While I find Steve Erickson's essay to be on point, as a "dispassionate observer" I find it quite ageist to suggest that Joe Biden will be too old for the job "sometime in the next four years". That is something no one knows, period.
I am still working as a nurse practitioner and have been caring for people as a professional for 44 years now. I know and have know many people who have gone into their 90's while maintaining their full cognitive abilities.
My mom, now at 89, took a big cognitive "hit" with the isolation of the pandemic and the passing of my father during that time. My brother, a business owner, has made comments stating "well, this is what happens in your 80's." No, not true. I have had to inform him that his premise is false, as I know from years of experience through relationships with many, many people. I don't have an opinion on this based on an observance of one person's journey through their 9th decade, as my brother does.
Our president has the political skill, moral principles and vision for steering this country to further enhance our values and therefore policy as a democratic nation. I am in my 7th decade of life myself, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is not to buy trouble where none exists.
We need to focus on the experienced, proficient, yet gracious man we are fortunate to have had to lead this country the last 3 years. No one has any proof that any of that will change in our president. If it should change before 2028, I'm confident we can deal with that.
It is said that President of the United States is the hardest job in the world. Given the impact and success of Biden and his policies, one has to question why doubting his cognitive ability is relevant. It seems specious and erroneous. Maybe his sober, calm, professional, cautious demeanor is mistakenly observed as cognitively unfit. To the contrary, Biden appears to me considered, shrewd, able to put together and manage a superior team, and able to juggle some of the most trenchant issues of any President in history. This octogenarian will, to my mind, go down as one of the great Presidents in the history of these United States. Too old for the job??? - RUBBISH.
Thank you David. I think those qualities you mention bring him the successes he has brought this country. I've heard it said that his many connections which have arisen from his many years in Washington are what make him so able to get things done. Everybody knows him, and they know him for the good person he is. I think most people he has to deal with really like him a great deal. I agree he will go down as one of the greatest presidents this country has seen.
Nancy Reagan shielded her husband and basically ran the country for years while he was napping. Even if Jill had to step in and do the same, I'd far prefer that she be in charge than DJT or any other current Republican. They have all proven to be craven cowards, frauds and traitors.
Not to mention Joe Biden keeps Harris well informed during oval office briefings and otherwise because that's the responsible thing to do. Accidents and illness can strike anyone at any age.
Excellent thoughts. As general advice, so true. In the particular case of Biden vs. Trump, any comparison would tell you that right now in January 2024, Biden wins the intellectual, moral, political, and emotional contest.
I couldn't agree more, Lynn. When I think back to all of the times Biden was passed over for President, I think it was because THIS is his moment! He is the very best man for this job right now, as he has proven over the last 3 years. No one else could have navigated these times with the intelligence, grace and goodness with which he has done so! I pray he remains healthy so he can finish the job, and hopefully bring us out of this terrible situation. For that to happen we need to win back the House, hold onto the Senate, and of course, re-elect him. It's a huge job, but as Robert said, some Republicans and many Independents will NOT hold their noses and vote for him (again). It is becoming obvious he has descended into madness and wont be coming out of it!
Kathleen, you cause me to remember my husband's disappointment when Joe Biden did not win the primary for POTUS. I think you are so right, he was being saved for this time, when we really, really need his talents and abilities.
Excellent, Lynn! There's no assurance that anyone will be alive or cognizant tomorrow, or that anyone not already in decline will not be. I wrote about the age issue back in April, in a piece called, "The Age of Reason."
While we may wish that President Biden didn't have to run for re-election, he is uniquely qualified to do the job that so desperately needs to be done. We should be grateful to him for his service, and should reward him by supporting him wholeheartedly and filling our government with people who actually want to represent their constituents and improve their chances to fulfill the American Dream.
Thank you Bob. You and others today have validated my thoughts regarding our president which makes me quite hopeful and happy. Your piece from April also confirms my feelings with some important points like "eighty is the new sixty" and age (and maturity) provide incentives to "get the job done". It's a great piece and I have restacked it.
Ha ha! I guess I am a "junior senior" as well! Love that!
At 99 my mother is generally still cognitively sharp. Some decline in their 50s. There is a correlation between age and mental fitness but it is loose, relative to one's starting point, and subject to variables like heredity and life style.
To my eye, Biden began with an intellectual level vastly above Trump's, did not have his father "put away" due to a reported (by the kids) mental decline, and has led a much healthier life style. Not to mention that there are only three years of difference in their ages. Three years is well within the error range for most measurable human traits.
If we allow this ridiculous argument to be made about Biden now, then we should expect to need to fend off ageist dismissal and accusations ourselves as we age regardless of our demonstrated abilities. Bull hockey!
So true Yehawes- while we cannot ultimately escape our genetic predispositions, more and more evidence is showing that lifestyle choices related to physical fitness and sound nutritional support can go a long way in promoting/maintaining our cognitive abilities. We certainly know of the great differences between Joe Biden and the defendant related to those lifestyle behaviors. Now you have me thinking about the fact that stress is also something that causes the human body to deteriorate. While it seems our president must be under a lot of daily stress, stress can also be very motivating, as it seems to be for Joe. (I feel I can call him Joe as his campaign texts me often saying "Hi Lynn, this is Joe") Now on the other hand, the defendant does not appear to handle stress well at all.
