I suggest a modified Lincoln-Douglas style debate for the Biden-Trump debate. Two-topic debates: Part 1. Biden chooses a topic and speaks for 30 minutes, Trump rebuts for 20, Biden re-rebuts for 10, a fact checker speaks for 15. Part 2. The reverse: Trump chooses a topic and speaks for 30 minutes, Biden rebuts for 20, Trump re-rebuts for 10, a fact checker speaks for 10. No more gotcha questions from moderators. Biden has demonstrated he can be coherent and powerful speaking for a period of time. Can Trump be coherent over a period of time?
Biden should never debate Trump because he is so uncontrollable by the debate moderator's it would turn into a zoo. Biden needs to make more speeches like he did in the SOTU speech.
No one should debate Trump because there is never a debate when you are dealing with an overgrown toddler, especially one who seems to be unraveling mentally by the day. Since he never had much to begin with, this shouldn't take long.
I have a different idea. I have managed several debates and candidate forums for the League of Women Voters in my communities. Trump’s inability to “follow protocol” makes him a challenge. However, a different format might help voters: have the two candidates interviewed SEPARATELY with the same questions asked of each. Then put together the program with each question and the answers of both together. The voters could see clearly what positions the two candidates espouse.
If it is live they should cut off the microphones after time is up, and leave them off while the other person speaks. The can give a "wind up" warning light, but after time's up: Off.
If it is live they should have a circular railing around each candidate. If a candidate leaves the physical space allotted him, the audience is reminded it is inappropriate behavior, the candidate asked to return to his space, and if he fails he forfeits the debate.
Both candidates should be required to show up in time for a CV19 test to be completed, and if they do not, the debate cannot start until it's been done and a negative result obtained. The waiting public can be informed of the reason for the delay.
This is a great idea. Something the press has not managed to do, because they are presenting them in different contexts constantly. At this point I consider the NYT to be taken over by Russian bots based on their coverage.
That would be worth watching instead of the same tired "gotcha" bullcrap, I have to say! But having a fact checker? Trump would NEVER go for it--despite having announced he'd debate President Biden any time, any place...(and I'm sure Trumpy probably added--quietly-- 'under certain conditions', meaning any conditions on what and how he babbles on--and on and on and on).
Of course! The debates are not debates. I think the journalists (who should not be the ones to conduct the questions!!!!!!!!) are part of the problem. How can one answer a complex question in 30 seconds? I've advocated for something like you suggested - have 3 hour long video taped interviews of each candidate - conducted by people other than journalists. Then broadcast those interviews in prime time - alternating between candidates' answers. Now that would be informative. None of the intimidation tactics that trump used agains Clinton in debate #2 - and through which the journalists remained totally silent --- that means YOU, Anderson Cooper.
Right, Derek. In fact, an interviewer isn't really even required.
Each candidate could sit alone, maybe behind a desk, and answer on camera a list of questions: questions formulated to explore their understanding of world affairs, their devotion to democracy, and their deeply held beliefs about the future of the planet and the societies that inhabit it. For starters.
I nominate Robert and Heather to formulate the questions. Many other substack writers are well qualified, I'm sure. The important thing is that the oligarchs/ corporate media don't control it.
I've been wondering what his nomination accpetance speech is going to be like. We know his speaking has some serious incidences of ...aphasia? dementia? . I'm hoping (of course) that he will be as unhinged in that spotlight!
It is without a doubt it will, because it is without a doubt he has one or both. In fact, Trump is clearly biologically older than Biden. That is obvious, but our Russian bot press does not even have a glimmer of understanding of age as being biological. They just assume that some live longer than others due to fate. However, genes play a role and lifestyle another role. I don't care if Trump's addlepated behavior is drug induced, it is then drug induced aphasia or drug induced dementia, or both. His physical shakiness can have either root cause, but the outcome is the aphasic speech.
A Trump acceptance speech will be prepared and will feature a powerful, self-confident delivery. It also will be so full of lies that they cannot be refuted immediately.
🤣 So who will be delivering it if it features powerful self-confidence??? Not Trump; Trump only does pathetically whiny self-pity, grievance-laden victimhood speeches, with periodic lashing out of hatred and cruelties. He nearly always veers off into rambling nonsense and non sequiturs. Even if his minders and minions crafted a "powerful, self-confident" speech, Trump would only show his inability to focus and stick to the speech as written.
You and I envision different “Trumps” delivering his nomination Acceptance Speech this summer. You accurately describe a lot of the Trump that we’ve seen recently. I envisioned the Trump who delivered that emotionally powerful nomination acceptance speech in 2016 – the Trump of “I alone can fix it!”
"I alone can fix it." Well, maybe you find that to be "emotionally powerful" and "self confident". Personally, I thought it was the ultimate fascist claim and, from Trump, who had already bankrupted 5 or 6 businesses--among them a couple of casinos, for crying out loud--and demonstrated his unfitness for any kind of management that wasn't 100% transactional.
So tell me...what did the great and powerful Oztrump fix, anyway?
He ~claims~ to have done and fixed quite a bit, but so far it's all been either fake or exaggerated news. Nah...the Trump of powerful emotiveness and self-confidence only existed on paper and in the delusions of his massive narcissism.
My wife and I regularly monitor our blood pressure. This morning, after his speech, my systolic measurement was 15 points lower than it's been averaging the last couple months. Her's was similarly reduced.
Follow Robert's advice, and you will not only help re-elect the President. You may live longer too.
