Tonight Joe Biden exceeded EVERYONE'S expectations, including even those who like me never shared the bizarrely low opinion of so many commentators. He quite simply knocked the ball into the upper decks! As for Robert Hubbell his appreciation of Biden's SOTU speech was to me pitch perfect. We Democrats should all stop our picayune criticisms of Pres. Biden and join this happy warrior on his/our journey. We should stop being surprised by this man's strengths--they are now beyond dispute.
It's called nit picking Roger. The constant "complainy" nit picking at the Office of the Presidency via complaining about Biden is tiresome and dangerous.
Honestly. If people knew the totality of what this Biden Administration has accomplished they would be truly humbled.
In closing I wasn't worried about Biden's delivery as much as the GOP crazy wing. To echo Hubbell and others President Biden did another history making job.
President Biden owned the Republicans at the SOTU. I wonder how many of them are just now realizing that?
He didn’t just exceed everyone’s expections, he exceeded the performance of any American president in recent history. And he is face to face with an anti-American, fascist group of “legislators” who support the destruction of our country. Amazing Joe.
My surprise [not a good one by any measure] when the Repubs stood up for police, and stayed seated for Pres. Biden's statement about teachers being paid more.
I thought the speech a home run also.
Loved his turning around the Refuse-icans [MAGA repubs] on Social Security and Medicare. What is often left unsaid is the great number of people who are disabled and receive Soc. Sec. and who piece together a semblance of a life with food aid, energy assistance, Section 8 [disgusting] housing, and Soc. Security.
I visited a man who used a wheelchair, lived in Section 8 apt, in a dark basement, and had no ramp to get into/out of his apt because there were steps. He waited for a neighbor who would carry him. With business; compassion and empathy often in short supply vs. greed and manipulation. That's all I'm saying.
I really appreciate your mention of the disabled. You're so right - there are a great number of disabled in this country, and family of - plus if we live long enough, we will all be disabled to some degree. An immensely important community, so often overlooked, neglected, and/or preyed upon.
Feb 8, 2023·edited Feb 8, 2023Liked by Robert B. Hubbell
In my opinion, President Biden just earned six more years as President if he chooses to do so. In fact, I can't imagine who could step into President Biden's shoes after this most adroit, amazing speech tonight. The speech writing team should also get a big high five. This "conversation" with the People kept me smiling throughout. Positive and optimistic while laying out an excellent plan and agenda. Beautiful flow from one topic to the next. When he negotiated keeping Social Security and pulled the Republicans right into his web and committing them not to touch Social Security was just plain impressive and truly fun to watch! The couple of sentences on women's reproductive rights was right to the point and got some of the biggest positive reaction of the evening. That was all he needed to do on that topic. Watching Speaker McCarthy was interesting. He was so pleasantly surprised by Biden starting his speech by congratulating McCarthy on becoming speaker. What I saw a number of times was admiration for what the President was doing while trying to keep a straight face. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' speech catastrophizing the record of Biden and Democrats couldn't have been more of a contrast to the competence, experience, accomplishments and deftness of an optimistic Biden. He certainly was talking for We, the People, all of us this time! Let's go help him finish what he's started.
I did listen although I didn't want to after Biden's brilliant speech. She basically said the radical left Democrats and Biden had failed you. It seemed more tooting her own horn as the new Governor of Arkansas. There was nothing about any plans for what Republicans would do if they got back the Presidency. I think it was taped. It certainly did not respond to anything Biden said.
Jessica Valenti Does a daily posting about the state of reproductive rights, which is growing more and more dire. She was deeply disappointed that Biden did not spend more time on what the consequences of this attack has been for women’s lives. I join with those who applaud Biden‘s performance but I just wanted to share the comment of somebody who’s deep in the trenches on this issue.
I had a little different reaction. Admonishing the Congress to codify Roe was the one thing he did need to say. It also got one of the biggest responses of anything he said. I certainly was whooping when he said it. I was more than satisfied with that.
Yes, Cathy. I thought what he said about reproductive rights was enough, as well. Contrast his handling of maintaining social security and medicare. Does anyone really disagree or have strong negative views in that domain? Not publicly! Reproduction rights have deeply entrenched "believers" and this is not where he would have made a dent in that part of the issue. Infrastructure, jobs with high salaries w/o a college degree ... clear-cut. Exciting.
