A reader below asked what headlines the media should have used instead of focusing on the one-minute interruption of Biden's speech. Here are my suggestions. What are yours?
Joe Biden gives historic speech calling for the defense of democracy.
Joe Biden says Trump is threat to democracy.
Black supporters chant "Four more years" at Biden speech in Charlottesville.
Joe Biden condemns racism at site of racially motivated church shooting.
Joe Biden condemns white nationalism.
Joe Biden calls for national healing and unity.
Biden gives spirited defense of democracy.
Biden makes case for reelection.
Biden gives stirring and emotional speech in South Carolina.
James Clyburn praises Biden's accomplishments at historic Black church
How about "Biden responds gracefully to political protestor during his speech." That may deemphasize the core truths of his speech, but it does keep his character to the forefront.
Absolutely Susan. Joe Biden is an amazing man, full of more grace than I can expect of myself in any situation. I think that headline followed by “the audience responds resoundingly in chants of ‘four more years!’”
For those of you who do social media, you can use any of the above as your “headline” when you share his speech (multiple options on YouTube). Social media blip-summaries are the main way people get their news.
Robert, while I agree with you about the media's overall negative treatment of President Biden, there is a reasonable defense for their selective reporting on his marvelous Charleston speech. Using the "man bites dog" newsworthy rubric, the national story became the war-protestors' interruption. The rest of Biden's speech was wholly predictable and, therefore, not considered "news." Of course, that's small consolation. It remains up to us to share the "good" news!
Actually Sheila, it probably was and might still be news for a lot of people who buried their heads in their pillows during the holiday season or never have paid attention to the news.
I was speaking about this with a dear friend, a retired Navy captain who is a journalist and whose main responsibility was dealing with the media, and she said a similar thing. "If it bleeds it leads" is how headlines are selected. If the media doesn't "sell papers" it doesn't survive. At the same time, I thought it was right that NYT redid its story on T's Verteran's Day speech to more specifically report on the vicious details. I like your idea, Sheila, that remains up to us to share the "good" news.
I wrote a letter directly to the reporter who wrote the NYT story. I wish I had had those alternative headlines to offer! Perhaps one of you can offer them to her. Her name is hyperlinked and you can directly access her email from there.
I love that Biden is not holding back or using traditional polite language to refer to my “esteemed opponent” or any of that nonsense. Not this time. Americans need to see his tough, honest, truthful side. And good grief. Those headlines. I had already chastised NPR a couple hours ago about focusing on a one-minute interruption rather than playing up the strength and substance of the speech. NPR, do better!
That brings to mind how several protesters at trumps rallies in the past were roughed up and threatened. He gets back in power, that'll be mild treatment.
The mainstream press is owned by Oligarchs and run by people too far removed from the reality of every day life for most Americans. So, everyone becomes a caricature in the press. If you saw the film American Fiction, which is mocking the media, book publishers, and Hollywood who all cater to feeding us stereotyped pablum so that that becomes what most crave. Shame on them for turning Biden into a caricature, instead of the President who is undoing the damage that Reagan did to our nation which has been carried on by every other president since then. That might be because Biden was in politics before Reagan and can still remember what our values were back in 1972 when he went to Congress. We need those with institutional memory running our country. The memory that Ronald Reagan erased for many, like in the book 1984.
Just looked at the comment I left on NPR’s Facebook post last night about their headline and coverage. I have been clobbered as a genocide lover by multiple comments. The whole thread is full of people angry enough with Biden over Gaza that they won’t vote him. I dropped in a couple comments about how independent votes help the candidate whose values are least like yours. So Trump. But people do not see past anger over Gaza or anger over not having someone besides Biden, period.
I had the privilege of volunteering and attending Biden’s speech yesterday. It is so disheartening to see that all the media has covered was the very brief protest. Almost immediately the audience drowned them out with chants of “Four more years!” President Biden handled it all so gracefully.
The media also did not cover how much respect and love for the President was apparent in the audience.
Thanks so much for this Libby. That is exactly what I heard in the audio presentation of this story on NPR. I am shocked to learn that so many people READ NPR instead of listening to it, and they quite obviously did not get the same impression I did in reading this NPR coverage.
The road trip is a stroke of genius! Wonderful to hear you describe the travels, the cities where meets will happen, and the strength that will unite behind the voice of Today’s Edition. Wonderful newsletter, overall, as always, but I have to remark about the road trip. It will be fabulous in so many ways! There’s enough lead time for readers and events to come together with momentum and I’m sure a sense of celebration! Kudos!