Interesting point, Jerry. I did not check my blood pressure, I actually went to bed before Heather posted and slept like a lamb. My hip that needs replacing did not start to ache after laying on that side too long and I woke up refressed and relaxed. Odd. I was wondering what happened.
Good luck with your hip replacement. I have had 2 and they are amazing! Words of advice from one who knows: 1. don’t wait (everyone waits too long for the first one, understandable but unnecessary). 2. get an anterior (now standard of care) unless there is a reason you can’t. 3. do physical therapy and follow your PT’s advice to a T. 3. stay off the internet (no one climbs Mt Everest 6 weeks after a hip replacement, trust me, I’m a doctor, and that is just not possible). 4. realize that your body is working hard to heal and it cannot be rushed. Expect to be back to most activities in a few weeks
to a few months, but complete recovery takes 10-12 months. And finally, once your recovery is complete……go forth and live your life in good health and gratitude for the amazing medical care and technology that is available to us in 2024! Blessings.
Same advice goes for knee replacements! I've had two and the difference it has made in my life is amazing--but just as Sky 777 states: , follow the PT instructions to the letter, don't rush it and it can take up to a year before all your muscles get settled into full recovery.
I'm still doing rehab and PT and my knee replacement surgery was November 7, 2023! My primary physical therapy lasted 8 weeks and by the end I was riding my own stationary bike every day. I took the "Next Step" series of physical therapy where they concentrate on getting your strength and balance back, making the sensory nerves in those joints fire up and begin functioning normally.
Thank you Sky. I understand and my first appt. is in April. The best docs are that busy. Are you near LA? You might know Dr. Pennenberg. He did my wife's perfectly. I've been at her appts.and he appreciates that that she teaches yoga and practices himself. He developed his own anterior process and hardware that requires no muscle cutting. and many other docs are now using his method. Up and walking in about five hours.
That sounds like the experience I had. Sounds like you have a tried and true surgeon. My surgeon also is a practitioner of yoga, as am I. I am a teacher in the Kripalu style. I took him a list with drawings of all the poses I do regularly. The only one he nixed forever was Pigeon. It is one of my favorites, but I can totally see why it is ill-advised. I now do pretty much what ever I want: yoga (except for Pigeon), hiking, dancing, biking, weight training, etc. And all pain free! We are so lucky to be living in this time of medical advancements. Tho I am still holding out hope for the Star Trek medical tricorder that can diagnose/treat/fix almost instantly.
Oh hey! I went to massage school at Kripalu, what a great experience. I went on to develop my own style but I have always said: A stint at Kripalu will change your life! I believe that you may have a fantastic surgeon but he/she can only do half the work… the rest is up to you!
oh… Pigeon … I too love that pose. My body/mind doesn’t fight it like it does some others. The day I tweaked my knee … ya / no… there are other postures to work with!
Biden is clearly younger than Trump biologically. Whether that is because he has made better lifestyle choices or it is also because of his genes, probably both, he is in better physical shape than Trump.
All day yesterday, I felt lighter… dare I say younger…. and as Obama used to say quoting a supporter “fired up and ready to go!”
I haven’t doubted Biden, but I have been so worried about the damage the Dump Biden Because He Is Old crowd was doing to his candidacy. The circular firing squad is a terrible thing. May those whispering “concerned” Democrats hush-and now.
The comments here and on other like Substacks were full of excitement. The same was true of social media. I saw a lot of happy activists and supporters celebrating and looking for the Biden/Harris donate button and ready to roll up their sleeves.
My favorite too. Even though I was so thrilled by Obama's election and like many of us saw it as a brand new beginning for our country. But Joe has outperformed even fairly high expectations. His accomplishments have been amazing! More to come! I have never has the slightest reservation about supporting him from the very beginning before he won SC in 2016.
Yeah, I subscribed to Piper because of that piece. Her descripiton of "that voice" will be with me foreverd. She's doing amazing work and deserves to be supported.
Jess Piper is a crusader with an inside view of evangelical extremism. She's waging a one woman war against Missouri MAGA's and one of the bravest voices on the internet.
Thank you Robert for the admonition to not, NEVER, backslide into self doubt that allows one to doubt reality. I'll put off lobbing a stink bomb into the NYT editorial suite, and at Nagourney in particular. This morning (and he wasted no time) I almost gaggd at the "but will it matter". I was too busy today to focus on a letter and just as well, I suppose. Grinding my teeth over Aar(head)on Blake is bad enough.
Lest I forget, Lucien Truscott was at his sacastic best. The Pentagon Report had just been released and he comandeered it to magnificent effect.
I have sent Truscott’s quote out to a slew of friends and family already this morning. Poor Katie Britt, bless her heart, had no clue what she was getting herself into. She should have. MSNBC put up videos of her predecessors doing this. Not a pretty site.
...and they also eat their old and everyone inbetween who doesn't live up to the immoral and often inconsistent opinions of their lunatic cult leader. Frankly, I have no sympathy for Katie's willingness to spew prolific lies to millions of viewers in order to try and raise her political profile and power.
I couldn't either, Kathleen. Here's one reason why, besides the lies and terrible acting, that I would never have known except for a random article I came across.
I happened to see this Substack article about the sound of Katie Britt's voice. The writer's description was illuminating and disturbing. Here's an excerpt from the article titled "The Fundie Baby Voice" by Jess Piper.
