After banging the drum for quite a while, Bill Kristol and Tim Miller got their wish, and the political world is scrambling for the 106-day sprint to the election— with Trump now officially the oldest presidential nominee in history.
I have not heard anyone suggest that President Biden’s timing was deliberate. He is a very smart politician. Teasing out this process has had an enormous benefit.
Trump chose a VP who will not expand his voter base. In fact, comments that Vance has made are now coming back to bite him in a big way.
And, the entire strategy of TFG’s re-election campaign is attacking President Biden. They have no policies that are popular. They have only personal attacks.
Where do they go now? Personal attacks on a black, Asian woman?? The GOP is already hemorrhaging support from women. Good luck with that! Even GOP politicians are criticizing “DEI hire” messaging.
Whether or not the timing was deliberate, I feel enormous optimism and gratitude to President Biden. A weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.
Huzzah for everyone! Here's to The Bulwark! I have some thoughts about Biden's decision that are in some ways a response the hysterics and feces-throwing of the Trump campaign. I have not heard these thoughts articulated by the Harris campaign or surrogates, though maybe I have missed them. If anyone finds them of interest, of note, or of use, please share accordingly. https://open.substack.com/pub/willeno/p/thoughts-on-biden-harris-and-life?r=9qn8z&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
He would be a different administration if he becomes president. However, he would also be a voice inside the Harris administration for voters who are skeptical of Democrats but have misgivings about Trump. The Democrats need their votes.
I have thought for a while that you folks don’t get RFKjr. To think he was going to drop and endorse Trump! I would study him more closely. He has a following and believes he will win.
What is the goal? To defeat Donald Trump. How do you that? Primarily by making the case that he is unfit. That is not a hard case to make, especially by a former prosecutor. A convicted felon, found liable for sexual assault, indicted after an attempt to subvert the 2020 election. The vast majority of the senior people who worked for him during his presidency have on the record articulated Trump's unfitness for office.
You football fans may remember Trent Dilfer, a journeyman QB who won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay be being an effective "game manager." That is all we need. We dont need a hall a famer, we need someone who can day in and day bring the case against Trump to the public and watch him continue to melt down. Not a guarantee, but a damn decent chance of success.
Please no open primary for Pres. the last thing that is needed is a bunch of grandstanding between now and the Dem Convention with the bickering and purity tests that would ensue. In a perfect world seeing who comes out on top after a year of campaigning and primaries would be fine. Right now the the Ds should focus on 3 numbers ; 270, 51 and 218. As for VP someone from a swing state preferably one that is not currently in office, consider one where their replacemnet can be done in a manner that would not affect the total in Congress. They should also give the Rs as little tofocus on and negative campaign on as possible. Kelly might not be a good choice because of Gabby and the ability for the Rs to say,"They are coming after your guns". Tim Ryan would be at the top of my list for VP give him another chance at JD. Remembe that you are picking candiates the will appeal to less than 100,000 people in swing states.
You guys rock... thanks for helping relieve the daily throbbing as we live with the potential end to our democracy. Bill, Tim and Sarah and JVL may prevent my arteries bursting between now and Nov. (I'm a lifelong dem who so appreciates your perspectives... I'll never be a conservative but you have saved me from woke.)
The Dems are skating on pretty thin ice by ignoring the fact that the voters supported the Biden Harris ticket. Harris needs to be top of the ticket or there will be voter pushback. Many of us aren't happy about how this whole thing went down.
I’m totally guessing here, but I think Joe was making calls for days to line up the immediate endorsements from the power brokers and former president. With no leaks.
Her introduction was a celebration. It was brilliant and she has set the perfect tone.
Obama needs to get on the Harris train. She’s going to kick Trump’s ass.
I have not heard anyone suggest that President Biden’s timing was deliberate. He is a very smart politician. Teasing out this process has had an enormous benefit.
Trump chose a VP who will not expand his voter base. In fact, comments that Vance has made are now coming back to bite him in a big way.
And, the entire strategy of TFG’s re-election campaign is attacking President Biden. They have no policies that are popular. They have only personal attacks.
Where do they go now? Personal attacks on a black, Asian woman?? The GOP is already hemorrhaging support from women. Good luck with that! Even GOP politicians are criticizing “DEI hire” messaging.
