What’s the Hurry, Joe?

 

Many people have speculated about the date selected for the first Presidential debate. Many questions have been raised about having it before the candidates are formally selected at their respective conventions, of having the debates so early in the season, and since Biden chose the date, how influential he was in agreeing to the debate and choosing the date.

I suspect that Biden knows — as do his managers and Dr. Jill — that hiding out and avoiding Trump would work against him. His poll numbers are a disaster, although I can’t figure out why Biden fails in every category in a Fox News poll, except in his overall governance. What’s that about?

Since Biden’s mental acuity has become especially detrimental to his image, he/his managers may have figured out that the sooner they have the debate, the better; the less probability there will be for his mumbling and stumbling getting worse.

There have also been rumors that if he doesn’t perform well (better to know sooner rather than later) at the debate, a small cadre of his managers will tell him he has to step down. How they expect him to leave without a fuss, particularly a public fuss, is above my pay grade.

We then have to wonder who would replace him. Some people say they will bribe Kamala Harris to step down, too. Then what? Would they select Gavin Newsom? I know some think he’s handsome (not my type), but his record in California is atrocious. And I can’t imagine any other Democrat that is anywhere near qualified.

I’m amused at all the “guidance” that Trump is getting from everywhere about how he should behave at the debate: he should “tone it down” and not be so brash; he should let Biden do most of the talking because he’ll run out of juice and start losing his grasp on reality; Trump shouldn’t beat up on Biden too badly, because he’ll look like a bully, and Biden will become a sympathetic character.

More than anything, this is one time that I find the speculation somewhat amusing, despite the sobering fact that how these men perform may be a factor in who runs the country for the next four years. Yet many seem to think that the citizens have already decided who they will vote for.

Do you think they’ve decided?

Could they be convinced to change their minds by the performances at the debate?

I know that many of you hate to watch these debates.

This time, though, I’d pop the popcorn.

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  1. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    Terence Smith (View Comment):

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):

    The Scarecrow (View Comment):

    EJHill (View Comment):

    One can parse the polls all they want but the election will probably be decided by the double haters. Do they break one way or the other or do they simply give up and not vote?

    Our problem, and by “our” I mean those of us deeply interested in politics, is that we’re too online and too invested and have really have no idea where the vast majority of the country is at. And despite the early debate here, this campaign has not yet truly started.

    Wait until the last primaries in August determine the final slate of candidates. Then the local commercials are going to try to hang the foibles at the top of the ticket down ballot. If Biden is still on the ticket both sides are going to run an albatross campaign. “Don’t vote for ‘candidate X’ because he is so-and-so’s enabler.” If Joe is gone that dynamic changes.

    If the Democrats decide Joe has to go I don’t expect them to be rational in their choice for a replacement since their natural reaction to being down in the polls or losing a race is always, “Well, we weren’t progressive enough.” Policy-wise it’s not going to get better.

    This is so smart. We who are paying attention are sooooo sure we know what’s fair and reasonable and honest and just.

    But most people are not paying that close of attention. They will decide toward the end by whatever big thing can be brought to the fore that cements their sort of nebulous understanding of what’s going on. It’s like how we all become experts in judging women’s gymnastics during the finals of the Olympics.

    Or, currently, the Caitlin what’s-her-name business. I know her, because something is going on and she’s in the news a lot. And it’s entertaining. And we can all form an opinion based on a lot of what we bring to the topic that cements all that we think about lots of other things. But I know zero about basketball, and even less about women’s basketball. If anyone actually does, then I’m sure they are really chewing over all the deep nuances of this situation, and probably have many stories they could go on and on about at the bar, and, now that they might have my attention, could draw me into caring and raising my fist in support. (See: Campus Protests. Any Campus Protest.)

    We follow every outrage. Most people are busy with other things.

    This is a wise piece of analysis.

    Back to the original post. It is reasonable to speculate that the Biden camp is not expecting a great performance so scheduling the debate early checks the debate box but minimizes its impact either way. Only a truly awful performance by either will make a difference.

    We the American people are known for our short attention span.

    Debate prep not going well? 

    • #61
  2. Kozak Member
    Kozak
    @Kozak

    Your next President.

    Biden has “sudden health issue”.

    She’s the puppet.  Obama gets his 4th and 5th terms.

     

    • #62
  3. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Red Herring (View Comment):

    I have no sympathy for a people and country that would elect Biden a second time.

    I’m not convinced they really elected him the first time, but it’s possible.

    • #63
  4. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    MarciN (View Comment):

    Red Herring (View Comment):

    I have no sympathy for a people and country that would elect Biden a second time.

