Robert, there is another Trump characteristic we shouldn’t forget: venality. Why is no one writing about the $2 billion Saudi investment with Kushner? What are the odds the former guy doesn’t have his grubby hands on a big chunk of the money, especially given the legal judgments against him? Why is no one following that money trail?
We have been undermined since 1973 by OPEC, which sets energy production, thus prices. Now we are "energy independent" yet they still set our prices -- arbitrarily high. This is also a national security problem that benefits Russia and its war in the Ukraine and Iran and its proxy wars.
Why is the Dem leadership not taking a cue from MAGA congressmen and going after this? Afraid of offending Indies and a handful of moderate Reps? Great photo Mrs. H. It is another reminder about the women are driving the effort to defend our freedoms. Where are my bros? On the golf course; taking a nap; or having one at the local?
I noticed the same thing about women driving the effort. And I think of my sister, my mother, my maternal aunt, my grandmother (PhD 1915--6 years before she got the vote) and numerous others.
"Venality" is a perfect word, from the Latin venalis, that which can be bought: FOR SALE. If you want one more example of how low Trump can go. Aside from soliciting money from some of the richest people around the world to pay for his crimes, Trump, through a Florida citizen, one Elena Cardone, wife of Grant Cardone, internet "social media influencer" and very wealthy real estate developer, motivational speaker, and former car salesman, has started a GoFundMe page to support Trump with a goal of paying his multimillion dollar fine. It already has over $672,000 collected. Checking the list on the GoFundMe site, it shows a few big gifts-- one $10,000 (Anonymous) 40 or 50 at $1,000 or above and the rest is coming from 17,000 Americans willing to help Poor Donald with these expenses through gifts of smaller gifts, sometimes $20 or less. This, the shoe sales, and other Trump merchandise are one examples of the grift that keeps on giving.
Save Poor Donald! From what? The evil doers in the Deep State? Or the consequences of his own incompetence, illegal behavior, arrogance, and narcissism. What a waste!
We understand and appreciate Joe Biden's good judgement and positive vision for the future of this country. We understand and appreciate Joe Biden's empathy for people going through hardships and his ambition for their ultimate success. These qualities alone make Joe Biden the man we want to continue as President of the United States of America. Those who would like to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate, can reasonably argue that there are other Democrats who have good judgement, a positive vision, and empathy.
Joe Biden, running against the Republican whose stock in trade is the creation of turbulence and chaos, is the best possible person to ensure sense of stability for the country. The most serious weakness in any advocacy for replacing Joe Biden is the uncertainty pr worse that would be created as Democrats vie for the opportunity to replace him. He has done a great job. If he forgets a name or a noun once in a while, that does not mean he has lost his good judgment, his vision for America, or his empathy for all Americans.
There's an old-timey expression, "don't upset the applecart" that I think is appropriate here.
The Democratic party has always been a big tent. In recent years it has gotten even bigger to accommodate NEVER TRUMPERs who want to preserve our democracy. Joe Biden is in a unique position of having built trust through his decades in the Senate with a lot of "old style" conservatives who believe that you can respect your opponents' good intentions while still disagreeing vehemently on policy issues. He got elected in 2020 because he was a steady hand in turbulent times. I doubt anyone else could have rebuilt the relationships with our allies that Trump tried to destroy as quickly as Biden did.
I have several friends, who in their 80's are "Energizer Bunny" volunteers in the community. In addition, one flies across the country to visit family, then back across the country to visit other family in another state before flying home. I can't keep up with her!
My mom had a 96 year old friend who not only managed her own affairs, but those of several infirm family members. She was also continuing to drive.
Mr. Biden is in good health. He works to maintain that good health. He has wisdom born of experience in government for over 50 years. He puts Americans first, not his personal wants. He is a loyal American president. Donald Trump is a traitor; he demonstrates that fact every day, every time he opens his foul mouth.
I think it's good to share stories of friends and family who do fine into old age. One blessing of old age is that you shed some ego and don't take things so personally. If you're lucky, you develop some necessary perspective.
As Dahlia Lithwick points out, not only is Pres Biden heading up a remarkably successful administration, he has remarkably talented smart associates working with him - and successfully working for US!
I'll vote for Biden becauase he has done a great job, not just to vote against Trump. Even if Trump was not on the ticket, there isn't a republican alive today that would make a better President than Joe Biden. That's why people should vote for Joe.
So there's 5his guy who beat an incumbent president in 2020. Even in only three years of his term he has ranked 14th on the list of great presidents. He got a lot of consequential legislation passed. His policies kept us from a deep recession. He's a plain speaker, no soaring oratory here but he gets his points across, every now and then a zinger. He's a really effective leader. He's done all this while being old. Now he's older but still doing the presidential thing quite well. I expect he will be doing his job well for as long as necessary.
Are the people who want him to step aside blinded by "old"? If so, (and I believe that's true) it's a sad commentary on what our society values.
Exactly. An honest man versus a traitorous felon? How is that even a question? And, while it's possible that President Biden may have lost a step, I would rather have a president who has lost a step than one who is losing his mind. Vote blue from top to bottom!
I know newspaper endorsements do not matter as much as they once did, but it seems to me, this is big news. The leading paper in the 4th largest city in the USA in a conservative state endorsing Biden 8 months before the election. This may not lead to MAGA defections but it will encourage Democrats and Independents and true Republicans to realize that they are not stupid for voting for Joe Biden. Spread the word.
Thank you for sharing the Houston Chronicle endorsement. Beautifully analyzed and written. I was a voter in the Houston area in the late 1990's, and I valued the Chronicle's even-handed reporting and stable leadership. Power on!!
I totally agree, MJ, and that Ezra Klein article is absolutely laughable. It would create a literal circus out of the Democratic convention, turning people against each other, and setting the stage for a Republican victory. Plus, it would literally cast aside all the votes given to Biden in the primary. It’s so profoundly ridiculous that I can’t even believe it was published, but that’s the modern day New York Times.
1. The anti-choice folks in Alabama and elsewhere, if they truly wanted to reduce the number of abortions, would, in their extreme ignorance, have figured out that if a woman isn't pregnant, she would be unlikely to be interested in an abortion. It they really wanted to reduce abortions, they would be pounding the pavement, begging and pleading with all women of child-bearing age to accept free contraceptives. Sadly, they are unwilling to lift a finger to prevent abortions in the surest way possible.