Yes, Katherine!! As folks focused on the speech it occurred to me that we should be celebrating and honoring Jill and Robert. The road trip is an initiative that should be quickly recognized as a model for Democrats running for office in 2024. It will provide citizens with an opportunity to be heard which is surely half way to getting their vote. People need to feel heard.
Yes, people need to be heard. And live conversation holds the dynamic of everyone growing together because of the ideas and perspectives shared in real time. I’m challenged to fathom how Robert and his managing editor are able to produce such succinct, informative, balanced narratives daily, plus Jill is producing her own daily video blog. (I guess that’s called a vlog.) I know I would not have the bandwidth for such daily responsibilities (pressure to produce!), spend way too much time editing after I first blurt out all I have to say. Back to your point, I think the road trip is a perfect model for candidates. Do they call it stumping? I think of the old days, with candidates speaking from the back of a stationary train, traveling by rail and making stops to spread the campaign message.
First, because of the simple reminder of the disastrous response of the Netanyahu government to the Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7.
Second, because the article gave not a whiff of information about the substance of Biden's speech. Not a thing. What was he talking about? Wouldn't find out from your article.
I agree with covering the protesters, their message, and Biden's measured response. Thank you for that.
But to leave out any mention of his message is to bury his vital message. Here's an excerpt that contains one of his key points (emphasis added [sorry, boldface and indents not allowed in substack posts]):
[begin long quote]
Look, after the Civil War, the defeated Confederates couldn’t accept the verdict of the war: They had lost. So, they say — they embraced what’s known as the Lost Cause, a self-serving lie that the Civil War was not about slavery but about states’ rights. And they’ve called that the noble cause.
That was a lie, a lie that had — not just a lie but it had terrible consequences. It brought on Jim Crow.
So, let me be clear for those who don’t seem to know: Slavery was the cause of the Civil War. (Applause.) There is no negotiation about that.
Now — now we’re living in an era of a second lost cause. Once again, there are some in this country trying — trying to turn a loss into a lie — a lie, which if allowed to live, will once again bring terrible damage to this country. This time, the lie is about the 2020 election, the election which you made your voices heard and your power known.
[end long quote]
You have a tough job and I admire the evident care with which you write. Please provide better context for the "breaking news" events you cover.
Maggie Astor's excellent response, at 8:50 AM -- 14 minutes later.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for reaching out. I really appreciate this feedback.
The reason the article didn't include the context is that I wrote it as part of a live briefing in which several of my colleagues were thoroughly covering the substance of the speech, so this was essentially a sidebar about the protest that was embedded within larger coverage of the speech. However, now that the live briefing has ended and those two parts of the coverage — my article and an article about the speech — are available separately, I understand your point. I'll talk to my editor about the possibility of updating my article to note the context and link to the fuller coverage.
They are still fighting the Civil War in the South. However, when the great Migration takes place the entire South will be blue. Might be sooner than you think. Georgia is well on its way. It would not take much to tip the scales and the White Nationalist know it.
On Republicans trying to re-write history: Check this infographic which contrasts how Mike Pence, Josh Hawley, Mitt Romney and Troy Nehls ran to save themselves on Jan 6th compared to their denials about the insurrection to pander to Trump.
Mike Johnson on Face the Nation yesterday--dodging all the questions around the topic of Jan 6 or Big Lie or not certifying, he actually said it was water under the bridge. I wanted to throw something at the screen. Like, why are we talking about that, was his tone. Um. Because you are leading the party that did it and are getting ready to do it again. Water under the bridge. Stop asking me that stuff.
Thanks, Susan! Just a small correction: Johnson was on Face the Nation last Sunday. Stefanik was on Meet the Press. But their talking points mirrored each other.
Exactly Susan. Mike Johnson shows his arrogance by glibly trying to dismiss January 6, 2021 much like those who wanted us to believe the insurrectionists were just tourist. Outrageous!
Hawley's Jan. 6 behavior will come back to bite him in November. He has a capable opponent, lots of people remember that he's a first term Senator who's predecessor was a Democrat, and there's some indication that the Party will get organized in a Presidential year. A little support from the DSCC would go a long way.
