This is much more helpful than the idiots screaming for Newsom, which is simply NEVER going to happen in this cycle. The bedwetting over a June debate is pathetic.

Repugs will be playing (selectively-edited) snippets of this for the next four months - all day, every day.

It wouldn't have been so bad, really - except for Biden's "I beat Medicare" gaffe.

I agree with most people here that it was the damned flu - but flu or not, it was a Repug attack line that basically wrote itself.

But thanks for your concern.

Very sadly, the blank stares and lack of cohesive responses suggest an organic change that's both progressive and unlike the flu, not going to heal up in a week or so. I hate saying it, but we all saw what we saw, and calling it the flu (IMO) is denial of a bigger concern.

For DUers, myself included. It will never change my vote - Joes at his worst is light years better than the orange fascist, but for those independents on the fence, they may just stay home.

I get cranky with a cold.

... as if he overdid the debate prep and then was up all day being sick and also presidenting (which even Dubya said was hard) before doing the debate. I wondered if he couldn't breathe through his nose.

===============

Good grief. It couldn't just be the stiff joints of arthritis now could it.

It's June.

Your post is very discouraging to some…and indeed they may stay home.
SHAME!

All very sad for Joe, but with the existential crisis we are facing, he needs to look deep inside and ask what's truly best to save our democracy.

NYT story:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/biden-campaign-brushes-snub-new-york-editorial-board-rcna159562

I also think asking people to ignore/deny what they saw is a form of gaslighting.

Biden's communications strategy so far is leaning into it. His tweets address it.

I think Brooklynite is right. It's overly complicated getting a new candidate, especially one that is not Kamala. So how do we proceed and try to win?

Also, not for nothing, but Trump's crazy and Biden's old are both baked into the polling numbers. I don't know that this will change much, to be honest.

Peacewave is correct. But he is a Dem. Treat him with respect. We are not a cult like Trump.

I remember when the presidential ambitions of the Governor of Vermont were destroyed because of how viewers interpreted his behavior at a celebration they watch on a television screen.

I was concerned and frankly depressed by Biden’s debate performance. However he gave a totally different performance in North Carolina today. He was in control, engaged, witty, quick, energetic. His ability to pivot fron the debate downer was incredible.

After watching both I was in a much better position to evaluate his fitness and was no longer depressed by the debate performance.

I don’t know why Biden’s debate performance seemed so bad. His rally performance today was spectacular.

We have a viable candidate.

He healed.

... I am hearing impaired and I have to do a few things at once to understand what is being said, ie... read lips, listen for voice inflection(meaning of words hinge on that) and contemplating my responses. I get accused of the same things you are accusing President Biden of doing. I know, it is hard to explain that to some folks... usually I get accused of, "being the dumb one", by those that have no knowledge or understanding.

There were no blank stares. Biden was totally in control. It was a rousing energizing performance with a totally engaged audience.

How would you explain the difference.Your medical “diagnosis” doesn’t se accurate to me when I view both the debate and the rally.

and post-nasal drip. I can get a cough like that and have it gone the next day - just as he did - if you saw the rally.

...and that the lies were so gigantic, insane, and completely unbelievable. He was probably thinking, there's nothing I can do to argue with this insanity. It's what I would have been thinking. The two most impossible people to argue with are stupid people and liars and TSF is both.

Even Joe said the next day "Hey when you get knocked down you get right back up!"

Selectively editing snippets of Biden has been what right-wing media has been doing for four years. Nothing new.

n/t

But I'll say again that anyone watching Fox News or other conservative media weren't going to vote for Biden anyway.

The best the Biden campaign can do now is get him out in front of the cameras to show he's recovering from the cold/flu he had in the debate.

will feel that way.

Hoping polls don't show a trump bump.

I have been surfing the cable news networks this morning and they are all going non-stop with snippets of Joe's debate performance.

Just let's face it. We're not electing a debate team coach. We are electing President of the United States. And I will vote for Joe Biden as long as he is still breathing over Trump. And so should you and everyone else.