2. If Ukraine ends up losing this war, the blood of those Ukrainians who will endure unspeakable hardships, will be on the hands of Mike Johnson and all his republican friends who are now on vacation, rather than working on passing a bill to give aid to Ukraine, that is so desperately needed.
Dear Larry, While it is true that the blood of a Ukraine loss would be on the hands of Mike Johnson, I can only hope that folks are writing and calling every Republican House member to get them to push back against their Speaker because a loss by Ukrainian forces is just not acceptable. It is a major challenge that we must take on by raising our voices across the country. It is too important for global stability.
The goal of the anti-choice crowd is to take away the power and voice of those who can bear children. Without reproductive choice, half our population will be less able to get an education, a good paying job, or to advocate on behalf of themselves OR their children. Those families will be driven farther into the community of "have-nots" while those who have the resources to prevent pregnancies and births will gain economic power and control over the direction of the country. THIS is their ultimate goal.
I call it the "New Feudalism". But it isn't really new, is it? The morbidly rich have teamed up with naive "culture warriors" to let the rich get richer while the rest of us continue to suffer. I thought I had it tough when I was in my 20's and 30's. But that was nothing compared to what Gen Y and Z are facing now. We were able to buy a house at age 22 while my wife worked part time - we then had two kids. Money was very tight. But we weren't threatened with healthcare bankruptcy. There was no question that our kids and grand kids would have better lives than us. We were wrong.
Larry, its interesting that in Corporate America, when a big task needs to be accomplished, we’d work overtime and weekends to get it done. Ironically for Trumplikkkans and MAGA Putin supporters, “ getting it done” equates to doing nothing at all, watching as Ukrainians die as a ruthless Dictator Trumpwhispers in complete control of the Republikkkan Party
Remember Joe McCarthy’s Red Scare? Look at how the GOP has flipped from Freedom to Fascism since then. Why is this not treason to the Constitution?
Congratulations again to the NYTimes for their article today titled Anti-Trump Burnout: The Resistance Says It’s Exhausted. I honestly don’t know what the Times is trying to accomplish. Is its goal is to undermine democracy by publishing articles that they somehow believe equitable in our political landscape? Much like the article 2 weeks ago labeling President Biden a narcissist, Times is losing credibility. Where is their rational editorial oversight?
“ Just six days after Congressman Tom Suozzi thanked “grassroots folks all over the country” for his victory in the special election to replace George Santos, the Times is warning of “Anti-Trump burnout” among Democratic grassroots. Suozzi went on to note how many “amazing” volunteers came through for him. Two million phone calls, hundreds of thousands of postcards and texts, 150,000 “door knockers.” If this be burnout, we at the Grassroots Connector, a Substack working to link activists nationwide, can only shout: Burn On!”
IMO, the Dem grassroots were able to come through for Suozzi in part because of all prior efforts in 2022 and 2023. The 2022 KS ballot initiative on abortion, the 2 massive campaigns in OH in August and Novermber last year, the WI Supreme Court Race for Judge Janet P. I could go on and on. We are like elite athletes training for the marathon. Or maybe a relay race would be a better analogy since we know that we don't need to do it on our own.
There are postcard and letter writing groups that have been at it since shortly after the original Women's March in Jan 2017 and they are still going strong! And recruiting new members all the time. One silver lining about Covid is the widespread adoption of Zoom makes it very easy to connect to activists around the country - even for people who may be living in a sea of red.
Plus, winning and knowing that you were a part of it is energizing!!
Also, thank you Robert. Yes, we stand up together to support each other and to support democracy - you Robert and your managing editor and all of us listening, we are the workforce to get this done. Thank you!
Let’s not let these negative articles get in the way of our working together to take back our democracy - to save it. A steady pace, staying together, supporting each other, we’ll get there. The entire world needs us to do this work and win this fight.
Keep it coming, Robert. You're on it, as always, and don't forget to keep an eye on your tires. You might look at Heather's post tonight also. She covered some important ground about this day in our history.
Yes, she lays out Stephen Miller’s planned deportations of millions, part of the fascist “Project 2025”, a main ingredient in overthrowing democracy and using Putin as a model for using mass deportations, imprisonment, even suggesting death sentences for those who don’t comply. Unacceptable.
I volunteer with the League of Women Voters to help register voters at the naturalization ceremonies that are held several times a week at the USCIS ofice here in Charlotte, NC. As part of the ceremony, they do a montage of naturalized citizens with a brief quote from each of them them. I am always struck by how many of them are serving their new country in the armed forces.
Honestly, I'd be happy to trade these MAGA losers for someone seeking asylum - they would make much better citizens and actually appreciate the opportunities they were offered.
I'm a team leader of my Indivisible chapter, and I'm so very disappointed with Ezra Klein right now. Yes, Biden is old, but for God's sake, what more does the man have to do to show that he's capable and has been doing an incredible job! I'm old and in retirement have been working harder at all the volunteer orgs I belong to than when I was working for pay! What is Ezra's plan? Is he really ready to take a chance to risk someone new losing to the idiot?! So, so disappointed!
Kathy, thank you for sharing this resource. Folks, please. Check this out and USE it. This is one of the best ways to disarm the “Biden is too old” nonsense.
The who agree with Klein are not denigrating President Biden’s accomplishments, they're convinced he can't win. We don't need to remind them of his achievements, we need to explain the path to his victory because many of them don't see it.
Biden makes voters nervous because his age is his Achilles heel and it’s the only negative in his political acceptance. At the end of the day voters need to forget the age and vote against the rage.
Step 1 - Democrats (and Dem-leaning) voters accept that Biden is the Democratic presidential nominee.
Step 2 - every one of these voters tells every other voter who will listen that Biden has served as either the president or vice president of administrations that are among the best of our lifetime, which he will continue for the next 4 years and then pass the torch to the next generation in 2028. The alternative is a vote for a failed ex-president who is out on bail, lies about his election loss, and has promised to take away your freedoms. Choice is clear.
