Mona and Will consider calls to "bring down the temperature," Biden's Lester Holt interview, and the execrable J.D. Vance.
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Concerning "shy" Harris voters, I think there may be many women who live in Maga country who may possibly vote for Harris and never admit to doing that - because of the awful abortion laws in some states, and because of IVF and contraception stances taken in red states.
Interesting show with very sound suggestions. I hope the Harris team is listening.
For the interview, she needs to do a couple of things. First, is to correct the perceptions of things she said regarding the economy in the press conference she had, and her tax policy. Secondly, is to flip the script, so to speak, on what are perceived to be the issues that are the Biden/Harris policy weaknesses and, thus, Trump strengths. Namely: Crime, the border, the green new deal (and related change on fracking) and the economy.
Perceptions on her press conference on the economy:
1) Perception that she may be talking about rent controls.
She never said that and she needs to clearly state that. What she said is anti-competitive price fixing via algorithms. She was talking about the company RealPage, inc. She couldn't mention them by name at that time, because the DOJ had not yet file their lawsuit against them. Last Friday, the DOJ did just that, so she can now talk about them. I've been following this ever since a lawsuit was bought against them in San Diego in Oct. 2022. Basically, large corporate property owners, controlling about 80% of the rent market in San Diego, use this The complaint alleges that RealPage contracts with competing landlords who agree to share with RealPage nonpublic, competitively sensitive information about their apartment rental rates and other lease terms to train and run RealPage’s algorithmic pricing software. This software then generates recommendations, including on apartment rental pricing and other terms, for participating landlords based on their and their rivals’ competitively sensitive information. The complaint further alleges that in a free market, these landlords would otherwise be competing independently to attract renters based on pricing, discounts, concessions, lease terms, and other dimensions of apartment leasing.
2) Grocery price gouging:
Economist went up in arms as they heard this as price controls, and pointed out that Grocery stores have razor thin 2% margins. She needs to clearly state that she is not proposing price controls. I believe (hope), however, that his is not what she was talking about. If you recall she led into this stating her support for free markets. This is largely, though not completely, about the producers that provide products to the stores. If you look at many of these large companies, they have reported record profits. In their quarterly earnings teleconferences, the CEOs attributed much of this due to expanded margins as they were able to raise prices more than increases in cost inputs. This could be construed as price gouging, and the CEOs essentially admitted to it. This also includes non-food items that consumers buy at grocery stores. An example of this are diapers. Prices have increased nearly 50% since the pandemic. This started because wood pulp prices quadrupled due to supply issues from covid. However, wood pulp prices have long since dropped to pre-pandemic levels, but diaper prices have not. This could be construed as price gouging. Two companies control 70% of the diaper market. Had there been a number of companies making diapers, with no single company having more than a 15% market share, free market forces would have brought the price of diapers back down long ago. So, while price gouging is probably not a major driver to the inflation at the Grocery store, a case can be made that it has had some impact.
3. The 'wealth tax', more specifically tax on unrealized gains for individuals worth over $100M:
I don't she has specially said she will do this, however, it is in the latest overall Biden tax proposal, which the campaign has said she endorses. She needs to step away from this. Not only is it bad policy, for a number of reasons, it also plays into the claim that she is a far left radical (Warren/Sanders type). Perhaps she can say that she doesn't not support a tax on unrealized gains, rather, we need to examine the ways Billionaires access cash on these assets, and determine if some should be considered taxable events. Also, put a cap on the current step-up in cost basis for when these assets are inherited. The step-up in cost basis means that these gains are never taxed.
Secondly, flipping the script on perceived weaknesses:
Continued on my reply to this post.
Flipping the script
Crime:
She has started this by discussing the real crime stats
Southern border:
She has started this by pointing out that Trump stopped the recent border security bill. But she needs to do more. She needs to correct the perception of her as the “Border Czar” and why Biden took so long to take the executive action order. The latter will be tricky, but it an be done. She can point out that early on they tried to get funding for more border patrol agents, asylum courts and technology to stop fentanyl, but it was rejected in congress. She can point out that fentanyl does not come over on the backs of illegals through the many holes that are easily cut in Trumps metal fence (not the big beautiful concrete wall that Mexico was supposed to pay for), rather through legal ports transported by US citizens. Newer advanced technology needs to be used to catch this. Funding for this technology was in the original request, as well as the bi-partisan bill that Trump thwarted. The bi-partisan bill also made needed changes to our antiquated asylum laws. Executive orders are only a bad-aide as they can easily be overturned by courts, as what happened with title 42, or reversed by a subsequent president. When the other attempts failed, Biden had to resort to the executive order. But he also got Mexico to use their police and army to stop asylum seekers before they get to the border. There is a chart that Trump uses, the point he turned his head to look at that may he saved his life in the assassination attempt. She can take this chart, and update it to extend to the current date, thus showing the recent decline, and also extend it back to 2013 cover the entire of Trump’s term and years leading up to it. Also change it from breaking it down by families vs individuals, to showing the numbers by country. This will show the success of her efforts for Guatemala, as well as the changing dynamics at the border necessitating the changes in our laws.
