When I read his medical report, i was like, well shit, the dude is in better shape than me and I'm 61. No lie, I wake up and take a handful of pills to get through the day. And I need naps too.True, he didn't have a neuro cognitive by a psychologist but that would only be asked for if the doctors screening him saw some signs they were concerned about. Kavita Patel, and MD, watched the debate with other doctors and they immediately thought he was ill. They thought Covid.
It seemed this morning Biden had stopped the elite punditry from calling for him to step down ( without doing the same for trump ) at least according to Deep State Radio, but now guys like Rob Reiner and George Clooney, who was too old to be fathering children IMO, are digging in and our old friends at the NYT gave him a platform. I hope voters will just give a big eff you to these guys. We already voted in the primaries and they want to come in with a megaphone because they are afraid of trump. Use your megaphone to attack HIM. Have some faith in the voters. TBH I will not lose sleep if Biden steps aside ( I have followed him since 1988 and always liked the guy ) but I am getting pissed at the piling on.
Yes, this is the new "show us your birth certificate." What is the bar to clear? Unfortunately, as long as the sniping from some Dems lasts, I think Biden will have to take a complete neurological exam (including Trump's stupid Man, Woman, Person, etc., test), by a reputable, independent neurologist and release the results. If he's cleared, the issue goes away (for the most part; people will still complain about his age). If it shows significant health concerns, then he can use that to save face in stepping down, and Dems will close ranks on either turning to Harris or adopting some other nomination process. But it all needs to be done soon.
He's not gaslighting me. I know that Joe is old and getting older and right now may seem to be losing ground. But when I go to the voting booth, I will always vote against Trump if I know that the Democratic nominee is the OPPOSITE of the criminal malignant narcissist -- decent, honorable, smart, and with a team of patriots in place.
Hey, for this you are permanently banned from the site. I have repeatedly asked for respect and I am just tired of this self-indulgent and ridiculous behavior.
As Simon has underscored, Team Biden and Democrats need to formulate a clear and inspiring Vision for America. To save democracy, Team Biden must win in 2024, and we also need to flip the House and hold the Senate. If we do, here are my *Twelve Points for a Democratic Agenda*:
1. Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act – incl. automatic voter registration.
3. Expand and reform SCOTUS. End “judge shopping”.
4. Repeal Trump’s costly and misguided tax cuts.
5. Pass Biden’s full “Build Back Better” legislation, with universal pre-K and childcare support.
6. Make child tax credits permanent.
7. Statehood for DC – and Puerto Rico should their citizens choose!
8. Federal protection of abortion rights, IVF and contraception (Reinstate Roe v Wade)
9. Allow Medicare to negotiate ALL drug prices!
10. Accelerate America’s clean energy transition. Wind down coal-fired power plants.
11. Incorporate climate measures into the Defense Budget.
12. End the revolving door between government, lobbyists and industry.
.
With this visionary agenda, the economic benefits and other advantages of present and future Biden-Harris legislation will become far more visible to Americans. Compared with Trump’s Project 2025, that will make the choice in November dramatically clear!
Unfortunately, eliminating the Electoral College requires a Constitutional Amendment, which is why it’s not on my list. However, there *is* a workaround – the Popular Vote Compact. That is in the hands of the states and is gathering steam.
I'm not convinced an amendment is actually necessary (and don't give a damn what the Court thinks, nor should anyone else--there is no justification for the vast majority of what they've done since Bush v Gore , inclusive (see eg: https://creativepolitics.net/2022/12/06/real-originalism-the-courts/ ). Here's why. As I'm guessing you know (but never like to assume), the EC was originally created b/c the Founders feared that with the states as spread out as they are, and limited communication, most Americans wouldn't know all the presidential candidates and wouldn't be able to make an informed decision, so they voted, but the electors of their states were the ultimate decision-makers. By 1800, political parties had put an end to that problem, but the election itself was a mess, leading to a conference to develop what became the 12th amendment. The EC would have been jettisoned in that conference but the slave states wanted to keep it so their slaves could contribute to their electoral power without actually voting, ie the infamous 3/5th rule--that's the only reason it continued to exist in the wake of the 12th. After the Civil War, the 3/5 rule was considered superceded by the emancipation amendments, but the rule itself was never removed nor do the new amendments refer to it. If the 3/5th rule is dead but still in the document, why isn't the same true of the EC, since that rule was the only reason it still existed?
If I had my druthers, I would also implement Ranked Choice Voting for all federal elected offices, including the Presidency. This would allow Third Parties to thrive, while ensuring that independent and third-party candidates (Ralph Nader, Jill Stein…) can never again become election spoilers.
But I suspect that such a change can only be enacted at the state level.
Agreed, and proportional representation would turbocharge this, and there have been studies done showing that countries where proportional representation has led to multi-party systems are happier, healthier, with a greater sense of well-being than places with two-party systems like ours. They're just fundamentally more democratic, with representation much more tightly mapped to population than winner-take-all.
Something else I'm really intrigued by are electionless democracies, so-called lottocracies, though I'm not sure they could work above the local level. The ancient Greeks actually considered them true democracies and believed elections only produced oligarchies because they believed the wealthy would always just buy enough votes to win https://democracywithoutelections.org/
Regarding #7, is there an alternative idea such as a simple merge into adjacent state(s) like Maryland. Possibly easier to get full agreement on with similar results. Not my idea, I think I read this somewhere. For sure something ought to occur for the good people in D.C. Add a number 13, massive help in the drug addiction and alcohol recovery effort as a means to reduce homelessness.
Very interesting. Given the support Biden has been getting from the Congressional Black Caucus and similar blocs in the House, we would also suggest that Biden promote an ambitious agenda for "Building Back Better for Black America." We suggest that such an agenda get a notable spot on both the campaign trail and on President Biden's campaign website.
I would add something about universal healthcare. It will certainly bring up accusations of socialism but I think a solid business case can be made that it enhances competition across business of all sizes and leads to an explosion of new business formation, innovation, and economic dynamism. Medicare for All is one of the major reasons so many young people were "feeling the Bern" 8 and 4 years ago and may be lacking in enthusiasm today.
Today's GOP would certainly deny it, but it seems that even Friedrich Hayek would be open to universal care as well.
“There is no reason why in a society which has reached the general level of wealth ours has attained security should not be guaranteed to all without endangering general freedom… some minimum of food, shelter, and clothing, sufficient to preserve health and capacity to work, can be assured to everybody. Nor is there any reason why the state should not assist the individuals in providing for those common hazards of life against which few can make adequate provision.” - Friedrich Hayek
ActicStones, I find your comments uniformly well thought out and substantial. Question about the probably fatal blow to the administrative state with the ruling against the Chevron doctrine: do you think #3 will be enough to address it? This is HUGE and not getting nearly enough air play.