Reproductive rights is an essential core issue for so many of us women and a lot of men. The media and a lot of politicians don't seem to understand how deep this is with us. I personally have vowed not to vote for any Republican at any level of government - local, state and federal - because I'm holding the entire Republican Party accountable for taking away these rights!
Reproductive rights have always been my one issue voter topic. I would - and haven’t ever - knowingly voted for any candidate who doesn’t fully FULLY support reproductive health, freedom, and rights for women. Slam dunk. Conversation over 😉
Whoa, Robert getting flack for articulating what so many of us are thinking, feeling, reading?
I guess that is fine since helpful constructive criticism makes us all better.
But, Robert, understand for thousands of us, we read you and HCR BEFORE the NYT or the WSJ. You are our coffee mate.. for some you are the person they converse with when they can’t sleep at 2am.
Lets just pause for a second amidst the criticism and say once again - thank you for being “our friend” our source of reason, our reminder of decency, of family values, of friendship and loss.
Take a deep breadth Robert- you are a man amongst men.
So true! Like other readers here I have dropped the New York Times and rarely watch TV news. HCR, Robert Reich, Joyce Vance, and you Robert Hubbell, as well as the commenters on all these substacks provide me with so much information and food for thought. You encourage me to go more deeply into subjects where my knowledge is shallow. I especially love that readers question each other sometimes, but almost never is the tone snarky or rude. I have shared substacks with people who, like me, used to depend on Main Street Media, and almost everyone is grateful for a new angle on the news in the world. Keep sharing substacks with everyone you know!
PENNSYLVANIA SPECIAL ELECTIONS: All three seats in the lower house were won yesterday by Democrats, who now have a narrow mafority. The senate has a narrow Republican majority. All other statewide offices were won by Democrats in November. Thanks to everyone who helped!
That was the best show on Earth tonight. I hope the whole world was watching his master class in leadership and grace. Not a hateful word in 90 minutes- just rousing reasons to get on board this American train of progress. For a minute there I actually felt sorry for Mc Carthy. He looked like he chose the wrong party. So did Mc Connell.
I’ve followed Joe Biden for years. He’s a marvel. So glad he so strongly represented what is great about this country. If voters weren’t convinced before, tonight was a game changer. Bless him.
He should be reelected. He is a person of the people, he is old in the best way - he exudes wisdom, humor, compassion, strength. I hope the dems and all (well a majority of) Americans get it. We are so lucky to have him as our president at this time of crisis in our history.
I am grateful every day for his leadership. He is the right person to lead us through the minefield of the crises and challenges during this dangerous time in our history.
I too noticed that when Biden brought up Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid and that some republicans are going ‘after’ it that McCarthy and others had a face on them and started to shake their heads. Yes, McCarthy was shushing… which looked so weird. Regardless, Biden rolled over them like a truck.
I also saw Kevin McC fail to smother a smile when, after referencing the suggestion by (one) Republican to sunset SS, Medicare & Medicaid by the president, Biden came back with a quote from a former coach to a player (may not be exact): I hope you enjoy your senior year.
Excellent speech! President Biden definitely showed why all his years of service make him a leader on unimpeccable character trying his best to do what's right for all Americans!!
I disregard the polls mainly skewed from so much of today's fake media posts
I personally use the AP daily free newsletter as an accurate source. The problem with today's instant gratification society is they don't realize how big of a hole President Biden has been digging America out of since the orange boss clown left office and that his minions seem determined to drag us all back into. I especially like how he put bossy Marge in check with a few chuckles like water off a duck!!
I thought your column about the media was spot on and much appreciated for clarity and specifics. President Biden positively rocked it delivering the State of the Union. Had planned to listen to avoid seeing the detractors in action. But the strong, forceful delivery drew me in. Loved seeing President Joe Biden at his best! Did see detractors looking like they’ve been sucking on too many sour pickles and sounding like J6 insurrectionists.