    I wouldn’t view a vote for Biden that way. It would be a vote for the Democratic Party.

    The closest similar situation that I know of would be FDR’s fourth election. He passed away just a few months later, on April 12, 1945, following that election. When I see pictures of him from those last months of his life–the Yalta conferences, for example, which were held between February 4 and February 11, 1945–it is very obvious that he is unwell. His inner circle certainly knew of the unlikeliness of his being able to serve another four-year term.

    Isn’t that, above, contradicted by this:

     

    That November 1944, the Democrats were voting only to keep the Democrats in power, not to elect a true autonomous leader.

    The leadership/inner circle you mention, may have just been wanting to keep the Party in power; but if the voters didn’t know about his condition, they were likely voting for HIM.

    • #64
  5. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    MarciN (View Comment):

    Red Herring (View Comment):

    I have no sympathy for a people and country that would elect Biden a second time.

    I wouldn’t view a vote for Biden that way. It would be a vote for the Democratic Party.

    The closest similar situation that I know of would be FDR’s fourth election. He passed away just a few months later, on April 12, 1945, following that election. When I see pictures of him from those last months of his life–the Yalta conferences, for example, which were held between February 4 and February 11, 1945–it is very obvious that he is unwell. His inner circle certainly knew of the uncertainty of his being able to serve another four-year term.

    That November 1944, the Democrats were voting only to keep the Democrats in power, not to elect a true autonomous leader.

    I would say that those voting for Biden a second time are mostly voting against Trump. So neither Biden nor the Democratic party have much to do with their choice. Then again, I hope I’m wrong.

    I’m not sure there’s a real difference there, at least not this time.  Who is stupid enough to vote AGAINST lower prices, lower inflation, no wars, etc?

    • #65
  6. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    MarciN (View Comment):

    I think we’ll have to agree to disagree on this. :) I think the Republicans don’t trust the Democrats and the Democrats don’t trust the Republicans.

    Trump and I often see things the same way, much to my surprise. Could be that we both hail from the Northeast. But I am really pleased to see him reaching out to the less-well-off Americans. He is trying to build trust that we are on their side as much the Democrats are. He is fighting in the trenches to make that point as strongly as he can. If he wins in November, it will be because of these efforts.

    In 2016, he saw the campaign value of the Internet and Twitter. In 2024, he seems to be seeing the campaign value of reaching out to the low-income voters. We’ve needed to do this for a long time. I think he has accurately sized up the political marketplace.

    I’ve thought that we needed to do that for years now.

    I like what Trump is doing, too, Marci, but do the Demos even know what he is doing? The media continues to tell lies about him and misrepresent him. I doubt that many Dems even know anything positive about him.

    Hopefully they at least know that they WERE doing better, maybe not so much 4 years ago, but 5 years, 6 years, 7 years…

    • #66
  7. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Terence Smith (View Comment):

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):

    The Scarecrow (View Comment):

    EJHill (View Comment):

    One can parse the polls all they want but the election will probably be decided by the double haters. Do they break one way or the other or do they simply give up and not vote?

    Our problem, and by “our” I mean those of us deeply interested in politics, is that we’re too online and too invested and have really have no idea where the vast majority of the country is at. And despite the early debate here, this campaign has not yet truly started.

    Wait until the last primaries in August determine the final slate of candidates. Then the local commercials are going to try to hang the foibles at the top of the ticket down ballot. If Biden is still on the ticket both sides are going to run an albatross campaign. “Don’t vote for ‘candidate X’ because he is so-and-so’s enabler.” If Joe is gone that dynamic changes.

    If the Democrats decide Joe has to go I don’t expect them to be rational in their choice for a replacement since their natural reaction to being down in the polls or losing a race is always, “Well, we weren’t progressive enough.” Policy-wise it’s not going to get better.

    This is so smart. We who are paying attention are sooooo sure we know what’s fair and reasonable and honest and just.

    But most people are not paying that close of attention. They will decide toward the end by whatever big thing can be brought to the fore that cements their sort of nebulous understanding of what’s going on. It’s like how we all become experts in judging women’s gymnastics during the finals of the Olympics.

    Or, currently, the Caitlin what’s-her-name business. I know her, because something is going on and she’s in the news a lot. And it’s entertaining. And we can all form an opinion based on a lot of what we bring to the topic that cements all that we think about lots of other things. But I know zero about basketball, and even less about women’s basketball. If anyone actually does, then I’m sure they are really chewing over all the deep nuances of this situation, and probably have many stories they could go on and on about at the bar, and, now that they might have my attention, could draw me into caring and raising my fist in support. (See: Campus Protests. Any Campus Protest.)