"I was about to head to bed after the State of the Union last night, when I heard a voice coming from my television that stopped me in my tracks. I didn’t know who was speaking, but it really didn’t matter—I recognized the voice. It was so many voices from my childhood. It was so many Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. It was potlucks, and baby showers, and graduations, and birthday parties.
It was Senator Katie Britt using her well-practiced fundie baby voice.
I threw so many folks for a loop last year when I discussed the voice in a video. I used my “training” as a former Evangelical, a Southern Baptist, to describe the breathy cadence and the soft, child-like high pitch. Folks outside of Fundamentalist culture had never heard the term—they just knew the voice made them uncomfortable."
Wow! It does make one uncomfortable. She made the Republicans look terrible, though, and it sounds as if even many Republicans were embarrassed. They are making so many mistakes! They don't even hear themselves!
PLEASE - CONTINUE TO SLAM THE JOURNALISTS wherever you can with the comments. I spend 30 minutes each day doing it - and that DOES lower my blood pressure.
Airhead Blake has gone completely off the rails, hasn’t he? Just cannot wrap my mind around his conversion to a MAGA apologist. Thankfully, others at WAPO are still (somewhat) sane.
Just curious. If wearing a campaign hat into the Chamber is against the rules of that Chamber, as chief MAGA clown MTG did during the State of the Union speech, and she refused to take it off when the Sergent at Arms asked her to do so, why did her simply refusing to do so end the matter? Why bother with having such a rule if idiots on the Right can simply ignore it? That sounds like the ethics code for the Supreme Court. Why couldn’t the Sergent at Arms literally escort her out of the Chamber? And what happens if all the Democrats show up for the next big Chamber event wearing “Go Joe in 2024”? I know we don’t typically act that way, but maybe we should. MTG has learned nothing from the experience, nor has she suffered any consequences from a lawless party.
On another note, I read something about the Laken Riley law that the House passed, which has to do with deporting illegals who commit crimes while they are in the country. Part of it is to lay the blame for the victims’ at the feet of the President. Here’s my question: why don’t we pass a similar law for any mass shooting victim who has used an assault weapon to kill Americans? In other words, let’s lay that at the feet of the states who allow such open gain policies? The MAGAS are upset only at a death caused by an illegal immigrant. As the data shows, that is not the norm. Immigrants cause far less crime than our own citizens. Seems that just once in a while, they would actually care about the same things as the majority of the American people. But no, it’s all and only about their narrative. I hate that the young woman was killed by anyone, and very sad that the man who caused her death had not already been taken off the streets for other crimes. But that happens everyday in a thousand cities across our country, and I am certain MTG has not “said their names.”
I am with you, Laura. Thank you for 'saying' this. And I was pleased President Biden addressed the issue compassionately. No one should die not by an act of violence perpetrated by an immigrant OR BY American citizens. Still, GOP lawmakers turn a blind eye to legislation that can end the bloodshed, everyday. And all that you said.
If the Sargeant-at-Arms had attempted to forcibly remove MTG’s MAGA hat or eject her from the House Floor, she’d have made a ruckus. The news stories would then have featured MTG rather than Biden’s SOTU Address.
President Biden’s masterful performance in both embracing success, while as well confronting anger, ignorance, and overt hatred, was masterful! Joe is now certifiably the Man for the Time. Clearly, Jill Biden is to be shown the largest measure of gratitude I can possibly conjure up, so I do so here, now. I saw it clearly both his, and her face the moment she and Joe released hands as he proceeded to the lectern. After all the years, they both still turn one another on. I do really care, am am betting you all do too. Rock ‘em Joe and Jill!
Thanks, Robert, for not only highlighting the success of the President’s speech but also for the encouragement. Friends, keep this as an inoculation when you start seeing the counter ads from the Republicans. The morning after the speech I saw a TV ad “mish-mash” of clips showing Biden’s stumbles and gaffes. It infuriated me. So be prepared, don’t fall back into despair and be ready to fight back.
I decided to write Mr. Nagourney, with taking a different approach of putting my contact info/address/phone in the remote chance he responds.
And I continued...
'I am putting that first in case you somehow are curious to respond.
As with 2023's State of the Union, but I was even more inspired by President Biden's speech a couple days ago.
Your acknowledgement and then rejection of Biden is sickening. I read articles from the NYT regularly, but I grow incredibly wary of your coverage of Biden. Your words have power and can definitely help vanquish legitimate hope.
NYT is gun shy. Trump sued them and lost, but they are most probably lawyered up and the advice is probably if it is a horserace, they will be protected from further litigation. They will not publish most of my comments.
They dominate MSM, but social media is probably more relevant. In my case, I have been kicked from Facebook, and apparently Instagram. My crime was to repeatedly post "Trump hates dogs," "Trump tole from kids with cancer," and o many historical and military sites, "Not suckers or losers." Most effective.
My only correction would be "I would be flabbergasted to hear from you - and truly believe the hell will freeze over before you and your colleagues learn from your 2016 irresponsible and dangerous reporting.
It was Joe Biden (SOTU) versus Katie Kitch Glitches (STFU). What a match! The NYPT (P for PRAVDA) is 100% fascist Russian propaganda. If anyone at NYTs tells truth it is a false flag to distract from their incessant lies.
your readers may also want to watch Jonathan Katz describe how he found out that Senator Katie Britt lied in this Tik Tok that you can also watch on FB. Excellent investigative reporting!