Andrew Weissmann is another very intelligent, well-spoken and very experienced attorney who is a commentator for MSNBC. I've appreciated his level-headed viewpoint amidst all the chaos of the news in the past many years.
He is a Professor of Practice with the Center on the Administration of Criminal Law at NYU law school. He served as a lead prosecutor in Robert S. Mueller’s Special Counsel’s Office (2017-19) and as Chief of the Fraud Section in the Department of Justice (2015-2019).
Easy to understand why she is divorced... I wonder if she acts that way with her friends. Remember she followed one of the survivors of a mass shooting and taunted them. What a cruel person.
I think she is following 2016 playbook. The more outrageous the better and there is no such thing as bad press. I think she views herself for a higher office someday. What do you think?
Yes, for sure, Janice. And they are blissfully unaware of it - going through life under an illusion they are smarter and better than others and right about everything. Then they wonder why people don't like them. Imagine if MTG had lived in Russia and called Putin a liar? She'd disappear, never to be seen again. Does she appreciate that she lives under a democratic system where free speech is permitted no matter how obnoxious the person is that spouts insulting and idiotic statements? A legislative body is supposed to be somewhat dignified.
Great, uplifting newsletter. My reply to ¨retired, leader of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team,¨ is that he/she is from an era that appears to no longer exist in America at this moment, and the reason it appears so to many of us is that more and more of the media is owned by right wing billionaires who demand sales. Trump sells. Right wingery sells. I stopped subscribing to the NYT because it no longer was ¨all the news that´s fit to print.¨ NPR has changed as well. While there are those who are still in the trenches for truth, masses of us no longer trust the media. On both sides of the aisle. We find more truth on sub-stacks which weren´t around before.
You would be right if Gen Y and Gen Z were even slightly engaged. It's clear Joe has the skill. I love him. But it's going to be a math issue. Who will show up to vote?
Ask yourself about the average age of the folks who paid attention last night. It's a big problem.
"The youth vote was the second highest in almost three decades, defying conventional wisdom about 18-29 demographic
While final figures are still pouring in, it is estimated that 27% of young voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in 2022, making this the midterm election with the second highest youth voter turnout in almost three decades, after 2018. In some key battleground states, turnout was even higher, at 31%, and support for Democratic candidates was roughly over 60%, driven in large part by the fight for abortion rights after the supreme court overturned Roe v Wade.
Democrats breathe a sigh of relief but their troubles are far from over
Read more
An Edison Research National Election Pool exit poll showed that 18-29s were the only age group in which a strong majority supported Democrats. Support for Democrats was even higher among Black youth at 89% and Latino youth at 68%.
It is a trend that continues from the 2018 and 2020 elections, where youth voter turnout – historically perceived as low – surged and proved to be a crucial voting bloc, particularly for Democrats. But some young voters struggled to cast their ballot – raising questions about the particular hurdles this group faces to have a voice in elections.
“There’s very much a popular belief that young voters are apathetic, and actually the data shows that it’s quite the opposite. This is the most politically engaged cohort of young voters in American history – even higher than in the 1960s in the United States,” said Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, president of NextGen, a progressive youth advocacy non-profit and political action committee.
“They’re voting more. They’re participating in protests. They are more avid readers of politics and social issues. So I think that that surprises a lot of people about young voters.”
I take the wins where I can Bill. Yesterday was a huge win for the President and the Democrats. I'm going to bask in that glow a little while longer. At my age it is the prudent thing to do.
Thank you, Barbara! I keep beating this drum as well! The young voters are engaged, informed and don’t carry the prejudice of the Reagan generation ‘s vanguard. They can sense snake oil and are willing to fight for their futures. Lots and lots of them. Let’s help them.
The comment about republicans, congressional/scotus I think all republicans are bad, support seditionists and insurrectionists, unethical, dishonest, and on and on...even my next door neighbor a retired widowed woman.
If you see something- say something.
Until republicans speak up against the member of their cult, admit that 45 is a disease, and apologize for J6, they are as described above.
Absolutely agree. There are those republicans who do speak up and speak out like Republicans Against Trump on Twitter, The Lincoln Project, Steve Schmidt. But none in our House.