Of the people I know well, the ones who read this newsletter are the ones who believe Biden can win—the ones who don't think that Trump is inevitable. They’re voting for Biden; they just don’t think it'll do any good. That's a testament to Robert’s work; it is also a reminder of how much pessimism and cynicism is out there. I sent out a lot of links to this page last week.
Robert's work and so many others he promotes. If you haven't already, I would encourage your friends to be engaged in activism work - Indivisible, SwingLeft, Sister District, Postcards to Voters, local races, on and on. When you do that work on lower-level campaigns, and win (or at least move the needle and collaborate with other likeminded folks), you see the power of our grassroots. And it gives you hope and optimism.
You said it! The idea of a Democratic convention as described by Ezra Klein is truly preposterous beyond words. It would create a clown show and help usher in a disaster, whose name shall not be mentioned.
Robert, you and your managing editor packed them in! Good for you both. I cannot write the postcards anymore but I certainly try and give money where my mouth is to candidates who inspire me. Yes, Biden needs our help on Shitter (X). The comments on @BidenWins about where Biden is placed as opposed to Trump are pretty disgusting. Lots of bots swarming the site, of course. I always give Joe and Kamala a boost where I see fit. I do not hold back. When I read the data earlier in the day, I laughed after I saw Trump was at the bottom of the heap. No surprise there! With that said, Alabama is one dumbass state! “Frozen embryos are children” is the most absurd statement I have ever heard. They will get their due and I sure hope it’s not going to take as long as Wisconsin to make major changes. Took Wisconsin and Evers 15 years for the Dems to acquire more seats. Ridiculous!
Hey, Marlene. Tell me how many postcards you would write if you were able. I can add it to the ones I intend to write for you. I have been "resting" my thumb but am about ready to start writing again.
You might consider donating money to a stamp fund to help people who would like to write but can't afford the stamps. I know of several postcard-writing groups that advertise that they can help with stamps.
I also know that in the past Vote Forward offered "letter writing kits" to people who couldn't afford the stamps or didn't have a printer.
I agree. I would put him in the top 10! We are not only not a nation in decline,, we are thanks to Joe and his administration, a nation on the move and on the rise!
I agree. If presidential scholars actually prepared the rankings themselves based on historical accomplishments, rather than gathering opinions from citizens (which is how I believe they arrived at these rankings), Joe Biden would absolutely be in the top 10. I consider him a second FDR.
And as Yulia Navalnaya concluded: "I have no right to give up."
Neither do we.
As to the Knickers In A Permanent Twist caucus, the political illiterates extolling the virtues of Biden dropping out, you really need to reconsider your decision not to take that elementary school remedial class in reading comprehension you missed 20 years ago, you worthless fucking morons.
I'd like to nominate another politician for membership in the Twisted Knickers caucus, TC. She's a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan telling the large Muslim population in her district not to vote for Biden in the primary. It appears Biden is doing as well as anyone could with the horrific and thorny Middle East conflict. Sure seems like Rep. Tlaib is playing a dangerous game with the future of our country.
I know she's a progressive. However, I thought the Progressive Caucus has been fairly quiet recently and I was happy about that fact. It seemed like Democrats have been pulling together to preserve democracy.
It's one thing to protest with signs and marches. It's another to urge your supporters not to vote for Biden in the primary. Maybe she doesn't belong with the TKs bunch. But she sure seems like part of the problem at a time she needs to be part of the solution.
This newsletter motivates me every day, and if motivation doesn’t come easy, reassurance that I’m standing with so many other patriots does.
I’m off to register new citizens, an all day event in which USCIS engages LWV to organize and execute. I’m always inspired by these new citizens’ enthusiasm to participate, but I also am reminded that we owe them the democracy they think they signed up for, just as our predecessors provided for us.
Texas has particular challenges for registering. If you’re in Texas (no online registration) and want to get involved, contact your local League of Women Voters. Men are welcome.
Trump’s statement about Navalny’s murder should remind us again of what an awful human being Trump is. It’s all about Trump. To call it narcissism is not to capture the depth of his depravity. He is mentally unhinged.
This nonsense about Trump being the equivalent of Navalny is revolting, but it is becoming a thing on the right. Dingbats from New Gingrich to Dinesh D’Souza have echoed it, and their throngs are buying it. How can people be so stupid?
I’m concerned at the vitriol many of you seem to have for those who believe President Biden should be replaced. We need these people to vote regardless of their personal beliefs and not vote for the “chaos” candidates in Cornel West and RFK Jr. The challenge is in how to do that. I was at a large, weeklong social event last week and had some of these conversations. The vast majority of them will be voting for Biden, but they can't say the same for their children or grandchildren and don't believe they can be persuaded. My wife and I don't have children or grandchildren, so we don't have the proper perspective, but I’m curious as to the thoughts of those who do. How do we convince young people to vote for Biden when he has crossed certain “deal breaker” lines for them? I don't know, but I'm pretty confident vilifying their parents, who will reluctantly vote for Biden, despite their anxiety, isn't part of a sound strategy.
Go to the CIVICS CENTER website - they will debunk your idea about the youth vote. They run workshops in high school and colleges to register kids and encourage them to vote - and, they get results. You think that young people are OK with abortion bans? You think that young people don't want students loan forgiveness? That young people don't believe in environmental reform? As for 'vitriol' against people who think he should be replaced - frankly I have not seen it. I do believe they are misguided, don't get facts straight, in large part because of the terrible job the mainstream media is doing. The Dems are doing a great job as Robert reminds us, of getting the ground game in place. Biden is raising much more cash than trump - and sooner or later some in the press MIGHT point out that trump is using campaign funds to pay for legal bills. Oh - and finally - 3rd campaign candidates --
I have still not forgiven Ralph Nader for his role in getting George Bush elected. A 'protest' vote at this time ignores the way it supports the republicans.
I understand the data about the youth vote. Personally, I'm not terribly concerned about it overall. I'm talking about people I know with college-aged, or thereabouts, kids or grandkids who insist those kids will not vote for Biden. Most of it is over Palestine, but there are other issues too. Most people I'm close to are pragmatic lefties, but pragmatism comes with age. In most ways, they're proud of their kids’ beliefs but fear they won't vote for Biden. The very beliefs they've instilled in them could elect Trump, and it scares the hell out of them. Many of them voted for Jill Klein in 2016 and fear their offspring will make the same mistake.