But let's face it: elections are won or lost with the swing voters.

That 20-30% sandwiched between us and the Rapepublicans.

And last night will be replayed over and over for the next four months - both in ads and on the news.

This might cost him 5% among those swing voters - easily.

And in a close race...

of his actual performance.

I hate the whole mindset of "we should behave a certain way because republicans will do...
...whatever they're already doing, and will continue doing it regardless"

And remember that elections are won or lost with swing voters.

To them, last night seemed to confirm a lot of what they had heard about his being "too old."

Yes - he was under the weather. But the fact remains: this was Christmas in June for the Repugs.

Look bad.

WE…the Dems need to STOP talking about a new candidate and do everything we can to support our candidate…the incumbent president!

That decision is, of course, his - and his alone.

I just hope to God it's the right one - which only means one thing: keeping Needy Amin away from the Oval Office.

A rules review is always a good idea.

Btw, he had a cold. Doesn't necessarily mean he's losing his faculties.

Why I recommended you review the rules before posting?

And why?

Why reviewing guidelines is a good idea.

Just noticed you had a second post removed. Quit while you're ahead.

He will be sentenced for 34 felony convictions. What Democrats need to do is look at how the GOP is handing their crisis, not calling for their candidate to step down.

I agree that President Biden needs to get his groove back on the campaign trail.

Another thing I would suggest is that Biden needs to show his anger a bit more. For me, back in 2020, it's the thing I least liked from him personally. But I think the general public likes that (both from Biden and TFG) as showing strength and passion. It will also quiet down his age concerns. His campaign team needs to understand that the softie side of him needs to be shown in a smaller setting and his more aggressive side is needed at a bigger stage such as a debate and campaign events.

Well, it was quite awhile ago, I'll admit but he wiped the floor with him. Laughing sarcastically at Ryan's inane comments he definitely had him flustered and won that one hands down.

We need a time machine to get that Joe back.

Which is impossible.

Independents who saw this are imagining this Joe two, three years down the road and asking themselves how much worse he's going to get by then.

It's bad, let's not kid ourselves and it didn't have to happen.

these are great substantive suggestions!

What you said!

Thanks!

I hope his campaign is looking at changing the dynamics with something more dramatic.

Biden should speak to America directly.

On the idea by playing to Biden’s strengths in interaction with individuals and small groups. They could have a Biden team member join him for the chats, a different one each time. Introduce Americans to the Biden team, beyond news sound bites and congressional hearings. Let us see how they interact with POTUS, how they are working together to help Americans.

Have a chat, for instance, with Pete Buttigieg, with an update on what’s going on in transportation, and how Biden’s success on the infrastructure bill has helped to improve transportation for Americans. Include lessons learned and what they hope to be able to do in the future.

Have Biden introduce his guest. Sit down and chat. Make it low stress. Maybe bring in a governor or two, a congressperson, etc. Different people and topic each time.

People would watch because it would be different, but also because they would tune in to see what their own local pols have to say.

Weekly, twice monthly or even once a month. Give us a chance to see Joe do what he does best, interact in a realistic way. At the same time talk with the team helping him make democracy work.

Not sure if it’s logistically feasible, but I keep finding myself wishing it could be done.

And let’s not forget about social media. Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok are where most young people get their news. We need to inundate those platforms with ads.

They're better ideas than abandoning our candidate.

Undecideds who are people who do not tune until the last minute of a campaign. People are watching sports channel to care about politics.This is a very online take based on the emails you been getting doesn’t mean much. Your advice may be good for partisans but does it win elections.

He excels in that environment. They allow him to actually deliver facts to an audience.

I don't think Biden wa mumbling, I think the sound engineer fucked him up.

(gawd, I love the internet). They all pronounced his voice "weak." That's how it came across to a lot of people, I'm afraid. I have a feeling CNN's sound guy either has a political axe to grind or is on the take. In any case, you could tell when the director caught on and yelled at him to fix it.