Green new deal, change on fracking and green energy portion of the IRA:
Reframe this as not just about tree-hugging, but our economic future as well as a national security issues against China. She can say something along the lines of:
Fracking
“It is important to understand what I meant. I am not against fracking per se. Rather that it has to be done smartly. The national gas generated from fracking has been key to the US being a net exporter of energy (the right misstates this as being energy independent). Natural gas is a cleaner fossil fuel than other forms and is important to our orderly transition to a green economy. However, natural gas generates methane. Methane is actually a stronger greenhouse gas than CO2, but it dissipates in the atmosphere much quicker than CO2. So, it is vital that we extract it smartly to eliminate the gas that leaks into the atmosphere when not done smartly. It is also important that we burn it an in efficient way to minimize the methane that can be released when burned. I will work closely with Josh Shapiro on this. No politician is more knowledgeable about fracking than Josh. He will be key to helping us to make the enhancements to fracking to minimize methane leakage in a way that maintains US jobs and keeps costs low. When it comes to oil, we now extract the most oil than any country in history! This is not something we want to maintain forever, but is also important to our transition to a green economy”.
Green New deal:
She can respond to any question or attack with “I was in the senate for four years, so I know how legislation gets done. It’s all about negotiations and compromise. The comments I made were nothing more than a start to the negotiations, you might say it is the art of the deal (coyly smiling when saying this). The green energy component of the IRA is an example of what I was seeking. Republicans have responded by mischaracterizing what is in it. They say that it mandates that Americans buy only EVs, that is simply not true. Some have said that it hands battery manufacturing to China, in fact, it is the exact opposite. First, we need to recognize two facts, 1) green energy is the future, whether we like it or not, for a number of reasons. 2) Currently, China dominates in green energy component manufacturing (and power generation). They are the number one manufacturing of EVs. In fact, one Chinese company, BYD, is the single largest manufacture of EVs, even larger than Tesla. They are the number one manufacturer of solar panels. Producing nearly 80% of panels used in the US. We can bury our heads in the sand, and let China’s domination only increase, giving them nearly all of the jobs and gaining leverage over the economies of all other nations. We learned from the pandemic that sourcing critical components, in that case chips, give that country leverage over our economy. This is a national security issue. The green energy component is already enabling the US to challenge China in green energy, with the goal of US dominance, rather than China. We are already seeing the impact of the IRA with capacity and jobs being created across what has been called the Battery belt- in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, down through Kentucky, and out across Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas. Solar panel manufacturing and capacity is already expanding in the US. This will only continue and can ultimately lead to millions of new jobs in the US, helping our economy and workers in the transition to green energy. Preventing China from dominance, enhances our national security.” “Years ago, scientist predicted that one impact of climate change would be an increase in the number, and intensity, of storms and hurricanes. As well as wild fires. We are already seeing this come to fruition. This not only disrupts the how Americans live, but has also driven skyrocketing insurance rates in certain areas in the US. The inflationary impact causes severe strain on many Americans. We are also seeing dramatic impacts to our agriculture regions and dairy farmers. This will not only lead to inflation, but can cause food scarcity, and lead to reliance on foreign sources of food. This will not only create adverse impacts to our economy, but become a national security issue as well. It is vital that we take our heads out of the sand and strategically plan our transition to green energy to mitigate the threat this poses to our economy and national security.” We can let China have all of the future green energy jobs and gain leverage over our economy, or we can take action now!” This allows her to pivot from the criticism but makes the case while she supports working class jobs, climate change while also making it about our national security.
Economy continued on my nest reply
Biden's economy has defied economist predictions. We haven't experienced the predicted stagflation, nor 5 years of 6% unemployment in order to tame inflation. Instead, we had 60 year record unemployment numbers (27 straight months under 4% including a month at 3.4%) and very strong GDP (by far the strongest of western economies), with inflation now under 3%. Had Biden told us in 2021 that we would see this, economist would have called it was fantasy thinking. The economists would have been wrong, just as they were with their dire predictions about the ARP. These economists with the incorrect dire predictions had mis-applied the macroeconomic models, using bad assumptions.
Keep in mind that other western economies have seen the same inflation, worse than ours some cases (UK & EU), as we have, but not the same unemployment and GDP numbers. You measure a president's performance not where the results are the same as other western economies, rather where the results differ. He inherited an economy in tatters from covid. The economic performance we have seen under Biden has been astonishingly great. Ask yourself this, if Biden caused our inflation, then why are the other western economies seeing the same inflation? When you look at the other western economies, common sense tells you that the Biden's ARP did not cause inflation, rather it saved the economy.
Some selected data: Cumulative inflation as been 23% in the EU, 22% in the UK, 20% in the US and Canada 17%. Our unemployment rate has averaged the past 2 1/2 years at 3.7%, while Canada and the EU have been over 5.8%. Our compounded annual GDP growth rate during Bidens term has been an excellent 3.4%. Even from Dec 2019 (thus including offsetting the drop during covid) has been a very strong compounded annual 2.4% per year, far better that all others. Food inflation (incl. food away from home) in Canada has been the same as ours, while it had been worse in the EU and UK. At home food (groceries) inflation under Trump during covid in 2020 averaged an annual 4% rate. The past 15 months has average an annual average rate running below 1%, while 2024 YTD from January has been 0%, ie. flat.
A simple way to think of it, just as covid has long covid symptoms, it has also had economic long covid symptoms. These symptoms being low GDP growth, high unemployment and inflation. Biden quickly cured the lowed GDP and high unemployment symptoms (the best of all western economies) with the unemployment rate below 4% by the end of 2021, while keeping inflation in-line with the average the others. Our post covid economy truly is the envy of the world.