I very much appreciate your comment. President Biden is doing a great job and is skilled at delegating, which is vitally important. One of our youngest presidents, JFK, was assassinated in office and we dealt with it. Other presidents have died as well we are still here. President Biden has wisdom and warmth as well as political acumen. Some things get better with age.
Oh my Susan, I appreciate what you have said as well. I never thought about how we lost JFK despite his young age in contrast to folks "worrying" about Joe Biden's presidency. What an excellent point!
"Wisdom, warmth and political acumen" says it all so well. Thank you.
Personally, I'm MUCH more inclined to speculate of Trump's cognitive abilities or, indeed, his mental stability as a whole. His speeches are becoming more and more unwrapped. I really don't know what the hell his drooling followers even get from some of his nonsensical rambling word salads.
I had all of my grandparents into their late 80's, and I can still remember two of my great grandparents, (just barely) who were in their 90's.
Every one of them was sharp right up until the end--my great-grandparents travelled to Florida every Fall and back to Maine in the Spring, right up until they passed--so I'm not particularly put off by age (just a number).
To me, Trump exhibits every evidence of an extremely severe personality disorder-almost to the point of debilitating--as well as delusions and probably the beginnings of dementia. By his second term, Reagan was definitely showing some obvious signs of his Alzheimers, but I don't remember hearing much noise about his age or incapacity from the media--certainly not the way those in media are throwing around ageist baloney about Biden.
I agree TL. It's unnerving that nothing is mentioned about the defendant who rambles on with his word salads and makes grave mistakes in citing history, while every opportunity is made to pounce on Joe Biden when he has done nothing of the sort. It seems it's going to be up to us to keep showing how we stand by our extremely capable and caring president.
While I agree our engagement and efforts must be laser-focused on the 24 election contests up and down the ballot, I also believe a convicted-candidate Trump would hemorrhage sufficient support to increase the likelihood of a Biden win whether or not we were contending with third party candidates. Accordingly, I am deeply interested in whether the three-judge D.C. Circuit Court panel will reject Trump’s immunity claim and also lift the stay currently preventing the 1/6 pre-trial procedures from resuming. In my view, the judiciary is obligated to enlist every possible means to block efforts to delay at least the 1/6 trial from being heard prior to the public casting its 2024 votes for the Presidency.
Frankom, While I agree that over the next 10 months we’re likely increasingly to appreciate the Administration’s full cast of characters, I also believe, that to represent the interests of a broad range of people situated between the extremes, our party will need to reach out and show we can work on legitimate issues and grievances, some that Trump, for some time, has fomented and made worse.
Barbara, I believe our party has done that. Look at the accomplishments of the last 3 years! And the fact that it takes Democrats to get budget deals over the finish line! Those accomplishments need to be shouted to the rooftops - by US!
Kathleen, Not meant to diminish the Party’s accomplishments, regrettably, largely due to Manchin and Sinema sinking the social piece of Biden’s infrastructure bill, the Party’s achievements have had a marginal impact on the 60% living precariously from paycheck to paycheck, wherein family income only is sustained by more people working longer hours, while still weighted down by car payments, high rent, mortgage debt, credit card debt, and the like.
How remote is the possibility of a dem replacing Manchin in WV? Why is the senate considered in danger in the next election cycle? I would think the Republican's and had worn out their welcome.
Frankom: Regarding your questions: 1) Considering West Virginia has grown increasingly red, the chances of a Dem taking Manchin’s seat are zero, and 2) As for the Senate, not only are twice as many Senate Dems up for reelection but several defending their seats represent red states. Conversely, the fewer number of Republicans up for reelection I believe all represent red states.
The foregoing notwithstanding, we must hold our 49 Senate seats (discounting Manchin and Sinema) and flip 1 currently-held Republican seat (Missouri is a real possibility). Of course we also must retake the House (chances are good) and hold the White House (expect a challenge, particularly because of third party candidates). Though you didn’t ask, strengthening our representation at the state and local levels also is of paramount importance.
You make an excellent, one which I wish were made more often. With The Abominable Showman, it's all about him. With Biden, it's all about governing and listening to capable people, then making informed judgments. It's the difference between a dictator and a leader.
I also think Trump's lawyers have told him that DOL wins 96% of its cases at trial, and that that number is higher in DC. I saw his post hearing press statement and his demeanor is full of "tells" that display fear.
Daniel, Indeed, my understanding of the political landscape is in synch with yours. Still, I expect you would agree we face an arduous battle and need to be mindful of every factor that could affect the outcome of the 24 elections.
Barbara, this is precisely my belief. While I certainly agree with Robert’s belief that we have to defeat Trump at the polls, I think we need every bit of help we can get. There is relatively reliable polling from multiple organizations that tells us that if he is convicted of crimes, he will lose somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty percent of his support among Republicans. Even if that turns out to be high, even if it’s only fifteen percent, it vastly increases President Biden’s chance at re-election. If yesterday taught us anything, it’s safe to say it illustrated the absolute necessity of that task.
