Let’s evaluate the arguments of those who describe Biden as manifestly unfit – and how they preemptively assign blame for Trump’s possible return to “the Liberals” they despise
I’m sorry, insulting tokens of carried water are sure as hell not a worthwhile accomplishment. The whole legislative agenda has been nothing but a dog and pony show.
So Biden is said to be too old to be an effective president? Well yes he is several years older than Trump was when *he* was elected. But I believe that only those who are completely enraptured with Trump can possibly fail to see that Biden has been *much* more effective as president.
As for being too old compared to Trump, it's as though they regard Trump as being a much younger man. But the truth is that Biden and Trump were in high school at the same time! Yes Biden was a senior when Trump was a freshman, but that doesn't alter the fact that the youthful Trump is 95% as old as Biden.
Is it really unfair to presume that all of these professional opinion peddlers deep down want Trump to win? C’mon.
I don’t think it’s too cynical or shallow to assume such a thing. Maureen Dowd believes in nothing discernible, Brett Stevens believes in endless wars and disaster capitalism, and Ross Douthat believes in a fantasyland version of Catholic conservatism. None of these people have anything to really *like* about Biden, and they certainly have nothing to like about anyone to the left of Biden (which is most Americans but not most of the Dem party).
There ARE so many things they could hit Biden for, but they choose *this* one because they believe it’s the most effective and non-partisan. These same exact people have been running cover for Trump on the same issue, even though both men have publicly demonstrated some obviously worrisome behavior, cognitively speaking.
They like seeing Trump on TV more than they like seeing Biden on TV. They like the numbers Trump brings them more than they like the numbers Biden brings them.
These are shallow, legacy media hacks with no conviction to speak of. I truly do not doubt one bit that they fear Trump presidency at all. If they do, they would say it with their whole chest. But they never do.
Thank you. This article thoroughly described all viewpoints and was such an interesting read. I am so glad I began to follow you. I look forward to any future posts, knowing you will do a deep dive into whatever subject you take on.
Biden has done a fantastic job, has a great team behind him and decades of devotion & political know how. FDR was practically on his deathbed when he was reelected. I have zero fears about another Biden administration. He said the only reason he was running was because trump was, & he’s already beaten him once. That was BEFORE Dobbs & insanity around Lgbtq & trans & racism blatantly flourished. I’m not worried.
I read every word. You said racism and transphobia *just recently* started flourishing in the U.S. recently, and that Biden is the antidote. That shows me that you are maybe new to this or that those issues don’t affect you personally. Maybe you shouldn’t comment on them. Based on what you’ve said here, and your enduring faith in Biden as somehow the best man for the job, I’d say your assessment of him is woefully incomplete.
Listen meatball, if you wanna take some empty bullsh*t rhetoric ripped straight off of Biden’s campaign website at face value as gospel truth, be my guest.
Wow -- what thoughtful, intelligent response. And I thought you might be a dullard -- but as you're a Trump cultist, there should never have been any doubt.
There is pretty pervasive agism, but there is also a large bias against people who are not in the mold of celebrity “looking” candidates or people who are more intellectual than boosterish. Our tv culture really privileges sunny smiles, good hair and robust appearance. Biden is creaky, but well dressed and distinguished, and he doesn’t care to wear a wig or makeup (fortunately).
Trump, fails this test, except that he plays to it, with his coif, spray tan and mob suits. Can you imagine Biden doing the fist bump pretend dance? This is so shallow. Look at the outfits and styling they put on tv hosts. Real humans have no chance.
I can imagine Biden doing a stupid dance, and I can also come up with myriad things to criticize him on. Being a president isn’t about being the perfectly dignified old white guy, it’s about being a leader capable of envisioning a future. Biden is trying to coast on decade-old fumes (which have always stunk) and it’s frustrating bc apparently, it’s enough for people like you whose barometer for good president is “smiling handsome man who behaves nicely.”
A thousand times this...."But, again, such a political attack is the price Democrats predictably have to pay for Merrick Garland’s refusal to accept that his idea of good-faith nonpartisanship hasn’t existed on the Republican side in a long time." I can't sleep at night because there seem to be so many in the Garland mindset. "My goodness. If we just play nice in this sandbox, all will be well again soon." Things are dire and while some people are waking up, others are just lost in a fog of denial.
Thank you, professor, for your clear headed analysis and commentary. I pray more Americans will see reality before we wake in dystopian fascistic TrumpWorld
I’m sorry, insulting tokens of carried water are sure as hell not a worthwhile accomplishment. The whole legislative agenda has been nothing but a dog and pony show.
Let’s just go with “DNC donor class fellation tool” is a good government or quality policy. Age doesn’t matter. We want to quality fucking candidate.
Why doesn't anyone ever ask about Chuck Grassley's age?
Fair but also Grassley is both older and more demented than Biden, so...
So Biden is said to be too old to be an effective president? Well yes he is several years older than Trump was when *he* was elected. But I believe that only those who are completely enraptured with Trump can possibly fail to see that Biden has been *much* more effective as president.