Etats-Unis : en campagne, Joe Biden et Donald Trump se rendent coup pour coup »
Battle
United States: in the campaign, Joe Biden and Donald Trump go head to head
EVEN THEY TALK ABOUT THAT ONE PROTESTER
« Alors que la saison des primaires est sur le point de commencer, les favoris des deux partis s’affrontent à distance par discours interposés. Bien que chahuté par des manifestants pro-Gaza, l’actuel président a, lui, livré un discours très habité ce lundi 8 janvier. »
As the primary season is about to begin, the favorites of the two parties are competing remotely through speeches. Although heckled by pro-Gaza demonstrators, the current president delivered a very lively speech this Monday, January 8.
“Moreover, Biden is not holding back. He is going after Trump's biggest area of insecurity and vulnerability—being labeled as a “loser.” Biden has repeated the charge several times over the last seventy-two hours.”
Jess Craven shared this yesterday from FrameLab. We need to stop calling Trump a dictator.
⬇️
“When you’re calling Trump a dictator, think about what you’re not calling him.
You’re not calling him a loser who never has and never will win the popular vote. A fraud. A traitor. Instead, you’re repeating his slander of immigrants and propping up his stature. You’re doing him a huge favor.”
Yes - this! I subscribe to George Lakoff's Framelab and read his article the other day: https://framelab.substack.com/p/understanding-trump-again. I've taken to calling Trump a loser and cringe whenever someone says "strongman" in reference to him. We all need to follow Lakoff's and Pres. Biden's lead and only refer to Trump as a weak loser who has lied, cheated and stolen to get his way.
Why is no one pointing out that the reason we now have the potential for a major crisis in the Middle East is that Trump unilaterally pulled out of the Iran nuclear agreement and halted positive negotiations with that country?
Well, I have asked the same type of question with regard to the disastrous exit from Afghanistan.
Why do stories of that mess rarely, if ever, point out that the intelligence failed us at that moment because Trump’s administration undermined the efforts of the intelligence community while thoughtlessly agreeing to setting a date for the pull out without preparing for it? The result was that Biden’s team kept putting off the withdrawal from March to August but still didn’t have the intelligence that could have averted the disaster.
In a more normal world, the President of the United States' "inspirational and important speech on race and democracy" (especially at a time when his probable opponent is an opponent of democracy and facilitator of racism) would have been front page news. The protestors' interruption would have been covered on page 18 or thereabouts.
In a more normal world, the Speaker of the House's reliance on bipartisan support to complete a budget deal that was a product of bipartisan negotiations would be treated as routine with just a bit of a celebratory tone. Reports of Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Republicans who would prevent an agreement and force a government closure would be relegated to back pages. They are, after all, a small minority.
In a more normal world, we would not need to scramble to get write in votes in support of the renomination as President of the President of the United States and the leader of the Democratic Party for the New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary.
But what explains the constant swaying in the wind by the likes of NY Times, when at one moment they offer an editorial of warning to readers and, at the same time, they harvest the smallest moment of discord from one individual?
The Times and other media are presenting themselves as a distraction rather than the Fourth Estate protecting democracy. By doing so, they undermine their own credibility. Let’s hope they get on track with greater consistency in the months ahead. They are more than annoying. They are endlessly failing their readers/voters.
Leonard Lubinsky – The US has been in a “new normal” for decades – ever since Newt Gingrich came on the scene. The old normal, sad to say, is almost a dream.
Trump is like Jefferson Davis running for the office of the Presidency after the Civil War and promising to restore the Confederacy. As the Supreme Court considers whether Trump should be excluded from the ballot as an insurrectionist — they should take into consideration that he refused to sign a pledge not to overthrow the government and he is saying he will pardon convicted insurrectionists. It’s not only Trump’s past behavior but his current behavior that should be considered. Yes, someone who cannot pledge to uphold the Constitution and respect democracy should not be allowed to run for President in the United States.
Biden looks around and connects with his audience in a meaningful way. He doesn’t dwell on the past. He looks towards the future. Everyone should watch the whole speech. Jim Clyburn did an amazing summation of Biden’s accomplishments. The press and media as a whole is stuck in the “if it bleeds, it leads” mode. Somehow good news and progress doesn’t sell. We all need to help spread the good news of Biden and Democrats.
“I very clearly recall my parents deliberating over their vote choice when Barry Goldwater was on the Republican ballot. They spoke openly about how they felt he was too extreme and voted for LBJ. Of course, the most often did vote D.
