You wrote, Which is why I always say, “We have every reason to be hopeful, but no reason to be complacent.”
This is precisely why I always look to see your take on the news of the day, week, etc. Guaranteed improved/increased peace of mind for me after reading any of your newsletters. Thank you!
I'm sure many others here feel likewise about you.
I may be wrong, but I believe the "no studio audience and auto mic shut off" structure was inherent in Biden's offer to debate. I believe Trump accepted.
Now I am envisioning a camera on Trump yammering away - silently. Waving his arms around. Face turning purple with rage (perfect contrast to his hair). Maybe even having a physical fit on stage. Then he may do the only thing left. Walk away.
Biden will continue to display his maturity and sense of humor. I believe in Joe.
Said in a firm voice (not a question) to criminal defendant Donald Trump: "Sir, can you please take a seat." Judge Juan Merchan, May 3 2024, New York City courtroom
"Without hesitation, Trump went and plopped straight back down into his maroon leather chair at the defense table—and remained for another minute, fuming as the judge gathered his paperwork and strolled toward his chambers."
I believe in Joe too, Bill! The fact that Trump accepted the conditions of the debate will not stop him from making an issue of the terms and then just not doing it. But I really hope Trump does it!
But, Michelle, Pts and David, Trump has already agreed to these terms! Am I missing something? It reminds me of when they were able to seat a New York jury for his criminal trial for fraud and election interference. He and his team allowed what seem to be reasonable jury candidates to be seated. And now he and his team agree to favorable (because neutral) debate terms. I guess I don't understand the Trump motivation (stupidity? hateful secret future plans to incite riots?) but I'm happy about it in the meantime.
What? You don't think he will change his mind? Or Lie? Trump allegedly went home from UK to "defend himself" in first E Jean Carroll defamation suit, but never took the stand. He's making same claim for current trial - we'll have to wait and see...
Yep. He also won't go for not having a live audience, that is, being unable to pack the house and turn the event into a raucous, beer-hall shouting match.
I was just telling my husband that not having a live audience for the debates is a crucial point. Being deprived of his cult followers will deprive Trump of the narcissistic supplies that are keeping him going. Or, as Seth Myers colorfully put it in reference to the 2020 debates, “acting like a coked-up raccoon” going after a garbage can at Coachella.
I was surprised at how quickly the Quadefendant accepted the challenge as President Biden so masterfully posed it. I fully expect, though, that the Quadefendant will renegotiate the terms with the threat of walking away and doing a counterprogramming rally. He'll find a way to make a spectacle of this.
Didn’t that happen in 2020 when he pulled out of a debate to present a “check” to a veterans’ organization in Iowa? Joe had the stage to himself for a town hall style conversation, I believe.
Biden's communications team should prepare for such an eventuality. They should make a video of Trump speaking gibberish, praising Hannibal Lechter, and boasting about overturning Roe v. Wade, then have Biden, live on stage, question, refute, and attack in debate format, all the nonsense the video Trump mounts. That would be more in line with what the American public seems to want. And it would make Biden look great, humorous, up-to-date (not old!), and lampoon Trump the way he deserves. It would shame him for not showing up, if that's what he ends up choosing.
I think you're right, Bob. I don't think Biden will agree to those terms. Then Trump will refuse to debate Biden, thereby getting away with not exposing himself to the general public as the narcissistic, sociopathic maniac he is!
He'll only look like a wimpy loser to independents and people who were already going to vote against Trump. For Trump supporters they won't care, they think Trump should be catered to at all times and always get what he wants because they want to live vicariously through Trump. I don't think that there are Trump supporters that will stop supporting him at this point no matter what.
No one is expecting Trump's core supporters to change their minds, PhillyT. There are many voters who haven't been paying attention yet to what Trump has been threatening to do if he is reelected. The debate on ABC would expose those potential voters to the dangers the country would face if Trump were elected, I hope.
How many MAGA Trumpers are there in the US? 30 million? If we can isolate them and get the disaffected Republicans, Independents, and Democrats, we will still win. Seems like the recent Haley results indicate that many disaffected Republicans are considering not voting, or not voting for Trump.
Yes - but most normal Republicans seem to still vote for MAGA Republicans at this point. I'm hoping that with Biden opening campaign offices in all swing states, colleges back in person, abortion being on the ballot and frankly Trumps economic positions all being outright inflationary that putting Trump vs Biden on a debate stage will make Trump look foolish again amongst Haley voters and younger people. Democrats also need to stress that if Biden loses and Trump gets to nominate replacements for Sotomayer, Alito or Thomas, then we will have officially lost the Supreme Court for the next 25 years.
A beer or a glass of wine. He might, but he already looks shaky to non-cultists and I don't think his ego will let him pass up the chance to have a go at Biden. PhillyT's comment below is spot on, but we have a tendency to overestimate the number of people in the cult.
I don't see Trump doing these debates. I wish he would, because then perhaps every day Americans, whom Robert correctly describes as busy raising kids and working and might not have had the time to read and watch the things we read and watch, would hear the shocking things Trump says, and see his mental and emotional deterioration which should disqualify him from ever holding office again!