I firmly believe that we are in the fight of our lives, and while I think the chorus that agrees with that is growing, it isn't going to be easy. Trump has nearly one hundred percent support from elected Republicans and a horrifyingly effective propaganda machine. Meanwhile, I think Democrats face a slew of challenges in getting the turnout we need. There will be at least three significant third-party challenges from Cornel West, RFK Jr., and Jill Stein. While none are formidable on their own, these types of candidates inject the kind of chaos into an election that we cannot afford. We need every bit of luck we can get, including Trump’s conviction by a jury (or juries) of his peers.
Dean, Barring the word “luck” in your last sentence, I fully subscribe to every one of your points. In my view, if we succeed, it largely will be because every one of us has given all we can to uniting, inspiring, and energizing people, who know we are under threat, to committing to participating in saving our democracy and to waking up those asleep to the necessity and urgency.
Laine, I would note our judiciary is the branch of government whose infrastructure, barring principally the Highest Court, in large part, has demonstrated fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. Hence, along with the executive and legislative branches, I see great value in staying engaged with the calls for constant checks against the excesses of the others.
As a child of the 60's, my friends and I found ourselves (too soon?) thrown into the political fray as young teens. A time of political upheaval - between Watergate and the Vietnam War - surrounded by a constant barrage of news reports, images, and popular folk music whose lyrics appealed for peace, love and a higher purpose, we would collect at a local pizzeria where the owner would sit us in the back corner table and allow us one pitcher of beer and where we could reconnoiter about the weeks events. I can't speak for the others, but I surmise that it made us all feel like adults. We didn't know that thirteen and fourteen year olds should not have been expected to undertake the burden of changing the world. On the other hand, it has had a lasting effect on my life.
Since those times I have often wondered what happened to those dreams. Dreams of a just world, a fair world, a world of opportunity, equality...and, peace. It seems to have evaporated. Being left with the ephemeral dream is not the conclusion I had hoped for, wishing and working for something more concrete and tangible. Evidence that humanity can rise above its natural inclinations - to possess, to control, to dominate, to self-seek - and live as one.
Never since those early years have I found myself so motivated to act as I do now. This high risk moment is also an opportunity, if we choose it to be. The stakes are high. But, so are the implications of success. A win for Democracy, will be a lasting and consequential event beyond our imagination. I am, once again, allowing myself to dream. And, although not in the back of a pizzeria or with a keg of beer, I am speaking out, feeling not as I have in years, that how I act and what I do matters. We matter.
Yesterday, John Lennon's voice came over the radio when they played Imagine. It brought all of what you shared about being a child of the 60s. I sobbed for a few minutes and then said to myself, time to get to work. I'm not sure if we will ever attain what John sang about but we need to keep trying. Never give up. "Imagine all the people living life in peace, you and me." Yes, he was a dreamer and he's not the only one.
I enjoyed your comment. As a naive idealistic young woman and anti-war protester who thought that all we had to do was point out how wrong the Vietnam War was to end it and was gassed at the Pentagon, I’m sometimes overwhelmed and on the floor realizing that in our golden years we are back to square one with women’s rights, gerrymandering, racism, welfare, immigration, with the richest of the rich corrupting our judicial and political systems. But as Robert suggested previously, I think of John Lewis, quit the mental whining, and, as the song goes, pick myself up and start all over again.
Uplifting as always and even more so now, knowing the origin of your newsletter.
Robert, In yesterday’s IndiMarin talk, you shared that you started what became this Newsletter to provide an optimistic perspective on the daily news for your daughters in the aftermath of the 2016 election. I remember Wednesday 11/9/16 all too well. The day after Trump won felt eerily similar to 9/11/01. America had changed. Forever. Again.
I remember walking into my office in stunned silence.
I could have used your Newsletters in the weeks and months that followed.
Your daughters (and we) are lucky to have you and your wife lighting the way to 11/5/24 and beyond.
I was lucky to become an early subscriber, and have seen most of Robert's predictions come true! Reading this newsletter every day has become the very first thing I do each morning. I need that mixture of reality and hope to get me through the MSM's horrible coverage and the dread that many people feel about our chances of winning in November. As long as we work hard at re-electing Joe Biden and others in the House and Senate, we will have a good result!
The hearing yesterday was a an example of lawyers listening to Trump and not listening to the law and reason. Two things stood out for me. One was the three judges were all women, one black, one Asian and one older than Trump. They were well prepared and surgically dissected Trump’s arguments in a clear understandable way that interested parties could understand. Secondly voters could take the time and listen to the audio. At lunch yesterday a friend said to me that they were tired of all the trial maneuvering because they believe he is guilty and let’s get on with the trial. He said he was numb with all of the coverage and knows that Trump will appeal everything to stay out of prison. Trump’s post hearing comments were typical and more of the same they are picking on me approach. Note he has never said he was innocen. The hearings and trials will document and confirm that Trump is guilty of multiple crimes for those who care but the ballot box is the only jury that really counts at the end of the day. Trump needs to be convicted not by the courts but by the voters overwhelmingly. That’s where our focus has to be.
John Sauer is obviously lying and wasting the courts time with these frivolous appeals. Can he not be held in contempt of court for this? Or is he free to quote Dr. Seuss as his next defense? It feels like this can go on indefinitely with no punishment or risk.. Don’t his lawyers actually have to be truthful and accountable. I am so very very tired…
In the 13 New Year's resolutions, I particularly like this framing. Under the resolution, WE DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF OUTDATED CIVILITIES" ..."But those who still support Trump after the events of January 06, 2021, are either defiant in their ignorance or malevolent in their obliviousness."