I totally agree, and the writers I prefer to read for analysis and news all agree that the Chevron and other decisions are incredibly destructive. The current Supreme Court has executed an unheard-of power grab by the courts – as you say, a probably fatal blow to the administrative state. They are doing the bidding of Leonard Leo, the Federalist Society and of the powerful dark money behind them.
Are you familiar with Senator Whitehouse’s series of presentations to the Senate about the "capture" of the Supreme Court, and the dark-money organizations that influence their decisions? Sheldon Whitehouse is insightful and stellar!
I’m afraid I know all to little about the law and the Constitution, but I suspect the only real long-term recourse is to expand SCOTUS and reverse its worst decision. Even if we succeed in every way in this 2024 election, we’ll still have to contend with sabotage from a hostile Supreme Court.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I know of Senator Whitehouse but am not familiar with his presentations. I’ll look them up!
I AM familiar with Leonard Leo and have listened to podcasts about his Machiavellian designs (ex. Dahlia Lithwick of Amicus, and a great mini-series called “We don’t talk about Leonard” from ProPublica). Sobering stuff.
Bottom line, we MUST pull together and win this election, including a Dem House and Senate.
Shouldn't President Biden try to expand the Supreme Court now? Assuming Kyrsten Sinema votes against it, if Joe Manchin can be persuaded to vote in favor, then Vice-President Harris would have the deciding vote.
Hey I posted something earlier today (or thought I did) about adding more states than just DC and Puerto Rico (as far as I'm concerned, the Repos owe us at least eight). But now I don't see it. I hope it's not gone because there was something offensive or problematic--(maybe the use of the word 'dwarf'?--a Pluto reference to mock the Repos, not a word I usually use). How can I find out of it was deleted, and ideally why, so I don't make any similar mistakes going forward?
I think I saw that. Was it a a comment about granting statehood to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. Correct?
I must admit I’m still trying to figure out Substack, for instance I haven’t figured out how to search for posts. Or what it means if someone "follows" me when I don’t have a Substack, or for me to "follow" them.
Team Democrats are wallowing and drowning and it's really horrible to see. No one will step up and do what's right for the country only what's right for their own party and power
Dark Beer, it seems to me that this is *precisely* what Simon and the entire Hopium community is doing: stepping up and doing what is right for America!
Numerous experts have highlighted why Biden resigning the presidency is a really bad idea. I have written a longer comment about this. The new VP has to be confirmed by Congress. The House is controlled by the Republicans, which means Speaker Mike Johnson, at Trump’s request, would throw a wrench into those plans.
Based on your follows, you don’t seem to be a follower in good faith here. You appear to be here to troll. I don’t say that lightly, but your account history does not reflect the ideals of this community.
Remember, we all have the ability to report suspect posts by clicking on the ellipis (...) next to a post. We don't have to leave that burden on Simon.
IMO that's the downside of not restricting comments to paid subscribers - you open the door to trolls!
I think this is a restricted comment section, so this person seems to have paid for the right to troll. That means they know this is a powerful and important community!
OK, I must have gotten confused. I know some substack authors opened up comments after the debate to non-subscribers. Maybe it was Robert Hubbell I am thinking of. I am suprised you have rude troll-type behavior with people who have bought a subscription. (I missed the comment that got someone banned this morning, but based on the responses...)
This post is from a right wing troll, and I have reported it using the ellipsis (…) to the right of the post. Read the past articles in its Substack - obviously conservative, backing GOP.
The right wing want Joe out of the race, because they know he has greater support from the unions which will tip the Blue Wall in his favour. Joe will win. If Joe were to pull out, we will likely lose.
Do More, Worry Less! For those of you doing postcards: Writing postcards can be fatiguing but here's a really great PEN that will help you write WAY more postcards without the hand fatigue. It's refillable too! I hope this helps my fellow postcard writes, please pass this tip to others! We've done more than 1,600 cards with many hundreds more to come! Go Team! 💪 Here's the link for the pen:
Also, note that Blue Wave postcards come pre-printed -- and with printed address labels!! You can do a zillion of them in record time with no writer's cramp!
Michelle -thanks for the shout out! And thanks for all that you do!! I’m the national outreach coordinator and we are trying to get to 10M postcards - just got Michigan in and are kitting them Friday to go out next week. Also BWPM has postcards that go out now - we focus on registering voters, checking registrations and signing up for mail in voting. And then the big GOTV vote. We are pretty sure we will sell out our Michigan mailing - which brings us joy!
The blue wave postcards do go pretty quickly - the ones I got are preprinted and with labels, but you still write a short note on them. So they do require some writing, but not too much.
I signed up for one of the postcard writing efforts and they are on the way (200 for PA voters). Am I allowed to write my own message on them or is it better if I use the suggested ones?
Most postcarding efforts that I've seen have a script that you are asked to stick to. Some offer 2 or 3 script choices, and you're asked to select one of the pre-drafted options. However, VoteForward (which is letter-writing, not postcards) allows you to write your own short message, albeit within certain parameters: no partisan messaging, and you can't mention specific candidates. Instead you write a brief message about why voting is important to you, personally. If that sounds interesting to you, check out https://votefwd.org
Only FT 6 provides lists of unregistered folk who trend Democratic. Here in Florida, the big issue is abortion, second marijuana, and "sunset" Rick Scott. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ft6-postcards
Besides postcards, we text using several methods. Text to register new Democrats in key swing states & districts. Text Arcade is a super-fast text bank that costs $25 a ticket. 100% of your ticket price goes to funding your 1,400 texts. (To put this in perspective, it costs a volunteer $1,300 to send 1,400 postcards!) We pay for about half of those texts in order to keep the ticket price reasonable. North Carolina tomorrow, Florida on July 18. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ft6arcade24
Daniel, my FT6 has had some kind of stroke (Call the Times!) and keeps kicking me into Google Voice app site! I’ve contacted FT6. Has this ever happened to you or do I have a ghost in my desktop?
They all have different methodologies - which I love, because you don’t know what will move a voter, do they like a QR code, do they like bright colors, do they need to feel connected - the more ways we engage with voters the better - you have to have at least 5 touch points for change, and to “capture” someone with a postcard you need their eyes on the card for at least 7 seconds for a message to be recognized. At Blue Wave - our method is a lot of pre-printed information, a QR code for easy registration then usually two short sentences for a personal touch your name and thats it. We also send preprinted mailing labels and can send stamps if you order them with your postcards. Happy writing to everyone - thank you all for what you do!
TC, I asked precisely this question when I signed up for Postcards to Swing States, a Progressive Turnout Project. They requested that I please write one of their three suggested messages, which had all been thoroughly tested and researched.
I ask because I received a postcard from a Trump supporter (I'm in PA) and I can't imagine what was written on it was researched, it was very specific and pretty ugly. Mentioned guns and using them to protect children (implied unborn). Sorry for the specifics. It was chilling.
Colleen, does writing something like "Google Project 2025 and vote for democracy!" come off as negative? I don't want to turn anyone off for any reason.