You mean his stated reason, although I understand he accepted. His real reason will be that his people won't let him because Garble-dy, garble-dy Trump, will fall right off his hump! Trump's handlers do not need people being acutely aware of how Trump garbles his speech and his thoughts are not always clear. Ramblin' man may be good for a song, but not for a speech! Even scarier are the ideas he is expressing. Please include discussion of social security. Freedom of movement for women. However, if Biden can still goad him into a debate, it will provide all the footage needs for Biden to make ads against Trump the rest of the campaign. I would start with taking every thing that Trump says, illustrating it with examples, and cutting in Hitler speaking on the same topic, with someone explaining afterwards what Hitler said. It has to be in German. The parallels are there, and someone should be making this crystal clear to the American people. Right now, I am calling those who defend the indefensible actions of Trump, his propaganda crew of women and immigrant murdering sycophants, "The Goebbel Brigade." They come slithering to lie to the American people for Trump, just as Goebbels did for Hitler as they are all made of the same slimy material. Goebbels was in charge of protecting Hitler from having to tell people stuff, instead he told them that Hitler did everything for them, and any suffering they were experiencing they should suck up for the good of the country, just as Hitler did, and if things went badly he told them they went well. He was his Spin Doctor, just as Mike "Goebbels" Johnson is spinning a web of lies about Trump and about the people that Trump hates.
The Biden campaign ad challenging Trump to the debates was superb! Trump can’t debate because hecwill either be in jail for the many rules he has broken in Merchan’s court. Hoping the judge acts swiftly in carrying out his “promise” to jail big mouth, even for a day.
I just want to say that I have given money to Allred a couple of times. He will stomp the crap outta Cruz and it will be so delightful!
I have contributed to Allred's campaign, too, Marlene. There are so many worthy candidates this election. Makes me wish I had "dark money" that I could donate...LOL!
The defendant joining the chain gang. Beautiful thought, but for that we will have to wait at least until next year or whenever the various appeals will be exhausted.
To create a level playing field for the debates they should be taped, fact-checked and only broadcasted a few hours later with the result shown on the screen. Sure, there will be lots of text whenever the defendant opens his mouth but those viewers who have to be reached should be able to multitask and watch and read at the same time.
Conventional wisdom says that an incumbent asking for a debate is a sign of weakness, and there are plenty of opinion pieces out there right now that take that “wisdom” and run with it. Here’s the thing, though: what part of this election cycle looks “conventional” to you? The other trope thrown out there to the debates being detrimental to Biden is the age question, AGAIN. I read a piece this morning that said Americans will be shocked to see how feeble Biden looks and how badly he stumbles over words. Meanwhile, Trump spouted this nonsense over this past weekend at a rally:
"we're going to evict this man, the worst president by far. Jimmy Connors is— Jimmy. Jimmy Connors isscodda, he's also happy. Jimmy is a very happy man, both of them, because you know what? they want him out. Jimmy Carter..."
Tell me again how feeble Biden is, please. Democrats are worry warts. There are real obstacles to be overcome in this campaign; nobody should be under the illusion that there aren't, but the prospect of debates, especially under these agreed-upon rules, is not one of them.
Thank you ,Dean. Opinion “ wisdom” pieces and (of course) NYT “Yet, at the same time, proposing the earliest general-election debate in the history of television is a way to mitigate the risks of placing an 81-year-old president onstage live for 90 minutes.” My NYT comment:
Seriously…I cannot stop laughing, Watch Biden’s full SOTU or any of his recent speeches….and then watch Trump’s full at a campaign rally.
Now back to GOTV. No worries about Biden for me!
✍️📲📣💲👕🛒
YOU CAN'T WRING YOUR HANDS AND ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AT THE SAME TIME.
Patricia Schroeder '64, Former United States Representative
As always, thank you Robert, for being the positive voice of the day.
I’m thinking about RFKs famous line, “Ask not what your country can do for you but rather what you can do for your country”
We should not be saying “ if Biden doesn’t do something we he will lose…”. It’s completely unfair and misses the interwoven truth about all of us together. Biden (or anyone elected to office by many other people) is a part of us and all we do, say, think. We tend to elect people and then stand back and wait for them to “do”. We forget to put the wind at their backs by supporting them, effectively challenging them, keeping up and in touch and by staying involved with the less engaged among us. Democracy and representative government takes daily effort from everyone. If Biden fails to win, it will be as much on what we’ve done or not done as it will be on him. Being a leader can look like being royalty but in truth, it’s incredibly hard to navigate the myriad of differing needs and opinions and once we find a level-headed and honest leader, we would do well to offer them our wisdom, belief, support and positive momentum. So I am asking myself to see not what Biden can do more of or less of for me but what can I do with/ for him to make his presidency easier and better. He is part of me, of us. I don’t want him to be alone while he does his very best to save our country and keep us from WWIII. MAGA has trumps’ back but they do it as sycophants . We can do it because we understand the big picture of our interconnectivity and positive intention in the Universal web we are all part of.
If trump can't say Jimmy Carter without saying Jimmy Connors, he will not be able to answer questions on a debate stage. The press can continue on with their "Biden is old" propaganda, but a debate will clearly demonstrate who is competent and who is deteriorating.