My strategy is to listen to their concerns, not telling them what they should think, who they should vote for, and then I ask questions of them and of myself. To tell people what to think only silences them. It does not change their thinking, and it hurts the relationship. All true change happens within relationship where people are free to be themselves.
As one who has lost tolerance to engage with the MAGA contingent, perhaps it's time to return to what I believe to be true—that which you wisely suggest here. Sadly, I live with regret and the sadness of broken relationships, some seemingly beyond repair. With still others, there is some portion of restoration. Though there's not a complete return where we are freely ourselves. Thank you for this brave and bold and compassionate reminder this morning, Donna.
Dean, How do we get young people to stop using one issue purity tests? Simple, ask them to describe their entire set of American Values. Then ask them to score each candidate as to which one articulates that entire set if values that THEY identified with; and encourage them to vote for the candidate that “best” fits them, while explaining that purity tests actually work against their overall beliefs. Ban Purity
I think that’s excellent. I'm also not sure I would have bought that at a young age if I hadn't already worked on Democratic campaigns. In 1982, I was carrying the Communist Manifesto everywhere I went. In 1984, I was working on a congressional campaign and had already submitted to a more pragmatic world view.
I believe that teen agers can articulate a set of values wrt Presidential Candidates. They do not need to recite the logic behind their beliefs or get into the weeds about their thinking process. You’ll get honest answers, no judging; but when they say their values mostly align with one candidate BUT purity test derails that candidate, ask them about how their “one issue purity test” effects the implementation of their overall values
No speeches from you, just the appropriate follow up questions. This will demonstrate why purity is detrimental to the overarching goals
I have 4 children. 2 of them and their wives live in Mississippi, 1 and her husband live in North Carolina, and 1 and her husband live in Wisconsin. They range in age from 38 to 51. They are all super busy with their careers and raising our 10 Grandchildren. We don’t converse about politics often, but they know what I think of the former president. (Full disclosure - I am a Democrat; my wife, who is my best friend, usually votes Republican but cannot stand Trump; she tells me she will not be voting for him).
All 8 of the children and spouses think Trump is a raving lunatic and have told me that they will be voting for President Biden! Their knowledge level surprises me considering their busy lives, but they each have their own way of keeping abreast. Of 3 Granddaughters, who live in Wisconsin, and are the only ones of voting age, 21 to 25, 2 are strong believers in Choice and LGBQT rights and are supporting President Biden. The other is in a relationship with a MAGA supporter and will probably vote Trump, if she votes.
However, I know so many people who I grew-up and worked with in Mississippi, who are staunch Trumpists, and most of their children are too. What would you expect in probably the reddest state in the country.
Considering all of the above, we know it’s going to be close in November; every vote will count. In my opinion, Joe Biden has done an outstanding job, considering the difficulty of governing in this era. I’m so thankful for Mr. Hubbell doing everything he can to keep our “eyes on the ball” and his efforts to keep us “up”! He’s literally my campaign manager; I support him 100%! I’m looking forward to meeting him and Jill on their Jackson visit!
I’ll see you in Jackson. My wife wanted to go, but as life turns out, it will be her last day in her current job, and her going away celebration is at the same time.
It’s tough to be a Democrat in Mississippi. I've been here twelve years after spending fifty in Illinois. I got involved with Democrats here early on but found them lacking. I am in a left-leaning Facebook group and have a few friends that lean that way among music fan friends here. Someone told me that living in Mississippi, you have to understand that your neighbors want you dead. It’s a little dramatic but I think about that sometimes. Most of our friends are from out of state, though, as our circle revolves around a Rock Band from Georgia, often called the most liberal band in America. Among several hundred people who lean from far left to moderate, with a smattering of moderate Republicans, I think we have one Trumper in the fold. We were with them in Georgia all last week, and nearly all will vote for Biden. We had one very into Cornell West, but I think we convinced him otherwise. Maybe fifty percent think Biden can win. A few plan on moving out of the country. What I’ve been saying the last few days is that while optimism is high in Robert’s community, it isn't elsewhere. These more pessimistic people are not our enemies, and I hope people understand that.
Robert, there is another Trump characteristic we shouldn’t forget: venality. Why is no one writing about the $2 billion Saudi investment with Kushner? What are the odds the former guy doesn’t have his grubby hands on a big chunk of the money, especially given the legal judgments against him? Why is no one following that money trail?
Yes Stan, I have been wondering what this $2 billion is a down payment for and why no one is covering this.
We have been undermined since 1973 by OPEC, which sets energy production, thus prices. Now we are "energy independent" yet they still set our prices -- arbitrarily high. This is also a national security problem that benefits Russia and its war in the Ukraine and Iran and its proxy wars.
Saudis dominate OPEC and own our largest refineries and control massive companies like Exxon. MSG was implicated in the death of Jamal Khashoggi, has taken control of the PGA, and now they hold massive US debt. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-16/saudi-treasury-holdings-hit-highest-level-in-nearly-three-years?embedded-checkout=true
IMHO they were responsible for the massive world wide inflation.
I assume that is a typo and you meant MBS.
Error prone.
It is unlikely this money is liquid cash and available for anything other than investments managed by Kushner's company
Why is the Dem leadership not taking a cue from MAGA congressmen and going after this? Afraid of offending Indies and a handful of moderate Reps? Great photo Mrs. H. It is another reminder about the women are driving the effort to defend our freedoms. Where are my bros? On the golf course; taking a nap; or having one at the local?
I noticed the same thing about women driving the effort. And I think of my sister, my mother, my maternal aunt, my grandmother (PhD 1915--6 years before she got the vote) and numerous others.
I wondered about that as well. Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a book about that entitled, It's Up to the Women, and in this case, probably even more so.
"Venality" is a perfect word, from the Latin venalis, that which can be bought: FOR SALE. If you want one more example of how low Trump can go. Aside from soliciting money from some of the richest people around the world to pay for his crimes, Trump, through a Florida citizen, one Elena Cardone, wife of Grant Cardone, internet "social media influencer" and very wealthy real estate developer, motivational speaker, and former car salesman, has started a GoFundMe page to support Trump with a goal of paying his multimillion dollar fine. It already has over $672,000 collected. Checking the list on the GoFundMe site, it shows a few big gifts-- one $10,000 (Anonymous) 40 or 50 at $1,000 or above and the rest is coming from 17,000 Americans willing to help Poor Donald with these expenses through gifts of smaller gifts, sometimes $20 or less. This, the shoe sales, and other Trump merchandise are one examples of the grift that keeps on giving.
