Politics XVI: Democracy In The Balance

[scarlet]

I hope everyone who wanted this is happy. So, Dems, what's the fucking plan? I swear, that party is their own worst enemy.

[mimiblue]

Now that the circular firing squad has pushed Biden out , can they now take aim at the orange menace’s age, mental acuity, and competence?

[FiggyPudding]

I do not think this country, at this time, has an electoral college majority to vote for Harris. Those non-MAGA who vote T***p think "better the devil you know" than the unknown.

They'll take comfort in knowing their own lives (or finances, or whatever is on their wish list) will not be impacted; he will target people not in their immediate circle. And if the country goes into a downward spiral, well that's okay because the full impact won't happen in their lifetime.

Every leader of a non-democratic country is CELEBRATING right now.

I really, really hope I'm wrong.

[granolamom]

Jul 21, 2024 14:20:42 GMT -4 carrier76 said:

This is the only place I’ve seen on the internet and other places that was pro-Joe not stepping down. The ONLY place. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next and I’m more optimistic going forward. There seems to be a general malaise about the choice of these two old white men, again. And while yes, the world SHOULD be yelling that the convicted felon should step down, but do the MAGAts ever do the right thing? Ever? They’d never urge their cult leader to step down, never. Something had to give, and I’m sorry but Biden’s decline has been more and worse as it goes on. He shouldn’t have run for re-election in the first place.

And I like Joe Biden, and watching this play out has not been pleasant. I understand it’s a garbage decision to have to take a look at your life’s work, and your LIFE, and put on the brakes. But it’s long past time.

In my opinion.

I would say that Rebecca Solnit and, more circumspectly, Heather Cox Richardson, were not in favor of Joe stepping down. I think that's partly because they are both painfully aware of the history of a sitting president not seeking reelection.

Democrats don't want to look like Republicans. They have to talk everything out in order to make a decision, rather than just lining up behind their leader. Unfortunately there is no longer a way to do that without the media reporting every disagreement. To the public, that looks like weakness. So expect a bumpy ride ahead.

[lea1977]

Reagan had dementia while he was president, someone needs to remind the republicans about that.

[Deleted]

I will say that the general consensus between everyone I know in real life, not internetland, is that Biden’s health is even worse than reported. So I think that really needs to be considered, that he might not be physically or mentally able to continue and I 100% support him for making this decision. He deserves peace.

[Spinderella]

I think we're royally fucked. The Dems did not have a plan in motion should anything happen (I mean, really, they knew he was going to be 81 when he went up for re-election -- just plan for SOMETHING) and should have been better prepared. He could of had a stroke mid-term and of course, Kamala was there to fill in as it's her duty, but then what? Would they have wanted her to be up in 2024 or someone else?

They should have just put together a possible plan. I always say, hope for the best, plan for the worst.

[dragonflie]

Jul 21, 2024 13:47:31 GMT -4 prisma said:

Honestly I think it's because they want to remain in power. They've come think that Biden can't win so they want someone who has a shot. Especially since Republicans are open about wanting to reshape the balance of power so the Dem's influence would be even less than ever before. Politics is a cynical business.

I appreciate all of this. Your post articulates a lot of my own concerns. BUT- there seem to be people who thinks it's some conspiracy from business "elites" in the Democrats who are pushing for Biden to leave. What's the conspiracy? For people who think the "elites" have an agenda- Why so much anger towards these business elites- what is the agenda?? To win the election? Like- isn't that everyone's agenda? Isn't that exactly what we should be pushing for?

Jul 21, 2024 14:20:42 GMT -4 carrier76 said:

This is the only place I’ve seen on the internet and other places that was pro-Joe not stepping down. The ONLY place. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next and I’m more optimistic going forward. There seems to be a general malaise about the choice of these two old white men, again. And while yes, the world SHOULD be yelling that the convicted felon should step down, but do the MAGAts ever do the right thing? Ever? They’d never urge their cult leader to step down, never. Something had to give, and I’m sorry but Biden’s decline has been more and worse as it goes on. He shouldn’t have run for re-election in the first place.

And I like Joe Biden, and watching this play out has not been pleasant. I understand it’s a garbage decision to have to take a look at your life’s work, and your LIFE, and put on the brakes. But it’s long past time.

In my opinion.

If I could like your post 100 times carrier76 I would. This is exactly how I feel as well. And, for me, it's not just online. Every person I have spoken to (and my circle is pretty much all Dem/left) thought Biden should leave/step down. I had heard almost no supprt for him from anyone. People I spoke to were actually super dismayed and worried that he was the nominee. And I promise you I don't run in any rich elite circles ;p Not even close.

[Millis]

The elite theory is that they despise Kamala Harris and worried that Biden would have to step down if re elected and we'd end up with President Harris. If they oust Biden before the election they can put someone of their choosing in as a nominee, from what I've read that person is Dean Phillips . If the Dem party doesn't immediately back Harris then this theory might have some validity.

[seat6]

Oh the bright side, if Harris and Trump debate, she will wipe the floor with him.