Both Biden and Trump are liable to make miscues. People who have been paragons of perfection will pounce on the miscues, pretending that they reveal senility or some other handy mental deficiency.
There are plenty of genuine issues that should concern voters. Small minds focus on small miscues.
It’s hard to be positive when people like Chuck Todd, Andrea Michell and Dana Bash comment on how poorly Biden is doing. The media is to blame for Biden’s polling numbers. Apparently they haven’t learned how or don’t care about saving democracy. They (the media) rarely highlight or feature what Biden is doing and they seldom broadcast any of his speeches. Yet, we are bombarded with trump day in and day out.
Recently, a reader referred to you as being a "cheerleader for Biden." To him, I say , yes, and, your point is ? In the big picture, sir, you are cheering for freedom, for Democracy, for decency and for the light from our beloved Statue of Liberty to continue shining brightly for all the world to see. In a word, sanity , sanity in a world where people buy into the "burn it all down, and start over" utter foolishness. Putin's puppet Steve Bannon spouts this garbage routinely. Maybe his fellow inmates will help him with an , er, attitude adjustment while he is resting at Rikers. As tfg says, "we'll see what happens." Yay for Colin Allred. Thank you again Robert, for that opportunity to meet our next new Senator from Texas, Colin Allred.
Thanks, Robert, for all this great news! Here's the White House's contact link for those who think Biden is "doing it wrong." They can write to him directly to let him know their thoughts. This way, you won't have to get involved.
Once a week, I host a gathering of people, mostly women, all over 60, and we write 150+ postcards to voters in states where incumbent Democrats face challengers, or where voters can register to vote by mail, or where there are close races between D's and R's. We've met 6 times already, and we will meet every week until November 5. We're generally too old and too arthritic to canvass door-to-door, and phone banking and text banking are frustrating and mostly unproductive, as people block our calls or don't answer. Postcarding -- with cheerful, respectful messages and colorful cards -- feels like we're making a difference.
I’d like to do this. Question: do you get 150 postcards under your name and get the group to write them. Or do you request your guests each separately order postcards?? Let me know how you do it! Thx.
The election is six months away. There have been some ads and campaigning out there, but nothing compared to what will be coming. Many of those who still follow Trump are committed to the Trump who ran and lost four years ago. He is not longer that man. They may not see it but many of the less committed will as the Dems will hit him hard about who he is — a rapist, a compulsive liar, a fraud who owes $1Billion in fines, and someone who will betray our allies and side with Russia. Also, he, not Biden, is responsible for dividing the country, pitting men against women, Black against white, and especially the very rich against everyone else. Trump’s policies(?) would triple the inflation rate, increase unemployment, and ruin the economy. But Trump has Hannibal Lecter on his side. Biden has a lot of money, and we all are working to help the troops on the ground. We have to keep focused.
Biden is an old man, but comparatively, so is Al Horford, and he played a masterful game that led to a significant victory. The journey isn’t over by any means, but the path is clear. We have to take it.
I suspect most if not all of us have friends or family members who have similar views; while there is probably “no size fits all” response to each of these expressed perspectives, I firmly believe that I - and each of us - should respectfully engage with those persons, particularly those we care about, to challenge thinking and resulting action that is likely to be harmful to all of us.
"Republicans want to sunset your benefits." also works.
Here's my prototype letter to editors:
To the editor:
Don’t slit your own throat.
As of 2023, 67,076,966 Americans received SSI. I’m sure more do now.
Republicans have threatened to kill it. Demean beneficiaries as “takers.”
Yet some SSI recipients are registered Republican!
It's ironic that some on SSI slit their own throats.
Every dime an SSI beneficiary gets is spent and proves that John Maynard Keynes was right -- causing a positive ripple effect. “Demand creates its own supply.”
Those benefits go into the hands of practically every business.
I think he was referring to Democrats specifically. We know that repubs have single issue voters, because they've been flogging the abortion issue for 30 years now.
Most of the Republicans in my demographic -- old and in the way -- rejoice that the stock markets are at an all time high and headed north. IRAs, 401 K's etc exceed inflation.
Trump has been telling everyone to sell Biden short. I hope that his followers have.
I think one of Robert's crucial insights today deserves emphasis here regarding the presumed single-issue voters.
He wrote:
"No one walks around thinking, “I am willing to end 230 years of democracy because Joe Biden is 80 years old,” or “because he can’t lower the price of eggs.” Those are not authentic reasons anyone would vote against Biden and for Trump. They are excuses to conceal the real reason that someone would vote for an aspiring dictator, sexual predator, incorrigible liar, and depraved narcissist."