As for being too old compared to Trump, it's as though they regard Trump as being a much younger man. But the truth is that Biden and Trump were in high school at the same time! Yes Biden was a senior when Trump was a freshman, but that doesn't alter the fact that the youthful Trump is 95% as old as Biden.
Is it really unfair to presume that all of these professional opinion peddlers deep down want Trump to win? C’mon.
I don’t think it’s too cynical or shallow to assume such a thing. Maureen Dowd believes in nothing discernible, Brett Stevens believes in endless wars and disaster capitalism, and Ross Douthat believes in a fantasyland version of Catholic conservatism. None of these people have anything to really *like* about Biden, and they certainly have nothing to like about anyone to the left of Biden (which is most Americans but not most of the Dem party).
There ARE so many things they could hit Biden for, but they choose *this* one because they believe it’s the most effective and non-partisan. These same exact people have been running cover for Trump on the same issue, even though both men have publicly demonstrated some obviously worrisome behavior, cognitively speaking.
They like seeing Trump on TV more than they like seeing Biden on TV. They like the numbers Trump brings them more than they like the numbers Biden brings them.
These are shallow, legacy media hacks with no conviction to speak of. I truly do not doubt one bit that they fear Trump presidency at all. If they do, they would say it with their whole chest. But they never do.
Dowd calling someone “crotchety” is the pot calling the kettle fifty shades of black.
Correction: I meant I have no doubt they have any qualms with a Trump win.
Isn’t all politics vibes?
Excellent piece. Thank you!
Thank you. This article thoroughly described all viewpoints and was such an interesting read. I am so glad I began to follow you. I look forward to any future posts, knowing you will do a deep dive into whatever subject you take on.
Biden has done a fantastic job, has a great team behind him and decades of devotion & political know how. FDR was practically on his deathbed when he was reelected. I have zero fears about another Biden administration. He said the only reason he was running was because trump was, & he’s already beaten him once. That was BEFORE Dobbs & insanity around Lgbtq & trans & racism blatantly flourished. I’m not worried.
So your faith in him is based on how awful Republicans are? Hoo boy, we are going to lose 🫣
You apparently didn’t read anything I said.🙄
I read every word. You said racism and transphobia *just recently* started flourishing in the U.S. recently, and that Biden is the antidote. That shows me that you are maybe new to this or that those issues don’t affect you personally. Maybe you shouldn’t comment on them. Based on what you’ve said here, and your enduring faith in Biden as somehow the best man for the job, I’d say your assessment of him is woefully incomplete.
"Biden has done a fantastic job, has a great team behind him and decades of devotion & political know how."
That's OK -- many people don't know how to read.
Listen meatball, if you wanna take some empty bullsh*t rhetoric ripped straight off of Biden’s campaign website at face value as gospel truth, be my guest.
Wow -- what thoughtful, intelligent response. And I thought you might be a dullard -- but as you're a Trump cultist, there should never have been any doubt.
You took the words right out of my mouth. Sheesh.
Amazing article! You did a great job explaining the debate in deep detail.
You expressed very succinctly what I thought, too. Thank you.
There is pretty pervasive agism, but there is also a large bias against people who are not in the mold of celebrity “looking” candidates or people who are more intellectual than boosterish. Our tv culture really privileges sunny smiles, good hair and robust appearance. Biden is creaky, but well dressed and distinguished, and he doesn’t care to wear a wig or makeup (fortunately).
Trump, fails this test, except that he plays to it, with his coif, spray tan and mob suits. Can you imagine Biden doing the fist bump pretend dance? This is so shallow. Look at the outfits and styling they put on tv hosts. Real humans have no chance.
I can imagine Biden doing a stupid dance, and I can also come up with myriad things to criticize him on. Being a president isn’t about being the perfectly dignified old white guy, it’s about being a leader capable of envisioning a future. Biden is trying to coast on decade-old fumes (which have always stunk) and it’s frustrating bc apparently, it’s enough for people like you whose barometer for good president is “smiling handsome man who behaves nicely.”
A thousand times this...."But, again, such a political attack is the price Democrats predictably have to pay for Merrick Garland’s refusal to accept that his idea of good-faith nonpartisanship hasn’t existed on the Republican side in a long time." I can't sleep at night because there seem to be so many in the Garland mindset. "My goodness. If we just play nice in this sandbox, all will be well again soon." Things are dire and while some people are waking up, others are just lost in a fog of denial.
Agree. Read Elie Mystal's column in The Nation today (2-14) about why Garland must go. It is withering and brilliant.
Oh. I will. Thanks for the recommend.
Who needs the right when we've got Axelrod and Carville making their case for them? 🙄
These political writers need to go write for the culture section if they want to do theater criticism.
Thank you, professor, for your clear headed analysis and commentary. I pray more Americans will see reality before we wake in dystopian fascistic TrumpWorld
Thank you, Thomas.