It was great fun watching Biden finesse/ignore the Repubs - like a really good poker player and 7th grade teacher combined. I'm concerned by how frail he looked as he left, walking stiffly, repeating his standard "By the way...." to many of the people he chatted with. My guess is that adrenaline got him through an exhausting evening. Justice Breyer looked frail, but radiated energy; Biden did not. I wish he were 10-20 years younger because he demonstrates a deep commitment to democracy, fairness, and America, and he has stellar political skills.
I’m sorry but Justice Breyer just sat and listened as Biden flawlessly delivers a 90 minute detailed explanation of the State of the Union under his leadership, all the while jousting with the unruly bunch of GOP fools McCarthy was attempting to hush. No wonder Breyer was glowing and no wonder Biden was tired. Didn’t stop him from embracing the whole room almost 20 minutes after that amazing discourse. I don’t think anyone 20 years younger could have topped him tonight.
Tonight Joe Biden exceeded EVERYONE'S expectations, including even those who like me never shared the bizarrely low opinion of so many commentators. He quite simply knocked the ball into the upper decks! As for Robert Hubbell his appreciation of Biden's SOTU speech was to me pitch perfect. We Democrats should all stop our picayune criticisms of Pres. Biden and join this happy warrior on his/our journey. We should stop being surprised by this man's strengths--they are now beyond dispute.
It's called nit picking Roger. The constant "complainy" nit picking at the Office of the Presidency via complaining about Biden is tiresome and dangerous.
Honestly. If people knew the totality of what this Biden Administration has accomplished they would be truly humbled.
In closing I wasn't worried about Biden's delivery as much as the GOP crazy wing. To echo Hubbell and others President Biden did another history making job.
President Biden owned the Republicans at the SOTU. I wonder how many of them are just now realizing that?
No such thing as bad publicity is the mantra of the ignorant loudmouths amongst the gop reps in the House! Doubt if they realize any thing!
Nah, don’t even dream
He didn’t just exceed everyone’s expections, he exceeded the performance of any American president in recent history. And he is face to face with an anti-American, fascist group of “legislators” who support the destruction of our country. Amazing Joe.
Totally right!!
Who is surprised? Why is there surprise?
My surprise [not a good one by any measure] when the Repubs stood up for police, and stayed seated for Pres. Biden's statement about teachers being paid more.
I thought the speech a home run also.
Loved his turning around the Refuse-icans [MAGA repubs] on Social Security and Medicare. What is often left unsaid is the great number of people who are disabled and receive Soc. Sec. and who piece together a semblance of a life with food aid, energy assistance, Section 8 [disgusting] housing, and Soc. Security.
I visited a man who used a wheelchair, lived in Section 8 apt, in a dark basement, and had no ramp to get into/out of his apt because there were steps. He waited for a neighbor who would carry him. With business; compassion and empathy often in short supply vs. greed and manipulation. That's all I'm saying.
I really appreciate your mention of the disabled. You're so right - there are a great number of disabled in this country, and family of - plus if we live long enough, we will all be disabled to some degree. An immensely important community, so often overlooked, neglected, and/or preyed upon.
Beautifully expressed.
Seconded!
In my opinion, President Biden just earned six more years as President if he chooses to do so. In fact, I can't imagine who could step into President Biden's shoes after this most adroit, amazing speech tonight. The speech writing team should also get a big high five. This "conversation" with the People kept me smiling throughout. Positive and optimistic while laying out an excellent plan and agenda. Beautiful flow from one topic to the next. When he negotiated keeping Social Security and pulled the Republicans right into his web and committing them not to touch Social Security was just plain impressive and truly fun to watch! The couple of sentences on women's reproductive rights was right to the point and got some of the biggest positive reaction of the evening. That was all he needed to do on that topic. Watching Speaker McCarthy was interesting. He was so pleasantly surprised by Biden starting his speech by congratulating McCarthy on becoming speaker. What I saw a number of times was admiration for what the President was doing while trying to keep a straight face. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' speech catastrophizing the record of Biden and Democrats couldn't have been more of a contrast to the competence, experience, accomplishments and deftness of an optimistic Biden. He certainly was talking for We, the People, all of us this time! Let's go help him finish what he's started.