I agree with David that single issue friends, particularly on abortion, are going to, as they describe it "hold their noses and vote for Trump," because Trump and the GOP have staked out reactionary stances. It goes deeper though because single-issues declarations often are smokescreen for other single issues. What I mean is the person who says, "I am pro-life and the Republican party has delivered on overturning Roe v. Wade," might really or also mean, "My real single issue is the increase freedom and political clout of American women and unless we counteract what "feminism" has done to America, we are going to lose the country. Or they might really mean, " My real single issue is fear and dislike of Black people and their ascendant power in America. I'm for equality but too many black people are getting jobs/power/placement in key universities, etc., simply because they are black. I have seen this in my work, my kid not getting into a school that a Black kid in his graduation class got into. [Ignoring the greater achievement of the "Black kid." It seems to me that Robert's formulation against the existence of truly single issue voters needs one more layer of analysis that shows that there are, even on the Right, acceptable single issues: Inflation, abortion, etc. that mask often the true single issues: anti-intellectualism, racism, sexism, and and pure hatred of elites, as well as a juvenile delight in being on the side of the bully who is more stand-up comedian and huckster who makes me feel powerful because he hates the same people I do and he escapes every attempt to bring him down.
We may not be able to change the hard-core single issue voters (however deeply their true and abhorrent are masked), but we need to continue to show that in playing their single issue cards they are buying an abhorrent, incoherent, despicable human being, whom no one in their right mind would want to be associated with.
It will be fascinating to see whether Trump actually shows up to debate Biden. It’s essential Biden stick with his criteria & not cave to new Trump demands. His team seems to be doing a great job on this so far. The video was terrific.
Re today’s newsletter, I attended a Fundraiser last night for an organization supporting grassroots organizing groups on the ground working with mostly minority folks, connecting with them early, with the goal of getting them to turn out to vote for Biden in the fall. I am a committed canvasser and have worked each national election on the ground in WI for many cycles now. I still believe that talking with folks at their doors is a good thing., even tho I’m not a local. However, it has been shown that just showing up to gather votes shortly before an election, without really building connections with people & often being an outsider o the neighborhood, is less effective than year round, grassroots organizing by people who look like the folks living in a particular area and are more likely to have an easier time building trust.
The organization is 31st Street Swing Left, and right now they are focusing on three on the ground groups, two in WI and one in PA…the WI groups are Native Voices and Power to the Polls, the latter group being led by Mandela Barnes, who lost the Senate race in WI in ‘22 by less than 1% of the vote. In PA the group is called Make the Road, I believe, and these folks are reaching out to mostly minority voters in PA. The groups sound really solid and I highly recommend donating to to them. This kind of grassroots, neighborhood based organization can be highly effective, and they need funding now as they attempt to scale up their work.
We all know that this race will be determined by turnout…who actually shows up to vote for each candidate. It feels to me that there is a large enough drop off of Trump voters that Biden has a strong chance of winning again, but we must ensure that straying minority voters, such as black men, come back to the fold, and that other disempowered groups, such as Native Americans, traditionally inconsistent voters, actually come out.
I loved Kuo’s column that Hubbell touted today, read it and sent it out to friends…made my day. Also made donations last night to these organizing groups and encourage all of you to do the same!
Airlift is another organization supporting on the ground, grassroots organizing. Let’s do this!!!
Personal understanding and explaining by trusted people is the best way to win elections. Thanks for the information about groups I never would have known about. Mandela Barnes lost to the mean and crazy Senator Ron Johnson who ran a slimy racist campaign. Wisconsin should be ashamed of itself.
You wrote, Which is why I always say, “We have every reason to be hopeful, but no reason to be complacent.”
This is precisely why I always look to see your take on the news of the day, week, etc. Guaranteed improved/increased peace of mind for me after reading any of your newsletters. Thank you!
I'm sure many others here feel likewise about you.
100% agreed. What a spot on article today. And that quote sums it up perfectly.
Every day, Just Raven!
Requiring microphones to be cut-off when the candidate is not speaking will become the reason Trump will back out of any debate with Biden.
"HE'S GAGGING ME JUST LIKE THAT (insert vitriolic rhetoric here) JUDGE MERCHAN TRIED AND FAILED TO DO!!"
I may be wrong, but I believe the "no studio audience and auto mic shut off" structure was inherent in Biden's offer to debate. I believe Trump accepted.
Now I am envisioning a camera on Trump yammering away - silently. Waving his arms around. Face turning purple with rage (perfect contrast to his hair). Maybe even having a physical fit on stage. Then he may do the only thing left. Walk away.
Biden will continue to display his maturity and sense of humor. I believe in Joe.
Or walk behind Biden and glare at him.
As he did with Hillary. Biden could respond with a harsh rebuke. "Grow up Donald. Back to your seat!"
Said in a firm voice (not a question) to criminal defendant Donald Trump: "Sir, can you please take a seat." Judge Juan Merchan, May 3 2024, New York City courtroom
"Without hesitation, Trump went and plopped straight back down into his maroon leather chair at the defense table—and remained for another minute, fuming as the judge gathered his paperwork and strolled toward his chambers."
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-fumes-as-judge-orders-him-to-sit-like-a-dog
Or trip him up with a sudden stop....and turn..which is what Hillary should have done.
I always thought that Hillary should have wheeled about and said, slowly and deliberately, “Why are you stalking me?!”
I believe in Joe too, Bill! The fact that Trump accepted the conditions of the debate will not stop him from making an issue of the terms and then just not doing it. But I really hope Trump does it!