Hmmm. I would have stated it differently: “ … defiant in their ignorance or malevolent in their SELECTIVE obliviousness”.
It’s a small percentage of people that don’t know the difference between right and wrong- those people fall into the ‘ignorance’ category.
The rest, the much larger percentage of our country, fall into the ‘most people know the difference between right and wrong’ category. (We know that many who are being held accountable for Jan 6 have admitted that they know that they followed trump down an illegal path and they admit that it was a mistake. Nevertheless, IMO, all the people who know right and wrong and yet still support trump – are malevolent in their selective memory, obliviousness, and straight out defiance.
I couldn't sleep. I listened to both the court hearing yesterday and the follow-up analysis. I wasn't disturbed. I thought it went well. But I still couldn't sleep. So I read Robert's post and relished all the advice and the direction for what we should all do next. I am especially interested in the Thursday night Zoom for how to donate effectively. I hadn't paid attention to that before.
To borrow the opening lines from Wendell Berry, "When despair for the world grows in me/ and I wake in the night at the least sound/ in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,"..... I see if it's after 2 am my time, and if so, I listen to Robert's soothing voice and calm words. It always helps.
Haha ;-) As luck would have it, the first Substack I read this morning was Judd Legum and I got all riled up so I'm glad I didn't choose that one at 2am.
If you were in typing class when I was, you will remember typing this phrase over and over: NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY. Well, that time is most urgently now. We have become too lazy and complacent. The MAGA goons are threatening and scary. So what? Don't be intimidated by bullies.
Thank you for putting the link to Erickson's essay in today's newsletter. So much wisdom in that piece! Tells it like it is. Time for the grownups to come to the fore. We can do this!
Your comments on the Courts and the failed insurrectionist are spot on, we should take the icing as it appears on the cake but do everything we can to ensure that the cake is fully baked and Biden wins in a Johnsonesque landslide.
"the fact that they are unable to pass a budget bill that will make it through the Senate." The House is not unable to pass such a bill, they are unwilling, and that is a much different and far worse situation since that is the essence of their responsibility as legislators. The behavior of the Crazy Caucus approaches insurrection and would be treasonous if we were at war. There is no doubt that they are giving aid and comfort to our enemies.
I totally agree. They aren't unable; the outcome they want is an under funded government, a weakened government, a government they can take over and rule in ways that benefit themselves and their cronies. Their friends include Putin and "strong men" (a term I actually gag using) around the world.
Take a deep breath, gagging too long is bad for you. Too many people fail to realize that strong men and women don't need guns and thugs to enforce their strength. The ones who do are properly called "bullies".
Thank you for the link to Steve Erickson's essay. Among the several nails he hit on the head, this stands out "...trumpism is...not an ideology but a pathology." And using the correct vocabulary - fascism. And carrying multiple rights around in our heads (Israel/Gaza).
I got my confirmation for the F4D zoom tomorrow and am looking forward to learning how/where to focus my a¢tivi$m on a limited budget.
That's clever. I like the one that says "Keep the immigrants, deport the racists" too. I have been seeing some very clever signs at women's medical rights rallies as well. Do you know where the funds for this site go? I couldn't find an explanation page.
Nah. I was just wondering. I wish some of the "good cause" groups would sell a few tees with their names on it, for example. I liked a poster lately that said "WOMBAM" with the B crossed out. There were others that don't spring right to mind but that were clever and made their points succinctly and (I hate to admit this) memorably.
Defeating Trump and MAGA will require making it crystal clear that it is a binary election. BLUE OR ELSE. There will be plenty of people not happy with Biden on immigration, Israel, Ukraine, his age, not progressive enough, etc. if they choose to vote for any of the minor party candidates it might enable Trump to win with a less than 50% of the vote. The Democrats can’t wait for these other candidates to get momentum with the support of foreign governments and hidden funders who want the authoritarian government that will serve their interests.
It seems obvious to me that, rather than requiring impeachment and conviction as a prerequisite to a criminal trial of a president, the purpose of the Impeachment Judgement Clause is to dispel any notion that a trial with or without conviction in the Congress confers the protection of double jeopardy.
While I find Steve Erickson's essay to be on point, as a "dispassionate observer" I find it quite ageist to suggest that Joe Biden will be too old for the job "sometime in the next four years". That is something no one knows, period.
I am still working as a nurse practitioner and have been caring for people as a professional for 44 years now. I know and have know many people who have gone into their 90's while maintaining their full cognitive abilities.
My mom, now at 89, took a big cognitive "hit" with the isolation of the pandemic and the passing of my father during that time. My brother, a business owner, has made comments stating "well, this is what happens in your 80's." No, not true. I have had to inform him that his premise is false, as I know from years of experience through relationships with many, many people. I don't have an opinion on this based on an observance of one person's journey through their 9th decade, as my brother does.
Our president has the political skill, moral principles and vision for steering this country to further enhance our values and therefore policy as a democratic nation. I am in my 7th decade of life myself, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is not to buy trouble where none exists.
We need to focus on the experienced, proficient, yet gracious man we are fortunate to have had to lead this country the last 3 years. No one has any proof that any of that will change in our president. If it should change before 2028, I'm confident we can deal with that.