I did not listen to Sarah. She defended Trump's lies and made up a few of her own during her stint. I cannot trust someone with no integrity
I didn't either. Why put ourselves through that after Biden's stellar night?
I did listen although I didn't want to after Biden's brilliant speech. She basically said the radical left Democrats and Biden had failed you. It seemed more tooting her own horn as the new Governor of Arkansas. There was nothing about any plans for what Republicans would do if they got back the Presidency. I think it was taped. It certainly did not respond to anything Biden said.
Hope other Dems are listening
Jessica Valenti Does a daily posting about the state of reproductive rights, which is growing more and more dire. She was deeply disappointed that Biden did not spend more time on what the consequences of this attack has been for women’s lives. I join with those who applaud Biden‘s performance but I just wanted to share the comment of somebody who’s deep in the trenches on this issue.
I had a little different reaction. Admonishing the Congress to codify Roe was the one thing he did need to say. It also got one of the biggest responses of anything he said. I certainly was whooping when he said it. I was more than satisfied with that.
I too, was very disappointed but if his goal was to pull GQP members out of their trumpian/putin trance they’ve been in, then he exceeded.
https://jessica.substack.com/p/abortion-every-day-2923?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email#details
i think this is the link, but you can find her by searching for Jessica Valenti.
Yes, Cathy. I thought what he said about reproductive rights was enough, as well. Contrast his handling of maintaining social security and medicare. Does anyone really disagree or have strong negative views in that domain? Not publicly! Reproduction rights have deeply entrenched "believers" and this is not where he would have made a dent in that part of the issue. Infrastructure, jobs with high salaries w/o a college degree ... clear-cut. Exciting.
Reproductive rights is an essential core issue for so many of us women and a lot of men. The media and a lot of politicians don't seem to understand how deep this is with us. I personally have vowed not to vote for any Republican at any level of government - local, state and federal - because I'm holding the entire Republican Party accountable for taking away these rights!
Reproductive rights have always been my one issue voter topic. I would - and haven’t ever - knowingly voted for any candidate who doesn’t fully FULLY support reproductive health, freedom, and rights for women. Slam dunk. Conversation over 😉
😉!!
💙
Nicely put. Thank you.
"adroit"—a perfect description of his masterful speech and interactions with the Repugnants.
Love your reference to Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch. Excellent analogy.
Whoa, Robert getting flack for articulating what so many of us are thinking, feeling, reading?
I guess that is fine since helpful constructive criticism makes us all better.
But, Robert, understand for thousands of us, we read you and HCR BEFORE the NYT or the WSJ. You are our coffee mate.. for some you are the person they converse with when they can’t sleep at 2am.
Lets just pause for a second amidst the criticism and say once again - thank you for being “our friend” our source of reason, our reminder of decency, of family values, of friendship and loss.
Take a deep breadth Robert- you are a man amongst men.
So true! Like other readers here I have dropped the New York Times and rarely watch TV news. HCR, Robert Reich, Joyce Vance, and you Robert Hubbell, as well as the commenters on all these substacks provide me with so much information and food for thought. You encourage me to go more deeply into subjects where my knowledge is shallow. I especially love that readers question each other sometimes, but almost never is the tone snarky or rude. I have shared substacks with people who, like me, used to depend on Main Street Media, and almost everyone is grateful for a new angle on the news in the world. Keep sharing substacks with everyone you know!
PENNSYLVANIA SPECIAL ELECTIONS: All three seats in the lower house were won yesterday by Democrats, who now have a narrow mafority. The senate has a narrow Republican majority. All other statewide offices were won by Democrats in November. Thanks to everyone who helped!
Thanks, Nancy for shouting out these victories in Pennsylvania to our newsletter. It’s the other great news of the evening. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Woo hoo! Big high fives!! More good news on an already good news day.
Does my 💙 good!
That was the best show on Earth tonight. I hope the whole world was watching his master class in leadership and grace. Not a hateful word in 90 minutes- just rousing reasons to get on board this American train of progress. For a minute there I actually felt sorry for Mc Carthy. He looked like he chose the wrong party. So did Mc Connell.