More people need to know the truth about her incredible dishonesty about the story of the 12-year old sold out to brothels. She claims it happened in the USA and intimates it happened during the Biden admin. Katz uncovered that it happened in Mexico during the second G.W. Bush Administration. And this brave Mexican victim is an activist, who told her story to Congress in 2015. Sen. Britt lied.
I agree! This is so important to watch because it reveals Britt’s utter dishonesty but also this was uncovered by a capable guy on TikTok and completely missed by the NY Times, Wash Post and every journalist out there!! Good grief! Least we can do is make it go viral!
Do you and your colleagues in the political writing department of the New York Times have a reason for being so negative about President Biden? Do you want the New York Times to be put out of business by the dictator Trump, who would be very happy to try to do that when he becomes Emperor/president? Do you want us to be Hungary or Nazi Germany?
Wake up, sir. What you write and the headlines on your articles matter.
I'm starting to wonder how much of the negativity has been media-induced and how much of it, as you see in horror movies, is coming from inside the house. I messaged with a friend yesterday who still communicates with people within the Democratic Party, and he talked about how giddy the mood was among operatives after the speech and what a contrast it was from just a week ago. Here is a direct quote from our conversation: “I was in a meeting last Wednesday where I could have sworn I was in a room with death row inmates. None of them were giving Biden much of a chance in November. This morning, when I spoke to someone who was in this meeting, she acted like the governor had signed her pardon.” This especially resonated with me when Nagourney referred to Simon Rosenberg as “the rare Democratic strategist who is bullish on Biden’s reelection chances.” All of that is disturbing.
Even yesterday, when I watched some of the coverage on MSNBC, there was an undercurrent of caution among the political guests, David Plouffe among them, in overestimating the effect of the speech on swing voters. Here’s the thing, though: I'm not sure that this is an election about swing voters as much as it’s one about getting Democratic voters to the polls. It’s about making the distinction that there’s no real choice here; it’s about democracy versus autocracy, period. Anyone who is on the fence doesn't understand that. I get it though, we talk here about the media focusing on the horse race narrative of elections, but we rarely talk about the fact that political operatives look at it the same way. I think for this election, at least, it puts more pressure on grassroots efforts than ever before. We should not be grateful that Simon Rosenberg is that “rare Democratic consultant” who is not only optimistic but values grassroots movements. I think many of the traditional operatives are too jaded to see it.
All that said, if someone can't be optimistic after the President’s triumphant SOTU and the absolute disaster of the Republican's broad response to it, who needs them? I hope there are people in the Biden campaign who recognize and tune out those voices as well. If we all show up, Biden will win this thing.
Have we not been feeling this for years??! Democrats are our own worst enemies. I feel like the Democratic Party has been an angry teenager for years. Thanks to the sage elders, Nancy Pelosi for galvanizing the House during Trump, and Schumer keeping our razor thin Senate powerful, and the amazing bright and talented Dem. Senators and Reps rising, I feel that faith in our party is being restored and we can get behind our leader, President Biden once and for all.
I suggest a modified Lincoln-Douglas style debate for the Biden-Trump debate. Two-topic debates: Part 1. Biden chooses a topic and speaks for 30 minutes, Trump rebuts for 20, Biden re-rebuts for 10, a fact checker speaks for 15. Part 2. The reverse: Trump chooses a topic and speaks for 30 minutes, Biden rebuts for 20, Trump re-rebuts for 10, a fact checker speaks for 10. No more gotcha questions from moderators. Biden has demonstrated he can be coherent and powerful speaking for a period of time. Can Trump be coherent over a period of time?
Very interesting concept. Trump will never agree. It will make him look a stupid as he is.
Biden should never debate Trump because he is so uncontrollable by the debate moderator's it would turn into a zoo. Biden needs to make more speeches like he did in the SOTU speech.
No one should debate Trump because there is never a debate when you are dealing with an overgrown toddler, especially one who seems to be unraveling mentally by the day. Since he never had much to begin with, this shouldn't take long.
I have a different idea. I have managed several debates and candidate forums for the League of Women Voters in my communities. Trump’s inability to “follow protocol” makes him a challenge. However, a different format might help voters: have the two candidates interviewed SEPARATELY with the same questions asked of each. Then put together the program with each question and the answers of both together. The voters could see clearly what positions the two candidates espouse.
If it is live they should cut off the microphones after time is up, and leave them off while the other person speaks. The can give a "wind up" warning light, but after time's up: Off.
If it is live they should have a circular railing around each candidate. If a candidate leaves the physical space allotted him, the audience is reminded it is inappropriate behavior, the candidate asked to return to his space, and if he fails he forfeits the debate.
Both candidates should be required to show up in time for a CV19 test to be completed, and if they do not, the debate cannot start until it's been done and a negative result obtained. The waiting public can be informed of the reason for the delay.
Good call!
There's probably something in that. Quite a bit in that.
Oh my… that is a great idea!!!!!! Trump would word salad to the cows come home.
Here’s a format: Have them both ride a bike through Palm Beach…. Ha.
Trump would apply for a stay and an upgrade to a golf cart.
HA!!
This is a great idea. Something the press has not managed to do, because they are presenting them in different contexts constantly. At this point I consider the NYT to be taken over by Russian bots based on their coverage.
That would be worth watching instead of the same tired "gotcha" bullcrap, I have to say! But having a fact checker? Trump would NEVER go for it--despite having announced he'd debate President Biden any time, any place...(and I'm sure Trumpy probably added--quietly-- 'under certain conditions', meaning any conditions on what and how he babbles on--and on and on and on).