It is said that President of the United States is the hardest job in the world. Given the impact and success of Biden and his policies, one has to question why doubting his cognitive ability is relevant. It seems specious and erroneous. Maybe his sober, calm, professional, cautious demeanor is mistakenly observed as cognitively unfit. To the contrary, Biden appears to me considered, shrewd, able to put together and manage a superior team, and able to juggle some of the most trenchant issues of any President in history. This octogenarian will, to my mind, go down as one of the great Presidents in the history of these United States. Too old for the job??? - RUBBISH.
Amen!
Thank you David. I think those qualities you mention bring him the successes he has brought this country. I've heard it said that his many connections which have arisen from his many years in Washington are what make him so able to get things done. Everybody knows him, and they know him for the good person he is. I think most people he has to deal with really like him a great deal. I agree he will go down as one of the greatest presidents this country has seen.
Nancy Reagan shielded her husband and basically ran the country for years while he was napping. Even if Jill had to step in and do the same, I'd far prefer that she be in charge than DJT or any other current Republican. They have all proven to be craven cowards, frauds and traitors.
Not to mention Joe Biden keeps Harris well informed during oval office briefings and otherwise because that's the responsible thing to do. Accidents and illness can strike anyone at any age.
I read Jill Biden's autobiography and she is a very fine human being. You don't hear a lot from or about her, but she is a force to be reckoned with.
All true and remember folks what the alternative is
Excellent thoughts. As general advice, so true. In the particular case of Biden vs. Trump, any comparison would tell you that right now in January 2024, Biden wins the intellectual, moral, political, and emotional contest.
I couldn't agree more, Lynn. When I think back to all of the times Biden was passed over for President, I think it was because THIS is his moment! He is the very best man for this job right now, as he has proven over the last 3 years. No one else could have navigated these times with the intelligence, grace and goodness with which he has done so! I pray he remains healthy so he can finish the job, and hopefully bring us out of this terrible situation. For that to happen we need to win back the House, hold onto the Senate, and of course, re-elect him. It's a huge job, but as Robert said, some Republicans and many Independents will NOT hold their noses and vote for him (again). It is becoming obvious he has descended into madness and wont be coming out of it!
Ha ha - I know what you are saying but give that a read again ;) .
Kathleen, you cause me to remember my husband's disappointment when Joe Biden did not win the primary for POTUS. I think you are so right, he was being saved for this time, when we really, really need his talents and abilities.
Excellent, Lynn! There's no assurance that anyone will be alive or cognizant tomorrow, or that anyone not already in decline will not be. I wrote about the age issue back in April, in a piece called, "The Age of Reason."
While we may wish that President Biden didn't have to run for re-election, he is uniquely qualified to do the job that so desperately needs to be done. We should be grateful to him for his service, and should reward him by supporting him wholeheartedly and filling our government with people who actually want to represent their constituents and improve their chances to fulfill the American Dream.
Thank you Bob. You and others today have validated my thoughts regarding our president which makes me quite hopeful and happy. Your piece from April also confirms my feelings with some important points like "eighty is the new sixty" and age (and maturity) provide incentives to "get the job done". It's a great piece and I have restacked it.
Ha ha! I guess I am a "junior senior" as well! Love that!
Thanks for all you do!
Thanks, Lynn! I hope you like some of my other essays as well!
I have no doubt that I will enjoy them Bob!
At 99 my mother is generally still cognitively sharp. Some decline in their 50s. There is a correlation between age and mental fitness but it is loose, relative to one's starting point, and subject to variables like heredity and life style.
To my eye, Biden began with an intellectual level vastly above Trump's, did not have his father "put away" due to a reported (by the kids) mental decline, and has led a much healthier life style. Not to mention that there are only three years of difference in their ages. Three years is well within the error range for most measurable human traits.
If we allow this ridiculous argument to be made about Biden now, then we should expect to need to fend off ageist dismissal and accusations ourselves as we age regardless of our demonstrated abilities. Bull hockey!
So true Yehawes- while we cannot ultimately escape our genetic predispositions, more and more evidence is showing that lifestyle choices related to physical fitness and sound nutritional support can go a long way in promoting/maintaining our cognitive abilities. We certainly know of the great differences between Joe Biden and the defendant related to those lifestyle behaviors. Now you have me thinking about the fact that stress is also something that causes the human body to deteriorate. While it seems our president must be under a lot of daily stress, stress can also be very motivating, as it seems to be for Joe. (I feel I can call him Joe as his campaign texts me often saying "Hi Lynn, this is Joe") Now on the other hand, the defendant does not appear to handle stress well at all.
President Biden is wise and wily. We need and value both.
He is Sheila! I love that! Thank you!
I very much appreciate your comment. President Biden is doing a great job and is skilled at delegating, which is vitally important. One of our youngest presidents, JFK, was assassinated in office and we dealt with it. Other presidents have died as well we are still here. President Biden has wisdom and warmth as well as political acumen. Some things get better with age.
Oh my Susan, I appreciate what you have said as well. I never thought about how we lost JFK despite his young age in contrast to folks "worrying" about Joe Biden's presidency. What an excellent point!
"Wisdom, warmth and political acumen" says it all so well. Thank you.