Where Biden inherited an economy in tatters, Trump inherited a strong and growing economy. While he kept it going, at the same time though, ballooning the national debt, even excluding the covid spending. In his second two years in office (2018&2019, before covid but after his tax cuts) he added $2.7T to the debt, not much below what Obama added in his entire 4 year second term. A "greatest economy ever" would never run up the national debt the way Trump did
Whenever it is said that Trump needs to stick to the issues to win, with the biggest being the economy and inflation, these statements are left unchallenged, implying the is economy really is bad. The economy is a strength of Biden/Harris, not a weakness. What to know what a bad economy looks like? Look at late 1970's/early 1980's. Inflation over 10%, unemployment peaking at 11% and mortgage rates peaking at 18%! Trump's current economic proposals now, will ruin the economy!
Now how she says this will be difficult in an interview setting, it also may sound like defensive BS coming from her. It would be nice if an economist could submit a Mea Culpa opinion piece to the times on this. Not Larry Summers, though, He is a pompous ass who can never admit he was wrong.
Appreciate you AB!
Great conversation. You and JVL are a fabulous team.
Thanks for zeroing in on what demonstrates that Donald Trump is indeed more than just emotionally arrested, a crook and a con man, and a narcissist - it's his cruelty that proves he is truly a sociopath.
Hi great to see JVL back and I hope you enjoyed your time off. Other than tampons in the boys room, what actual policies has Walz implemented that is extreme left??
Please tell Mona that all the Olympics events are still available on Peacock. Also, the US Open is coming up, so there will be SO MUCH EXCELLENT TENNIS to watch at the end of this month.
Wow, just WOW Mona! Your Bulwark article https://www.thebulwark.com/p/mans-man-vs-man-child-walz-vance?sort=top on the challenges to masculinity in 2024 and how Harris' Walz pick addresses it is absolutely the best thing the Bulwark has published this month. You put a lot of thought and research into it. I will share it all around. Thank You.
The Democrats swapped out Biden before the election.
Perhaps The WSJ believes that Trump can be swapped out after the election should he win it.
Mona, I look forward to your piece on Tim Walz as a badly needed corrective to the Manly Man, Big Boys don't have any feelings but anger... etc etc. I look forward to the Dad jokes that are sure to come. And appreciate your framing Trump's total amorality and absence of human caring as sociopath. I always thought "narcissist" didn't go far enough.
Mona and JVL started talking about character and I nearly blew a gasket! Character, what happened to it? Not that long ago, a candidate's character was the most important hurdle to clear, BEFORE one could get to policy. Look at the cultish 'Always Trump' MAGA crowd. Call this a phenom of social media but I am still old-school and I refuse accept Trump's reprehensible behavior based on lies and fabrication. No policy discussion for him. Not that he can anyway and yeah it's not his fault wink wink!
Welcome back JVL - we missed you! Perhaps "WeWork from the Beach" could become a new Bulwark holiday pod...?
It was kind of amusing watching you two grapple with the Tim Walz pick like you didn’t get your first choice prom date, but still looking forward to the dance.
I think low info voters don’t generally pay close attention to their candidate’s policies, but I think Kamala is doing a great job positioning herself as a bulwark *against* Trump’s policies aka project 2025. The latest Umass Amherst poll shows this is breaking through:
“ According to the poll, conducted July 29-Aug. 1, more than half (53%) of Americans – and two-thirds of Democrats – indicated that they had read, seen or heard at least something about “Project 2025” – and they don’t particularly care for it.”
I liked JVL's framing of the pick as what it said about Harris. Maybe she learned an obvious lesson from the 2016 election. Clinton lost because she could not hold on to all of her base. Too many progressives stayed home or voted third party. Shapiro posed a risk, however small, of a repeat and Waltz did not. Is that "caving to the left" or sound judgment on the best path to beating Trump, where she will need every Democratic vote?
Blah blah blah.
The Bulwark should discuss this clip as a response to George Floyd criticisms:
https://x.com/brianros1/status/1821288974192914830
It may convince Sarah that he was the right pick.
Some History:
- In 2020 the Dems & Anti-Trumpers Unite behind Biden not because of ideology but to defeat Trump.
- In 2024 the Dems & Anti-Trumpers Unite to persuade Biden to pull out not because of ideology but to defeat Trump.
- In 2024 Biden pulls out of the race and endorses Kamala not because of ideology but to avoid a fractious blitz primary in order to defeat Trump.
- In 2024 Bulwark & Other Never Trumpers take the bait second guessing Kamala's VP choice on MULTIPLE podcasts because of their preferences for the ideology of a certain VICE Presidential candidate. This fractious discussion includes questioning Kamala's judgement as well as temperament, while attacking other segments of the Anti-Trump coalition and the winning candidate's qualifications based on things as fundamental to our continued Democracy as the VP's view on "school vouchers".
ENOUGH.
Really enjoying the long winded, thoughtful, (fully punctuated), boomer comments here.
Also, it’ll be pretty easy to counter the “responsibility for riots” given that the top of the Republican ticket allowed the goldang Capitol Building to be overrun trying to illegally stop the election certification. Republicans should bring that up at their own peril. I’d throw that right in their faces and say “I did more than Trump to stop it. Unlike him I didn’t incite nor encourage it nor did I say the LT Governor would deserve it if hanged.”
Tim Walz is my governor. He was also my congressman here in the southern part of Minnesota. He was able to capture a district that had been RED since 1890! Had he not had the ability to speak plainly, be honest, answer questions with knowledge and comprehension, listen, understand and share their concerns and common values, where I still live, he would have NEVER won the district! He did it three times and once he left, this district went back to a Republican. I believe in his experience, leadership, compassion, intelligence and common sense in knowing how to meet people where they are and where he wants them to be in economics. He knows farmers because he grew up on a farm - he understands the hardships they've been overtaxed with and their agricultural challenges. He's been more effective and so completely NORMAL, far more than any other politician out there! He's genuinely authentic and completely comfortable in his own skin and doesn't "sell" - he doesn't have to. You can literally walk up to him and talk to him and he will listen intently and isn't that what we all want? Just to be heard and to come up with solutions and he's done that here in Minnesota in SPADES!!!! He has delivered for Minnesotans!