Save Poor Donald! From what? The evil doers in the Deep State? Or the consequences of his own incompetence, illegal behavior, arrogance, and narcissism. What a waste!
We understand and appreciate Joe Biden's good judgement and positive vision for the future of this country. We understand and appreciate Joe Biden's empathy for people going through hardships and his ambition for their ultimate success. These qualities alone make Joe Biden the man we want to continue as President of the United States of America. Those who would like to replace Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate, can reasonably argue that there are other Democrats who have good judgement, a positive vision, and empathy.
Joe Biden, running against the Republican whose stock in trade is the creation of turbulence and chaos, is the best possible person to ensure sense of stability for the country. The most serious weakness in any advocacy for replacing Joe Biden is the uncertainty pr worse that would be created as Democrats vie for the opportunity to replace him. He has done a great job. If he forgets a name or a noun once in a while, that does not mean he has lost his good judgment, his vision for America, or his empathy for all Americans.
There's an old-timey expression, "don't upset the applecart" that I think is appropriate here.
The Democratic party has always been a big tent. In recent years it has gotten even bigger to accommodate NEVER TRUMPERs who want to preserve our democracy. Joe Biden is in a unique position of having built trust through his decades in the Senate with a lot of "old style" conservatives who believe that you can respect your opponents' good intentions while still disagreeing vehemently on policy issues. He got elected in 2020 because he was a steady hand in turbulent times. I doubt anyone else could have rebuilt the relationships with our allies that Trump tried to destroy as quickly as Biden did.
I have several friends, who in their 80's are "Energizer Bunny" volunteers in the community. In addition, one flies across the country to visit family, then back across the country to visit other family in another state before flying home. I can't keep up with her!
My mom had a 96 year old friend who not only managed her own affairs, but those of several infirm family members. She was also continuing to drive.
Mr. Biden is in good health. He works to maintain that good health. He has wisdom born of experience in government for over 50 years. He puts Americans first, not his personal wants. He is a loyal American president. Donald Trump is a traitor; he demonstrates that fact every day, every time he opens his foul mouth.
I think it's good to share stories of friends and family who do fine into old age. One blessing of old age is that you shed some ego and don't take things so personally. If you're lucky, you develop some necessary perspective.
As Dahlia Lithwick points out, not only is Pres Biden heading up a remarkably successful administration, he has remarkably talented smart associates working with him - and successfully working for US!
At the end of the day voters will hopefully vote against Trump not necessarily for Biden.
I'll vote for Biden becauase he has done a great job, not just to vote against Trump. Even if Trump was not on the ticket, there isn't a republican alive today that would make a better President than Joe Biden. That's why people should vote for Joe.
He's a consequential president who will eventually get the high praise he deserves! Hopefully, that day is imminent.
Exactly. Not one.
So there's 5his guy who beat an incumbent president in 2020. Even in only three years of his term he has ranked 14th on the list of great presidents. He got a lot of consequential legislation passed. His policies kept us from a deep recession. He's a plain speaker, no soaring oratory here but he gets his points across, every now and then a zinger. He's a really effective leader. He's done all this while being old. Now he's older but still doing the presidential thing quite well. I expect he will be doing his job well for as long as necessary.
Are the people who want him to step aside blinded by "old"? If so, (and I believe that's true) it's a sad commentary on what our society values.
My new comment to anyone blathering about Biden's age is
I'd rather have 81 years than 91 felony counts.
Good comment!!!
Exactly. An honest man versus a traitorous felon? How is that even a question? And, while it's possible that President Biden may have lost a step, I would rather have a president who has lost a step than one who is losing his mind. Vote blue from top to bottom!
The Houston Chronicle laid it out beautifully in their Editorial Board's endorsement of Biden yesterday. Lawrence O'Donnell read most of it on his MSNBC program last night. {https://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/lawrence-houston-chronicle-endorses-accomplished-biden-over-trump-because-experience-matters-204520517985}. The access to the editorial itself seems to be behind a paywall.
I know newspaper endorsements do not matter as much as they once did, but it seems to me, this is big news. The leading paper in the 4th largest city in the USA in a conservative state endorsing Biden 8 months before the election. This may not lead to MAGA defections but it will encourage Democrats and Independents and true Republicans to realize that they are not stupid for voting for Joe Biden. Spread the word.
Yes!! I have!
Thank you for sharing the Houston Chronicle endorsement. Beautifully analyzed and written. I was a voter in the Houston area in the late 1990's, and I valued the Chronicle's even-handed reporting and stable leadership. Power on!!
Thanks, Sheila, for your comment and your leadership.
Thank you. This clip with Lawrence O’Donnell is terrific. I’m very grateful to the Houston Chronicle.
I totally agree, MJ, and that Ezra Klein article is absolutely laughable. It would create a literal circus out of the Democratic convention, turning people against each other, and setting the stage for a Republican victory. Plus, it would literally cast aside all the votes given to Biden in the primary. It’s so profoundly ridiculous that I can’t even believe it was published, but that’s the modern day New York Times.
Two unrelated comments.
1. The anti-choice folks in Alabama and elsewhere, if they truly wanted to reduce the number of abortions, would, in their extreme ignorance, have figured out that if a woman isn't pregnant, she would be unlikely to be interested in an abortion. It they really wanted to reduce abortions, they would be pounding the pavement, begging and pleading with all women of child-bearing age to accept free contraceptives. Sadly, they are unwilling to lift a finger to prevent abortions in the surest way possible.
2. If Ukraine ends up losing this war, the blood of those Ukrainians who will endure unspeakable hardships, will be on the hands of Mike Johnson and all his republican friends who are now on vacation, rather than working on passing a bill to give aid to Ukraine, that is so desperately needed.
Dear Larry, While it is true that the blood of a Ukraine loss would be on the hands of Mike Johnson, I can only hope that folks are writing and calling every Republican House member to get them to push back against their Speaker because a loss by Ukrainian forces is just not acceptable. It is a major challenge that we must take on by raising our voices across the country. It is too important for global stability.