I rely on the guidelines of whichever group I’m writing with. Each one I’ve written with has them. Some give choices. I, myself, have never ventured into writing anything other than what is recommended/suggested/urged.
I struggled with writing the “who you vote for is private; whether you vote is public record” line, but decided to trust the folks at Postcards to Swing States and went with it. My own practice has been the same as what Cheryl Johnson (next comment) describes. Hope this helps.
Yours is the first report of any GOP postcards that I have heard. Was it for a particular candidate?
I write for a bunch of non-partisan and Democratic-leaning campaigns - focus is on GOTV or the candidate's (or GOP incumbent's) stance on a particular issue - reproductive rights, climate change, affordable healthcare, or sensible gun control.
No it was a "get out the vote" message to protect our guns and unborn children. Handwritten, very Gilead type vibes. Religious symbols, bless your family, type stuff on it
They wrote that to me as well, when I asked if I could add something about P2025. But when I asked if I could add "Your voice matters!" they liked that, so I've added it to mine. They don't want us changing the messages they've tested, though. I always check because I don't want to hinder results in any way.
Are you doing Postcards to Swing States? You might want to check out this YouTube video. They do extensive testing on the messaging. I know their message of "who you vote for is private, whether you vote is public record" turns some writers off, but they claim it is the most effective. I stick with the message provided and do not deviate from that.
I agree about the "...whether you vote is public record." I thought a lot about it, but it just sounds to me like big brother is watching. I'm a committed voter and if I received that, it'd tick me off (though of course I'd still vote). I've been using the F&F msg because it hopefully gets more people to vote.
This is awesome, thank you! My friends and I are meeting for the 5th time to write this weekend, going to step it up to weekly and start phone banking for Joe. Feels amazing! Check out Postcards to Swing States for the resources you need.
Hi Stones! I've only found these in black ink. The refills are also black. But they are extremely smooth and I admit they were recommended by NYT Wirecutter (cancelled my NYT subscrption last week). GREAT pen for marathons!
Thank you for the suggestions on pens. I just ordered some. I have arthritis in my hands and have to take a break after I write just a few. Hoping the pen will allow me to increase the number and decrease the breaks.
SIMON- The link for volunteering for the Biden-Harris campaign appears to be incorrect. It sends you to “Winning the House 2024”. Would you please check it?
How can we make July count if donors like Clooney and elected officials like Senator Benett are spreading a self-fulfilling doomsday prophecy? The public airing of concerns and calls for Biden to step down are the public sphere analog of a contested convention. This is heart-breaking.
Not to me, either, but he's a bundler and donor, and a People Magazine favorite. I don't read the magazine, but I see people grabbing it at the supermarket on the way to the register.
Consuelo, the way we can make July count is by doing the work, each day, regardless of the noise and buzz around us. I, myself, wrote 20 Vote Forward letters this morning. In mid-October those letters will be mailed to Dem-leaning low-propensity voters in swing states (Michigan, in the case of this morning's batch), nudging them to the polls, where they are very likely to vote Democrat up and down the ballot, regardless of who the POTUS nominee is.
We all can do such work, each and every day, from now through Election Day. And the good news is that none of that work relies on George Clooney's personal moods or opinions.
This top-of-the-ticket stuff will work itself out, one way or the other. In any event, it's certainly far beyond my control. What *is* within my control is the work that I do, daily. So I'mm'a stick to it.
Thank you, Patrick. I will continue to donate to the B-H campaign and to talk my friends and family off the ledge. I will also share your words of wisdom with them. This said, I would counsel that we take seriously Senator Benett's vigorously worded prophecy about Biden's electoral catastrophe -- the senator does do damage -- and I would argue that even Clooney inflicts harm. But that's just my instinct. What I do know for sure is that you're right about working even more intensely against Trump.
Allan lichtmann says that endorsements have no sway on voters. He also says that in order to win re-election, Biden needs to "govern well". Well guess what, he's been doing just that.
I agree with Lichtman and you. But the pressure on Biden is mounting and the wallets are closing. Biden could well drop out. Clooney and Bennet didn't even have the basic decency to wait until Biden wrapped up the NATO meeting, which he's hosting in D.C.
In a democracy, debate is presumably a good thing, but one debate that's not taking place is between Democrats and MAGA. Trump is golfing and MAGA having pop corn while they watch the spectacle of party notables turning on our standard bearer.
Biden is not dropping out, period. His not stupid. He knows it will lead to disaster and he also knows that if, god forbid, something happens to him that Harris will be president. That's what the VP is for.
Of course. He's a good and loving dad. Hunter's legal troubles and possible prison term have to weigh on him. Meanwhile, Trump has the highest court in the land doing his bidding. Ditto for the vast majority of GOP elected officials, the RNC, and a propaganda organ a.k.a. Fox News.
When Biden is giving he is reading from a teleprompter. This is why his speeches are good. At the debate, he was defenseless. He should not debate!! I don’t think anyone can make him strong for debates. He’s on his own and I think he becomes nervous as well.
He was pretty good without a teleprompter at the afl-cio event. Some might say really good. Just sayin.
I’m not strong pro-Biden or asking him to drop, but I do think it would be extremely helpful to accentuate Biden’s good moments. As Dems, we need to do that regardless of whether he stays in the race.
The man has a brutal campaign schedule in addition to being the president. He's tired, 81 or not. The same would happen to any one of us regardless of age. I think debates are important, but only after a week long rest on a beach somewhere.
I agree. And I keep saying to friends...I'm 61, fit, in good shape, and if I did just one of his trips oversees as a vaca, it'd take a week for me to recover. I have no idea how he's doing as well as he is, for he is an older 81.
I suspect that MAGA forces have coughed up (or have been given) the funds to spend on paid subscriptions in order to sow doubt about Biden's chances of winning and to discourage people from voting altogether. Some of the comments seem to read that way, anyway.
I feel like, if anyone did that here, 1) it'd stiffen our resolve to work even harder, 2) it would never stop any of us from voting, and 3) they'd get yoinked right outta here in a flash.
I would not get too caught up in the “Biden stay” versus “Biden go” discussions. To a large extent, those are healthy disxussions and a sign we are not a cult. I also think that issue will be decided soon, if not within the next week.
If folks are coming her saying we can’t win no matter who the nominee is, that’s pure trolling. And it’s not true.
Thank you Simon for keeping your head down and moving forward rationally! You are right again. We need to articulate an agenda that will fire people up and that they can get on board with. This election cannot be lost and we won't lose it if we pull out all the stops!