Trump would insist on Katie Britt as fact checker!!
Katie Britt is going to be too busy in her new role on SNL to participate.
🤣🤣🤣
Kate McMullan. I feel sorry for you. She is endangering the name “Kate”.
While I do feel sorry for Kate McMullan I am selfishly ready for someone else’s name to be used for a while… sorry Kate!
I'm sick of worrying about what Trump would and would not go for. He's a tiresome old gasbag without manners. Why cater to his unmet needs?
Great idea, but frankly Joe should start by proposing a debate in a couple of weeks—just before Trump starts his first felony trial.
Of course! The debates are not debates. I think the journalists (who should not be the ones to conduct the questions!!!!!!!!) are part of the problem. How can one answer a complex question in 30 seconds? I've advocated for something like you suggested - have 3 hour long video taped interviews of each candidate - conducted by people other than journalists. Then broadcast those interviews in prime time - alternating between candidates' answers. Now that would be informative. None of the intimidation tactics that trump used agains Clinton in debate #2 - and through which the journalists remained totally silent --- that means YOU, Anderson Cooper.
Right, Derek. In fact, an interviewer isn't really even required.
Each candidate could sit alone, maybe behind a desk, and answer on camera a list of questions: questions formulated to explore their understanding of world affairs, their devotion to democracy, and their deeply held beliefs about the future of the planet and the societies that inhabit it. For starters.
I nominate Robert and Heather to formulate the questions. Many other substack writers are well qualified, I'm sure. The important thing is that the oligarchs/ corporate media don't control it.
I’m sorry — this conversation about a debate verges on pure fantasy.
this approach is crucial
Plus the journalists have turned into Russian bots.
I've been wondering what his nomination accpetance speech is going to be like. We know his speaking has some serious incidences of ...aphasia? dementia? . I'm hoping (of course) that he will be as unhinged in that spotlight!
It'll be characterized by heavy editing in right wing news sources.
and favorable excerpting by the "non-partisan" press
It is without a doubt it will, because it is without a doubt he has one or both. In fact, Trump is clearly biologically older than Biden. That is obvious, but our Russian bot press does not even have a glimmer of understanding of age as being biological. They just assume that some live longer than others due to fate. However, genes play a role and lifestyle another role. I don't care if Trump's addlepated behavior is drug induced, it is then drug induced aphasia or drug induced dementia, or both. His physical shakiness can have either root cause, but the outcome is the aphasic speech.
A Trump acceptance speech will be prepared and will feature a powerful, self-confident delivery. It also will be so full of lies that they cannot be refuted immediately.
🤣 So who will be delivering it if it features powerful self-confidence??? Not Trump; Trump only does pathetically whiny self-pity, grievance-laden victimhood speeches, with periodic lashing out of hatred and cruelties. He nearly always veers off into rambling nonsense and non sequiturs. Even if his minders and minions crafted a "powerful, self-confident" speech, Trump would only show his inability to focus and stick to the speech as written.
You and I envision different “Trumps” delivering his nomination Acceptance Speech this summer. You accurately describe a lot of the Trump that we’ve seen recently. I envisioned the Trump who delivered that emotionally powerful nomination acceptance speech in 2016 – the Trump of “I alone can fix it!”
"I alone can fix it." Well, maybe you find that to be "emotionally powerful" and "self confident". Personally, I thought it was the ultimate fascist claim and, from Trump, who had already bankrupted 5 or 6 businesses--among them a couple of casinos, for crying out loud--and demonstrated his unfitness for any kind of management that wasn't 100% transactional.
So tell me...what did the great and powerful Oztrump fix, anyway?
He ~claims~ to have done and fixed quite a bit, but so far it's all been either fake or exaggerated news. Nah...the Trump of powerful emotiveness and self-confidence only existed on paper and in the delusions of his massive narcissism.
Excellent idea! Hope to see something like this in my lifetime.
Doubt it!
President Biden is saving people's lives!
My wife and I regularly monitor our blood pressure. This morning, after his speech, my systolic measurement was 15 points lower than it's been averaging the last couple months. Her's was similarly reduced.
Follow Robert's advice, and you will not only help re-elect the President. You may live longer too.
.
Interesting point, Jerry. I did not check my blood pressure, I actually went to bed before Heather posted and slept like a lamb. My hip that needs replacing did not start to ache after laying on that side too long and I woke up refressed and relaxed. Odd. I was wondering what happened.
Good luck with your hip replacement. I have had 2 and they are amazing! Words of advice from one who knows: 1. don’t wait (everyone waits too long for the first one, understandable but unnecessary). 2. get an anterior (now standard of care) unless there is a reason you can’t. 3. do physical therapy and follow your PT’s advice to a T. 3. stay off the internet (no one climbs Mt Everest 6 weeks after a hip replacement, trust me, I’m a doctor, and that is just not possible). 4. realize that your body is working hard to heal and it cannot be rushed. Expect to be back to most activities in a few weeks
to a few months, but complete recovery takes 10-12 months. And finally, once your recovery is complete……go forth and live your life in good health and gratitude for the amazing medical care and technology that is available to us in 2024! Blessings.
Same advice goes for knee replacements! I've had two and the difference it has made in my life is amazing--but just as Sky 777 states: , follow the PT instructions to the letter, don't rush it and it can take up to a year before all your muscles get settled into full recovery.