Putin is obsessed with Poland.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068580190575&sk=about_contact_and_basic_info
The goal of the anti-choice crowd is to take away the power and voice of those who can bear children. Without reproductive choice, half our population will be less able to get an education, a good paying job, or to advocate on behalf of themselves OR their children. Those families will be driven farther into the community of "have-nots" while those who have the resources to prevent pregnancies and births will gain economic power and control over the direction of the country. THIS is their ultimate goal.
You nailed it Denise!
I call it the "New Feudalism". But it isn't really new, is it? The morbidly rich have teamed up with naive "culture warriors" to let the rich get richer while the rest of us continue to suffer. I thought I had it tough when I was in my 20's and 30's. But that was nothing compared to what Gen Y and Z are facing now. We were able to buy a house at age 22 while my wife worked part time - we then had two kids. Money was very tight. But we weren't threatened with healthcare bankruptcy. There was no question that our kids and grand kids would have better lives than us. We were wrong.
Exactly! They want a permanent underclass that they can control by offering them a pittance.
Larry, its interesting that in Corporate America, when a big task needs to be accomplished, we’d work overtime and weekends to get it done. Ironically for Trumplikkkans and MAGA Putin supporters, “ getting it done” equates to doing nothing at all, watching as Ukrainians die as a ruthless Dictator Trumpwhispers in complete control of the Republikkkan Party
Remember Joe McCarthy’s Red Scare? Look at how the GOP has flipped from Freedom to Fascism since then. Why is this not treason to the Constitution?
On # 1. Now you can see it’s not really about abortion. It’s control over women. Thanks for making the point I keep pounding sand on.
Agree about Mike Johnson but the stark fact he doesn’t care.
For sure, he doesn’t care. He, with his Bible “is my worldview” is as scary as it gets.
Congratulations again to the NYTimes for their article today titled Anti-Trump Burnout: The Resistance Says It’s Exhausted. I honestly don’t know what the Times is trying to accomplish. Is its goal is to undermine democracy by publishing articles that they somehow believe equitable in our political landscape? Much like the article 2 weeks ago labeling President Biden a narcissist, Times is losing credibility. Where is their rational editorial oversight?
“ Just six days after Congressman Tom Suozzi thanked “grassroots folks all over the country” for his victory in the special election to replace George Santos, the Times is warning of “Anti-Trump burnout” among Democratic grassroots. Suozzi went on to note how many “amazing” volunteers came through for him. Two million phone calls, hundreds of thousands of postcards and texts, 150,000 “door knockers.” If this be burnout, we at the Grassroots Connector, a Substack working to link activists nationwide, can only shout: Burn On!”
🔥💙
https://open.substack.com/pub/grassrootsconnector/p/anti-trump-burnout?r=fqsxl&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
IMO, the Dem grassroots were able to come through for Suozzi in part because of all prior efforts in 2022 and 2023. The 2022 KS ballot initiative on abortion, the 2 massive campaigns in OH in August and Novermber last year, the WI Supreme Court Race for Judge Janet P. I could go on and on. We are like elite athletes training for the marathon. Or maybe a relay race would be a better analogy since we know that we don't need to do it on our own.
There are postcard and letter writing groups that have been at it since shortly after the original Women's March in Jan 2017 and they are still going strong! And recruiting new members all the time. One silver lining about Covid is the widespread adoption of Zoom makes it very easy to connect to activists around the country - even for people who may be living in a sea of red.
Plus, winning and knowing that you were a part of it is energizing!!
Looooove being part of the postcard brigade!
Also, thank you Robert. Yes, we stand up together to support each other and to support democracy - you Robert and your managing editor and all of us listening, we are the workforce to get this done. Thank you!
Let’s not let these negative articles get in the way of our working together to take back our democracy - to save it. A steady pace, staying together, supporting each other, we’ll get there. The entire world needs us to do this work and win this fight.
Charles, the NYT opinions are purposeful in gaining reader engagement. They are totally complicit in the Fall of The Republic
Keep it coming, Robert. You're on it, as always, and don't forget to keep an eye on your tires. You might look at Heather's post tonight also. She covered some important ground about this day in our history.
Yes, she lays out Stephen Miller’s planned deportations of millions, part of the fascist “Project 2025”, a main ingredient in overthrowing democracy and using Putin as a model for using mass deportations, imprisonment, even suggesting death sentences for those who don’t comply. Unacceptable.
I volunteer with the League of Women Voters to help register voters at the naturalization ceremonies that are held several times a week at the USCIS ofice here in Charlotte, NC. As part of the ceremony, they do a montage of naturalized citizens with a brief quote from each of them them. I am always struck by how many of them are serving their new country in the armed forces.
Honestly, I'd be happy to trade these MAGA losers for someone seeking asylum - they would make much better citizens and actually appreciate the opportunities they were offered.
I'm a team leader of my Indivisible chapter, and I'm so very disappointed with Ezra Klein right now. Yes, Biden is old, but for God's sake, what more does the man have to do to show that he's capable and has been doing an incredible job! I'm old and in retirement have been working harder at all the volunteer orgs I belong to than when I was working for pay! What is Ezra's plan? Is he really ready to take a chance to risk someone new losing to the idiot?! So, so disappointed!
Linda, thanks for being a team leader of Indivisible. I was so encouraged after attending their Project 2024 launch last week !💙
They have Trump, Bannon , Miller….We have Team Biden ! Let’s be that “surround sound” for Team Biden.📣 Shareable⬇️
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O0R7LnQ1ytGvog_w6f-S_l3Y6WoE9JK6/view?usp=drivesdk
Keep wearing your Biden/Harris t-shirts, all ! 👕🛒
Kathy, thank you for sharing this resource. Folks, please. Check this out and USE it. This is one of the best ways to disarm the “Biden is too old” nonsense.
The point of many Biden-is-old articles is preening – trying to show how clever the writer is.
The who agree with Klein are not denigrating President Biden’s accomplishments, they're convinced he can't win. We don't need to remind them of his achievements, we need to explain the path to his victory because many of them don't see it.