Thank you Simon for posting the NATO Summit speech link. I believe that was not only one of Biden's strongest moments, but one of his most critical moments on so many levels. I do believe the world leaders sitting among that audience felt comfort in viewing a statesman who offered a rather nostalgic political tone reminiscent of FDR/Eisenhower/Regan years. I also pose this theory to our community --don't underestimate any potential work being done behind the scenes globally to help ensure Biden's win in November. Not eluding to illegal tactics like those of Putin but rather, a back door unified global community of Western allies working in sync similarly to the way we have on behalf of them just the same. Maybe that sounds too on the edge of conspiracy thinking --- but I believe it's very possible and I anticipate Jack Smith is as well, a key player behind the scenes. I believe the majority of voters are keen to 45's threats when all set and done especially in light of how Project 2025 is now picking up steam in circulating across social media (which could prove to be a surprising twist in turning out young voters even in spite lack of enthusiasm for Biden being at the top of the ticket --- that and what I feel to be an inevitable public endorsement by Taylor Swift). That said, I just have a funny feeling that where our American voting population may lack --- global allies and key powerful pro democracy figures behind closed doors may just make up for. Wishful thinking? maybe! But more plausible than I think we know.
3. If you’re worried about polls, consider that in July 1988, Gallup had Dukakis leading Bush by 17 points, 55%-38%. And in October 2012, Gallup had Romney beating Obama by 4 points, 50%-46%.
4. When voters cast ballots in 2024 presidential primaries, Biden has outperformed Trump within their respective parties by nearly 11 points. Over 14 million Americans voted for Biden to be their Democratic nominee, and all of them knew he's old. In Pennsylvania, over 2 million people voted in the presidential primary. The underreported results: Biden got 946K votes (47% of the vote), Trump got 793K votes (39%). Biden got more votes in PA’s 2024 primary than both Obama in 2012 and Clinton in 1996.
5. Biden also got more votes in the 2024 NH Democratic primary than both Obama in 2012 and Clinton in 1996. And Biden’s name wasn’t even on the ballot – all his votes were written in! His strength in the grassroots appears to be greatly under appreciated.
6. As Simon says, “We’ve got to keep our heads down and do the work. Don’t get blown off course. Worry less and do more. Loud and proud!”
I'm not going to lie, Jon, my favorite part of this posting is that you numbered your points. I always feel that if we keep ourselves organized, we will succeed!!!!! Go, you. I voted for Joe and my vote counts as much as a few big-shot celebrities who are telling the rest of us what we need to do. However, if you happen to be one of those celebrities, please consider this: Kamala is on the ballot. Lately, she polls the highest against Trump of all the proposed "replacements'. Isn't it lucky her name is already there. It's like magic. Now, back to writing letters to swing districts.
The article notes that the President spoke without a Teleprompter, which I appreciated. I'm replying more and more on the AP to deliver news without a bunch of anti-Biden bias.
I usually rely on NPR, but they have been jumping on the bandwagon recently. I won’t dismiss any of the concerns because they are valid. The presidency seems to age people more than usual. However, if Biden’s age is an issue, Trump’s should be too! Along with multiple other things around Trump, that should also be an issue!
All the media is hyper-focused on polling right now, so it makes a good story that they can say he is down and people want him to drop out. So they play that up for the views. It is hard to focus on what the electorate thinks when the media likes to hear themselves talk.
The message is the message. FDR most likely relied on a script or notes for his fireside chats on radio. Joe Biden delivering a series of kick-ass speeches with a teleprompter in the mix is what some folks call "getting the job done."
Yup! Patty I've been doing Adam Gray postcards thru Activate America. Go team! 💪
When I read his medical report, i was like, well shit, the dude is in better shape than me and I'm 61. No lie, I wake up and take a handful of pills to get through the day. And I need naps too.True, he didn't have a neuro cognitive by a psychologist but that would only be asked for if the doctors screening him saw some signs they were concerned about. Kavita Patel, and MD, watched the debate with other doctors and they immediately thought he was ill. They thought Covid.
It seemed this morning Biden had stopped the elite punditry from calling for him to step down ( without doing the same for trump ) at least according to Deep State Radio, but now guys like Rob Reiner and George Clooney, who was too old to be fathering children IMO, are digging in and our old friends at the NYT gave him a platform. I hope voters will just give a big eff you to these guys. We already voted in the primaries and they want to come in with a megaphone because they are afraid of trump. Use your megaphone to attack HIM. Have some faith in the voters. TBH I will not lose sleep if Biden steps aside ( I have followed him since 1988 and always liked the guy ) but I am getting pissed at the piling on.
I have felt that way too but we must continue to fight. Take a break, regroup, take solace in that most of us share the same fear and frustration.
It will never be enough. Meanwhile Trump rants about sharks and the media is silent. It’s like a nightmare.
Yes, this is the new "show us your birth certificate." What is the bar to clear? Unfortunately, as long as the sniping from some Dems lasts, I think Biden will have to take a complete neurological exam (including Trump's stupid Man, Woman, Person, etc., test), by a reputable, independent neurologist and release the results. If he's cleared, the issue goes away (for the most part; people will still complain about his age). If it shows significant health concerns, then he can use that to save face in stepping down, and Dems will close ranks on either turning to Harris or adopting some other nomination process. But it all needs to be done soon.
Bear gliskis, what an unhelpful post, you're being so disrespectful to Simon and the Hopium community.
He's not gaslighting me. I know that Joe is old and getting older and right now may seem to be losing ground. But when I go to the voting booth, I will always vote against Trump if I know that the Democratic nominee is the OPPOSITE of the criminal malignant narcissist -- decent, honorable, smart, and with a team of patriots in place.
Hey, for this you are permanently banned from the site. I have repeatedly asked for respect and I am just tired of this self-indulgent and ridiculous behavior.
Glad you banned that poster and his/her ad hominem attacks.
Thank you!
Did you ban me?
A VISION FOR AMERICA
As Simon has underscored, Team Biden and Democrats need to formulate a clear and inspiring Vision for America. To save democracy, Team Biden must win in 2024, and we also need to flip the House and hold the Senate. If we do, here are my *Twelve Points for a Democratic Agenda*:
1. Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act – incl. automatic voter registration.
2. Mandate independent re-districting (end gerrymandering).
3. Expand and reform SCOTUS. End “judge shopping”.
4. Repeal Trump’s costly and misguided tax cuts.
5. Pass Biden’s full “Build Back Better” legislation, with universal pre-K and childcare support.
6. Make child tax credits permanent.
7. Statehood for DC – and Puerto Rico should their citizens choose!
8. Federal protection of abortion rights, IVF and contraception (Reinstate Roe v Wade)
9. Allow Medicare to negotiate ALL drug prices!
10. Accelerate America’s clean energy transition. Wind down coal-fired power plants.
11. Incorporate climate measures into the Defense Budget.
12. End the revolving door between government, lobbyists and industry.
.
With this visionary agenda, the economic benefits and other advantages of present and future Biden-Harris legislation will become far more visible to Americans. Compared with Trump’s Project 2025, that will make the choice in November dramatically clear!
.
An answer to Project 2025!
Great visionary agenda! I'd add the elimination of the Electoral College...
