I joined Civic Media’s special coverage of Joe Biden’s decision to step aside, as part of a special one-hour broadcast on Sunday evening. You can watch it in full here.
My initial reaction: This is the right decision. Democracy is bigger than any one person. If one of the central pillars of Biden’s re-campaign is to protect democracy, then the selfless decision is to make a choice that reflects that, and that’s exactly what Joe Biden has done. This is bigger than any one individual — even the president himself.
In many ways, Joe Biden has been an underrated president. He’s been able to lead the country out of a moment of genuine crisis, pass tremendously impactful legislation with slim Democratic majorities, and position the nation for a brighter future. Those accomplishments would be jeopardized, though, in a loss this November to Donald Trump, and that has been looking increasingly likely in the weeks since the June 27 debate.
And you cannot run an honest campaign while asking people to ignore the evidence of their eyes and ears. The debate made that crystal clear. Many will question whether this decision to pass the torch should have happened sooner, but the more important thing now is that it happened at all.
There are 29 days until the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and 107 days until Election Day. It’s going to be a bit discombobulating to see how this plays out, but I’m more optimistic about a Democratic victory in November now than I was with Joe Biden at the top of the ticket.
So, what are your thoughts? Did President Biden make the right decision? Do you support Kamala Harris as the potential Democratic nominee? Who might you be interested in a vice presidential selection?
Honestly? Doesn't change much for me. I'd vote for a week-old empty cat food tin before I'd vote for TFG. Whoever gets the nod for the Dems, I'll (at worst) hold my nose and back them.
That said, while I supported Joe Biden, I'd be delighted to see Kamala Harris win. Not least because of her gender and heritage, but also because she's smart, savvy, and has proven herself in the VP role.
It's time to stop sniping and infighting, and get back to the important task: throwing the Regressives out of office up and down the ballot.
I love Joe and my heart aches for what he has gone through the last three weeks. His accomplishments are so impressive, especially after the Trump disaster and Covid. In the end, I think his decision was the right one and I admire him even more for making it. If we could go back, it would have been wise for him to not enter the race for re-election in the first place.
Carol, I totally agree with your feelings about Joe Biden and what he has gone through since that debate. But one thing his candidacy did accomplish was make the Trump campaign focus on him. The timing of his decision right after the Republican convention left the Republicans floundering because now they have a new opponent and can't play the "Old Decrepit Joe" card they were relying on.
Anat Shenker-Osorio says it's the right move, so I'm in. I'm not thrilled with how Joe Biden was treated. He's been a good President. Lina Khan is why all the tech bros are in melt down. Dems have to unite, immediately. And paint the picture of a better tomorrow.
I’m excited! And looking forward to a Trump-Harris debate. Remember when there used to be viral clips of her smart takedowns of someone testifying in some senate hearing? She’s so good. Make America Smart Again.
Right move, yes; but I'm a bit worried. Today's elections are decided on slim margins of turnout, so hopefully this motivated more to vote for Kamala + another fresh face. Trump can't talk about age anymore, but "woman president" or "skin color" or something else is going to dominate these next 100 days.
What an interesting weekend it has been! Started off with AOC's full-throated defense of President Biden, and making the case as to why he should not drop out which was followed by President Biden dropping out. I was feeling a little apprehensive about her candidacy - her primary canvassing was a bit of a mess - until I read Glenn Grothman's comments about her. Now I'm onboard and enthusiastic about her candidacy.
My initial response to the news of Biden's resignation as the Democratic candidate was abject dismay. My husband can verify the amount of nasty words that poured forth from my mouth in reaction. But, as I cooled off and learned of the positive responses from party heavyweights, state delegations, supporting organizations, and the amount of donations that flowed in, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief and recapture a spirit of optimism. I believe in the Democratic Party. I believe in Kamala Harris and, most importantly, I believe we can and must win in November.
If Kamala Harris wins the election, I think a lot of people will look back on Biden fondly. Also, if this is successful, he would be the VP to the first Black President, selected the first Black woman VP, appointed the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, and got out of the way to support the first Black woman and Asian President.
Not every Black person or person of color will care about that, of course, but I know those actions matter to some. If one has worked, for example, in the corporate sector in a mostly white field as a non-white person, someone like Biden (and at Biden's age and stature) stepping aside like that or being willing to play second fiddle to a person of color or putting a person of color in leadership is rare. To younger folks, it may not be exceptional, since it feels like basic decency now, but not that long ago it would be unheard of.