Ice that knee. FAITHFULLY do your pt. Rest. Repeat. 😉
Do not think you feel OK. My brother did and let the PT exercises slide and it limited his range of motion.
I'm still doing rehab and PT and my knee replacement surgery was November 7, 2023! My primary physical therapy lasted 8 weeks and by the end I was riding my own stationary bike every day. I took the "Next Step" series of physical therapy where they concentrate on getting your strength and balance back, making the sensory nerves in those joints fire up and begin functioning normally.
Thank you Sky. I understand and my first appt. is in April. The best docs are that busy. Are you near LA? You might know Dr. Pennenberg. He did my wife's perfectly. I've been at her appts.and he appreciates that that she teaches yoga and practices himself. He developed his own anterior process and hardware that requires no muscle cutting. and many other docs are now using his method. Up and walking in about five hours.
That sounds like the experience I had. Sounds like you have a tried and true surgeon. My surgeon also is a practitioner of yoga, as am I. I am a teacher in the Kripalu style. I took him a list with drawings of all the poses I do regularly. The only one he nixed forever was Pigeon. It is one of my favorites, but I can totally see why it is ill-advised. I now do pretty much what ever I want: yoga (except for Pigeon), hiking, dancing, biking, weight training, etc. And all pain free! We are so lucky to be living in this time of medical advancements. Tho I am still holding out hope for the Star Trek medical tricorder that can diagnose/treat/fix almost instantly.
Good luck to you!
Oh hey! I went to massage school at Kripalu, what a great experience. I went on to develop my own style but I have always said: A stint at Kripalu will change your life! I believe that you may have a fantastic surgeon but he/she can only do half the work… the rest is up to you!
oh… Pigeon … I too love that pose. My body/mind doesn’t fight it like it does some others. The day I tweaked my knee … ya / no… there are other postures to work with!
Wow. Yes Kripalu is a special place.
And I do a modified pigeon in the pool. Not at all the same!
Ha! He told my wife not to do one also. Good luck living long enough for the tricorder!
Thank you for the encouragement.
A friend recently had a hip replacement, and has been pain-free since! Good luck!
Love this post!
Biden is clearly younger than Trump biologically. Whether that is because he has made better lifestyle choices or it is also because of his genes, probably both, he is in better physical shape than Trump.
Yes, but will the MAGAts?
The magats have their fingers in their ears and are ululating
All day yesterday, I felt lighter… dare I say younger…. and as Obama used to say quoting a supporter “fired up and ready to go!”
I haven’t doubted Biden, but I have been so worried about the damage the Dump Biden Because He Is Old crowd was doing to his candidacy. The circular firing squad is a terrible thing. May those whispering “concerned” Democrats hush-and now.
The comments here and on other like Substacks were full of excitement. The same was true of social media. I saw a lot of happy activists and supporters celebrating and looking for the Biden/Harris donate button and ready to roll up their sleeves.
Fired Up and Ready to Go! Have a great weekend.
BIDEN
My favorite Peisdent in my 73 years. So ready to vote and hopefully to inspire younguns to do the same.
HARRIS
A woman of our times
BIDEN * HARRIS for 2024
My favorite too. Even though I was so thrilled by Obama's election and like many of us saw it as a brand new beginning for our country. But Joe has outperformed even fairly high expectations. His accomplishments have been amazing! More to come! I have never has the slightest reservation about supporting him from the very beginning before he won SC in 2016.
Double-LIKE!!
Wooo 🥳 Hoo
The same is true of me, Theressa! Joy is back in place of worry! What a masterful man Biden is!
So The Sargent at Arms lets MTG break the rules, but John Fetterman. Isn't allowed out of the cloakroom?
Grrrrr
I believe Fetterman does not wear his hoodie on the floor of the House. He must wear appropriate jacket and tie.
I think that is true but why let MTG in when they won't let Fetterman? I am his constituent but think he needs to dress more formerly.
He could run through the streets naked screaming I'M A POTATO" and I would still support Fetterman.
What? That happened, Michal?
In HCR's Letters today there was a link to a wonderful critique by Jess Piper of Senator Britt's nausea inducing evocation of Gilead in her GOP response to the SOTU. Highly recommended segue: https://open.substack.com/pub/jesspiper/p/the-fundie-baby-voice?r=f38fk&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Yeah, I subscribed to Piper because of that piece. Her descripiton of "that voice" will be with me foreverd. She's doing amazing work and deserves to be supported.
Jess Piper is a crusader with an inside view of evangelical extremism. She's waging a one woman war against Missouri MAGA's and one of the bravest voices on the internet.
Indeed! Check out Blue Missouri to see how to support her efforts!
Me too
Me too — and a couple of others that were on her first page.
I just reposted that. Fascinating.
Thank you Robert for the admonition to not, NEVER, backslide into self doubt that allows one to doubt reality. I'll put off lobbing a stink bomb into the NYT editorial suite, and at Nagourney in particular. This morning (and he wasted no time) I almost gaggd at the "but will it matter". I was too busy today to focus on a letter and just as well, I suppose. Grinding my teeth over Aar(head)on Blake is bad enough.
Lest I forget, Lucien Truscott was at his sacastic best. The Pentagon Report had just been released and he comandeered it to magnificent effect.
I have sent Truscott’s quote out to a slew of friends and family already this morning. Poor Katie Britt, bless her heart, had no clue what she was getting herself into. She should have. MSNBC put up videos of her predecessors doing this. Not a pretty site.