I trust, as Robert’s post today suggests, that in 2024 there will be similar conversations throughout households across the U.S. It is hard not to imagine those conversations. Everyone should be fully engaged with democracy by getting out the vote. GOTV should be the call to action on the part of everyone; no if, ands, or buts.
To that end, I share a link to: “13 New Year Resolutions.” Professor Steve Erickson most cogent and clearly stated making clear that every vote for President Joseph R. Biden is a vote for democracy, decency, and the future of the United States.
Wow John! Thanks for sharing this. I am going keep this on an open tab on my laptop to review as needed as we proceed through 2024.
"We should be wrapping ourselves in the flag every chance we have. We should make clear in our own minds and in the public mind that we are the true Americans in this civil war, we are the Americans of the Bill of Rights and constitutional preamble, of Gettysburg and Normandy, the Americans of happiness’ eternal pursuit and memory’s mystic chord and our natures’ better angels. Between now and November we should insist on this again and again on a daily if not hourly basis: that on the other side of whatever twisted nation Trump and Fox News might choose to forge is the true America which is to say our America, which is to say the America of limitless and regenerative possibility."
Just listened to the Appellate Court questioning Trump's attorney, John Sauer. George Orwell couldn't have imagined a better attorney general for Big Brother in Oceania. His ability to obfuscate, dissemble and confuse through twisty, fast-talking, raspy double-speak is extraordinary.
His argument that a President is immune to prosecution unless he is impeached and removed from office is horrifying. Let's say a President decides to have Seal Team 6 assassinate his political rival or he simply decides to suspend or terminate the Constitution and the House of Representatives and/or Senate, each or both comprised of a majority of his acolytes, elect(s) not to impeach or convict him, this President would never face prosecution for the assassination and/or could tear up the Constitution.
I pray our Courts are up to descrambling Sauer and Trump's Orwellian arguments.
And take note that news reports the number 3 Senate Republican leader has now endorsed Trump. The enablers just keep on trucking as though he is more important that democracy even though he has no plans except “retribution.” They are a sick lot.
It’s reminiscent of Nixon’s statement that “ if the President does it, it’s not a crime”.
And by the way, where is “Presidential immunity” articulated in the Constitution? Is it one of those doctrines that were articulated in a Justice Department Office of Special Counsel dictum during the Nixon or other Republican Administrations and then mindlessly repeated as though it were settled law?
The wonderful speech by Biden took place in the middle of the day. There was little or no chance that it was going to be seen by millions of Americans..in particular Americans who really need to hear his message. We therefore are dependent on the media to carry the weight of stressing the importance of the message(s) Biden and other Democrats are delivering in contrast to the threat that Trump represents. The media at large are failing us and our country. Op-eds penned by influential individuals can be helpful but they are not the same as front page news. We have little or no chance of influencing right leaning outlets. Right leaning readers most likely do not read the New York Times, The Washington Post or listen to NPR. So why do these bastions of liberalism employ a coverage and messaging policy that inflames their base?
A reader below asked what headlines the media should have used instead of focusing on the one-minute interruption of Biden's speech. Here are my suggestions. What are yours?
Joe Biden gives historic speech calling for the defense of democracy.
Joe Biden says Trump is threat to democracy.
Black supporters chant "Four more years" at Biden speech in Charlottesville.
Joe Biden condemns racism at site of racially motivated church shooting.
Joe Biden condemns white nationalism.
Joe Biden calls for national healing and unity.
Biden gives spirited defense of democracy.
Biden makes case for reelection.
Biden gives stirring and emotional speech in South Carolina.
James Clyburn praises Biden's accomplishments at historic Black church
How about "Biden responds gracefully to political protestor during his speech." That may deemphasize the core truths of his speech, but it does keep his character to the forefront.
Absolutely Susan. Joe Biden is an amazing man, full of more grace than I can expect of myself in any situation. I think that headline followed by “the audience responds resoundingly in chants of ‘four more years!’”
For those of you who do social media, you can use any of the above as your “headline” when you share his speech (multiple options on YouTube). Social media blip-summaries are the main way people get their news.
Robert, while I agree with you about the media's overall negative treatment of President Biden, there is a reasonable defense for their selective reporting on his marvelous Charleston speech. Using the "man bites dog" newsworthy rubric, the national story became the war-protestors' interruption. The rest of Biden's speech was wholly predictable and, therefore, not considered "news." Of course, that's small consolation. It remains up to us to share the "good" news!
