think there is just too much misogyny in the country. I worry about the possibility of getting one woman elected but two…

Same unfortunately. This country's history of racism and sexism is still loud and proud.

Ditto, Same here.  I love her.  But I agree that two women just wouldn’t win.  Our country hasn’t come that far unfortunately.  

[hermione]

Jul 21, 2024 15:31:30 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

I agree that Whitmer can’t be the VP pick.

Unfortunately it needs to be a white, cis-het, man.

I sadly agree with this. Straight, white Midwestern male.

Shapiro? Maybe Pritzker?

[fernweh]

As a side note how stinking cool would it be if Mexico and the US both elected their first female presidents in the same year!

[sonrisa]

In January 2019 my mom, my eldest and I went to downtown Oakland to hear our future president announce she was running. I look forward to being back there this November celebrating her election.

Only five years after she started.

[eb777888]

Jul 21, 2024 15:49:28 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

In 2020 my mom, my eldest and I went to downtown Oakland to hear our future president announce she was running. I look forward to being back there this November celebrating her election.

Only four years after she started.

I so much appreciate this energy right now. And I'm reminding myself that you predicted Trump winning in 2016 so you have good instincts. 

eta: and I'm optimistic. But I'm an eternal optimist, lol. So. 

[suburbanzookeeper]

Jul 21, 2024 13:19:46 GMT -5 erbear said:

I need 100% of democrats to get the fuck behind whoever the nominee is. No digs. No hand wringing. Get out there and get folks on board.

My rescue circle (skewing middle class, middle age white women) postings have already started the hand wringing and a few of us have gone rabid about it - you couldn't get over her emails in 2016, time to build your damn bridge and get over whatever the fuck this now. No candidate is perfect but Trump and etal have made it clear of what comes with them winning. And some are listening.

[underwaterrhymes]

Jul 21, 2024 15:41:05 GMT -5 hermione said:

Jul 21, 2024 15:31:30 GMT -5 underwaterrhymes said:

I agree that Whitmer can’t be the VP pick.

Unfortunately it needs to be a white, cis-het, man.

I sadly agree with this. Straight, white Midwestern male.

Shapiro? Maybe Pritzker?

I love Pritzker but think we will keep him in IL a few more years.

I think Mark Kelly or Andy Beshear.

[erbear]

Jul 21, 2024 15:57:35 GMT -5 suburbanzookeeper said:

Jul 21, 2024 13:19:46 GMT -5 erbear said:

I need 100% of democrats to get the fuck behind whoever the nominee is. No digs. No hand wringing. Get out there and get folks on board.

My rescue circle (skewing middle class, middle age white women) postings have already started the hand wringing and a few of us have gone rabid about it - you couldn't get over her emails in 2016, time to build your damn bridge and get over whatever the fuck this now. No candidate is perfect but Trump and etal have made it clear of what comes with them winning. And some are listening.

This is my messaging going forward. I’ve found with that demographic (which I am one), if you say it with authority they fall in line

[underwaterrhymes]

I bought myself vegetarian egg rolls from my favorite Chinese place, am drinking wine (and took an edible two hours ago) and just donated $46 to Harris.

Here’s to getting up and fighting.

[pixy0stix]

I'm struck that Biden didn't tell anyone until yesterday, and then finalized everything today. Including telling Harris today.

[minzy]

I would be excited with Kelly on the ticket. Someone with an engineering degree (STEM in the White House!!), military experience, astronaut(!), personal family experience with a shooting, elected from McCain’s vacancy…. Yes please.