I’ve followed Joe Biden for years. He’s a marvel. So glad he so strongly represented what is great about this country. If voters weren’t convinced before, tonight was a game changer. Bless him.
McTurtle actually looked withdrawn as he peaked out of his shell.
He should be reelected. He is a person of the people, he is old in the best way - he exudes wisdom, humor, compassion, strength. I hope the dems and all (well a majority of) Americans get it. We are so lucky to have him as our president at this time of crisis in our history.
Robert Reich. His daily newsletter is full of common sense solutions and a wealth of expertise and experience.
Experience. Matters.
Which comes with age.
Not always, but in his case. Plenty of MAGAts around me are old and ignorant, sometimes deliberately so
Good point Jeri.
As does Empathy.
I am grateful every day for his leadership. He is the right person to lead us through the minefield of the crises and challenges during this dangerous time in our history.
YES! Two words—“nailed it!” And did anyone notice Kevin Mc lip movements to “hush” his minions?
I too noticed that when Biden brought up Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid and that some republicans are going ‘after’ it that McCarthy and others had a face on them and started to shake their heads. Yes, McCarthy was shushing… which looked so weird. Regardless, Biden rolled over them like a truck.
I also saw Kevin McC fail to smother a smile when, after referencing the suggestion by (one) Republican to sunset SS, Medicare & Medicaid by the president, Biden came back with a quote from a former coach to a player (may not be exact): I hope you enjoy your senior year.
Why is it sad? I was surprised (and glad) to see McCarthy at least some control over the crazy faction of his caucus.
Excellent speech! President Biden definitely showed why all his years of service make him a leader on unimpeccable character trying his best to do what's right for all Americans!!
I disregard the polls mainly skewed from so much of today's fake media posts
I personally use the AP daily free newsletter as an accurate source. The problem with today's instant gratification society is they don't realize how big of a hole President Biden has been digging America out of since the orange boss clown left office and that his minions seem determined to drag us all back into. I especially like how he put bossy Marge in check with a few chuckles like water off a duck!!
Unimpeachable rather than unimpeccable
So true 👍
I thought your column about the media was spot on and much appreciated for clarity and specifics. President Biden positively rocked it delivering the State of the Union. Had planned to listen to avoid seeing the detractors in action. But the strong, forceful delivery drew me in. Loved seeing President Joe Biden at his best! Did see detractors looking like they’ve been sucking on too many sour pickles and sounding like J6 insurrectionists.
Sour pickles, indeed!
Andrew Weissmann is another very intelligent, well-spoken and very experienced attorney who is a commentator for MSNBC. I've appreciated his level-headed viewpoint amidst all the chaos of the news in the past many years.
He is a Professor of Practice with the Center on the Administration of Criminal Law at NYU law school. He served as a lead prosecutor in Robert S. Mueller’s Special Counsel’s Office (2017-19) and as Chief of the Fraud Section in the Department of Justice (2015-2019).
Yes a great performance for sure. MTG is a disgrace to the legislative body,
MTG made a fool of herself. It definitely didn't go over well. She looked the thug that sits in the back of the classroom and acts out and brawls.
Easy to understand why she is divorced... I wonder if she acts that way with her friends. Remember she followed one of the survivors of a mass shooting and taunted them. What a cruel person.
I think she is following 2016 playbook. The more outrageous the better and there is no such thing as bad press. I think she views herself for a higher office someday. What do you think?
Mtg, others in their caucus, and sarah hb.Just revolting.
Yes, for sure, Janice. And they are blissfully unaware of it - going through life under an illusion they are smarter and better than others and right about everything. Then they wonder why people don't like them. Imagine if MTG had lived in Russia and called Putin a liar? She'd disappear, never to be seen again. Does she appreciate that she lives under a democratic system where free speech is permitted no matter how obnoxious the person is that spouts insulting and idiotic statements? A legislative body is supposed to be somewhat dignified.
Great, uplifting newsletter. My reply to ¨retired, leader of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team,¨ is that he/she is from an era that appears to no longer exist in America at this moment, and the reason it appears so to many of us is that more and more of the media is owned by right wing billionaires who demand sales. Trump sells. Right wingery sells. I stopped subscribing to the NYT because it no longer was ¨all the news that´s fit to print.¨ NPR has changed as well. While there are those who are still in the trenches for truth, masses of us no longer trust the media. On both sides of the aisle. We find more truth on sub-stacks which weren´t around before.