But, Michelle, Pts and David, Trump has already agreed to these terms! Am I missing something? It reminds me of when they were able to seat a New York jury for his criminal trial for fraud and election interference. He and his team allowed what seem to be reasonable jury candidates to be seated. And now he and his team agree to favorable (because neutral) debate terms. I guess I don't understand the Trump motivation (stupidity? hateful secret future plans to incite riots?) but I'm happy about it in the meantime.
What? You don't think he will change his mind? Or Lie? Trump allegedly went home from UK to "defend himself" in first E Jean Carroll defamation suit, but never took the stand. He's making same claim for current trial - we'll have to wait and see...
I think he will be yelling so loud that he won't need a microphone. It could still cause problems but much better than before.
I can picture Trump yelling after his mic is cut, too. Or just keep talking, like that Vic Ramsey, or whatever his name is.
Yep. He also won't go for not having a live audience, that is, being unable to pack the house and turn the event into a raucous, beer-hall shouting match.
I was just telling my husband that not having a live audience for the debates is a crucial point. Being deprived of his cult followers will deprive Trump of the narcissistic supplies that are keeping him going. Or, as Seth Myers colorfully put it in reference to the 2020 debates, “acting like a coked-up raccoon” going after a garbage can at Coachella.
😂😂
I was surprised at how quickly the Quadefendant accepted the challenge as President Biden so masterfully posed it. I fully expect, though, that the Quadefendant will renegotiate the terms with the threat of walking away and doing a counterprogramming rally. He'll find a way to make a spectacle of this.
He’s got Trump in a box and how he wiggles out would make a great ad. Trump afraid to vote is the headline.
Absolutely. There's no way Trump will debate under Biden’s terms.
Didn’t that happen in 2020 when he pulled out of a debate to present a “check” to a veterans’ organization in Iowa? Joe had the stage to himself for a town hall style conversation, I believe.
Biden's communications team should prepare for such an eventuality. They should make a video of Trump speaking gibberish, praising Hannibal Lechter, and boasting about overturning Roe v. Wade, then have Biden, live on stage, question, refute, and attack in debate format, all the nonsense the video Trump mounts. That would be more in line with what the American public seems to want. And it would make Biden look great, humorous, up-to-date (not old!), and lampoon Trump the way he deserves. It would shame him for not showing up, if that's what he ends up choosing.
GREAT idea. i love this ...
Trump's a walking billboard for Joe's campaign.
Yup! That's where I got the idea!
I think you're right, Bob. I don't think Biden will agree to those terms. Then Trump will refuse to debate Biden, thereby getting away with not exposing himself to the general public as the narcissistic, sociopathic maniac he is!
You may be right. I should have addressed that possibility.
He's already agreed, and the debate dates have been announced. It will be difficult for him to pull out without looking like a wimpy loser.
Wimpy loser is one of his better qualities, and he somehow turns it into martyrdom.
After all, he's had 77 years of practice.
He'll only look like a wimpy loser to independents and people who were already going to vote against Trump. For Trump supporters they won't care, they think Trump should be catered to at all times and always get what he wants because they want to live vicariously through Trump. I don't think that there are Trump supporters that will stop supporting him at this point no matter what.
No one is expecting Trump's core supporters to change their minds, PhillyT. There are many voters who haven't been paying attention yet to what Trump has been threatening to do if he is reelected. The debate on ABC would expose those potential voters to the dangers the country would face if Trump were elected, I hope.
How many MAGA Trumpers are there in the US? 30 million? If we can isolate them and get the disaffected Republicans, Independents, and Democrats, we will still win. Seems like the recent Haley results indicate that many disaffected Republicans are considering not voting, or not voting for Trump.
150-160 m people tend to vote in presidentials, according to wikipedia.
True but he can’t win with just his cult. He needs Independent and normal Republicans
Yes - but most normal Republicans seem to still vote for MAGA Republicans at this point. I'm hoping that with Biden opening campaign offices in all swing states, colleges back in person, abortion being on the ballot and frankly Trumps economic positions all being outright inflationary that putting Trump vs Biden on a debate stage will make Trump look foolish again amongst Haley voters and younger people. Democrats also need to stress that if Biden loses and Trump gets to nominate replacements for Sotomayer, Alito or Thomas, then we will have officially lost the Supreme Court for the next 25 years.
Wanna bet
A beer or a glass of wine. He might, but he already looks shaky to non-cultists and I don't think his ego will let him pass up the chance to have a go at Biden. PhillyT's comment below is spot on, but we have a tendency to overestimate the number of people in the cult.
Remember this Nikki Haley ad?
Chicken https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUVfioypD_4&t=21s
I suspect he’ll find some excuse not to participate.
It's always a possibility, especially if his campaign team starts to see very negative potential outcomes.
I don't see Trump doing these debates. I wish he would, because then perhaps every day Americans, whom Robert correctly describes as busy raising kids and working and might not have had the time to read and watch the things we read and watch, would hear the shocking things Trump says, and see his mental and emotional deterioration which should disqualify him from ever holding office again!
I agree. I think Trump will not debate Biden and the reason for this will somehow be Biden's fault. Mark my words. Hope I'm wrong but we will see.