When it was fixed, the crowd all said something about climbing out of a hole and making a strong finish to the first question.

That dovetails with my impression. He sounded weak at the beginning, then got stronger near the end. What you describe may well be what happened.

so I know all the tricks, I've seen them all pulled at various times and for various reasons. Biden is not the strongest speaker at the best of times, but what I heard was sound that needed quick adjustment, which it did not get.

There were live streams all over the place. I chose one of the ones I found in Europe so I wouldn't have to watch comments from the stupid ass TFG cult.

Saw problems with the format. Didn't think about sound adjustments. Interesting.

except to set everything on "bloviate," the fact that it wasn't corrected quickly makes me very suspicious. I think yelling had to be involved.

I know a lot of ways to make people seem off, and seeming just a little off can be fatal in showbiz. My mother did stage makeup, a grand aunt had been a performer turned costume designer. They knew a few things, too.

When Pence was VP, he was in the news everyday traveling the world, and was later in charge of pandemic. But I barely know what our VP is doing currently, what are her big assignments and big accomplishments in the last few years? She used to be a brilliant prosecutor and there was so much more coverage of her during the brief senate tenure. She is young, smart, highly telegenic and should be dominating news cycles. Now low information voters distrust her cause there is no coverage (they aren’t gonna look for it) and given Biden’s low debate performance, how can they be convinced now that she is ready to step in on day 1.

Especially the last one about VP Harris.

Joe needs to come back pissed off and swinging. Back on the, "drugs," from the SOTU.

I am constantly reminded of David Sedaris' brilliant assessment of "undecided voters", especially in this election. To paraphrase: When one is offered a choice between a chicken dinner and a platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it, one pauses, and then asks how the chicken is cooked.
The choice here is a seasoned professional with decades of political experience, who has accomplished more good things for the American people in his first term than any president in living memory, or a malicious and vindictive pathological liar with 34 felony convictions whose stated goal is to be a dictator on "Day One", and who intends to corrupt and pervert the DOJ to wreak vengeance on any and all Americans that TOLD THE TRUTH about what an utter piece of shit he really is.
Biden had a cold, and was not on top of his game. Trump was Trump. 'Nuff said.
It sickens my soul to know that there are so many utter pieces of shit all too eager to vote for that malignant fuckwit.

This isn't something new.

... the point is to emphasize the stark – and potentially catastrophic – difference between the two candidates. One had a bad day, due, at least in part, to a bad cold; the other is a psychotic monster supported by the richest people on the planet.
To be "undecided" in this election is asinine. You choose democracy or you choose dictatorship. To choose the latter forever brands one as a traitor, just like the Orange Gargoyle.

I cant get why people here dont understand that MOST people do not keep up with the news like WE do. Many dont watch/listen to ANY at all. They dont identify with either party. They're going to make up their minds late and they're going to base it on how they feel RIGHT THEN. How are gas prices? how are THEIR finances? Has the border situation improved? They're NOT reading Project 2025
And sadly THEY will be the deciders of this election in the battleground states.

Unless I'm missing your point completely (which is entirely possible); you're saying how could they vote for the plate of SHIT? Well, depending on how they see things in Nov, a lot of them WILL vote for the plate of shit.

I'm with Clair McCaskill and Joe Scarborough.

I'm 80. I'm pretty healthy. I take no medications. (I do take lots of carefully selected supplements.) I'm pretty good on the pickleball court, quite mobile, etc. I can drive across country to visit family. I manage family finances. And, I view myself as being half my actual age... until I actually see myself (photo, video, etc.). Biden, who has done an outstanding job as president, needs to watch the video of his debate - as also advised by Michael Steele.

Biden would be an outstanding special advisor to a younger president.
I love Kamala Harris - as VP.
Look at others who have shown interest in being president:
Amy Klobuchar and Eric Swalwell to name two I would love.

Biden's campaign structure and funds could be transferred straight over. Potential for big energy boost, big jump in enthusiasm, lots of excitement going forward. I could vote for them rather than against the big liar con man.