The GOP cronies will have a very difficult time trying to make him out as a commie liberal because he's not!! He's a man who believes that feeding kids in school to get, not only food in their bellies, but also completely understands how feeding children that impacts how they learn. The GOP claims they are pro-life, but man, once that child is born they do not give a rip about what happens to them, let alone feeding them! They bitch about feeding them because it's costing money!!! So much for the pro-life folks! Governor Walz also believes that a woman has the complete right to autonomy over her own body and can make choices about her reproductive health with her doctor and knowing how he and his wife tried for years to conceive wasn't in the cards for them so the IVF route was what brought them their children. He's talked the talk and walked the walk! JD Vance? Trump? The contrast couldn't be more stark.
And, as far as the George Floyd riots that broke out after Derek Chauvin murdered him in cold blood while three of his fellow cops sat and watched - well, he couldn't call out the National Guard of his own accord because it would have been illegal! Minneapolis' Mayor had to request it first and he waited too long for it to happen. Only until that happened, Gov. Walz couldn't act! But once the riots settled, he tapped Attorney General, Keith Ellison to lead the team to prosecute Mr. Chauvin and his colleagues which finally brought the justice for Mr. Floyd and his family.
Trump sat on his orange ass for hours and watched the Capital desecrated because he LOST - and bringing up this fact doesn't change what trump didn't do but it speaks volumes of what our governor did do!!!!
We here in Minnesota are PUMPED and are proud to see our governor tapped for this extraordinary task to (God willing) stamp out this hate-filled, bigoted, racist, fascist movement once and for all! We have to win and WIN BIG because we are facing one hell of a fight! I can honestly say we are galvanized, energized, electrified and ready knock on doors, make the phone calls, send out the post cards, volunteer - whatever it takes to save our country and get it back to a place of peace, leadership and honor for not only now, but the future for all who live here and who wish to prosper here!
You might be missing the forest for the trees on the law and order issue. Simplified take: Walz has been in the Army Reserves for decades. He was deploying that expertise to manage citizen outrage over the filmed, slow-motion, racially motivated murder of a suspect in custody by police, that turned into riots.
Trump incited January 6 by manufacturing out of whole cloth a “rigged election” to get supporters to storm the Capitol. What am I missing as an ordinary American who doesn’t like violent civil unrest? Which of the two events was more deserving in terms of invoking the Insurrection Act? Yet Trump wanted metal detectors removed earlier in the day, did nothing for three hours while police officers were being overwhelmed and beaten and promises pardons if re-elected. No contest. Period.
I agree. The counter to Walz being soft on riots is Trump on January 6th. They have to show the footage repeatedly in their ads with a voiceover describing his inaction.
Yes! They can use Liz Cheney’s narration of it
I'm from rural Nebraska. In my h.s. graduating class there were 20 of us. Other than that I'm 14 years older, I would say that Tim Walz and I went to different high schools together. Something that is missed in the discussion of school vouchers is that in most of Nebraska and, I suspect much of Minnesota, there is simply no alternative to the local public school. There is no place to use a voucher. Vouchers, at least potentially, detract from adequate funding of public schools.
Loved his introductory speech. Passionate. Has a great personal story that resonates with a lot of folks not just Dems. But best of all he went right after Trumps utter selfishness and no record of any kind of service to anybody. And about the riots, Walz has owned up to not sending in the Guard in time. Has trump ever acknowledged the 3 1/2,hours he sat on his ass while his cult chased his VP around the Capital? Weigh the two, that’s the way you counter this crowd of nuts.
it is and never has been about persuadable voters it has been about Maga type voters who lets face it leave the top of the ticket blank. They are doing what the left usually does if we get someone a little more to the left the couch voters will come out. They never do. then the left says they just aren't far enough to the left as the numbers keep plummeting each election cycle.
I don't think you all brought up the fact that Tim Walz represented a red district for 3 terms. He couldn't be as radical as you all painted him. He does have some appeal to rural Republicans.
Jennifer is right and I am wrong. Waltz is far from boring. I had him confused with someone else. He’s awesome. And I truly had no idea how perfect a running mate he is
https://www.thefp.com/p/all-the-wrong-people-are-celebrating
Enough with the far left. I hope that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz proceed as you both suggest. There are more of us in the center than on either the far right (MAGA faction) or the far left. May sanity, compassion, and dedication to our country first and foremost prevail.
Being against vouchers and charter schools doesn't make you a Lefty. It puts you squarely in the Center, as a supporter of well funded public schools. I love you guys, but you *really* need to recognize the Right aspects of your Center-Right bias
Very disapointed that Shapiro was not picked. I wasn't invested in him. But I felt he was the obvious choice. But the reason for rejecting him, caving to the progressive left's prejudices rankles. Shapiro deserves a top cabinet post in her administration.
Shapiro for attorney General.
If only Pete Buttigieg were the governor of Pennsylvania with 60% approval...
Will, Alexandra Petri has a better take on his "You won't have to. Vote!" shtick: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/30/trump-wont-have-vote-quote-autocracy-satire/
I'm here for the Pete stanning! Even my Bernie-stan kid thinks Pete's the best choice for VP. I fully expect that Harris will pick Shapiro, who's a great option, too, but Pete is next-level and would do a great job.