The Republicans eat their young.
...and they also eat their old and everyone inbetween who doesn't live up to the immoral and often inconsistent opinions of their lunatic cult leader. Frankly, I have no sympathy for Katie's willingness to spew prolific lies to millions of viewers in order to try and raise her political profile and power.
She looks familiar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqJoT9-ZN0k
Sent to my book club — TOOOO funny and true! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the interlude
Perfect, Daniel!
They (Republicans) are a mess, making mistakes at every turn! I couldn't listen to Ms Britt after one minute!
I couldn't either, Kathleen. Here's one reason why, besides the lies and terrible acting, that I would never have known except for a random article I came across.
I happened to see this Substack article about the sound of Katie Britt's voice. The writer's description was illuminating and disturbing. Here's an excerpt from the article titled "The Fundie Baby Voice" by Jess Piper.
"I was about to head to bed after the State of the Union last night, when I heard a voice coming from my television that stopped me in my tracks. I didn’t know who was speaking, but it really didn’t matter—I recognized the voice. It was so many voices from my childhood. It was so many Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. It was potlucks, and baby showers, and graduations, and birthday parties.
It was Senator Katie Britt using her well-practiced fundie baby voice.
I threw so many folks for a loop last year when I discussed the voice in a video. I used my “training” as a former Evangelical, a Southern Baptist, to describe the breathy cadence and the soft, child-like high pitch. Folks outside of Fundamentalist culture had never heard the term—they just knew the voice made them uncomfortable."
https://jesspiper.substack.com/p/the-fundie-baby-voice
Speaker Mike Johnson's wife, Kelly, using her Fundie Baby Voice.
Painful to watch, but more evidence of how some (all?) Christian nationalists want women to behave.
https://twitter.com/piper4missouri/status/1720927778155995512?lang=en
Wow! It does make one uncomfortable. She made the Republicans look terrible, though, and it sounds as if even many Republicans were embarrassed. They are making so many mistakes! They don't even hear themselves!
That’s about how long it took me to tune out.
Let them keep making mistakes as long as we capitalize on them.
PLEASE - CONTINUE TO SLAM THE JOURNALISTS wherever you can with the comments. I spend 30 minutes each day doing it - and that DOES lower my blood pressure.
Airhead Blake has gone completely off the rails, hasn’t he? Just cannot wrap my mind around his conversion to a MAGA apologist. Thankfully, others at WAPO are still (somewhat) sane.
Just curious. If wearing a campaign hat into the Chamber is against the rules of that Chamber, as chief MAGA clown MTG did during the State of the Union speech, and she refused to take it off when the Sergent at Arms asked her to do so, why did her simply refusing to do so end the matter? Why bother with having such a rule if idiots on the Right can simply ignore it? That sounds like the ethics code for the Supreme Court. Why couldn’t the Sergent at Arms literally escort her out of the Chamber? And what happens if all the Democrats show up for the next big Chamber event wearing “Go Joe in 2024”? I know we don’t typically act that way, but maybe we should. MTG has learned nothing from the experience, nor has she suffered any consequences from a lawless party.
On another note, I read something about the Laken Riley law that the House passed, which has to do with deporting illegals who commit crimes while they are in the country. Part of it is to lay the blame for the victims’ at the feet of the President. Here’s my question: why don’t we pass a similar law for any mass shooting victim who has used an assault weapon to kill Americans? In other words, let’s lay that at the feet of the states who allow such open gain policies? The MAGAS are upset only at a death caused by an illegal immigrant. As the data shows, that is not the norm. Immigrants cause far less crime than our own citizens. Seems that just once in a while, they would actually care about the same things as the majority of the American people. But no, it’s all and only about their narrative. I hate that the young woman was killed by anyone, and very sad that the man who caused her death had not already been taken off the streets for other crimes. But that happens everyday in a thousand cities across our country, and I am certain MTG has not “said their names.”
I am with you, Laura. Thank you for 'saying' this. And I was pleased President Biden addressed the issue compassionately. No one should die not by an act of violence perpetrated by an immigrant OR BY American citizens. Still, GOP lawmakers turn a blind eye to legislation that can end the bloodshed, everyday. And all that you said.
And the irony of Britt’s teary eyed plea “americans are dying”. What a bunch of hypocrites.
If the Sargeant-at-Arms had attempted to forcibly remove MTG’s MAGA hat or eject her from the House Floor, she’d have made a ruckus. The news stories would then have featured MTG rather than Biden’s SOTU Address.
President Biden’s masterful performance in both embracing success, while as well confronting anger, ignorance, and overt hatred, was masterful! Joe is now certifiably the Man for the Time. Clearly, Jill Biden is to be shown the largest measure of gratitude I can possibly conjure up, so I do so here, now. I saw it clearly both his, and her face the moment she and Joe released hands as he proceeded to the lectern. After all the years, they both still turn one another on. I do really care, am am betting you all do too. Rock ‘em Joe and Jill!
Thanks, Robert, for not only highlighting the success of the President’s speech but also for the encouragement. Friends, keep this as an inoculation when you start seeing the counter ads from the Republicans. The morning after the speech I saw a TV ad “mish-mash” of clips showing Biden’s stumbles and gaffes. It infuriated me. So be prepared, don’t fall back into despair and be ready to fight back.