Unfortunately, eliminating the Electoral College requires a Constitutional Amendment, which is why it’s not on my list. However, there *is* a workaround – the Popular Vote Compact. That is in the hands of the states and is gathering steam.
https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/written-explanation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact
I'm not convinced an amendment is actually necessary (and don't give a damn what the Court thinks, nor should anyone else--there is no justification for the vast majority of what they've done since Bush v Gore , inclusive (see eg: https://creativepolitics.net/2022/12/06/real-originalism-the-courts/ ). Here's why. As I'm guessing you know (but never like to assume), the EC was originally created b/c the Founders feared that with the states as spread out as they are, and limited communication, most Americans wouldn't know all the presidential candidates and wouldn't be able to make an informed decision, so they voted, but the electors of their states were the ultimate decision-makers. By 1800, political parties had put an end to that problem, but the election itself was a mess, leading to a conference to develop what became the 12th amendment. The EC would have been jettisoned in that conference but the slave states wanted to keep it so their slaves could contribute to their electoral power without actually voting, ie the infamous 3/5th rule--that's the only reason it continued to exist in the wake of the 12th. After the Civil War, the 3/5 rule was considered superceded by the emancipation amendments, but the rule itself was never removed nor do the new amendments refer to it. If the 3/5th rule is dead but still in the document, why isn't the same true of the EC, since that rule was the only reason it still existed?
If I had my druthers, I would also implement Ranked Choice Voting for all federal elected offices, including the Presidency. This would allow Third Parties to thrive, while ensuring that independent and third-party candidates (Ralph Nader, Jill Stein…) can never again become election spoilers.
But I suspect that such a change can only be enacted at the state level.
Agreed, and proportional representation would turbocharge this, and there have been studies done showing that countries where proportional representation has led to multi-party systems are happier, healthier, with a greater sense of well-being than places with two-party systems like ours. They're just fundamentally more democratic, with representation much more tightly mapped to population than winner-take-all.
Something else I'm really intrigued by are electionless democracies, so-called lottocracies, though I'm not sure they could work above the local level. The ancient Greeks actually considered them true democracies and believed elections only produced oligarchies because they believed the wealthy would always just buy enough votes to win https://democracywithoutelections.org/
Yes, our voters can get excited about these kinds of policy priorities!
Regarding #7, is there an alternative idea such as a simple merge into adjacent state(s) like Maryland. Possibly easier to get full agreement on with similar results. Not my idea, I think I read this somewhere. For sure something ought to occur for the good people in D.C. Add a number 13, massive help in the drug addiction and alcohol recovery effort as a means to reduce homelessness.
Full statehood for DC adds two senators. The merge-with-Maryland alternative does not, which is why it is the option preferred by Republicans.
Very interesting. Given the support Biden has been getting from the Congressional Black Caucus and similar blocs in the House, we would also suggest that Biden promote an ambitious agenda for "Building Back Better for Black America." We suggest that such an agenda get a notable spot on both the campaign trail and on President Biden's campaign website.
In fact, we wrote about this a month ago, well before the need for an ambitious agenda became so much clearer. For more on what we proposed, see https://davidsalzillo.substack.com/p/biden-building-back-better-for-black.
Sincerely,
Michael and David Salzillo
Writers of the Political Pulse of America and Salzillo's Two Cents
I would add something about universal healthcare. It will certainly bring up accusations of socialism but I think a solid business case can be made that it enhances competition across business of all sizes and leads to an explosion of new business formation, innovation, and economic dynamism. Medicare for All is one of the major reasons so many young people were "feeling the Bern" 8 and 4 years ago and may be lacking in enthusiasm today.
Today's GOP would certainly deny it, but it seems that even Friedrich Hayek would be open to universal care as well.
“There is no reason why in a society which has reached the general level of wealth ours has attained security should not be guaranteed to all without endangering general freedom… some minimum of food, shelter, and clothing, sufficient to preserve health and capacity to work, can be assured to everybody. Nor is there any reason why the state should not assist the individuals in providing for those common hazards of life against which few can make adequate provision.” - Friedrich Hayek
Add in Fairness in tax system, something Americans all agree on. See:
https://theconversation.com/surprise-american-voters-actually-largely-agree-on-many-issues-including-topics-like-abortion-immigration-and-wealth-inequality-229458
ActicStones, I find your comments uniformly well thought out and substantial. Question about the probably fatal blow to the administrative state with the ruling against the Chevron doctrine: do you think #3 will be enough to address it? This is HUGE and not getting nearly enough air play.
Thank you for the ind words!
I totally agree, and the writers I prefer to read for analysis and news all agree that the Chevron and other decisions are incredibly destructive. The current Supreme Court has executed an unheard-of power grab by the courts – as you say, a probably fatal blow to the administrative state. They are doing the bidding of Leonard Leo, the Federalist Society and of the powerful dark money behind them.
Are you familiar with Senator Whitehouse’s series of presentations to the Senate about the "capture" of the Supreme Court, and the dark-money organizations that influence their decisions? Sheldon Whitehouse is insightful and stellar!
I’m afraid I know all to little about the law and the Constitution, but I suspect the only real long-term recourse is to expand SCOTUS and reverse its worst decision. Even if we succeed in every way in this 2024 election, we’ll still have to contend with sabotage from a hostile Supreme Court.
Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I know of Senator Whitehouse but am not familiar with his presentations. I’ll look them up!
I AM familiar with Leonard Leo and have listened to podcasts about his Machiavellian designs (ex. Dahlia Lithwick of Amicus, and a great mini-series called “We don’t talk about Leonard” from ProPublica). Sobering stuff.
Bottom line, we MUST pull together and win this election, including a Dem House and Senate.
Shouldn't President Biden try to expand the Supreme Court now? Assuming Kyrsten Sinema votes against it, if Joe Manchin can be persuaded to vote in favor, then Vice-President Harris would have the deciding vote.
Hey I posted something earlier today (or thought I did) about adding more states than just DC and Puerto Rico (as far as I'm concerned, the Repos owe us at least eight). But now I don't see it. I hope it's not gone because there was something offensive or problematic--(maybe the use of the word 'dwarf'?--a Pluto reference to mock the Repos, not a word I usually use). How can I find out of it was deleted, and ideally why, so I don't make any similar mistakes going forward?
I think I saw that. Was it a a comment about granting statehood to American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. Correct?
I must admit I’m still trying to figure out Substack, for instance I haven’t figured out how to search for posts. Or what it means if someone "follows" me when I don’t have a Substack, or for me to "follow" them.
Yes, AS, that's what it was. Hmm. You've just given me an idea--maybe if I search on those words, I can figure out what happened--thanks! :)
Team Democrats are wallowing and drowning and it's really horrible to see. No one will step up and do what's right for the country only what's right for their own party and power
Dark Beer: What an unhelpful post, very disrespectful to this community.
ok comradeski
Dark Beer, it seems to me that this is *precisely* what Simon and the entire Hopium community is doing: stepping up and doing what is right for America!