Personally, I'm MUCH more inclined to speculate of Trump's cognitive abilities or, indeed, his mental stability as a whole. His speeches are becoming more and more unwrapped. I really don't know what the hell his drooling followers even get from some of his nonsensical rambling word salads.
I had all of my grandparents into their late 80's, and I can still remember two of my great grandparents, (just barely) who were in their 90's.
Every one of them was sharp right up until the end--my great-grandparents travelled to Florida every Fall and back to Maine in the Spring, right up until they passed--so I'm not particularly put off by age (just a number).
To me, Trump exhibits every evidence of an extremely severe personality disorder-almost to the point of debilitating--as well as delusions and probably the beginnings of dementia. By his second term, Reagan was definitely showing some obvious signs of his Alzheimers, but I don't remember hearing much noise about his age or incapacity from the media--certainly not the way those in media are throwing around ageist baloney about Biden.
I agree TL. It's unnerving that nothing is mentioned about the defendant who rambles on with his word salads and makes grave mistakes in citing history, while every opportunity is made to pounce on Joe Biden when he has done nothing of the sort. It seems it's going to be up to us to keep showing how we stand by our extremely capable and caring president.
I think what bothers the media is that President Biden is doing a good job. They just aren't programmed to believe that's possible.
While I agree our engagement and efforts must be laser-focused on the 24 election contests up and down the ballot, I also believe a convicted-candidate Trump would hemorrhage sufficient support to increase the likelihood of a Biden win whether or not we were contending with third party candidates. Accordingly, I am deeply interested in whether the three-judge D.C. Circuit Court panel will reject Trump’s immunity claim and also lift the stay currently preventing the 1/6 pre-trial procedures from resuming. In my view, the judiciary is obligated to enlist every possible means to block efforts to delay at least the 1/6 trial from being heard prior to the public casting its 2024 votes for the Presidency.
Keep in mind that Joe Biden has the best cabinet and staff possible. Joe is not alone.
Frankom, While I agree that over the next 10 months we’re likely increasingly to appreciate the Administration’s full cast of characters, I also believe, that to represent the interests of a broad range of people situated between the extremes, our party will need to reach out and show we can work on legitimate issues and grievances, some that Trump, for some time, has fomented and made worse.
Barbara, I believe our party has done that. Look at the accomplishments of the last 3 years! And the fact that it takes Democrats to get budget deals over the finish line! Those accomplishments need to be shouted to the rooftops - by US!
Kathleen, Not meant to diminish the Party’s accomplishments, regrettably, largely due to Manchin and Sinema sinking the social piece of Biden’s infrastructure bill, the Party’s achievements have had a marginal impact on the 60% living precariously from paycheck to paycheck, wherein family income only is sustained by more people working longer hours, while still weighted down by car payments, high rent, mortgage debt, credit card debt, and the like.
How remote is the possibility of a dem replacing Manchin in WV? Why is the senate considered in danger in the next election cycle? I would think the Republican's and had worn out their welcome.
Frankom: Regarding your questions: 1) Considering West Virginia has grown increasingly red, the chances of a Dem taking Manchin’s seat are zero, and 2) As for the Senate, not only are twice as many Senate Dems up for reelection but several defending their seats represent red states. Conversely, the fewer number of Republicans up for reelection I believe all represent red states.
The foregoing notwithstanding, we must hold our 49 Senate seats (discounting Manchin and Sinema) and flip 1 currently-held Republican seat (Missouri is a real possibility). Of course we also must retake the House (chances are good) and hold the White House (expect a challenge, particularly because of third party candidates). Though you didn’t ask, strengthening our representation at the state and local levels also is of paramount importance.
I hope I’ve been helpful
It is a very RED state, and the Republicans haven't quite come to the point of voting for a Democrat. That doesn't mean we can't try to win it!
Frankom,
You make an excellent, one which I wish were made more often. With The Abominable Showman, it's all about him. With Biden, it's all about governing and listening to capable people, then making informed judgments. It's the difference between a dictator and a leader.
I also think Trump's lawyers have told him that DOL wins 96% of its cases at trial, and that that number is higher in DC. I saw his post hearing press statement and his demeanor is full of "tells" that display fear.
Based on polls yesterday, he's hemorrhaged vs Haley in New Hampshire and his trend line is down. https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4397082-haley-cuts-trump-lead-in-new-hampshire-survey/
Daniel, Indeed, my understanding of the political landscape is in synch with yours. Still, I expect you would agree we face an arduous battle and need to be mindful of every factor that could affect the outcome of the 24 elections.
Barbara, this is precisely my belief. While I certainly agree with Robert’s belief that we have to defeat Trump at the polls, I think we need every bit of help we can get. There is relatively reliable polling from multiple organizations that tells us that if he is convicted of crimes, he will lose somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty percent of his support among Republicans. Even if that turns out to be high, even if it’s only fifteen percent, it vastly increases President Biden’s chance at re-election. If yesterday taught us anything, it’s safe to say it illustrated the absolute necessity of that task.
I firmly believe that we are in the fight of our lives, and while I think the chorus that agrees with that is growing, it isn't going to be easy. Trump has nearly one hundred percent support from elected Republicans and a horrifyingly effective propaganda machine. Meanwhile, I think Democrats face a slew of challenges in getting the turnout we need. There will be at least three significant third-party challenges from Cornel West, RFK Jr., and Jill Stein. While none are formidable on their own, these types of candidates inject the kind of chaos into an election that we cannot afford. We need every bit of luck we can get, including Trump’s conviction by a jury (or juries) of his peers.