I've even joked bitterly in the Milwaukee landscape that a reason for so many middle class people of color to be attracted to the school privatization efforts and founding charter/private schools is directly connected to how hostile, white, and exclusive Milwaukee's corporate sector is to people of color.
Honestly, I’ve been disconnected the last 5 days, so when I opened my phone this afternoon, I was shocked. Probably a good decision, but it will be interesting to see what the Dems do!
Such a relief! I had lost both hope, energy, and commitment. Now I’m back in the saddle, ready to bust my butt to get every Democrat everywhere elected. Bring it on!
Honestly? Doesn't change much for me. I'd vote for a week-old empty cat food tin before I'd vote for TFG. Whoever gets the nod for the Dems, I'll (at worst) hold my nose and back them.
That said, while I supported Joe Biden, I'd be delighted to see Kamala Harris win. Not least because of her gender and heritage, but also because she's smart, savvy, and has proven herself in the VP role.
It's time to stop sniping and infighting, and get back to the important task: throwing the Regressives out of office up and down the ballot.
I love Joe and my heart aches for what he has gone through the last three weeks. His accomplishments are so impressive, especially after the Trump disaster and Covid. In the end, I think his decision was the right one and I admire him even more for making it. If we could go back, it would have been wise for him to not enter the race for re-election in the first place.
Carol, I totally agree with your feelings about Joe Biden and what he has gone through since that debate. But one thing his candidacy did accomplish was make the Trump campaign focus on him. The timing of his decision right after the Republican convention left the Republicans floundering because now they have a new opponent and can't play the "Old Decrepit Joe" card they were relying on.
Anat Shenker-Osorio says it's the right move, so I'm in. I'm not thrilled with how Joe Biden was treated. He's been a good President. Lina Khan is why all the tech bros are in melt down. Dems have to unite, immediately. And paint the picture of a better tomorrow.
I’m excited! And looking forward to a Trump-Harris debate. Remember when there used to be viral clips of her smart takedowns of someone testifying in some senate hearing? She’s so good. Make America Smart Again.
Right move, yes; but I'm a bit worried. Today's elections are decided on slim margins of turnout, so hopefully this motivated more to vote for Kamala + another fresh face. Trump can't talk about age anymore, but "woman president" or "skin color" or something else is going to dominate these next 100 days.
What an interesting weekend it has been! Started off with AOC's full-throated defense of President Biden, and making the case as to why he should not drop out which was followed by President Biden dropping out. I was feeling a little apprehensive about her candidacy - her primary canvassing was a bit of a mess - until I read Glenn Grothman's comments about her. Now I'm onboard and enthusiastic about her candidacy.
My initial response to the news of Biden's resignation as the Democratic candidate was abject dismay. My husband can verify the amount of nasty words that poured forth from my mouth in reaction. But, as I cooled off and learned of the positive responses from party heavyweights, state delegations, supporting organizations, and the amount of donations that flowed in, I was able to breathe a sigh of relief and recapture a spirit of optimism. I believe in the Democratic Party. I believe in Kamala Harris and, most importantly, I believe we can and must win in November.
If Kamala Harris wins the election, I think a lot of people will look back on Biden fondly. Also, if this is successful, he would be the VP to the first Black President, selected the first Black woman VP, appointed the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, and got out of the way to support the first Black woman and Asian President.
Not every Black person or person of color will care about that, of course, but I know those actions matter to some. If one has worked, for example, in the corporate sector in a mostly white field as a non-white person, someone like Biden (and at Biden's age and stature) stepping aside like that or being willing to play second fiddle to a person of color or putting a person of color in leadership is rare. To younger folks, it may not be exceptional, since it feels like basic decency now, but not that long ago it would be unheard of.
I've even joked bitterly in the Milwaukee landscape that a reason for so many middle class people of color to be attracted to the school privatization efforts and founding charter/private schools is directly connected to how hostile, white, and exclusive Milwaukee's corporate sector is to people of color.
Honestly, I’ve been disconnected the last 5 days, so when I opened my phone this afternoon, I was shocked. Probably a good decision, but it will be interesting to see what the Dems do!
Such a relief! I had lost both hope, energy, and commitment. Now I’m back in the saddle, ready to bust my butt to get every Democrat everywhere elected. Bring it on!
Not sure about "right", but I will feel happier voting for someone younger and fresher.
This was the right decision, and the jolt of electricity the Dems sorely needed.