Comments on whether Joe Biden should run for re-election.

I can't tell you how incredibly refreshing and politically invigorating it would be if a politician, ignoring the promptings of ego and personal pride, chose to step aside for the benefit of his party and ultimately the country. The only example I can think of is Willie Brandt's dignified resignation when a close aide was revealed to have been a spy.

The dilemma is that if the party base begins to say no to Biden and he resists, challengers will begin to campaign against him, which could make Biden look weak. And it would diminish the genuine appreciation we feel for how he defeated Trump how he's done his job. I'm just hoping he sees the light – somehow – and acts like a true statesman.

(We’re Not Being Cruel, President Biden. Just Careful.)

Yeah, I just started a new thread about this Bruni article, Hightor. It is a gem...and tells the story the way I wish I could.

I hope someone can come to the fore to take the lead...without dissing Joe Biden. I suspect he will eventually step aside on his own. I've seen what the job does to younger people who had it (it ages them incredibly)...so it must be a bitch for an older guy.

And Joe Biden seems to be old for his age. I am 6 years older...and I feel I am much more spry. He has served his country well for a long time...and got that wrecking ball out of office. Time for him to relax and enjoy his final years.

I agree Biden shouldn't run again at 80 years old ... but he seems to be having a blast. The number of ways Biden has exceeded my expectations continue to surprise me (maybe because my expectations were low). I've written this elsewhere, but Biden has been the cold warrior we needed when we thought that we didn't need cold warriors anymore. He's driven deals on infrastructure and goosed domestic manufacturing. I don't think the US gets nearly the credit for forging a world consensus on Ukraine and neutralizing the shock and awe Russia was counting on in the early days of the Ukraine invasion. We've seen post Covid supply issues and economic turndowns around the world but we are still creating jobs at an absurd pace. He is aggressively confronting those elements in our society (mostly on the wing of the Republican party) who want to turn a blind eye to domestic terrorism. His State of the Union speech was a tour de force in baiting your political allies to self-destruction. Honestly, the guy is hitting on all cylinders. He just doesn't give a damn about the gadflies biting at his heels. But he's 80 and decline happens quickly. He'll be 82 in November when we next vote for President. I'm just not sure there is a Biden like character in the wings to replace him.

Bottom line is, no matter how capable one thinks a 82 year old president can be, we'll lose the election with Biden as candidate. Unfortunately, he won't step aside and let anyone else (better) have the opportunity and so it will be DeSantis who'll win. 4 years of utter chaos, stultification of the people (if that's not already a problem) and a horrendous deficit while we're heading for a recession that is very real. Who'll suffer? The American people, the ones who need a Democratic government the most and unfortunately, will vote Republican.

Thanks. I needed to be cheered up, today.

My thoughts exactly!

I was trying to think of a nice way to say it...one with a little humor.

You aced it.

A lot can happen in two years. He could fall and hit his head rendering him incapable of communicating, for example. The Dems should be putting forward some names NOW as alternatives who can beat De Santis just in case something like that happens. It's obvious Kamala Harris is not up to the job.

It would be nice if presidential candidates would choose their running mates based on how well they could take over the job. I guess they have to pick the ones that will help them getting elected.

Why not?

Sorry Roger & Frank - I am being pragmatic! As a Democrat I cannot believe how the Dems have screwed up perfectly winnable elections. They're their worst enemies and if you think Biden can win against DeSantis, you're naive!

I wish it would be different and I gladly will eat my words if it ain't so.

I agree, Mame! The Democrats should introduce alternatives right about now.

Is there anyone out there? I would like to see Amy Klobuchar, she's brilliant and Gavin Newsom could be a good candidate too!

Because it's a very imperfect world. She's bright and competent and up for just about any job – except one that requires her to campaign head to head against paleo-conservatives, Christian nationalists, and racists. Any reasoned message on her part will be overwhelmed with personal attacks, innuendo, and Fox Noise.

Plus I've read she has been sidelined inside the White House. She hasn't been given any high profile files, isn't being brought in conferences/meetings on the major issues and so on. Apparently she's served her purpose. I haven't seen any articles on her except for the one which contained that information. Sidelined. Such a shameful waste of a good brain.

I definitely agree

You are so right on this. Harris has a brilliant mind, she did so much for California when she was attorney general for CA. She initiated immigration and criminal justice reform, increase of minimum wage and many more. She has twice as much brain power as Biden, but they keep her in the background and she's definitely sidelined.

Now why would they waste her talents? They should be operating as a team. This puzzles me.

Nikki Haley announced her presidential bid. I think Biden beats Trump, not Haley or even Desantis.

Haley will not make it to the finals. I am beginning to doubt if Trump or DeSantis make it either. The Republicans may luck out and get someone sane running, but I'm thinking they are going with a crazy. (Big field to choose from there.)

I say Biden wins no matter who they choose...if Biden is the candidate.