To say that Biden is the only one who can beat Trump strikes me as utter nonsense. And look at the polls.

Finally, in 2020 I decided that the voters who know who to vote for are black women. Joy Reid, for one, seems very concerned about Biden.

I'm tempted to pray even though I am totally not religious.

all 3 are Californians.

The VP can be from anywhere.

What is the problem? It was done in 2000.

I myself did not know that until now.

The official campaign fund is permitted to give to PAC funds. It is not some mission impossible.

Some people are mighty desperate.

I would add- and it boggles the mind why it hasn't been done yet- work with a personal trainer to improve his walking. I know a couple 80 year olds and by comparison, Biden walks and moves like he's 95. Not a good look.

I'm with Joe, but I'd be with Gavin or Kamala if he drops out. It's not 1968, we have a unified party, and any of the three would have the full support of the Biden campaign after the nomination.

Add to which, the funds raised by the Biden campaign cannot be transferred to another candidate.

It's a short beauty contest into a smoke-filled room, not long enough for anything other than for each candidate to pitch why they can beat Trump. I don't see major rifts growing, the top candidates (Newsom, Harris, Buttigieg) are team players. They all have a group hug at the convention with Biden and all hit the campaign trail, the election becoming now about Trump's morals and democratic accomplishments.

My understanding is that Harris could use Biden-Harris funds, or alternatively that the Biden campaign could transfer the money to the DNC and the DNC could transfer it to the nominee's campaign.

This is the best summary I've seen. Complicated, and unnecessary if Joe feels like his tomorrows will be like his bounceback over the last day, but seems possible.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/03/01/what-happens-to-biden-or-trumps-campaign-cash-if-they-drop-out/

I am going by what they say.

I know there are also rules regarding contributions, and I doubt it would be a simple matter.

It’s a terrible disservice to him and all Dems!

Even Gavin Newsom told ppl, like you to get behind our candidate and stop talking about replacing him!

He turned down a run when he wasn't up to it in 2016, and I don't believe the RW crap that he would hold on if he thought it would be bad for the Republic or the party. One of the reasons I really support the guy is because I trust his instincts.


My point was that if he decides the next generation would do better now as opposed to 2028, we're in good shape for a pretty seamless transition.

Do an ad blitz saying that Trump thinks the American people are stupid highlighting his biggest lies last night and in the past. For example when he says last night that he didn’t have sex with a porn star, denying his own statements on Jan 6th and Charlottesville, and the whole hurricane-sharp fiasco. Attack like Trump attacks. No mercy.

Point out that Trump has lied and tried to deceive them before as president. Not merely about un-important matters but vital matters when the American people DESERVED AND NEEDED the truth but lies to suit his agenda and ego and WILL DO SO AGAIN! Warn of the dangers of giving a felon such power! Remind people of the disasters of ineptitude of the Trump presidency during natural disasters and compare to Biden’s record.

Fire whoever it was who let Biden go out last night. He was sick and they should have rescheduled. It would have looked bad but not as bad as what we had last night. In fact lots of heads need to roll/ or people fall on their sword. Total campaign shakeup.

Start touting the Economy hard and Biden’s accomplishments and contrast it with Trumps record and the disaster that was CoVID. Get Obama out there to remind people that not only are things good now but when he was president too. Make the connection, when Biden is in office the country is always improving.

See if they can count on Manchin and Senima’s support still and Pressure Sotomayor to retire asap and get a new Justice to replace her before they think the election is too close. Point out that Biden and his choices support abortion rights and Trump takes them away.

Show government functioning and what it looks like. And finally, get ready for the Next Debate. Be sure Biden is well and prepared. Train him to not look at notes and keep his health up.

These are my ideas.

"Fire whoever it was who let Biden go out last night. He was sick and they should have rescheduled. It would have looked bad but not as bad as what we had last night. In fact lots of heads need to roll/ or people fall on their sword. Total campaign shakeup."