Dean, Barring the word “luck” in your last sentence, I fully subscribe to every one of your points. In my view, if we succeed, it largely will be because every one of us has given all we can to uniting, inspiring, and energizing people, who know we are under threat, to committing to participating in saving our democracy and to waking up those asleep to the necessity and urgency.
We have a lot of work to do! We are up to the challenge!
Let the courts dither along, delaying or not.
Let's RE-ELECT BIDEN & his administration - yes, he's 80, and still going strong!
Laine, I would note our judiciary is the branch of government whose infrastructure, barring principally the Highest Court, in large part, has demonstrated fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law. Hence, along with the executive and legislative branches, I see great value in staying engaged with the calls for constant checks against the excesses of the others.
I agree, Barbara.
As a child of the 60's, my friends and I found ourselves (too soon?) thrown into the political fray as young teens. A time of political upheaval - between Watergate and the Vietnam War - surrounded by a constant barrage of news reports, images, and popular folk music whose lyrics appealed for peace, love and a higher purpose, we would collect at a local pizzeria where the owner would sit us in the back corner table and allow us one pitcher of beer and where we could reconnoiter about the weeks events. I can't speak for the others, but I surmise that it made us all feel like adults. We didn't know that thirteen and fourteen year olds should not have been expected to undertake the burden of changing the world. On the other hand, it has had a lasting effect on my life.
Since those times I have often wondered what happened to those dreams. Dreams of a just world, a fair world, a world of opportunity, equality...and, peace. It seems to have evaporated. Being left with the ephemeral dream is not the conclusion I had hoped for, wishing and working for something more concrete and tangible. Evidence that humanity can rise above its natural inclinations - to possess, to control, to dominate, to self-seek - and live as one.
Never since those early years have I found myself so motivated to act as I do now. This high risk moment is also an opportunity, if we choose it to be. The stakes are high. But, so are the implications of success. A win for Democracy, will be a lasting and consequential event beyond our imagination. I am, once again, allowing myself to dream. And, although not in the back of a pizzeria or with a keg of beer, I am speaking out, feeling not as I have in years, that how I act and what I do matters. We matter.
Thanks for this cogent truth: "This high risk moment is also an opportunity, if we choose it to be."
Yesterday, John Lennon's voice came over the radio when they played Imagine. It brought all of what you shared about being a child of the 60s. I sobbed for a few minutes and then said to myself, time to get to work. I'm not sure if we will ever attain what John sang about but we need to keep trying. Never give up. "Imagine all the people living life in peace, you and me." Yes, he was a dreamer and he's not the only one.
Beautiful comment!
I enjoyed your comment. As a naive idealistic young woman and anti-war protester who thought that all we had to do was point out how wrong the Vietnam War was to end it and was gassed at the Pentagon, I’m sometimes overwhelmed and on the floor realizing that in our golden years we are back to square one with women’s rights, gerrymandering, racism, welfare, immigration, with the richest of the rich corrupting our judicial and political systems. But as Robert suggested previously, I think of John Lewis, quit the mental whining, and, as the song goes, pick myself up and start all over again.
Excellent, David! You've rekindled some memories for me as well, from my college days in the 70s. Now, to channel those thoughts into action!
Uplifting as always and even more so now, knowing the origin of your newsletter.
Robert, In yesterday’s IndiMarin talk, you shared that you started what became this Newsletter to provide an optimistic perspective on the daily news for your daughters in the aftermath of the 2016 election. I remember Wednesday 11/9/16 all too well. The day after Trump won felt eerily similar to 9/11/01. America had changed. Forever. Again.
I remember walking into my office in stunned silence.
I could have used your Newsletters in the weeks and months that followed.
Your daughters (and we) are lucky to have you and your wife lighting the way to 11/5/24 and beyond.
I was lucky to become an early subscriber, and have seen most of Robert's predictions come true! Reading this newsletter every day has become the very first thing I do each morning. I need that mixture of reality and hope to get me through the MSM's horrible coverage and the dread that many people feel about our chances of winning in November. As long as we work hard at re-electing Joe Biden and others in the House and Senate, we will have a good result!
The hearing yesterday was a an example of lawyers listening to Trump and not listening to the law and reason. Two things stood out for me. One was the three judges were all women, one black, one Asian and one older than Trump. They were well prepared and surgically dissected Trump’s arguments in a clear understandable way that interested parties could understand. Secondly voters could take the time and listen to the audio. At lunch yesterday a friend said to me that they were tired of all the trial maneuvering because they believe he is guilty and let’s get on with the trial. He said he was numb with all of the coverage and knows that Trump will appeal everything to stay out of prison. Trump’s post hearing comments were typical and more of the same they are picking on me approach. Note he has never said he was innocen. The hearings and trials will document and confirm that Trump is guilty of multiple crimes for those who care but the ballot box is the only jury that really counts at the end of the day. Trump needs to be convicted not by the courts but by the voters overwhelmingly. That’s where our focus has to be.
Though he HAS said he has done nothing wrong - many, many times!