Biden makes voters nervous because his age is his Achilles heel and it’s the only negative in his political acceptance. At the end of the day voters need to forget the age and vote against the rage.
I agree, but that's the argument we need to be making. Most of these folks with doubts acknowledge his accomplishments.
OK, here's the path to victory:
Step 1 - Democrats (and Dem-leaning) voters accept that Biden is the Democratic presidential nominee.
Step 2 - every one of these voters tells every other voter who will listen that Biden has served as either the president or vice president of administrations that are among the best of our lifetime, which he will continue for the next 4 years and then pass the torch to the next generation in 2028. The alternative is a vote for a failed ex-president who is out on bail, lies about his election loss, and has promised to take away your freedoms. Choice is clear.
Of the people I know well, the ones who read this newsletter are the ones who believe Biden can win—the ones who don't think that Trump is inevitable. They’re voting for Biden; they just don’t think it'll do any good. That's a testament to Robert’s work; it is also a reminder of how much pessimism and cynicism is out there. I sent out a lot of links to this page last week.
Robert's work and so many others he promotes. If you haven't already, I would encourage your friends to be engaged in activism work - Indivisible, SwingLeft, Sister District, Postcards to Voters, local races, on and on. When you do that work on lower-level campaigns, and win (or at least move the needle and collaborate with other likeminded folks), you see the power of our grassroots. And it gives you hope and optimism.
“ The who agree with Klein are not denigrating President Biden’s accomplishments, they're convinced he can't win.” —
In reality, they are trying to *insure* that Biden can’t win.
You said it! The idea of a Democratic convention as described by Ezra Klein is truly preposterous beyond words. It would create a clown show and help usher in a disaster, whose name shall not be mentioned.
thank you for such amazing, comprehensive newsletters
there are ideals, often religious, and there are biological realities.
The anti-abortion movement is indeed a double-edged sword -
making parents out of people who do not want to be,
and denying the possibility to those who desperately want to be.
(this coming from a retire OB/GYN)
By making parents out of people who do not want to be, they increase the number of people who are in economic difficulties.
Robert, you and your managing editor packed them in! Good for you both. I cannot write the postcards anymore but I certainly try and give money where my mouth is to candidates who inspire me. Yes, Biden needs our help on Shitter (X). The comments on @BidenWins about where Biden is placed as opposed to Trump are pretty disgusting. Lots of bots swarming the site, of course. I always give Joe and Kamala a boost where I see fit. I do not hold back. When I read the data earlier in the day, I laughed after I saw Trump was at the bottom of the heap. No surprise there! With that said, Alabama is one dumbass state! “Frozen embryos are children” is the most absurd statement I have ever heard. They will get their due and I sure hope it’s not going to take as long as Wisconsin to make major changes. Took Wisconsin and Evers 15 years for the Dems to acquire more seats. Ridiculous!
Hey, Marlene. Tell me how many postcards you would write if you were able. I can add it to the ones I intend to write for you. I have been "resting" my thumb but am about ready to start writing again.
That is very generous of you:-)
Lynell, you are an inspiration! Spread the word.
Marlene,
You might consider donating money to a stamp fund to help people who would like to write but can't afford the stamps. I know of several postcard-writing groups that advertise that they can help with stamps.
I also know that in the past Vote Forward offered "letter writing kits" to people who couldn't afford the stamps or didn't have a printer.
https://help.votefwd.org/article/168-what-comes-in-a-letter-kit
https://help.votefwd.org/article/169-i-don-t-need-a-letter-kit-but-i-d-like-to-support-this-program-how-can-i-do-that
I gave up on fantasy years ago. Reality it is. Joe Biden it is. And just watch him rise, like cream to the top, of US president rankings.
I agree. I would put him in the top 10! We are not only not a nation in decline,, we are thanks to Joe and his administration, a nation on the move and on the rise!
I agree. If presidential scholars actually prepared the rankings themselves based on historical accomplishments, rather than gathering opinions from citizens (which is how I believe they arrived at these rankings), Joe Biden would absolutely be in the top 10. I consider him a second FDR.
And as Yulia Navalnaya concluded: "I have no right to give up."
Neither do we.
As to the Knickers In A Permanent Twist caucus, the political illiterates extolling the virtues of Biden dropping out, you really need to reconsider your decision not to take that elementary school remedial class in reading comprehension you missed 20 years ago, you worthless fucking morons.
I'd like to nominate another politician for membership in the Twisted Knickers caucus, TC. She's a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan telling the large Muslim population in her district not to vote for Biden in the primary. It appears Biden is doing as well as anyone could with the horrific and thorny Middle East conflict. Sure seems like Rep. Tlaib is playing a dangerous game with the future of our country.
No, she's always been a member of the Progressive Morons Caucus.
I know she's a progressive. However, I thought the Progressive Caucus has been fairly quiet recently and I was happy about that fact. It seemed like Democrats have been pulling together to preserve democracy.
It's one thing to protest with signs and marches. It's another to urge your supporters not to vote for Biden in the primary. Maybe she doesn't belong with the TKs bunch. But she sure seems like part of the problem at a time she needs to be part of the solution.
I love "Knickers In A Permanent Twist caucus", may I borrow it?
It's open source!
I still think Mar-a-Lardo is the winner
This newsletter motivates me every day, and if motivation doesn’t come easy, reassurance that I’m standing with so many other patriots does.
I’m off to register new citizens, an all day event in which USCIS engages LWV to organize and execute. I’m always inspired by these new citizens’ enthusiasm to participate, but I also am reminded that we owe them the democracy they think they signed up for, just as our predecessors provided for us.
Texas has particular challenges for registering. If you’re in Texas (no online registration) and want to get involved, contact your local League of Women Voters. Men are welcome.
Thank you for the necessary clarity and uplifting messages about resistance.
Trump’s statement about Navalny’s murder should remind us again of what an awful human being Trump is. It’s all about Trump. To call it narcissism is not to capture the depth of his depravity. He is mentally unhinged.
This nonsense about Trump being the equivalent of Navalny is revolting, but it is becoming a thing on the right. Dingbats from New Gingrich to Dinesh D’Souza have echoed it, and their throngs are buying it. How can people be so stupid?
I’ve been asking myself that same question since 2016 and I still don’t have answers.
I’ll see you on 3/1.