Whether or not the timing was deliberate, I feel enormous optimism and gratitude to President Biden. A weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.
We have a chance now, a real chance!
Here's the link for the ad: https://youtu.be/vDSsci8uy8E?feature=shared
Huzzah for everyone! Here's to The Bulwark! I have some thoughts about Biden's decision that are in some ways a response the hysterics and feces-throwing of the Trump campaign. I have not heard these thoughts articulated by the Harris campaign or surrogates, though maybe I have missed them. If anyone finds them of interest, of note, or of use, please share accordingly. https://open.substack.com/pub/willeno/p/thoughts-on-biden-harris-and-life?r=9qn8z&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
How about Kinzinger for Veep?
He would be a different administration if he becomes president. However, he would also be a voice inside the Harris administration for voters who are skeptical of Democrats but have misgivings about Trump. The Democrats need their votes.
Thanks, gents. Now let's organize and mobilize that majority coalition Sarah has been talking about.
I’m for Kamala/ Pete. But, truth be told, I’m for any combination that can vociferously slam the door on Cloud Cuckoo Land.
I have thought for a while that you folks don’t get RFKjr. To think he was going to drop and endorse Trump! I would study him more closely. He has a following and believes he will win.
What is the goal? To defeat Donald Trump. How do you that? Primarily by making the case that he is unfit. That is not a hard case to make, especially by a former prosecutor. A convicted felon, found liable for sexual assault, indicted after an attempt to subvert the 2020 election. The vast majority of the senior people who worked for him during his presidency have on the record articulated Trump's unfitness for office.
You football fans may remember Trent Dilfer, a journeyman QB who won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay be being an effective "game manager." That is all we need. We dont need a hall a famer, we need someone who can day in and day bring the case against Trump to the public and watch him continue to melt down. Not a guarantee, but a damn decent chance of success.
Bill Kristol's every utterance is a lesson in diplomacy.
Please no open primary for Pres. the last thing that is needed is a bunch of grandstanding between now and the Dem Convention with the bickering and purity tests that would ensue. In a perfect world seeing who comes out on top after a year of campaigning and primaries would be fine. Right now the the Ds should focus on 3 numbers ; 270, 51 and 218. As for VP someone from a swing state preferably one that is not currently in office, consider one where their replacemnet can be done in a manner that would not affect the total in Congress. They should also give the Rs as little tofocus on and negative campaign on as possible. Kelly might not be a good choice because of Gabby and the ability for the Rs to say,"They are coming after your guns". Tim Ryan would be at the top of my list for VP give him another chance at JD. Remembe that you are picking candiates the will appeal to less than 100,000 people in swing states.
So there are two Bulwark podcasts today? Kristol and (ugh) Carville?
If you want to sweep, pick charismattic, smart, experienced ADAM KINZINGER.
A Republican? Please.
You guys rock... thanks for helping relieve the daily throbbing as we live with the potential end to our democracy. Bill, Tim and Sarah and JVL may prevent my arteries bursting between now and Nov. (I'm a lifelong dem who so appreciates your perspectives... I'll never be a conservative but you have saved me from woke.)
The Dems are skating on pretty thin ice by ignoring the fact that the voters supported the Biden Harris ticket. Harris needs to be top of the ticket or there will be voter pushback. Many of us aren't happy about how this whole thing went down.
By POTUS stepping aside in Harris’ favor?
I am relieved that she was endorsed and is now our candidate. That wasn't a given initially.
I’m totally guessing here, but I think Joe was making calls for days to line up the immediate endorsements from the power brokers and former president. With no leaks.
Her introduction was a celebration. It was brilliant and she has set the perfect tone.
Obama needs to get on the Harris train. She’s going to kick Trump’s ass.
Love you Tim. But that coconut thing is stupid and annoying. And what does it mean anyway? Please stop it.
I think the "brat" thing is stupid and annoying. But I come from a time long ago when being a brat was not considered a positive trait.
Get used to coconuts for a few months.
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/21/g-s1-12556/kamala-harris-coconut-tree-meme-context-unburdened
VP pick: Tim Ryan.