No, that would be Joe Biden resigning and allowing Kamala to assume the presidency. Someone sentient.
Numerous experts have highlighted why Biden resigning the presidency is a really bad idea. I have written a longer comment about this. The new VP has to be confirmed by Congress. The House is controlled by the Republicans, which means Speaker Mike Johnson, at Trump’s request, would throw a wrench into those plans.
Based on your follows, you don’t seem to be a follower in good faith here. You appear to be here to troll. I don’t say that lightly, but your account history does not reflect the ideals of this community.
Remember, we all have the ability to report suspect posts by clicking on the ellipis (...) next to a post. We don't have to leave that burden on Simon.
IMO that's the downside of not restricting comments to paid subscribers - you open the door to trolls!
I think this is a restricted comment section, so this person seems to have paid for the right to troll. That means they know this is a powerful and important community!
this section is only paid subscribers.
OK, I must have gotten confused. I know some substack authors opened up comments after the debate to non-subscribers. Maybe it was Robert Hubbell I am thinking of. I am suprised you have rude troll-type behavior with people who have bought a subscription. (I missed the comment that got someone banned this morning, but based on the responses...)
If you pay monthly, it only costs $5. (For the first month, I mean.)
This post is from a right wing troll, and I have reported it using the ellipsis (…) to the right of the post. Read the past articles in its Substack - obviously conservative, backing GOP.
The right wing want Joe out of the race, because they know he has greater support from the unions which will tip the Blue Wall in his favour. Joe will win. If Joe were to pull out, we will likely lose.
Do More, Worry Less! For those of you doing postcards: Writing postcards can be fatiguing but here's a really great PEN that will help you write WAY more postcards without the hand fatigue. It's refillable too! I hope this helps my fellow postcard writes, please pass this tip to others! We've done more than 1,600 cards with many hundreds more to come! Go Team! 💪 Here's the link for the pen:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002FSZP5A?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Also, many new postcarding vampaigns are up at Activate America including some of the House races identified as priorities by Simon:
https://www.activateamerica.vote/
Again, Go Team! 💪
Thank you!
Also, note that Blue Wave postcards come pre-printed -- and with printed address labels!! You can do a zillion of them in record time with no writer's cramp!
Michelle -thanks for the shout out! And thanks for all that you do!! I’m the national outreach coordinator and we are trying to get to 10M postcards - just got Michigan in and are kitting them Friday to go out next week. Also BWPM has postcards that go out now - we focus on registering voters, checking registrations and signing up for mail in voting. And then the big GOTV vote. We are pretty sure we will sell out our Michigan mailing - which brings us joy!
We are currently working on 200 Blue Wave Wisconsin postcards. Will order 200 Michigan ones today!
We love working blue wave postcards!!
The blue wave postcards do go pretty quickly - the ones I got are preprinted and with labels, but you still write a short note on them. So they do require some writing, but not too much.
I signed up for one of the postcard writing efforts and they are on the way (200 for PA voters). Am I allowed to write my own message on them or is it better if I use the suggested ones?
Most postcarding efforts that I've seen have a script that you are asked to stick to. Some offer 2 or 3 script choices, and you're asked to select one of the pre-drafted options. However, VoteForward (which is letter-writing, not postcards) allows you to write your own short message, albeit within certain parameters: no partisan messaging, and you can't mention specific candidates. Instead you write a brief message about why voting is important to you, personally. If that sounds interesting to you, check out https://votefwd.org
Only FT 6 provides lists of unregistered folk who trend Democratic. Here in Florida, the big issue is abortion, second marijuana, and "sunset" Rick Scott. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ft6-postcards
Besides postcards, we text using several methods. Text to register new Democrats in key swing states & districts. Text Arcade is a super-fast text bank that costs $25 a ticket. 100% of your ticket price goes to funding your 1,400 texts. (To put this in perspective, it costs a volunteer $1,300 to send 1,400 postcards!) We pay for about half of those texts in order to keep the ticket price reasonable. North Carolina tomorrow, Florida on July 18. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ft6arcade24
FT6 also does calling. Florida tomorrow at 2 pm est. https://www.mobilize.us/ft6/event/632594/
All of the above targets registering new Democrats.
The DNC has the following: https://www.mobilize.us/?event_type=26
Daniel, this is very interesting! Do you have any data on the effectiveness of text messages compared to postcarding?
When you say "super-fast", how long does it take to send 1400 texts? Can I donate $25 to have 1400 texts sent, without having to do so myself?
Is TextOut browser-based? Can I send text messages from my Mac? (We only sporadically have one dot of cell phone coverage where we live.)
(Is there a contact email or phone number for Field Team 6? I’m not finding any contact info on their otherwise-informative website.)
1. https://www.fieldteam6.org/impact-report-2021-22-d1
2. half hour.
3. Better on a computer.
4. https://www.fieldteam6.org/
info@fieldteam6.org
Many thanks!
Daniel, my FT6 has had some kind of stroke (Call the Times!) and keeps kicking me into Google Voice app site! I’ve contacted FT6. Has this ever happened to you or do I have a ghost in my desktop?
A recent German election study found that social media adverts are the most persuasive medium, at a cost of only 4 Euros ($4.33) per voter.
They all have different methodologies - which I love, because you don’t know what will move a voter, do they like a QR code, do they like bright colors, do they need to feel connected - the more ways we engage with voters the better - you have to have at least 5 touch points for change, and to “capture” someone with a postcard you need their eyes on the card for at least 7 seconds for a message to be recognized. At Blue Wave - our method is a lot of pre-printed information, a QR code for easy registration then usually two short sentences for a personal touch your name and thats it. We also send preprinted mailing labels and can send stamps if you order them with your postcards. Happy writing to everyone - thank you all for what you do!
I prefer the letter writing and have done it in the past with Vote Forward, because you can “adopt” small batches of names and addresses.
TC, I asked precisely this question when I signed up for Postcards to Swing States, a Progressive Turnout Project. They requested that I please write one of their three suggested messages, which had all been thoroughly tested and researched.
I ask because I received a postcard from a Trump supporter (I'm in PA) and I can't imagine what was written on it was researched, it was very specific and pretty ugly. Mentioned guns and using them to protect children (implied unborn). Sorry for the specifics. It was chilling.
I’ve been writing for Dems since 2020. The instructions in every case has been NO NEGATIVE COMMENTS.
Colleen, does writing something like "Google Project 2025 and vote for democracy!" come off as negative? I don't want to turn anyone off for any reason.
I rely on the guidelines of whichever group I’m writing with. Each one I’ve written with has them. Some give choices. I, myself, have never ventured into writing anything other than what is recommended/suggested/urged.
I struggled with writing the “who you vote for is private; whether you vote is public record” line, but decided to trust the folks at Postcards to Swing States and went with it. My own practice has been the same as what Cheryl Johnson (next comment) describes. Hope this helps.