I’m concerned at the vitriol many of you seem to have for those who believe President Biden should be replaced. We need these people to vote regardless of their personal beliefs and not vote for the “chaos” candidates in Cornel West and RFK Jr. The challenge is in how to do that. I was at a large, weeklong social event last week and had some of these conversations. The vast majority of them will be voting for Biden, but they can't say the same for their children or grandchildren and don't believe they can be persuaded. My wife and I don't have children or grandchildren, so we don't have the proper perspective, but I’m curious as to the thoughts of those who do. How do we convince young people to vote for Biden when he has crossed certain “deal breaker” lines for them? I don't know, but I'm pretty confident vilifying their parents, who will reluctantly vote for Biden, despite their anxiety, isn't part of a sound strategy.
Go to the CIVICS CENTER website - they will debunk your idea about the youth vote. They run workshops in high school and colleges to register kids and encourage them to vote - and, they get results. You think that young people are OK with abortion bans? You think that young people don't want students loan forgiveness? That young people don't believe in environmental reform? As for 'vitriol' against people who think he should be replaced - frankly I have not seen it. I do believe they are misguided, don't get facts straight, in large part because of the terrible job the mainstream media is doing. The Dems are doing a great job as Robert reminds us, of getting the ground game in place. Biden is raising much more cash than trump - and sooner or later some in the press MIGHT point out that trump is using campaign funds to pay for legal bills. Oh - and finally - 3rd campaign candidates --
I have still not forgiven Ralph Nader for his role in getting George Bush elected. A 'protest' vote at this time ignores the way it supports the republicans.
I understand the data about the youth vote. Personally, I'm not terribly concerned about it overall. I'm talking about people I know with college-aged, or thereabouts, kids or grandkids who insist those kids will not vote for Biden. Most of it is over Palestine, but there are other issues too. Most people I'm close to are pragmatic lefties, but pragmatism comes with age. In most ways, they're proud of their kids’ beliefs but fear they won't vote for Biden. The very beliefs they've instilled in them could elect Trump, and it scares the hell out of them. Many of them voted for Jill Klein in 2016 and fear their offspring will make the same mistake.
My strategy is to listen to their concerns, not telling them what they should think, who they should vote for, and then I ask questions of them and of myself. To tell people what to think only silences them. It does not change their thinking, and it hurts the relationship. All true change happens within relationship where people are free to be themselves.
As one who has lost tolerance to engage with the MAGA contingent, perhaps it's time to return to what I believe to be true—that which you wisely suggest here. Sadly, I live with regret and the sadness of broken relationships, some seemingly beyond repair. With still others, there is some portion of restoration. Though there's not a complete return where we are freely ourselves. Thank you for this brave and bold and compassionate reminder this morning, Donna.
Dean, How do we get young people to stop using one issue purity tests? Simple, ask them to describe their entire set of American Values. Then ask them to score each candidate as to which one articulates that entire set if values that THEY identified with; and encourage them to vote for the candidate that “best” fits them, while explaining that purity tests actually work against their overall beliefs. Ban Purity
I think that’s excellent. I'm also not sure I would have bought that at a young age if I hadn't already worked on Democratic campaigns. In 1982, I was carrying the Communist Manifesto everywhere I went. In 1984, I was working on a congressional campaign and had already submitted to a more pragmatic world view.
I believe that teen agers can articulate a set of values wrt Presidential Candidates. They do not need to recite the logic behind their beliefs or get into the weeds about their thinking process. You’ll get honest answers, no judging; but when they say their values mostly align with one candidate BUT purity test derails that candidate, ask them about how their “one issue purity test” effects the implementation of their overall values
No speeches from you, just the appropriate follow up questions. This will demonstrate why purity is detrimental to the overarching goals
Dean, I can share my reality:
I have 4 children. 2 of them and their wives live in Mississippi, 1 and her husband live in North Carolina, and 1 and her husband live in Wisconsin. They range in age from 38 to 51. They are all super busy with their careers and raising our 10 Grandchildren. We don’t converse about politics often, but they know what I think of the former president. (Full disclosure - I am a Democrat; my wife, who is my best friend, usually votes Republican but cannot stand Trump; she tells me she will not be voting for him).
All 8 of the children and spouses think Trump is a raving lunatic and have told me that they will be voting for President Biden! Their knowledge level surprises me considering their busy lives, but they each have their own way of keeping abreast. Of 3 Granddaughters, who live in Wisconsin, and are the only ones of voting age, 21 to 25, 2 are strong believers in Choice and LGBQT rights and are supporting President Biden. The other is in a relationship with a MAGA supporter and will probably vote Trump, if she votes.
However, I know so many people who I grew-up and worked with in Mississippi, who are staunch Trumpists, and most of their children are too. What would you expect in probably the reddest state in the country.
Considering all of the above, we know it’s going to be close in November; every vote will count. In my opinion, Joe Biden has done an outstanding job, considering the difficulty of governing in this era. I’m so thankful for Mr. Hubbell doing everything he can to keep our “eyes on the ball” and his efforts to keep us “up”! He’s literally my campaign manager; I support him 100%! I’m looking forward to meeting him and Jill on their Jackson visit!
BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT
I’ll see you in Jackson. My wife wanted to go, but as life turns out, it will be her last day in her current job, and her going away celebration is at the same time.
It’s tough to be a Democrat in Mississippi. I've been here twelve years after spending fifty in Illinois. I got involved with Democrats here early on but found them lacking. I am in a left-leaning Facebook group and have a few friends that lean that way among music fan friends here. Someone told me that living in Mississippi, you have to understand that your neighbors want you dead. It’s a little dramatic but I think about that sometimes. Most of our friends are from out of state, though, as our circle revolves around a Rock Band from Georgia, often called the most liberal band in America. Among several hundred people who lean from far left to moderate, with a smattering of moderate Republicans, I think we have one Trumper in the fold. We were with them in Georgia all last week, and nearly all will vote for Biden. We had one very into Cornell West, but I think we convinced him otherwise. Maybe fifty percent think Biden can win. A few plan on moving out of the country. What I’ve been saying the last few days is that while optimism is high in Robert’s community, it isn't elsewhere. These more pessimistic people are not our enemies, and I hope people understand that.