    We follow every outrage. Most people are busy with other things.

    This is a wise piece of analysis.

    Back to the original post. It is reasonable to speculate that the Biden camp is not expecting a great performance so scheduling the debate early checks the debate box but minimizes its impact either way. Only a truly awful performance by either will make a difference.

    We the American people are known for our short attention span.

    ibid.  Plus, there will be many campaign ads made from the debate.

    • #67
  8. Susan Quinn Member
    Susan Quinn
    @SusanQuinn

    kedavis (View Comment):

    Susan Quinn (View Comment):

    MarciN (View Comment):

    I think we’ll have to agree to disagree on this. :) I think the Republicans don’t trust the Democrats and the Democrats don’t trust the Republicans.

    Trump and I often see things the same way, much to my surprise. Could be that we both hail from the Northeast. But I am really pleased to see him reaching out to the less-well-off Americans. He is trying to build trust that we are on their side as much the Democrats are. He is fighting in the trenches to make that point as strongly as he can. If he wins in November, it will be because of these efforts.

    In 2016, he saw the campaign value of the Internet and Twitter. In 2024, he seems to be seeing the campaign value of reaching out to the low-income voters. We’ve needed to do this for a long time. I think he has accurately sized up the political marketplace.

    I’ve thought that we needed to do that for years now.

    I like what Trump is doing, too, Marci, but do the Demos even know what he is doing? The media continues to tell lies about him and misrepresent him. I doubt that many Dems even know anything positive about him.

    Hopefully they at least know that they WERE doing better, maybe not so much 4 years ago, but 5 years, 6 years, 7 years…

    Memories are conveniently short.

    • #68
  9. Gary McVey Contributor
    Gary McVey
    @GaryMcVey

    The Scarecrow (View Comment):

    What would happen if Trump goes into the debate being (kind of) humble, sort of solicitous? Yes Mr. President, Of course Mr. President. And NOT sarcastic, or anything negative. Totally respectful. Never allude or make reference to his obvious infirmity. Try the old-school approach – “Mr. President, you make a good point. But surely you’ve forgotten that you also said that _____ , and now _____ has happened.” Be polite, invite Joe to hang himself. Give him room to hold forth, then ask polite questions about it.

    Trump is fine and convincing in that clip of him on Oprah years ago; can he adopt that measured, self-assured, what’s-best-for-the-country-and-not-Just-myself attitude he demonstrated there?

    Where would the Media have to go afterwards? If he did it right, they would come off looking as desperate and pathetic as what’s left of Joe.

    This is my biggest concern about Trump: if keeping his ego in check ensures victory, can he do it? 

     

    • #69
  10. DaveSchmidt Coolidge
    DaveSchmidt
    @DaveSchmidt

    Django (View Comment):

    Terence Smith (View Comment):

    Randy Weivoda (View Comment):

    The Scarecrow (View Comment):

    EJHill (View Comment):

    One can parse the polls all they want but the election will probably be decided by the double haters. Do they break one way or the other or do they simply give up and not vote?

    Our problem, and by “our” I mean those of us deeply interested in politics, is that we’re too online and too invested and have really have no idea where the vast majority of the country is at. And despite the early debate here, this campaign has not yet truly started.

    Wait until the last primaries in August determine the final slate of candidates. Then the local commercials are going to try to hang the foibles at the top of the ticket down ballot. If Biden is still on the ticket both sides are going to run an albatross campaign. “Don’t vote for ‘candidate X’ because he is so-and-so’s enabler.” If Joe is gone that dynamic changes.

    If the Democrats decide Joe has to go I don’t expect them to be rational in their choice for a replacement since their natural reaction to being down in the polls or losing a race is always, “Well, we weren’t progressive enough.” Policy-wise it’s not going to get better.

    This is so smart. We who are paying attention are sooooo sure we know what’s fair and reasonable and honest and just.

    But most people are not paying that close of attention. They will decide toward the end by whatever big thing can be brought to the fore that cements their sort of nebulous understanding of what’s going on. It’s like how we all become experts in judging women’s gymnastics during the finals of the Olympics.

    Or, currently, the Caitlin what’s-her-name business. I know her, because something is going on and she’s in the news a lot. And it’s entertaining. And we can all form an opinion based on a lot of what we bring to the topic that cements all that we think about lots of other things. But I know zero about basketball, and even less about women’s basketball. If anyone actually does, then I’m sure they are really chewing over all the deep nuances of this situation, and probably have many stories they could go on and on about at the bar, and, now that they might have my attention, could draw me into caring and raising my fist in support. (See: Campus Protests. Any Campus Protest.)