Natalist, shmatalist.
I was General Counsel to our county Children’s Services Agency for two years in the ‘80s. In that time I terminated parental rights for over 100 children for abuse—sexual, physical, emotional, and generally by Dad. The parents were all ages and income levels. I quit because I couldn’t take it anymore.
Don’t tell me fatherhood settles aimless young men down. If they cannot manage their own lives, they cannot manage children’s lives.
Having kids is not some dude’s chance to test out growing up.
Sorry Will Trump absolutely meant what he said about not having to vote again. I mean seriously the guy who tried to overthrow an election and then picks a vp who said he would have done what Pence didn't to overthrow the election somehow didn't mean it? What he means is they won't have to vote because even if he loses in 2028 (yes he would run again) it won't matter because the results would be ignored and he'd be declared the winner. Just like what just happened in Venezuela.
Re: "...(Trump's) no need to vote again" and "That's not what he meant" remind me of phrases attributed to a German pastor about life when Nazis controlled his nation:
When Jews were removed, he was silent (because he was not Jewish). When political opponents were removed, he was silent (because he was apolitical). When homosexuals were removed, he was silent (because he was straight). When the dis-abled, mentally "unfit" were removed, he was silent (he held a university degree).
Finally, when HE was removed, there was no one left to object!
"Not to worry"; we are told by those who promote thinking of the Heritage Foundation that such a thing cannot happen here in America. One response is to look at history of "the Palmer Raids" (1918-21) or treatment of Japanese-Americans under Presidential edict (1942-45).
Project 2025 is a roadmap to American autocracy.
More Will Saletan, love his calm rational view of current politics. I was introduced to the Bulwark by his deep dive into the corruption of Lindsey Graham and have been a fan ever since. Maybe he could do one on JD Vance now……….
PROJECT 2025 is a 900 page of instruction
HOW to topple a government from within. This thing was not written overnight or in haste. It has been fermenting in THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION for a long time.
In Donald Trump they found the perfect
" TOOL" to put all of it into Reality. Do we know that if he should win in November those DARK MINDS of the think tank would not get rid of him and put their " OWN" people in to fulfill their prescription. We don't know.
In this precarious moment there is only one
task at hand : VOTE BLUE !
I’m not sure that I care that there’s another way to interpret Trumps comment about no need to vote again - nor do I need to read an article about that or listen to a podcast that relates the contents of that article. If a normal politician made those comments, no one would misinterpret them. It’s the fact that trump said this in the context of all the other authoritarian actions and comments that trump has made that caused people to react like this. And anyway - do you really know what trump meant? It’s hard to get into that crazy brain.
Respectfully, I disagree with Will’s “that’s not what he meant” comment. Not only is it in an authoritarian playbook to flood the media with so many bizarre statements and lies; but by ignoring the implications of tRUmps statements we allow him free reign to appease and notify not only US voters, but foreign actors just waiting to help him turn this country away from democracy.
Russia has elections too, Will.
Mark Kelly!
Kamala and Kelly
Against donOLD Trump
I respectfully disagree with Mr. Saleton. you recognize the Trump refused to disavow the dictator statement when Hannity pitched him a softball, and you recognize
he did the same with Laura Ingram on you won’t have to vote again, and you attribute it to his old age and his narcissism so is to make your argument that the rest of us are misreading what is playing and obvious January 6 made clear what he is stated over and over again that he only loses if the other side cheats. Stop going out of your way. to ignore what Trump is clearly saying what project 2025 is clearly saying Steve Bannon and Steve Miller have been working for all these years
Will, speaking as the trump whisperer on his TP words and out of context interpretations, can we afford to not take the most extreme (but rational) interpretation? But you’re right on the creepy and crazy stuff he keeps saying at rallies. A single strange mumble from Biden became 4-day riffs. It’s frustrating that media won’t double down on it all and put it on repeat cycles. Use the marketing rule (like trump does): you see how weird/crazy he is twelve times in a short time span, and your brain starts to internalize “maybe he’s crazy.”
AB, him saying “my beautiful christians “ was not like he was talking to the teamsters. It was like Sméagol talking to The Ring. It makes my skin crawl.
@will - “well actually” is an interesting political position. Does it really help anyone other than MAGA?
Part of the issue is that Rachel Maddow did a whole segment on the issue of Trump saying "it's the last time you'll have to vote". Then there was a clip about Ruth Ben Giat talking about dictators and their words on the same channel. When we can't see nuance and only go to the extremes, we've lost the plot. Trump cares first and foremost about himself, how things affect his life and staying out of prison. He is also is incredibly lazy - so was Hilter btw. But, I think the fear of a 2nd Trump term is that he will allow all the people around him to do whatever they want and they may have more sinister motives.
I'm listening to you swooning over Pete Buttigieg. When are you going to become overt Democrats? Our party needs you guys. Why not? What disagreements to you all really have? Agree that Buttigieg is great but share concerns that gay is a bridge too far this cycle. I'll happily settle for a woman of color with a (very accomplished and articulate) Jewish husband. I'd be quite happy with Shapiro as VP, but don't underestimate antisemitism as a factor (some liberal friends concerned about his position on school vouchers). Beshear is interesting.
Abortion: Not just abortion. The compelling issue is that the abortion bans have devastated prenatal care for all women in abortion ban states.
Will... read some Roman History,.. there will be elections, but he's not talking about what you mean by elections.