Actually Sheila, it probably was and might still be news for a lot of people who buried their heads in their pillows during the holiday season or never have paid attention to the news.
I was speaking about this with a dear friend, a retired Navy captain who is a journalist and whose main responsibility was dealing with the media, and she said a similar thing. "If it bleeds it leads" is how headlines are selected. If the media doesn't "sell papers" it doesn't survive. At the same time, I thought it was right that NYT redid its story on T's Verteran's Day speech to more specifically report on the vicious details. I like your idea, Sheila, that remains up to us to share the "good" news.
I like “calls for national healing” & “defense of democracy.” Makes case for re-election = number 1.
I wrote a letter directly to the reporter who wrote the NYT story. I wish I had had those alternative headlines to offer! Perhaps one of you can offer them to her. Her name is hyperlinked and you can directly access her email from there.
I love that Biden is not holding back or using traditional polite language to refer to my “esteemed opponent” or any of that nonsense. Not this time. Americans need to see his tough, honest, truthful side. And good grief. Those headlines. I had already chastised NPR a couple hours ago about focusing on a one-minute interruption rather than playing up the strength and substance of the speech. NPR, do better!
NPR was neutered by Newt Gingrich 25 years ago.
And the Koch brothers. Fired Bob Edwards. Lots of pro Hamas propaganda as news every hour on the hour.
I always wonder why Bob Edwards was fired. I loved him and loved the podcast he did years ago. I still miss him and his podcast.
He and other "liberals" were purged.
🤬🤬🤬
That brings to mind how several protesters at trumps rallies in the past were roughed up and threatened. He gets back in power, that'll be mild treatment.
The mainstream press is owned by Oligarchs and run by people too far removed from the reality of every day life for most Americans. So, everyone becomes a caricature in the press. If you saw the film American Fiction, which is mocking the media, book publishers, and Hollywood who all cater to feeding us stereotyped pablum so that that becomes what most crave. Shame on them for turning Biden into a caricature, instead of the President who is undoing the damage that Reagan did to our nation which has been carried on by every other president since then. That might be because Biden was in politics before Reagan and can still remember what our values were back in 1972 when he went to Congress. We need those with institutional memory running our country. The memory that Ronald Reagan erased for many, like in the book 1984.
Just looked at the comment I left on NPR’s Facebook post last night about their headline and coverage. I have been clobbered as a genocide lover by multiple comments. The whole thread is full of people angry enough with Biden over Gaza that they won’t vote him. I dropped in a couple comments about how independent votes help the candidate whose values are least like yours. So Trump. But people do not see past anger over Gaza or anger over not having someone besides Biden, period.
I had the privilege of volunteering and attending Biden’s speech yesterday. It is so disheartening to see that all the media has covered was the very brief protest. Almost immediately the audience drowned them out with chants of “Four more years!” President Biden handled it all so gracefully.
The media also did not cover how much respect and love for the President was apparent in the audience.
The chant of “ four more years” tells you all you need to know.
Thank you so much for describing the event!! That just feels great to imagine!! I wish I could have been there and glad you were!
This having been the case, we must push the full story of Biden’s excellent speech. I’d offer that it was and will be seen as historic. Thank you.
And here we thought at least the New York Times was mending its ways with that editorial a week ago!
Thanks so much for this Libby. That is exactly what I heard in the audio presentation of this story on NPR. I am shocked to learn that so many people READ NPR instead of listening to it, and they quite obviously did not get the same impression I did in reading this NPR coverage.
The road trip is a stroke of genius! Wonderful to hear you describe the travels, the cities where meets will happen, and the strength that will unite behind the voice of Today’s Edition. Wonderful newsletter, overall, as always, but I have to remark about the road trip. It will be fabulous in so many ways! There’s enough lead time for readers and events to come together with momentum and I’m sure a sense of celebration! Kudos!
Yes, Katherine!! As folks focused on the speech it occurred to me that we should be celebrating and honoring Jill and Robert. The road trip is an initiative that should be quickly recognized as a model for Democrats running for office in 2024. It will provide citizens with an opportunity to be heard which is surely half way to getting their vote. People need to feel heard.
Yes, people need to be heard. And live conversation holds the dynamic of everyone growing together because of the ideas and perspectives shared in real time. I’m challenged to fathom how Robert and his managing editor are able to produce such succinct, informative, balanced narratives daily, plus Jill is producing her own daily video blog. (I guess that’s called a vlog.) I know I would not have the bandwidth for such daily responsibilities (pressure to produce!), spend way too much time editing after I first blurt out all I have to say. Back to your point, I think the road trip is a perfect model for candidates. Do they call it stumping? I think of the old days, with candidates speaking from the back of a stationary train, traveling by rail and making stops to spread the campaign message.