    We follow every outrage. Most people are busy with other things.

    This is a wise piece of analysis.

    Back to the original post. It is reasonable to speculate that the Biden camp is not expecting a great performance so scheduling the debate early checks the debate box but minimizes its impact either way. Only a truly awful performance by either will make a difference.

    We the American people are known for our short attention span.

    Debate prep not going well?

    The WH kitchen forgot to order chocolate chip ice cream.

    • #70
  11. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Django (View Comment):
    I got reminded today just how delusional Biden supporters are. Local radio show with a regular guest. The host has a text line where listeners can comment. When one listener sent a text saying the choice should be easy and that all one has to do is ask, “Are you better off today than when Trump was in office?” The quarter-wit guest answered, “You’re darn right I’m better off than I was in 2020.” Whether or not that was Trump’s fault was irrelevant because it happened on his watch.

    He’s not delusional.  The ruling class definitely have their jackboots more firmly placed on our necks than ever.  If that doesn’t make them better off, I don’t know what does.  Well, maybe not in a crass, material sense, but otherwise, yes, they are better off.  And even in a material sense if they are high on the income scale they are most likely the ones benefiting from inflation. 

    • #71
  12. Django Member
    Django
    @Django

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):
    I got reminded today just how delusional Biden supporters are. Local radio show with a regular guest. The host has a text line where listeners can comment. When one listener sent a text saying the choice should be easy and that all one has to do is ask, “Are you better off today than when Trump was in office?” The quarter-wit guest answered, “You’re darn right I’m better off than I was in 2020.” Whether or not that was Trump’s fault was irrelevant because it happened on his watch.

    He’s not delusional. The ruling class definitely have their jackboots more firmly placed on our necks than ever. If that doesn’t make them better off, I don’t know what does. Well, maybe not in a crass, material sense, but otherwise, yes, they are better off. And even in a material sense if they are high on the income scale they are most likely the ones benefiting from inflation.

    He’s an ex Air Force Captain and runs a small museum in the backwoods of Kentucky. When another listener sent a text calling him a member of the rich, ruling class, the guy laughed and said, “I only wish I was.” I looked him up on linkedin and was not all that impressed. He doesn’t seem to be major motion in his field. 

    • #72
  13. The Reticulator Member
    The Reticulator
    @TheReticulator

    Django (View Comment):

    The Reticulator (View Comment):

    Django (View Comment):
    I got reminded today just how delusional Biden supporters are. Local radio show with a regular guest. The host has a text line where listeners can comment. When one listener sent a text saying the choice should be easy and that all one has to do is ask, “Are you better off today than when Trump was in office?” The quarter-wit guest answered, “You’re darn right I’m better off than I was in 2020.” Whether or not that was Trump’s fault was irrelevant because it happened on his watch.

    He’s not delusional. The ruling class definitely have their jackboots more firmly placed on our necks than ever. If that doesn’t make them better off, I don’t know what does. Well, maybe not in a crass, material sense, but otherwise, yes, they are better off. And even in a material sense if they are high on the income scale they are most likely the ones benefiting from inflation.

    He’s an ex Air Force Captain and runs a small museum in the backwoods of Kentucky. When another listener sent a text calling him a member of the rich, ruling class, the guy laughed and said, “I only wish I was.” I looked him up on linkedin and was not all that impressed. He doesn’t seem to be major motion in his field.

    You don’t have to be rich to be a member of the ruling class (or ruling class adjacent).  The king’s kitchen scullery maid isn’t exactly a member of the ruling class, but her standing in society is tied closely to that of the king.   

    • #73
  14. Red Herring Coolidge
    Red Herring
    @EHerring

    The Scarecrow (View Comment):

    What would happen if Trump goes into the debate being (kind of) humble, sort of solicitous? Yes Mr. President, Of course Mr. President. And NOT sarcastic, or anything negative. Totally respectful. Never allude or make reference to his obvious infirmity. Try the old-school approach – “Mr. President, you make a good point. But surely you’ve forgotten that you also said that _____ , and now _____ has happened.” Be polite, invite Joe to hang himself. Give him room to hold forth, then ask polite questions about it.

    Trump is fine and convincing in that clip of him on Oprah years ago; can he adopt that measured, self-assured, what’s-best-for-the-country-and-not-Just-myself attitude he demonstrated there?

    Where would the Media have to go afterwards? If he did it right, they would come off looking as desperate and pathetic as what’s left of Joe.

    Perhaps Trump needs to ask, ” could someone please translate what he just said. “

    • #74
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