Go to Williamsburg. They have actors pretending to be historical figures.
In MAGA 2025, 2026, 2027, 202(n+1)
No elections that count.
.."In 2026, 2028, 202(n+1), no elections that count" is exactly right.
Trump intends for MAGA to: "have it fixed", just as his 'friends' have it fixed in Russia, North Korea, and Hungary.
Love A.B. — Brilliant!
I’m enjoying the GOP calling their cult people names and insulting them and how they stay with them anyway. Reminds me of how beaten dogs keep coming back to their abusers, not for more abuse but from subservience.
For immigration, Harris need only point out that Democrats and Republicans put together a great bill that gave Republicans everything they wanted…and Trump had McConnell kill it so he could keep it a crisis to campaign on. Most Republican voters do not know this. But she can put the current goings on there on Trump.
A comment from high in the bleachers. I do not like the idea of plucking a sitting Democratic Governor or US Senator from important swing states in the middle of their terms. There is another alternative. There is one candidate who is a popular, effective Governor from a swing state with a Republican legislature; who also served nearly 16 years as State Attorney General including while Harris was AG in California; who served in both houses of the Legislature including as Senate Majority Leader; and who is Constitutionally prohibited from running for reelection in 2024.
He may not be the flavor of the month, but Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina would be an asset as the nominee for Vice President.
Roy Cooper withdrew from consideration because he can't trust the Lt Gov not to pull some shenanigans if he leaves the state.
My highly-educated, lefty friends in CA: “Shapiro is death for the ticket. His comments about Gaza. UGH.” Me: “So you’ll be voting for … Trump?” My lefty friends: “No but they are the same. We’ll stay home.” So, are the choices (1) stay home, let Trump win, and give up all agency about Gaza OR (2) embrace the people who agree with you on 90% of the issues and use that common ground to try to persuade them that you’re right?
I really struggle with people who would rather take their ball and go home than vote because of one issue.
giving my gerd a run. throwing up in my mouth pls cancel
Shapiro would be my choice, BUT we have to be aware, I think that the northeast does not rule the electoral college. We must not forget tte white working man. Joe Biden appealed to them.
But all that delay made for very effective pent up "demand" so ultimately it worked for a good outcome.
I'm 78 and a lifelong Dem voter, but never a member of the party. Forty years in state and local elective government. I thought Biden's decision to run again was reckless and irresponsible. I think his endorsement of Harris and the ensuing stampede by other Democratic elites was unfortunate. I do not believe she is the strongest nominee, not by a long shot. The elites have made it a fait accompli, but there's going to be blowback November 5th.
I know who should be veep-mark Kelly!
Mark Kelly hands down
I think POTUS is girding himself to leave. It’s on his terms and that’s the respect due a president.
I think “stubborn and proud” is much more applicable than “an egotist.” Will, that was mean. This is a first, he’s the only person who has ever beaten the fascist, and he’s worried for his country in case he’s the only one who can.
All the man has ever done is serve.
A poll has been released by Blue Sky polling. They interviewed 15,000 likely voters in the swing states, including Trump voters.
28% of the Trump voters were open to a Democratic alternative other than POTUS. The generic Dems are ahead of Trump. They’re “generic” because right now they’ve never been tested nationally. One that stood out was Mark Kelly, not surprisingly.
Behind the generics is Harris, but she’s still leading Biden. She’s not a generic and people have strong opinions of her. Some also associate her with the Biden ticket.
Most of the generics and Harris voters would still come home. Right now Biden has about a 33% chance of winning. That’s exactly what Trump had in 2016. A one-third possibility is going to happen one time out of three.
He’s had visits now from the senior members/leaders of his party. He talks to Nancy frequently these days.
He has to remain adamant until the moment he leaves, for the sake of his party. He’s not doing anything wrong. He is 1000x better than Trump and he knows it, but he’s also a canny old pol and will not want to bring down congressional candidates.
The virtual nom is 8.1. He’s still got a few days to let things percolate.
Biden will drop out this coming weekend. He IS hearing from people he respects like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Shumer. Watch and see. VP Harris will be the Democratic nominee and the party will unite around her quickly. Call me Pollyana but I think she will be elected POTUS in November.
I think he’s getting ready, but the virtual nomination won’t go to Harris. I think it’s very likely to be an open convention and not to be settled on the first vote. With the second round the super delegates start voting and they’ll choose the candidate.
I want to believe in your crystal ball!! If Harris were the nominee I do believe she would have a fair shot, but prying Biden's fingers off the ledge is a heavy lift. There is no fool like an old fool.
Great podcast but a depressing message.
JD Vance is such an opportunist. Great match for Trump, but how long will he last before the Orange God thinks he's eclipsing Trump and Trump ships him off to some dark, cold wasteland?
Biden is going to step aside or he is not. Both options have risks and the risks are real. Note that even if Biden does ultimately step down, it is not really all that surprising that he is being defiant at this moment (nor that he is not doing being defiant in a very effective way) . . . it's expected for Biden because he is not a charismatic demagogue, nor a good speaker, and in addition, a candidate will likely always be advised to project confidence at all costs because it is probably conventional wisdom (I don't agree that it should be, but I am guessing it is).
It's like we are on a row boat, rowing together through very stormy seas, but we have been going this way together for quite a long time. It has always seemed like the right direction and we can even see the shore. It's very scary, though, and it sure looks like it is getting worse with every passing minute; it sure looks like certain death right now. We CAN turn and try another direction, but we have idea how hard that will be either nor what we will run into and whether that will get worse. be just the same or better. I can't say I know for certain what to do (I am not making this decision--thank goodness), but I do know this: at some point, the best chance for all involved is if we ALL get to rowing together. Will you row or jump ship? That's your choice.