John Sauer is obviously lying and wasting the courts time with these frivolous appeals. Can he not be held in contempt of court for this? Or is he free to quote Dr. Seuss as his next defense? It feels like this can go on indefinitely with no punishment or risk.. Don’t his lawyers actually have to be truthful and accountable. I am so very very tired…
In the 13 New Year's resolutions, I particularly like this framing. Under the resolution, WE DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF OUTDATED CIVILITIES" ..."But those who still support Trump after the events of January 06, 2021, are either defiant in their ignorance or malevolent in their obliviousness."
Hmmm. I would have stated it differently: “ … defiant in their ignorance or malevolent in their SELECTIVE obliviousness”.
It’s a small percentage of people that don’t know the difference between right and wrong- those people fall into the ‘ignorance’ category.
The rest, the much larger percentage of our country, fall into the ‘most people know the difference between right and wrong’ category. (We know that many who are being held accountable for Jan 6 have admitted that they know that they followed trump down an illegal path and they admit that it was a mistake. Nevertheless, IMO, all the people who know right and wrong and yet still support trump – are malevolent in their selective memory, obliviousness, and straight out defiance.
I couldn't sleep. I listened to both the court hearing yesterday and the follow-up analysis. I wasn't disturbed. I thought it went well. But I still couldn't sleep. So I read Robert's post and relished all the advice and the direction for what we should all do next. I am especially interested in the Thursday night Zoom for how to donate effectively. I hadn't paid attention to that before.
To borrow the opening lines from Wendell Berry, "When despair for the world grows in me/ and I wake in the night at the least sound/ in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,"..... I see if it's after 2 am my time, and if so, I listen to Robert's soothing voice and calm words. It always helps.
I love this poem.
Did Robert put you to,sleep?
Many people tell me they listen to the audio version of the newsletter to help the go to sleep. I take that as high praise!
Haha ;-) As luck would have it, the first Substack I read this morning was Judd Legum and I got all riled up so I'm glad I didn't choose that one at 2am.
If you were in typing class when I was, you will remember typing this phrase over and over: NOW IS THE TIME FOR ALL GOOD MEN TO COME TO THE AID OF THEIR COUNTRY. Well, that time is most urgently now. We have become too lazy and complacent. The MAGA goons are threatening and scary. So what? Don't be intimidated by bullies.
Thank you for putting the link to Erickson's essay in today's newsletter. So much wisdom in that piece! Tells it like it is. Time for the grownups to come to the fore. We can do this!
Your comments on the Courts and the failed insurrectionist are spot on, we should take the icing as it appears on the cake but do everything we can to ensure that the cake is fully baked and Biden wins in a Johnsonesque landslide.
"the fact that they are unable to pass a budget bill that will make it through the Senate." The House is not unable to pass such a bill, they are unwilling, and that is a much different and far worse situation since that is the essence of their responsibility as legislators. The behavior of the Crazy Caucus approaches insurrection and would be treasonous if we were at war. There is no doubt that they are giving aid and comfort to our enemies.
I totally agree. They aren't unable; the outcome they want is an under funded government, a weakened government, a government they can take over and rule in ways that benefit themselves and their cronies. Their friends include Putin and "strong men" (a term I actually gag using) around the world.
Take a deep breath, gagging too long is bad for you. Too many people fail to realize that strong men and women don't need guns and thugs to enforce their strength. The ones who do are properly called "bullies".
Yep. Bullies.
Thank you for the link to Steve Erickson's essay. Among the several nails he hit on the head, this stands out "...trumpism is...not an ideology but a pathology." And using the correct vocabulary - fascism. And carrying multiple rights around in our heads (Israel/Gaza).
I got my confirmation for the F4D zoom tomorrow and am looking forward to learning how/where to focus my a¢tivi$m on a limited budget.
Get your "BYEDON 2024" coffee mugs and t-shirts here!
https://libtees-2.creator-spring.com/listing/byedon24?product=1565
That's clever. I like the one that says "Keep the immigrants, deport the racists" too. I have been seeing some very clever signs at women's medical rights rallies as well. Do you know where the funds for this site go? I couldn't find an explanation page.
I really don't know this seller. I did make a purchase, though wondered if it was the right thing to do. I should have made that clear.
Nah. I was just wondering. I wish some of the "good cause" groups would sell a few tees with their names on it, for example. I liked a poster lately that said "WOMBAM" with the B crossed out. There were others that don't spring right to mind but that were clever and made their points succinctly and (I hate to admit this) memorably.
Defeating Trump and MAGA will require making it crystal clear that it is a binary election. BLUE OR ELSE. There will be plenty of people not happy with Biden on immigration, Israel, Ukraine, his age, not progressive enough, etc. if they choose to vote for any of the minor party candidates it might enable Trump to win with a less than 50% of the vote. The Democrats can’t wait for these other candidates to get momentum with the support of foreign governments and hidden funders who want the authoritarian government that will serve their interests.
It seems obvious to me that, rather than requiring impeachment and conviction as a prerequisite to a criminal trial of a president, the purpose of the Impeachment Judgement Clause is to dispel any notion that a trial with or without conviction in the Congress confers the protection of double jeopardy.
100% correct--and to limit the Senate's power to political consequences (e.g., it cannot imprison a president after conviction in the Senate).
Bravo, Robert for today’s newsletter. Let’s continue to “get out the vote”, that is how we will win.