I have a feeling that he was overworked at Camp David, like over-cramming for a final. Sometimes, the best prep is a bit of study, a beer, and a good night's sleep.

For the next debate, lighten up a bit.

One important takeaway ( for me) is that we can not realistically replace Biden at the top of the ticket with 8 weeks to go.
I did not realize until you pointed it out that the Biden campaign could not transfer funds to whomever would be the candidate.

Basically we would have to raise a billion in 8 weeks while at the same time building name recognition for that person.

Of course we are better off helping the campaign operate a course correction .

The rally today in NC is going in the right direction in that regard.

This is a useful post with productive and doable ideas. President Biden is a brilliant man and extremely effective politician who is old with a stutter. The time pressure of that debate style had to be extremely frustrating for him, while facing a fire hose of falsehoods. Tapper, Bash and CNN facilitated the fire hose of falsehoods and failed the American people by any standard of journalistic integrity.

Watched President Biden's speech today in Raleigh, NC and he was wonderful even while dealing with a slight cough. President Biden is resilient, which is one of the most important qualities for anyone to have.

Let’s hope that Trump keeps acting crazy and Biden performs well from now on.

of sending at least some of his cabinet out to campaign---Buttigieg in particular is a very effective communicator, but not all of them are.

Secondarily, a comment I made to my husband the other night and mentioned in another thread---Biden's style is a natural for FDR's "fireside chat" type talks. Give him 15 minutes of TV time every couple of weeks to just talk to us in a natural setting about one thing at a time, perhaps. Not everything has to be a long speech or a fiery campaign go-get-'em.

them for about 30 minutes. Those same in-laws in the 80’s and 90’s had a drop in daycare center at Trump Plaza Casino for gamblers to watch their kids while they gambled. They were there for about 5 years when Trump walked by and noticed their business that was named after in-laws last name. Trump took notice and made them a location near the casino floor to somewhere floors up. It was because a business dared to put their name instead of Trumps. Petty prick he has always been.

and you know what a stubborn old fool I am.. I was crushed watching that debate. but Biden's my man and I'm donating more than I dare tell my husband (we can afford it) and doing whatever else my aging hip will let me.

Thank you brooklynite for such a straightforward, motivational solution. I agree that President Biden’s strength is empathy and that his cabinet needs to go out and discuss this administrations wins and what they will all be striving for in the future.

After watching the debate I realized I did not have enough of the sense of a team. I knew more about the Trump team than about Biden’s.

I think the pubic wants to be more engaged in helping Biden succeed. We need a greater sense of democracy in our democratic republic.

🙌

I was glad to see where you noted that you had emailed the contents of this post to the Biden team.

Sorry for my frustration with you last night, but after giving it some thought,
you have delivered, if not immediately, upon my fevered 'demands'. LOL

Get that message up to the team, I think you have good ideas. I wish we could crowd source catch phrases and sound bites for him. The case for Biden is strong. The two big acts he got passed in 2021 are among the biggest and likely most influential legislation ever. Bigger in inflation adjusted numbers than the New Deal, Great Society iniative and the Interstate Act combined. And it was cut short by just a vote or two, which we can blame on the filibuster and citizens united. Those acts are why the economy is so strong, that money is mostly being spent local in ways that expand economic activity. And the 2017 tax cuts are having middle class tax hikes every odd tax year to hit on even election years. Only way to sway Trump voters is to let them know that tax bill is insanely bad for ecomomic growth and gives T45 a lower marginal tax rate that what most of us pay. We need to undo the 2017 tax hikes and move our tax burden to be progressive where the billionaires pay higher marginal rates than non millionaires. Then circle to how absurd it was that T45 never even had his "infrastructure week", the only thing we really wanted from him. Joe got most every road and bridge getting fixed.

I've long thought that you were the most objective, fair & level headed member here.

President Biden is superb one on one and in intimate groups. I would say he’s also good with larger groups, but his strength is being able to express empathy in a smaller setting. I hope they find a way to capitalize on this.