My email to Maggie Astor of The NY Times:
Subject: dismayed that you left out any mention of President Biden's message
Bob Stromberg <bob.stromberg@gmail.com>
8:34 AM (0 minutes ago)
to Maggie Astor (maggie.astor@nytimes.com)
Hi,
I read with dismay your article "Protesters Calling for Gaza Cease-Fire Interrupt Biden Speech" (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/08/us/politics/biden-speech-protesters-israel-gaza.html.
First, because of the simple reminder of the disastrous response of the Netanyahu government to the Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7.
Second, because the article gave not a whiff of information about the substance of Biden's speech. Not a thing. What was he talking about? Wouldn't find out from your article.
I agree with covering the protesters, their message, and Biden's measured response. Thank you for that.
But to leave out any mention of his message is to bury his vital message. Here's an excerpt that contains one of his key points (emphasis added [sorry, boldface and indents not allowed in substack posts]):
[begin long quote]
Look, after the Civil War, the defeated Confederates couldn’t accept the verdict of the war: They had lost. So, they say — they embraced what’s known as the Lost Cause, a self-serving lie that the Civil War was not about slavery but about states’ rights. And they’ve called that the noble cause.
That was a lie, a lie that had — not just a lie but it had terrible consequences. It brought on Jim Crow.
So, let me be clear for those who don’t seem to know: Slavery was the cause of the Civil War. (Applause.) There is no negotiation about that.
Now — now we’re living in an era of a second lost cause. Once again, there are some in this country trying — trying to turn a loss into a lie — a lie, which if allowed to live, will once again bring terrible damage to this country. This time, the lie is about the 2020 election, the election which you made your voices heard and your power known.
[end long quote]
You have a tough job and I admire the evident care with which you write. Please provide better context for the "breaking news" events you cover.
Bob Stromberg
Round Lake, NY
Cell: (518) 791-9708
Fabulous letter--that worked!!
Maggie Astor's excellent response, at 8:50 AM -- 14 minutes later.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for reaching out. I really appreciate this feedback.
The reason the article didn't include the context is that I wrote it as part of a live briefing in which several of my colleagues were thoroughly covering the substance of the speech, so this was essentially a sidebar about the protest that was embedded within larger coverage of the speech. However, now that the live briefing has ended and those two parts of the coverage — my article and an article about the speech — are available separately, I understand your point. I'll talk to my editor about the possibility of updating my article to note the context and link to the fuller coverage.
Best,
Maggie
Oh! Bob, your post and letter to Maggie Astor is a model for what we all must do. Thank you. Thank you.
Oh, what a WONDERFUL letter!!
They are still fighting the Civil War in the South. However, when the great Migration takes place the entire South will be blue. Might be sooner than you think. Georgia is well on its way. It would not take much to tip the scales and the White Nationalist know it.
They do know it Adaline, and they are becoming quite desperate. That is why they have to resort to cheating and lies.
I WILL be listening to the oral arguments.
No one is above the law.
Make it so.
On Republicans trying to re-write history: Check this infographic which contrasts how Mike Pence, Josh Hawley, Mitt Romney and Troy Nehls ran to save themselves on Jan 6th compared to their denials about the insurrection to pander to Trump.
Insurrection? Run. Hide. Deny it happened!
https://thedemlabs.org/2024/01/08/insurrection-run-hide-republicans-deny-it-happened/
Mike Johnson on Face the Nation yesterday--dodging all the questions around the topic of Jan 6 or Big Lie or not certifying, he actually said it was water under the bridge. I wanted to throw something at the screen. Like, why are we talking about that, was his tone. Um. Because you are leading the party that did it and are getting ready to do it again. Water under the bridge. Stop asking me that stuff.
Thanks, Susan! Just a small correction: Johnson was on Face the Nation last Sunday. Stefanik was on Meet the Press. But their talking points mirrored each other.
Correct. I fixed it. Thanks.
Exactly Susan. Mike Johnson shows his arrogance by glibly trying to dismiss January 6, 2021 much like those who wanted us to believe the insurrectionists were just tourist. Outrageous!
"WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE"?!!!!!