I decided to write Mr. Nagourney, with taking a different approach of putting my contact info/address/phone in the remote chance he responds.
And I continued...
'I am putting that first in case you somehow are curious to respond.
As with 2023's State of the Union, but I was even more inspired by President Biden's speech a couple days ago.
Your acknowledgement and then rejection of Biden is sickening. I read articles from the NYT regularly, but I grow incredibly wary of your coverage of Biden. Your words have power and can definitely help vanquish legitimate hope.
I would be honored to hear back from you.
Thank you.
Joe English'
This may help with talking points in your comm with the NYT: https://presswatchers.org/
All, this is important to read. Thank you Terry for the link. I was not aware of presswstchers.org
NYT is gun shy. Trump sued them and lost, but they are most probably lawyered up and the advice is probably if it is a horserace, they will be protected from further litigation. They will not publish most of my comments.
They dominate MSM, but social media is probably more relevant. In my case, I have been kicked from Facebook, and apparently Instagram. My crime was to repeatedly post "Trump hates dogs," "Trump tole from kids with cancer," and o many historical and military sites, "Not suckers or losers." Most effective.
Sorry for that typo… it is presswatchers.org/
And see:
www.justsecurity.org/92714/american-autocracy-threat-tracker/
Yes I like what I saw too.
My only correction would be "I would be flabbergasted to hear from you - and truly believe the hell will freeze over before you and your colleagues learn from your 2016 irresponsible and dangerous reporting.
It was Joe Biden (SOTU) versus Katie Kitch Glitches (STFU). What a match! The NYPT (P for PRAVDA) is 100% fascist Russian propaganda. If anyone at NYTs tells truth it is a false flag to distract from their incessant lies.
Robert,
your readers may also want to watch Jonathan Katz describe how he found out that Senator Katie Britt lied in this Tik Tok that you can also watch on FB. Excellent investigative reporting!
More people need to know the truth about her incredible dishonesty about the story of the 12-year old sold out to brothels. She claims it happened in the USA and intimates it happened during the Biden admin. Katz uncovered that it happened in Mexico during the second G.W. Bush Administration. And this brave Mexican victim is an activist, who told her story to Congress in 2015. Sen. Britt lied.
https://www.tiktok.com/@katzonearth/video/7344090454985624862
thanks for the link!
I agree! This is so important to watch because it reveals Britt’s utter dishonesty but also this was uncovered by a capable guy on TikTok and completely missed by the NY Times, Wash Post and every journalist out there!! Good grief! Least we can do is make it go viral!
Terrible!
A letter I wrote to Adam Nagourney:
Dear Mr. Nagourney,
Do you and your colleagues in the political writing department of the New York Times have a reason for being so negative about President Biden? Do you want the New York Times to be put out of business by the dictator Trump, who would be very happy to try to do that when he becomes Emperor/president? Do you want us to be Hungary or Nazi Germany?
Wake up, sir. What you write and the headlines on your articles matter.
Heather posted a link to Jess Piper's description of Katie Britt's voice. In case it hasn't been put here yet - https://jesspiper.substack.com/p/the-fundie-baby-voice?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=email
I highly recommend it. I had no idea!
Thank you as always Robert!
“Trust the facts, trust your instincts, and ignore the spin.” My new mantra. Thank you, Robert!
I'm starting to wonder how much of the negativity has been media-induced and how much of it, as you see in horror movies, is coming from inside the house. I messaged with a friend yesterday who still communicates with people within the Democratic Party, and he talked about how giddy the mood was among operatives after the speech and what a contrast it was from just a week ago. Here is a direct quote from our conversation: “I was in a meeting last Wednesday where I could have sworn I was in a room with death row inmates. None of them were giving Biden much of a chance in November. This morning, when I spoke to someone who was in this meeting, she acted like the governor had signed her pardon.” This especially resonated with me when Nagourney referred to Simon Rosenberg as “the rare Democratic strategist who is bullish on Biden’s reelection chances.” All of that is disturbing.
Even yesterday, when I watched some of the coverage on MSNBC, there was an undercurrent of caution among the political guests, David Plouffe among them, in overestimating the effect of the speech on swing voters. Here’s the thing, though: I'm not sure that this is an election about swing voters as much as it’s one about getting Democratic voters to the polls. It’s about making the distinction that there’s no real choice here; it’s about democracy versus autocracy, period. Anyone who is on the fence doesn't understand that. I get it though, we talk here about the media focusing on the horse race narrative of elections, but we rarely talk about the fact that political operatives look at it the same way. I think for this election, at least, it puts more pressure on grassroots efforts than ever before. We should not be grateful that Simon Rosenberg is that “rare Democratic consultant” who is not only optimistic but values grassroots movements. I think many of the traditional operatives are too jaded to see it.
All that said, if someone can't be optimistic after the President’s triumphant SOTU and the absolute disaster of the Republican's broad response to it, who needs them? I hope there are people in the Biden campaign who recognize and tune out those voices as well. If we all show up, Biden will win this thing.
Have we not been feeling this for years??! Democrats are our own worst enemies. I feel like the Democratic Party has been an angry teenager for years. Thanks to the sage elders, Nancy Pelosi for galvanizing the House during Trump, and Schumer keeping our razor thin Senate powerful, and the amazing bright and talented Dem. Senators and Reps rising, I feel that faith in our party is being restored and we can get behind our leader, President Biden once and for all.
Lighting a fire under 3rd party and 'stay at home' voters is key.