Perfect word - cancer.
Will is on point about Biden. The difference between 2020 and 2024 is stark and obvious. It's not just a behavioral and communication problem but a visible cognitive decline that his inner circle of advisors had tried to conceal from the public for years. Even worse, Biden's refusal and inability to face the truth is not independent from his cognitive decline. This is a different guy whose hubris and arrogance is damaging the party and the country. Dump him now (there is still time), stop the wishful thinking, and select a candidate who can create excitement, inspire voters, and make the case against Trump and MAGA as damaging as possible.
This is his call. You don’t get to “dump” him, he’s not declining cognitively, he’s a bad speaker who is getting worse at it, and he’s entitled to some hubris. He beat Trump.
His medical records are public. His last neurology evaluation was February. He was great. You can read them online.
If he doesn’t leave (I’m starting to think he will) I hope you’ll work and vote for him.
If Biden were comatose, I'd still vote for him. Of course, I'll stick with him if he remains. But I have to disagree with you about his cognitive health. He's not just a bad speaker. His neurology evaluation notwithstanding, millions of Americans continue to see with their own eyes not only someone who stumbles on an occasional word or mutters sentences rapidly in a gravel voice but someone who has trouble thinking and responding coherently without a script or teleprompter. In the debate, Trump's barrage of lies gave Biden numerous softballs to hit out of the park, but he was unable to do so. He looked lost and confused without his scripts, and overwhelmed by the situation. He's incapable of running an effective campaign against Trump. The polls in almost all key states show him running behind not only Trump but the other down-ballot Dems, some of whom are actually leading their Republican opponents. It doesn't look good. Perhaps there is no Democrat (including Biden) who can beat Trump in 2024, but al least we should give it our best shot.
Mona sounds like I feel these days.
I have actually watch all the speakers (and I will do the same for the Democrat's Convention). While they are running against Biden, they also have proposals (though we may not like them). What is the Democrat's convention going to look like? They just can't run against Trump. They need to give America their plan for the country. There is more than a Biden problem for them, there is potentially a messaging problem. What is the Democrat's message? The Republican speakers have been very effective. Heck even MTG was reigned in. It will be interesting to hear what Trump says on Thursday night. I feel like I'm drinking from a fire hose. Ugh. Also, the chat on the YouTube Bulwark coverage is useless. Making fun of people speaking doesn't help the cause. Can you just turn them off?
Pod Save America says the speeches have been bad except for a sweet speech by JD’s wife (to whom they REALLY don’t want to draw much attention, given their ongoing racist attacks on Harris) and Trump’s granddaughter. Unfortunately for her her dad took the stage next and undid her good work.
The GOP policy is Project 2025. Just read the platform.
The Dem policy is to continue its great progress and finish the jobs re the economy, abortion, drug prices, infrastructure, and SCOTUS and the rest of the courts. And to win the lower offices.
Trump would say the Florida case was invalid anyway. He doesn’t need evidence. He just lies.
Why do they think Putin will stop with devouring Europe? WWII should remind us of how well isolationism works. The cost becomes astronomical in financial and human terms. Idiots.
Mona, How about we march on Washington , demanding that Biden step aside and let Shapiro/Whitmer et al run in his place?
Lee Rone
Memphis
Like Jan 6?
Vance is the guarantor of the heritage foundation’s 2025 project, the executor if Trump becomes obviously mentally unfit. I haven’t heard anyone say this, but I am wondering if Biden‘s insistence on staying in the race isn’t so much egotism as it may be canniness. He can step aside, upon which Harris is president, a much more assured path than her running. He may be failing, but he is still strong and he is wise. And I have to cling to the belief that the American people just will not allow this disaster to happen. But JIC, I am applying for my Irish passport.
Bring back the pony Will. Just one--c'mon man!
This time, it's going to take a lot more digging to find the pony.
And brush her mane with that tiny pink comb. 😊
New subscriber. My 2 cents:
Strategically, Biden can’t step down until after the Republican Convention. Right now, the Republicans are going to spend a week attacking President Biden. Great, let them! Afterwards, the Democrat leadership elite can decide whether to anoint Kamala, or play some version of musical chairs to decide who will be the presidential candidate for the party. The Republicans will have already spent their week with free national TV bashing Biden. They won’t have a game plan for the New Democratic candidate prepared. Then, we have a full week of national TV coverage for introducing our new candidate to America! Opinions?
It sounds like wishful thinking - but I share the wish!
Biden can’t beat trump when the reason he won the last election was not from democrat votes but from independent and fed up republican voters. He has now lost the support of those people they might not vote for trump but they will stay home which equates to the same thing because trumps supporters will vote. And personally the more Biden talks the more he starts to sound like trump ego wise and at this point I don’t trust his decision making and if he is the choice I might not vote for him either.
TK Mona and Will. Tough but very worthwhile podcast today. I have nothing to add except to agree it is tragic to see Biden stubbornly doing his own version of "I alone can fix it." In the worst 'tradition' of DJT. How to destroy a legacy that should have been one to celebrate.