His words.
O. M. G. !!! (And I'm NOT referring to his "god".)
Hawley's Jan. 6 behavior will come back to bite him in November. He has a capable opponent, lots of people remember that he's a first term Senator who's predecessor was a Democrat, and there's some indication that the Party will get organized in a Presidential year. A little support from the DSCC would go a long way.
Very nicely done!
Very good, Deepak!
FYI Liberation, major French newspaper reports
« Bataille
Etats-Unis : en campagne, Joe Biden et Donald Trump se rendent coup pour coup »
Battle
United States: in the campaign, Joe Biden and Donald Trump go head to head
EVEN THEY TALK ABOUT THAT ONE PROTESTER
« Alors que la saison des primaires est sur le point de commencer, les favoris des deux partis s’affrontent à distance par discours interposés. Bien que chahuté par des manifestants pro-Gaza, l’actuel président a, lui, livré un discours très habité ce lundi 8 janvier. »
As the primary season is about to begin, the favorites of the two parties are competing remotely through speeches. Although heckled by pro-Gaza demonstrators, the current president delivered a very lively speech this Monday, January 8.
Thanks, Amy. At least their press gave Biden credit for delivering "a very lively speech"!
“Moreover, Biden is not holding back. He is going after Trump's biggest area of insecurity and vulnerability—being labeled as a “loser.” Biden has repeated the charge several times over the last seventy-two hours.”
Jess Craven shared this yesterday from FrameLab. We need to stop calling Trump a dictator.
⬇️
“When you’re calling Trump a dictator, think about what you’re not calling him.
You’re not calling him a loser who never has and never will win the popular vote. A fraud. A traitor. Instead, you’re repeating his slander of immigrants and propping up his stature. You’re doing him a huge favor.”
https://framelab.substack.com/p/why-trump-wants-you-to-compare-him?utm_campaign=post_embed
Yes - this! I subscribe to George Lakoff's Framelab and read his article the other day: https://framelab.substack.com/p/understanding-trump-again. I've taken to calling Trump a loser and cringe whenever someone says "strongman" in reference to him. We all need to follow Lakoff's and Pres. Biden's lead and only refer to Trump as a weak loser who has lied, cheated and stolen to get his way.
Trump a “Strongman” ? That softpedals the truth: Trump is a would-be *dictator*.
MARVELOUS!!! Bang that drum over and over and over and over, Joe!!!
Yes! He was raised by Fred to abhor the word “loser.” We should throw that label at him every chance we get.
Why is no one pointing out that the reason we now have the potential for a major crisis in the Middle East is that Trump unilaterally pulled out of the Iran nuclear agreement and halted positive negotiations with that country?
Well, I have asked the same type of question with regard to the disastrous exit from Afghanistan.
Why do stories of that mess rarely, if ever, point out that the intelligence failed us at that moment because Trump’s administration undermined the efforts of the intelligence community while thoughtlessly agreeing to setting a date for the pull out without preparing for it? The result was that Biden’s team kept putting off the withdrawal from March to August but still didn’t have the intelligence that could have averted the disaster.
In a more normal world, the President of the United States' "inspirational and important speech on race and democracy" (especially at a time when his probable opponent is an opponent of democracy and facilitator of racism) would have been front page news. The protestors' interruption would have been covered on page 18 or thereabouts.
In a more normal world, the Speaker of the House's reliance on bipartisan support to complete a budget deal that was a product of bipartisan negotiations would be treated as routine with just a bit of a celebratory tone. Reports of Marjorie Taylor Greene and other Republicans who would prevent an agreement and force a government closure would be relegated to back pages. They are, after all, a small minority.
In a more normal world, we would not need to scramble to get write in votes in support of the renomination as President of the President of the United States and the leader of the Democratic Party for the New Hampshire Democratic Presidential Primary.
Count me as a YES for a return to normality.
I am not sure we remember what normal is and we may have a new normal.
But what explains the constant swaying in the wind by the likes of NY Times, when at one moment they offer an editorial of warning to readers and, at the same time, they harvest the smallest moment of discord from one individual?
The Times and other media are presenting themselves as a distraction rather than the Fourth Estate protecting democracy. By doing so, they undermine their own credibility. Let’s hope they get on track with greater consistency in the months ahead. They are more than annoying. They are endlessly failing their readers/voters.
