Prediction: Bye, Bye, Biden

[honorentheos]

I found his speech a little disingenuous. He didn’t offer a reason why he is abandoning the campaign, and he didn’t offer justification why he is still capable of running the country for another 6 months.

These are more important issues than whatever platitudes he wants to impart. His speech sounds very similar to my grandmother’s after her stroke. I think questioning his ability to continue is prudent, and it’s frustrating that we continue to be stonewalled and gaslighted about his health.

Man. It’s so disheartening to see someone feel that speech was disingenuous. It was a beautiful homage to our democracy, and a shining example of the kind of people a functioning democracy needs in order to persist. I admire a person who can put the greater need ahead of themselves, and I hope history looks upon his presidency with kindness. I thought he did a good job steadying the ship in the stormy waters of fascism that swirls around us.

- Doc

Beautifully said.

[Some Schmo]

I believe this selfless move on Biden's part elevates him to one of the greatest American presidents ever, and likely the best in my lifetime. He's what a real patriot looks like.

[Moksha]

I believe this selfless move on Biden's part elevates him to one of the greatest American presidents ever, and likely the best in my lifetime. He's what a real patriot looks like.

You have to laugh at Trump's projection that Biden was the worst President ever when Trump had already been chosen to receive that title by nearly unanimous agreement. Everything about Trump is an outrageous negative.

[drumdude]

I found his speech a little disingenuous. He didn’t offer a reason why he is abandoning the campaign, and he didn’t offer justification why he is still capable of running the country for another 6 months.

These are more important issues than whatever platitudes he wants to impart. His speech sounds very similar to my grandmother’s after her stroke. I think questioning his ability to continue is prudent, and it’s frustrating that we continue to be stonewalled and gaslighted about his health.

Man. It’s so disheartening to see someone feel that speech was disingenuous. It was a beautiful homage to our democracy, and a shining example of the kind of people a functioning democracy needs in order to persist. I admire a person who can put the greater need ahead of themselves, and I hope history looks upon his presidency with kindness. I thought he did a good job steadying the ship in the stormy waters of fascism that swirls around us.

- Doc

If his legacy is allowing 4 more years of Trump I fear that he will be quickly forgotten. We have to hope Kamala is enough.

A lot of people were saying “anyone but Trump and Biden.” Well now we have “anyone.” I hope these people mean what they said.

[Doctor Steuss]

If his legacy is allowing 4 more years of Trump I fear that he will be quickly forgotten. We have to hope Kamala is enough.

A lot of people were saying “anyone but Trump and Biden.” Well now we have “anyone.” I hope these people mean what they said.

From initial polls and fund raising, and the fact that MAGA appears to be going with sexism as the tip of their spear rather than policy or legacy or job performance, I think it's looking moderately hopeful for the Democratic party.

Kind of a mixed bag of reactions from my centrist and left-leaning friends/acquaintances -- ranging from genuine excitement and being energized to... well, I'd vote for a wet fart over Trump, so... meh.

[yellowstone123]

Man. It’s so disheartening to see someone feel that speech was disingenuous. It was a beautiful homage to our democracy, and a shining example of the kind of people a functioning democracy needs in order to persist. I admire a person who can put the greater need ahead of themselves, and I hope history looks upon his presidency with kindness. I thought he did a good job steadying the ship in the stormy waters of fascism that swirls around us.

- Doc

If his legacy is allowing 4 more years of Trump I fear that he will be quickly forgotten. We have to hope Kamala is enough.

A lot of people were saying “anyone but Trump and Biden.” Well now we have “anyone.” I hope these people mean what they said.

I see we have a replacement for Biden. When do we get a replacement for Trump?

[honorentheos]

I believe this selfless move on Biden's part elevates him to one of the greatest American presidents ever, and likely the best in my lifetime. He's what a real patriot looks like.

Agreed. I'd have a difficult time arguing for another administration.

I've asked a few folks what they feel they really want instead who still talk about holding their nose by voting for Harris rather than Trump. The answers are vague and strike me as reflecting how much easier it is to criticize than it is to create. They usually mention some populist pipe dream candidate or personality that has limited to zero evidence they would be able to govern effectively. I'm unimpressed by it.

[Kishkumen]

I appreciated the President's comments. He effectively confirmed that the only reason he stepped out of the race was due to the internal pressure being the kind of distraction that would cost Democrats the election not because he thought he couldn't do it which is consistent with everything else he has said. You can disagree with that assesment but you can't claim he didn't answer why he stepped aside. From that answer it is easy to conclude that he doesn't feel the need to justify remaining President. His review of the work done and what is still in front of him is also the exact messaging his supporters want to see.

I agree, Xenophon. It is very sad that we are so shallow a nation that he couldn’t stay in the race because I think he would have done a fine job in his second term. But the pressure from his own party was becoming a threat to the race. I stand by Lichtman’s assessment. The Democrats flinched. They let the GOP drive the narrative. He is certainly capable of finishing his term, and I hope Democrats can get Harris elected. I am heartened by their enthusiasm for her thus far.

[Jersey Girl]

Lichtman update tonight at 7.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuS98AcKDZQ

[drumdude]

It is very sad that we are so shallow a nation that he couldn’t stay in the race because I think he would have done a fine job in his second term.

If his health continues to decline rapidly then I think those who asked for him to drop out will be vindicated. We will see.