My assessment as well, David.
You mean his stated reason, although I understand he accepted. His real reason will be that his people won't let him because Garble-dy, garble-dy Trump, will fall right off his hump! Trump's handlers do not need people being acutely aware of how Trump garbles his speech and his thoughts are not always clear. Ramblin' man may be good for a song, but not for a speech! Even scarier are the ideas he is expressing. Please include discussion of social security. Freedom of movement for women. However, if Biden can still goad him into a debate, it will provide all the footage needs for Biden to make ads against Trump the rest of the campaign. I would start with taking every thing that Trump says, illustrating it with examples, and cutting in Hitler speaking on the same topic, with someone explaining afterwards what Hitler said. It has to be in German. The parallels are there, and someone should be making this crystal clear to the American people. Right now, I am calling those who defend the indefensible actions of Trump, his propaganda crew of women and immigrant murdering sycophants, "The Goebbel Brigade." They come slithering to lie to the American people for Trump, just as Goebbels did for Hitler as they are all made of the same slimy material. Goebbels was in charge of protecting Hitler from having to tell people stuff, instead he told them that Hitler did everything for them, and any suffering they were experiencing they should suck up for the good of the country, just as Hitler did, and if things went badly he told them they went well. He was his Spin Doctor, just as Mike "Goebbels" Johnson is spinning a web of lies about Trump and about the people that Trump hates.
Let’s hope so!!
You are so on target! That's exactly what will happen.
The Biden campaign ad challenging Trump to the debates was superb! Trump can’t debate because hecwill either be in jail for the many rules he has broken in Merchan’s court. Hoping the judge acts swiftly in carrying out his “promise” to jail big mouth, even for a day.
I just want to say that I have given money to Allred a couple of times. He will stomp the crap outta Cruz and it will be so delightful!
I have contributed to Allred's campaign, too, Marlene. There are so many worthy candidates this election. Makes me wish I had "dark money" that I could donate...LOL!
Me too, Lynell!!
I make a small monthly donation to him, and to several other outstanding Democratic candidates.
Great pep talk, coach! I hope the rules of debate require Trump to be chained to his podium. His wandering in the Clinton debate was disgraceful.
He was terrifying! His gigantic bulk hovering over Hillary was unnerving, to say the least.
The defendant joining the chain gang. Beautiful thought, but for that we will have to wait at least until next year or whenever the various appeals will be exhausted.
To create a level playing field for the debates they should be taped, fact-checked and only broadcasted a few hours later with the result shown on the screen. Sure, there will be lots of text whenever the defendant opens his mouth but those viewers who have to be reached should be able to multitask and watch and read at the same time.
Conventional wisdom says that an incumbent asking for a debate is a sign of weakness, and there are plenty of opinion pieces out there right now that take that “wisdom” and run with it. Here’s the thing, though: what part of this election cycle looks “conventional” to you? The other trope thrown out there to the debates being detrimental to Biden is the age question, AGAIN. I read a piece this morning that said Americans will be shocked to see how feeble Biden looks and how badly he stumbles over words. Meanwhile, Trump spouted this nonsense over this past weekend at a rally:
"we're going to evict this man, the worst president by far. Jimmy Connors is— Jimmy. Jimmy Connors isscodda, he's also happy. Jimmy is a very happy man, both of them, because you know what? they want him out. Jimmy Carter..."
Tell me again how feeble Biden is, please. Democrats are worry warts. There are real obstacles to be overcome in this campaign; nobody should be under the illusion that there aren't, but the prospect of debates, especially under these agreed-upon rules, is not one of them.
Thank you ,Dean. Opinion “ wisdom” pieces and (of course) NYT “Yet, at the same time, proposing the earliest general-election debate in the history of television is a way to mitigate the risks of placing an 81-year-old president onstage live for 90 minutes.” My NYT comment:
Seriously…I cannot stop laughing, Watch Biden’s full SOTU or any of his recent speeches….and then watch Trump’s full at a campaign rally.
Now back to GOTV. No worries about Biden for me!
✍️📲📣💲👕🛒
YOU CAN'T WRING YOUR HANDS AND ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AT THE SAME TIME.
Patricia Schroeder '64, Former United States Representative
Thanks for the rally quote. I would like to post it elsewhere. Where did you find it, please? Thanks again.
Colleen McGloughlin, here’s the video
https://youtu.be/4cZ2rvqRLm8
Thanks so much!!
Hi All!
As always, thank you Robert, for being the positive voice of the day.
I’m thinking about RFKs famous line, “Ask not what your country can do for you but rather what you can do for your country”
We should not be saying “ if Biden doesn’t do something we he will lose…”. It’s completely unfair and misses the interwoven truth about all of us together. Biden (or anyone elected to office by many other people) is a part of us and all we do, say, think. We tend to elect people and then stand back and wait for them to “do”. We forget to put the wind at their backs by supporting them, effectively challenging them, keeping up and in touch and by staying involved with the less engaged among us. Democracy and representative government takes daily effort from everyone. If Biden fails to win, it will be as much on what we’ve done or not done as it will be on him. Being a leader can look like being royalty but in truth, it’s incredibly hard to navigate the myriad of differing needs and opinions and once we find a level-headed and honest leader, we would do well to offer them our wisdom, belief, support and positive momentum. So I am asking myself to see not what Biden can do more of or less of for me but what can I do with/ for him to make his presidency easier and better. He is part of me, of us. I don’t want him to be alone while he does his very best to save our country and keep us from WWIII. MAGA has trumps’ back but they do it as sycophants . We can do it because we understand the big picture of our interconnectivity and positive intention in the Universal web we are all part of.