Maybe they needed us to write and tell them how we felt about their coverage
Leonard Lubinsky – The US has been in a “new normal” for decades – ever since Newt Gingrich came on the scene. The old normal, sad to say, is almost a dream.
Trump is like Jefferson Davis running for the office of the Presidency after the Civil War and promising to restore the Confederacy. As the Supreme Court considers whether Trump should be excluded from the ballot as an insurrectionist — they should take into consideration that he refused to sign a pledge not to overthrow the government and he is saying he will pardon convicted insurrectionists. It’s not only Trump’s past behavior but his current behavior that should be considered. Yes, someone who cannot pledge to uphold the Constitution and respect democracy should not be allowed to run for President in the United States.
Biden looks around and connects with his audience in a meaningful way. He doesn’t dwell on the past. He looks towards the future. Everyone should watch the whole speech. Jim Clyburn did an amazing summation of Biden’s accomplishments. The press and media as a whole is stuck in the “if it bleeds, it leads” mode. Somehow good news and progress doesn’t sell. We all need to help spread the good news of Biden and Democrats.
I repost a comment for your consideration:
“I very clearly recall my parents deliberating over their vote choice when Barry Goldwater was on the Republican ballot. They spoke openly about how they felt he was too extreme and voted for LBJ. Of course, the most often did vote D.
I trust, as Robert’s post today suggests, that in 2024 there will be similar conversations throughout households across the U.S. It is hard not to imagine those conversations. Everyone should be fully engaged with democracy by getting out the vote. GOTV should be the call to action on the part of everyone; no if, ands, or buts.
To that end, I share a link to: “13 New Year Resolutions.” Professor Steve Erickson most cogent and clearly stated making clear that every vote for President Joseph R. Biden is a vote for democracy, decency, and the future of the United States.
https://www.journaloftheplagueyears.ink/blog/13-new-year-s-resolutions-for-saving-democracy
Oh, my! What a brilliant article! I will share in the newsletter this evening. Thanks for posting!
Wow John! Thanks for sharing this. I am going keep this on an open tab on my laptop to review as needed as we proceed through 2024.
"We should be wrapping ourselves in the flag every chance we have. We should make clear in our own minds and in the public mind that we are the true Americans in this civil war, we are the Americans of the Bill of Rights and constitutional preamble, of Gettysburg and Normandy, the Americans of happiness’ eternal pursuit and memory’s mystic chord and our natures’ better angels. Between now and November we should insist on this again and again on a daily if not hourly basis: that on the other side of whatever twisted nation Trump and Fox News might choose to forge is the true America which is to say our America, which is to say the America of limitless and regenerative possibility."
Indeed!
Just listened to the Appellate Court questioning Trump's attorney, John Sauer. George Orwell couldn't have imagined a better attorney general for Big Brother in Oceania. His ability to obfuscate, dissemble and confuse through twisty, fast-talking, raspy double-speak is extraordinary.
His argument that a President is immune to prosecution unless he is impeached and removed from office is horrifying. Let's say a President decides to have Seal Team 6 assassinate his political rival or he simply decides to suspend or terminate the Constitution and the House of Representatives and/or Senate, each or both comprised of a majority of his acolytes, elect(s) not to impeach or convict him, this President would never face prosecution for the assassination and/or could tear up the Constitution.
I pray our Courts are up to descrambling Sauer and Trump's Orwellian arguments.
And take note that news reports the number 3 Senate Republican leader has now endorsed Trump. The enablers just keep on trucking as though he is more important that democracy even though he has no plans except “retribution.” They are a sick lot.
It’s reminiscent of Nixon’s statement that “ if the President does it, it’s not a crime”.
And by the way, where is “Presidential immunity” articulated in the Constitution? Is it one of those doctrines that were articulated in a Justice Department Office of Special Counsel dictum during the Nixon or other Republican Administrations and then mindlessly repeated as though it were settled law?
The wonderful speech by Biden took place in the middle of the day. There was little or no chance that it was going to be seen by millions of Americans..in particular Americans who really need to hear his message. We therefore are dependent on the media to carry the weight of stressing the importance of the message(s) Biden and other Democrats are delivering in contrast to the threat that Trump represents. The media at large are failing us and our country. Op-eds penned by influential individuals can be helpful but they are not the same as front page news. We have little or no chance of influencing right leaning outlets. Right leaning readers most likely do not read the New York Times, The Washington Post or listen to NPR. So why do these bastions of liberalism employ a coverage and messaging policy that inflames their base?