Yours is the first report of any GOP postcards that I have heard. Was it for a particular candidate?
I write for a bunch of non-partisan and Democratic-leaning campaigns - focus is on GOTV or the candidate's (or GOP incumbent's) stance on a particular issue - reproductive rights, climate change, affordable healthcare, or sensible gun control.
No it was a "get out the vote" message to protect our guns and unborn children. Handwritten, very Gilead type vibes. Religious symbols, bless your family, type stuff on it
They wrote that to me as well, when I asked if I could add something about P2025. But when I asked if I could add "Your voice matters!" they liked that, so I've added it to mine. They don't want us changing the messages they've tested, though. I always check because I don't want to hinder results in any way.
Me, too. I got the ok to add early voting dates, which I think is helpful as encouragement as well as important info..
Your voice matters is GREAT!
Thank you! And oh, early voting dates, what a great idea!! 👍🏼
Are you doing Postcards to Swing States? You might want to check out this YouTube video. They do extensive testing on the messaging. I know their message of "who you vote for is private, whether you vote is public record" turns some writers off, but they claim it is the most effective. I stick with the message provided and do not deviate from that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9YZuETZ3l4&t=818s&pp=ygUbcHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUgdHVybm91dCBwcm9qZWN0
I agree about the "...whether you vote is public record." I thought a lot about it, but it just sounds to me like big brother is watching. I'm a committed voter and if I received that, it'd tick me off (though of course I'd still vote). I've been using the F&F msg because it hopefully gets more people to vote.
This is awesome, thank you! My friends and I are meeting for the 5th time to write this weekend, going to step it up to weekly and start phone banking for Joe. Feels amazing! Check out Postcards to Swing States for the resources you need.
Ooh, I am always energized by a new pen! Write on! (Sorry. Had to go there.)
🤦🏼♀️🤣
Shmoobly, it looks like a three-pack of pens with blue ink, which I want, is not an option.
I use TUL GL Series gel ink pens, which can be found at Office Depot stores in my area. I believe they come in packs of 6 or 12.
Thank you!
Hi Stones! I've only found these in black ink. The refills are also black. But they are extremely smooth and I admit they were recommended by NYT Wirecutter (cancelled my NYT subscrption last week). GREAT pen for marathons!
Thanks, but I definitely prefer blue pens.
The Uni-Ball Jetstream pen also comes in a 3 pack of red, black, and blue.
Thank you for the suggestions on pens. I just ordered some. I have arthritis in my hands and have to take a break after I write just a few. Hoping the pen will allow me to increase the number and decrease the breaks.
I also like Papermate Ink Joy which comes in a rainbow of colors. They have ball point and gel ink.
Target curently has them on Sale:
GEL INK: https://www.target.com/p/paper-mate-ink-joy-6pk-gel-pens-0-7mm-medium-tip-pastel-colors/-/A-50354371?preselect=50354371#lnk=sametab
BALL POINT: https://www.target.com/p/paper-mate-ink-joy-300rt-8pk-ballpoint-pens-1-0mm-multicolored/-/A-14157869#lnk=sametab
SIMON- The link for volunteering for the Biden-Harris campaign appears to be incorrect. It sends you to “Winning the House 2024”. Would you please check it?
Thanks for all you do!
https://events.democrats.org/event/569897/?force_banner=true&share_context=event_details&share_medium=mailto
Thanks:)
https://newrepublic.com/article/183632/surprise-biden-suddenly-close-defeating-push-oust
For those who don’t like podcasts but want to read the article the discussion is based on, the link is here:
“Why the Bid to Push Out Biden Is Losing
It’s perceived, rather correctly, as coming from an out-of-touch elite donor class without public legitimacy.”
https://prospect.org/politics/2024-07-09-why-bid-to-push-out-biden-is-losing/
How can we make July count if donors like Clooney and elected officials like Senator Benett are spreading a self-fulfilling doomsday prophecy? The public airing of concerns and calls for Biden to step down are the public sphere analog of a contested convention. This is heart-breaking.
Does George Clooney’s opinion matter? Not to me.
Not to me, either, but he's a bundler and donor, and a People Magazine favorite. I don't read the magazine, but I see people grabbing it at the supermarket on the way to the register.
I'm hoping this will continue to settle out and that everyone will come around, it's already happening.
🙏🏻
Consuelo, the way we can make July count is by doing the work, each day, regardless of the noise and buzz around us. I, myself, wrote 20 Vote Forward letters this morning. In mid-October those letters will be mailed to Dem-leaning low-propensity voters in swing states (Michigan, in the case of this morning's batch), nudging them to the polls, where they are very likely to vote Democrat up and down the ballot, regardless of who the POTUS nominee is.
We all can do such work, each and every day, from now through Election Day. And the good news is that none of that work relies on George Clooney's personal moods or opinions.
This top-of-the-ticket stuff will work itself out, one way or the other. In any event, it's certainly far beyond my control. What *is* within my control is the work that I do, daily. So I'mm'a stick to it.
Thank you, Patrick. I will continue to donate to the B-H campaign and to talk my friends and family off the ledge. I will also share your words of wisdom with them. This said, I would counsel that we take seriously Senator Benett's vigorously worded prophecy about Biden's electoral catastrophe -- the senator does do damage -- and I would argue that even Clooney inflicts harm. But that's just my instinct. What I do know for sure is that you're right about working even more intensely against Trump.
Right! Trump will use Bennett's remarks in a campaign video.
This is awesome, thank you Patrick! We write weekly but are going to up it!
Thanks for all the info. Looks like there is something to be done that would fit just about anyone's circumstances.
Ran across this quote this morning - it seems to fit ...
In the end, it matters less that you can fight.
What you fight for is the real test."
- John McCain, (1936–2018)
Allan lichtmann says that endorsements have no sway on voters. He also says that in order to win re-election, Biden needs to "govern well". Well guess what, he's been doing just that.
I agree with Lichtman and you. But the pressure on Biden is mounting and the wallets are closing. Biden could well drop out. Clooney and Bennet didn't even have the basic decency to wait until Biden wrapped up the NATO meeting, which he's hosting in D.C.
In a democracy, debate is presumably a good thing, but one debate that's not taking place is between Democrats and MAGA. Trump is golfing and MAGA having pop corn while they watch the spectacle of party notables turning on our standard bearer.
Biden is not dropping out, period. His not stupid. He knows it will lead to disaster and he also knows that if, god forbid, something happens to him that Harris will be president. That's what the VP is for.
From your lips to God's ears.
What I am most upset about is that Clooney did this publicly and for the NYT.
I know. And while Biden is hosting the NATO summit!
How much more can this man take? I also think the whole situation with Hunter has to be weighing on him as well.