JFK
I meant JFK!! Not a good mistake to make!! Thank you for correcting!!
I knew that’s who you meant. :-)
If trump can't say Jimmy Carter without saying Jimmy Connors, he will not be able to answer questions on a debate stage. The press can continue on with their "Biden is old" propaganda, but a debate will clearly demonstrate who is competent and who is deteriorating.
Both Biden and Trump are liable to make miscues. People who have been paragons of perfection will pounce on the miscues, pretending that they reveal senility or some other handy mental deficiency.
There are plenty of genuine issues that should concern voters. Small minds focus on small miscues.
It’s hard to be positive when people like Chuck Todd, Andrea Michell and Dana Bash comment on how poorly Biden is doing. The media is to blame for Biden’s polling numbers. Apparently they haven’t learned how or don’t care about saving democracy. They (the media) rarely highlight or feature what Biden is doing and they seldom broadcast any of his speeches. Yet, we are bombarded with trump day in and day out.
Has the NYT already written up the coverage of both debates? Will they print it ahead time?
National Enquiring Minds wanna know
Recently, a reader referred to you as being a "cheerleader for Biden." To him, I say , yes, and, your point is ? In the big picture, sir, you are cheering for freedom, for Democracy, for decency and for the light from our beloved Statue of Liberty to continue shining brightly for all the world to see. In a word, sanity , sanity in a world where people buy into the "burn it all down, and start over" utter foolishness. Putin's puppet Steve Bannon spouts this garbage routinely. Maybe his fellow inmates will help him with an , er, attitude adjustment while he is resting at Rikers. As tfg says, "we'll see what happens." Yay for Colin Allred. Thank you again Robert, for that opportunity to meet our next new Senator from Texas, Colin Allred.
Thanks, Robert, for all this great news! Here's the White House's contact link for those who think Biden is "doing it wrong." They can write to him directly to let him know their thoughts. This way, you won't have to get involved.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Once a week, I host a gathering of people, mostly women, all over 60, and we write 150+ postcards to voters in states where incumbent Democrats face challengers, or where voters can register to vote by mail, or where there are close races between D's and R's. We've met 6 times already, and we will meet every week until November 5. We're generally too old and too arthritic to canvass door-to-door, and phone banking and text banking are frustrating and mostly unproductive, as people block our calls or don't answer. Postcarding -- with cheerful, respectful messages and colorful cards -- feels like we're making a difference.
Right there with you, Naomi and Friends! Press onward to our goal. And thank you! 💙
I’d like to do this. Question: do you get 150 postcards under your name and get the group to write them. Or do you request your guests each separately order postcards?? Let me know how you do it! Thx.
Useful to get them all under one name and then share the writing. Try signing up with Postcards to Swing States. https://www.turnoutpac.org/postcards/
Try signing up with Postcards to Swing States. https://www.turnoutpac.org/postcards/
The election is six months away. There have been some ads and campaigning out there, but nothing compared to what will be coming. Many of those who still follow Trump are committed to the Trump who ran and lost four years ago. He is not longer that man. They may not see it but many of the less committed will as the Dems will hit him hard about who he is — a rapist, a compulsive liar, a fraud who owes $1Billion in fines, and someone who will betray our allies and side with Russia. Also, he, not Biden, is responsible for dividing the country, pitting men against women, Black against white, and especially the very rich against everyone else. Trump’s policies(?) would triple the inflation rate, increase unemployment, and ruin the economy. But Trump has Hannibal Lecter on his side. Biden has a lot of money, and we all are working to help the troops on the ground. We have to keep focused.
Biden is an old man, but comparatively, so is Al Horford, and he played a masterful game that led to a significant victory. The journey isn’t over by any means, but the path is clear. We have to take it.
"It is true that there are single-issue voters in America. But they are the rare exception."
Tell that to my friends, family, and colleagues who each voted for Trump based on one of:
1. Abortion
2. Guns
3. Tax Cuts
You need new friends.
Sorry for your troubles, David. I can't tell if you're better off with single-issue relatives as opposed to my all-the-issues relatives I have!
@David. "Trump hates dogs" works.
https://rvat.org/
This is a great website, thanks, Daniel.
I suspect most if not all of us have friends or family members who have similar views; while there is probably “no size fits all” response to each of these expressed perspectives, I firmly believe that I - and each of us - should respectfully engage with those persons, particularly those we care about, to challenge thinking and resulting action that is likely to be harmful to all of us.
"Republicans want to sunset your benefits." also works.
Here's my prototype letter to editors:
To the editor:
Don’t slit your own throat.
As of 2023, 67,076,966 Americans received SSI. I’m sure more do now.