Your every sentence regarding the media is spot on!
Anyone who thinks Biden can't take on Governor White Rubber Wellingtons in 2024 and turn him into a national joke needs to rethink their existence.
You would be right if Gen Y and Gen Z were even slightly engaged. It's clear Joe has the skill. I love him. But it's going to be a math issue. Who will show up to vote?
Ask yourself about the average age of the folks who paid attention last night. It's a big problem.
"The youth vote was the second highest in almost three decades, defying conventional wisdom about 18-29 demographic
While final figures are still pouring in, it is estimated that 27% of young voters aged 18-29 cast a ballot in 2022, making this the midterm election with the second highest youth voter turnout in almost three decades, after 2018. In some key battleground states, turnout was even higher, at 31%, and support for Democratic candidates was roughly over 60%, driven in large part by the fight for abortion rights after the supreme court overturned Roe v Wade.
Democrats breathe a sigh of relief but their troubles are far from over
Read more
An Edison Research National Election Pool exit poll showed that 18-29s were the only age group in which a strong majority supported Democrats. Support for Democrats was even higher among Black youth at 89% and Latino youth at 68%.
It is a trend that continues from the 2018 and 2020 elections, where youth voter turnout – historically perceived as low – surged and proved to be a crucial voting bloc, particularly for Democrats. But some young voters struggled to cast their ballot – raising questions about the particular hurdles this group faces to have a voice in elections.
“There’s very much a popular belief that young voters are apathetic, and actually the data shows that it’s quite the opposite. This is the most politically engaged cohort of young voters in American history – even higher than in the 1960s in the United States,” said Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, president of NextGen, a progressive youth advocacy non-profit and political action committee.
“They’re voting more. They’re participating in protests. They are more avid readers of politics and social issues. So I think that that surprises a lot of people about young voters.”
The Guardian November 11, 2022
Good post. May the trend continue. Just keep in mind this young group wasn't faced with an 80 year old candidate.
I thought Joe proved his abilities beyond question last night.
But let's be honest about the average viewers age. So, I am nervous.
For now, I will take the day to be proud...really proud of our President and our party.
I take the wins where I can Bill. Yesterday was a huge win for the President and the Democrats. I'm going to bask in that glow a little while longer. At my age it is the prudent thing to do.
Thank you, Barbara! I keep beating this drum as well! The young voters are engaged, informed and don’t carry the prejudice of the Reagan generation ‘s vanguard. They can sense snake oil and are willing to fight for their futures. Lots and lots of them. Let’s help them.
Robert I agree that Biden was great tonight!
The comment about republicans, congressional/scotus I think all republicans are bad, support seditionists and insurrectionists, unethical, dishonest, and on and on...even my next door neighbor a retired widowed woman.
If you see something- say something.
Until republicans speak up against the member of their cult, admit that 45 is a disease, and apologize for J6, they are as described above.
Absolutely agree. There are those republicans who do speak up and speak out like Republicans Against Trump on Twitter, The Lincoln Project, Steve Schmidt. But none in our House.
It was great fun watching Biden finesse/ignore the Repubs - like a really good poker player and 7th grade teacher combined. I'm concerned by how frail he looked as he left, walking stiffly, repeating his standard "By the way...." to many of the people he chatted with. My guess is that adrenaline got him through an exhausting evening. Justice Breyer looked frail, but radiated energy; Biden did not. I wish he were 10-20 years younger because he demonstrates a deep commitment to democracy, fairness, and America, and he has stellar political skills.
I’m sorry but Justice Breyer just sat and listened as Biden flawlessly delivers a 90 minute detailed explanation of the State of the Union under his leadership, all the while jousting with the unruly bunch of GOP fools McCarthy was attempting to hush. No wonder Breyer was glowing and no wonder Biden was tired. Didn’t stop him from embracing the whole room almost 20 minutes after that amazing discourse. I don’t think anyone 20 years younger could have topped him tonight.
I echo Diane's response to you.