Of course. He's a good and loving dad. Hunter's legal troubles and possible prison term have to weigh on him. Meanwhile, Trump has the highest court in the land doing his bidding. Ditto for the vast majority of GOP elected officials, the RNC, and a propaganda organ a.k.a. Fox News.
Re Haley: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA she sucks
When Biden is giving he is reading from a teleprompter. This is why his speeches are good. At the debate, he was defenseless. He should not debate!! I don’t think anyone can make him strong for debates. He’s on his own and I think he becomes nervous as well.
He was pretty good without a teleprompter at the afl-cio event. Some might say really good. Just sayin.
I’m not strong pro-Biden or asking him to drop, but I do think it would be extremely helpful to accentuate Biden’s good moments. As Dems, we need to do that regardless of whether he stays in the race.
The man has a brutal campaign schedule in addition to being the president. He's tired, 81 or not. The same would happen to any one of us regardless of age. I think debates are important, but only after a week long rest on a beach somewhere.
I agree. And I keep saying to friends...I'm 61, fit, in good shape, and if I did just one of his trips oversees as a vaca, it'd take a week for me to recover. I have no idea how he's doing as well as he is, for he is an older 81.
Something is strange in this community comment section today. There are a bunch of new accounts spreading negative information. What’s going on?
I suspect that MAGA forces have coughed up (or have been given) the funds to spend on paid subscriptions in order to sow doubt about Biden's chances of winning and to discourage people from voting altogether. Some of the comments seem to read that way, anyway.
I feel like, if anyone did that here, 1) it'd stiffen our resolve to work even harder, 2) it would never stop any of us from voting, and 3) they'd get yoinked right outta here in a flash.
I would not get too caught up in the “Biden stay” versus “Biden go” discussions. To a large extent, those are healthy disxussions and a sign we are not a cult. I also think that issue will be decided soon, if not within the next week.
If folks are coming her saying we can’t win no matter who the nominee is, that’s pure trolling. And it’s not true.
Good point and good differentiation. 🙏
The DOJ shut down a Russian bot farm yesterday. They are moving around to other ground (pure opinion, I can't prove this)
Thank you Simon for keeping your head down and moving forward rationally! You are right again. We need to articulate an agenda that will fire people up and that they can get on board with. This election cannot be lost and we won't lose it if we pull out all the stops!
At this point they wouldn't be satisfied if he walked on water.
New York Times headline:
"President Biden Is Afraid of Water – and Doesn’t Know How to Swim"
Perfect! And sadly no joke.
Huh?
😂
And there were many, many sharks in that water, and an electric boat, a huge one.....
Recently saw a humorous bit about sharks.
If you live in Florida and you want to know if there are sharks in the water, taste it. If it's salty there are sharks. If not, there are alligators!
Sometimes, I need these jokes just to keep plugging away.
Thank you Simon for posting the NATO Summit speech link. I believe that was not only one of Biden's strongest moments, but one of his most critical moments on so many levels. I do believe the world leaders sitting among that audience felt comfort in viewing a statesman who offered a rather nostalgic political tone reminiscent of FDR/Eisenhower/Regan years. I also pose this theory to our community --don't underestimate any potential work being done behind the scenes globally to help ensure Biden's win in November. Not eluding to illegal tactics like those of Putin but rather, a back door unified global community of Western allies working in sync similarly to the way we have on behalf of them just the same. Maybe that sounds too on the edge of conspiracy thinking --- but I believe it's very possible and I anticipate Jack Smith is as well, a key player behind the scenes. I believe the majority of voters are keen to 45's threats when all set and done especially in light of how Project 2025 is now picking up steam in circulating across social media (which could prove to be a surprising twist in turning out young voters even in spite lack of enthusiasm for Biden being at the top of the ticket --- that and what I feel to be an inevitable public endorsement by Taylor Swift). That said, I just have a funny feeling that where our American voting population may lack --- global allies and key powerful pro democracy figures behind closed doors may just make up for. Wishful thinking? maybe! But more plausible than I think we know.
Thanks, Simon – this is all great. A few thoughts today:
1. As FDR wisely said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
2. A new Northeastern University study found Biden’s poor debate performance had almost no impact on voter preference. “If anything, it seems Biden is holding on to his people somewhat better than Trump.” https://news.northeastern.edu/2024/07/09/biden-debate-performance-voter-preferences/
3. If you’re worried about polls, consider that in July 1988, Gallup had Dukakis leading Bush by 17 points, 55%-38%. And in October 2012, Gallup had Romney beating Obama by 4 points, 50%-46%.
4. When voters cast ballots in 2024 presidential primaries, Biden has outperformed Trump within their respective parties by nearly 11 points. Over 14 million Americans voted for Biden to be their Democratic nominee, and all of them knew he's old. In Pennsylvania, over 2 million people voted in the presidential primary. The underreported results: Biden got 946K votes (47% of the vote), Trump got 793K votes (39%). Biden got more votes in PA’s 2024 primary than both Obama in 2012 and Clinton in 1996.
5. Biden also got more votes in the 2024 NH Democratic primary than both Obama in 2012 and Clinton in 1996. And Biden’s name wasn’t even on the ballot – all his votes were written in! His strength in the grassroots appears to be greatly under appreciated.
6. As Simon says, “We’ve got to keep our heads down and do the work. Don’t get blown off course. Worry less and do more. Loud and proud!”
I'm not going to lie, Jon, my favorite part of this posting is that you numbered your points. I always feel that if we keep ourselves organized, we will succeed!!!!! Go, you. I voted for Joe and my vote counts as much as a few big-shot celebrities who are telling the rest of us what we need to do. However, if you happen to be one of those celebrities, please consider this: Kamala is on the ballot. Lately, she polls the highest against Trump of all the proposed "replacements'. Isn't it lucky her name is already there. It's like magic. Now, back to writing letters to swing districts.
Here's a link to an AP piece about Biden's visit to the AFL/CIO today:
https://apnews.com/article/biden-union-afl-cio-debate-labor-8064d7b02c3a99d96b12546cfee0c967
The article notes that the President spoke without a Teleprompter, which I appreciated. I'm replying more and more on the AP to deliver news without a bunch of anti-Biden bias.
Me, too
I usually rely on NPR, but they have been jumping on the bandwagon recently. I won’t dismiss any of the concerns because they are valid. The presidency seems to age people more than usual. However, if Biden’s age is an issue, Trump’s should be too! Along with multiple other things around Trump, that should also be an issue!
All the media is hyper-focused on polling right now, so it makes a good story that they can say he is down and people want him to drop out. So they play that up for the views. It is hard to focus on what the electorate thinks when the media likes to hear themselves talk.
Right? So many journalists do not seem to understand that it is their job to report news in as unbiased a way as they can – – not make news
Or, as happens way too often these days, make UP news!
The message is the message. FDR most likely relied on a script or notes for his fireside chats on radio. Joe Biden delivering a series of kick-ass speeches with a teleprompter in the mix is what some folks call "getting the job done."
Thank you!