Republicans have threatened to kill it. Demean beneficiaries as “takers.”
Yet some SSI recipients are registered Republican!
It's ironic that some on SSI slit their own throats.
Every dime an SSI beneficiary gets is spent and proves that John Maynard Keynes was right -- causing a positive ripple effect. “Demand creates its own supply.”
Those benefits go into the hands of practically every business.
Daniel F. Solomon
Miami
I think he was referring to Democrats specifically. We know that repubs have single issue voters, because they've been flogging the abortion issue for 30 years now.
Most of the Republicans in my demographic -- old and in the way -- rejoice that the stock markets are at an all time high and headed north. IRAs, 401 K's etc exceed inflation.
Trump has been telling everyone to sell Biden short. I hope that his followers have.
Seems like a conspiracy to keep good economic news from the public. Dan Froomkin wrote an excellent column today to that effect:
https://presswatchers.org/2024/05/show-me-the-happy-faces-of-the-biden-economy-and-other-urgent-story-assignments-for-the-msm/
Absolutely. Take away the Trump supporters only concerned about money and what do you have left!
I think one of Robert's crucial insights today deserves emphasis here regarding the presumed single-issue voters.
He wrote:
"No one walks around thinking, “I am willing to end 230 years of democracy because Joe Biden is 80 years old,” or “because he can’t lower the price of eggs.” Those are not authentic reasons anyone would vote against Biden and for Trump. They are excuses to conceal the real reason that someone would vote for an aspiring dictator, sexual predator, incorrigible liar, and depraved narcissist."
I agree with David that single issue friends, particularly on abortion, are going to, as they describe it "hold their noses and vote for Trump," because Trump and the GOP have staked out reactionary stances. It goes deeper though because single-issues declarations often are smokescreen for other single issues. What I mean is the person who says, "I am pro-life and the Republican party has delivered on overturning Roe v. Wade," might really or also mean, "My real single issue is the increase freedom and political clout of American women and unless we counteract what "feminism" has done to America, we are going to lose the country. Or they might really mean, " My real single issue is fear and dislike of Black people and their ascendant power in America. I'm for equality but too many black people are getting jobs/power/placement in key universities, etc., simply because they are black. I have seen this in my work, my kid not getting into a school that a Black kid in his graduation class got into. [Ignoring the greater achievement of the "Black kid." It seems to me that Robert's formulation against the existence of truly single issue voters needs one more layer of analysis that shows that there are, even on the Right, acceptable single issues: Inflation, abortion, etc. that mask often the true single issues: anti-intellectualism, racism, sexism, and and pure hatred of elites, as well as a juvenile delight in being on the side of the bully who is more stand-up comedian and huckster who makes me feel powerful because he hates the same people I do and he escapes every attempt to bring him down.
We may not be able to change the hard-core single issue voters (however deeply their true and abhorrent are masked), but we need to continue to show that in playing their single issue cards they are buying an abhorrent, incoherent, despicable human being, whom no one in their right mind would want to be associated with.
It will be fascinating to see whether Trump actually shows up to debate Biden. It’s essential Biden stick with his criteria & not cave to new Trump demands. His team seems to be doing a great job on this so far. The video was terrific.
Re today’s newsletter, I attended a Fundraiser last night for an organization supporting grassroots organizing groups on the ground working with mostly minority folks, connecting with them early, with the goal of getting them to turn out to vote for Biden in the fall. I am a committed canvasser and have worked each national election on the ground in WI for many cycles now. I still believe that talking with folks at their doors is a good thing., even tho I’m not a local. However, it has been shown that just showing up to gather votes shortly before an election, without really building connections with people & often being an outsider o the neighborhood, is less effective than year round, grassroots organizing by people who look like the folks living in a particular area and are more likely to have an easier time building trust.
The organization is 31st Street Swing Left, and right now they are focusing on three on the ground groups, two in WI and one in PA…the WI groups are Native Voices and Power to the Polls, the latter group being led by Mandela Barnes, who lost the Senate race in WI in ‘22 by less than 1% of the vote. In PA the group is called Make the Road, I believe, and these folks are reaching out to mostly minority voters in PA. The groups sound really solid and I highly recommend donating to to them. This kind of grassroots, neighborhood based organization can be highly effective, and they need funding now as they attempt to scale up their work.
We all know that this race will be determined by turnout…who actually shows up to vote for each candidate. It feels to me that there is a large enough drop off of Trump voters that Biden has a strong chance of winning again, but we must ensure that straying minority voters, such as black men, come back to the fold, and that other disempowered groups, such as Native Americans, traditionally inconsistent voters, actually come out.
I loved Kuo’s column that Hubbell touted today, read it and sent it out to friends…made my day. Also made donations last night to these organizing groups and encourage all of you to do the same!
Airlift is another organization supporting on the ground, grassroots organizing. Let’s do this!!!
Personal understanding and explaining by trusted people is the best way to win elections. Thanks for the information about groups I never would have known about. Mandela Barnes lost to the mean and crazy Senator Ron Johnson who ran a slimy racist campaign. Wisconsin should be ashamed of itself.
VonShitzInPantz will never show up to those debates