I think you said, Mona, the irony of the idea (the idea!) that the same man who saved us from Trump in 2020 may be paving the way for his return in 2024. My goodness, it's going to be too much to reconcile, if so. As to Vance, I'd like to think he'll be a bomb to the ticket. But I suspect more likely rocket fuel. 🦋
At about minute 30, Will pointed out the immunity surrounding asking officials to lie about the election. We agree that the president would not be prosecuted, but what would happen to the officials who lied on his behalf? Do we know anything about this yet? I assume that they would still be culpable. If so, do we have a thin layer of protection in the fact that MAYBE the officials will not perpetuate the lie? Finally, is that the only protection we have from this nightmare?
They could, and would still be prosecuted. They would have to beg for pardons. He would love that.
I have been avoiding The Bulwark for several weeks in the hope you'd get your heads out of your backside and realize that Biden an old but very good president. His press conference proved he was of sound mind and still not a great speaker. You all need to get a grip and realize there is no mythical creature coming to replace Biden who will magically beat Trump.
If the Pundits and the weenie caucus of the Democrats could just get a grip and be cheerleaders for Biden the country would get behind you. I know the old tired argument from pols is, "we're just listening to the voters." Since when!? The voters hate the way Biden is being treated by his own party. (I've already blasted my congressman Mike Levin.)
There is no Democrat except Biden who has a chance. Or give me name of one who has chance. (Hint: its not Harris. Hell she has less ecperience than Trump.)
If the Democratic congress and senate showed 50% of the loyalty to Biden that Republicans show to Trump, he'd win.
I know some Democrats who think they will be okay as a minority party, but if Trump is President, you probably won't be able speak and you might possibly jailed. So wake up. Biden is the one to beat Trump, so get behind him.
I’m not sure how you convince a sitting president to do anything. Biden has always had an ego; they all do. What pains me is what is happening to my beloved country. I did not want to live to see our great American experiment fail, and it makes my soul ache.
And Trump has no ego. Biden is smart enough to know that no one else can beat Trump.
Now I understand what Blue MAGA means. I hadn't realized Biden had his own cult. Thanks!
They all do, especially Trump, but I’m no longer convinced only Biden can beat Trump. I just don’t know. Everything we’re discussing should have happened before the primaries.
A small bit of criticism. No one “knows” Biden is going to lose. The election hasn’t happened yet. That sense of despair, giving up, “our hands are tied he is going to lose” is absolutely enraging. Maybe it’s the athlete in me but I think it says volumes about people when they just give up when things are bad. Who quits in the 4th quarter because a game isn’t going their way?? I think it’s appropriate to hold 3 thoughts in your head at once:
1 - Biden is old. Is sliping. And I have legitimate concerns he’s up for this or can do this campaign. I hate that he’s still on the ticket.
2- Trump is an existential threat so I’m going to fight like heck to NOT elect him. I may not campaign for Biden but I’ll campaign against Trump.
3- Man I hope they replace Biden… but if they don’t, I’m still voting for him.
To just give up and stick with thought #1 is how we actually do lose. Trump gets stronger and wins. The conversations on “Beg to Differ” and the one today is just horrifying. Maybe saying you won’t vote for Biden to spur the campaign into action is one thing… but actually not voting for him is another. I hope he is replaced on the ticket. But if he isn’t… I’m still voting for him knowing Kamala is going to be up next.
Well said, I 100% agree.
Biden has shown he is great President. He is not a good speaker. Trump is a moronic speaker, but you don't see anyone asking g him to step down. No! Republicans are loyal. Democrats are wimps.
Agree. It’s frustrating the Republican Party is so broken. Of course everyone outside of there says he needs to be replaced but the fact their voters and party coalesced around him is awful.
I agree. He has Fox News spreading propaganda and he is an obnoxious asshole, but the conservative voters love that, so politicians who know that Trump is a fascist won't say a word because the Republucans are always in lockstep.
When I was a kid, I had a number of those classic ‘falling through thin air’ dreams. It’s probably been 70 years since I last had one, but if I think carefully I can still conjure some fair memories of how helpless and terrifying it was.
Later, while visiting a friend in San Diego during my first visit to the West Coast, I experienced my first substantial earthquake. I awoke to it from a sound sleep and I can still quite clearly recall the highly unsettling feeling of a liquid earth rolling beneath me.
And finally, when I was flying back from my army tour in the Pacific, we flew through a severe thunderstorm, the first time I’d ever experienced that kind of wild elevator ride across the sky. I was suddenly that terrified kid again, falling through a nightmare. (Didn’t help that I’d been taken out and gotten thoroughly drunk by a couple of buddies before they poured me on the plane).
I feel a little of all those memories these days. Mostly now, though, I have the feeling of riding all too rapidly across a strange, dark landscape toward a wall over and around which I cannot see. I’m riding right toward the center in which there is.a large gate. I suppose if I really want to overdo the metaphor, the gate has November, 2024 written across it. I cannot seem to stop whatever vehicle it is I’m in, and no one around me seems able to do so either. We are all being drawn inexorably toward the unknown land beyond the gate, and while all around me I sense rabid and often very loud and angry speculation of all kinds about what lies there, none of it seems to be based on anything but guesswork.
I’ve taught American history for over 40 years. Yet I sense that all of what I thought I knew about us is now useless information. I know that we are now, as we’ve always been in the midst of an ongoing experiment, perhaps the most crucial in human history, but the manual we used to set the experiment up and to keep it running on some kind of scientific basis has been torn up by some of the participants who seem to think it not relevant any more.
Perhaps it is all merely the dark of the night musings of an aging man who had too much rich dessert at dinner. But I cannot forget that I spent 40 years trying to tell my students what a remarkable journey we were on and what an extraordinary promise had been vouchsafed to us to bring to as much fruition as we could, and now to have all of that so nearly in the hands of a man who has neither any idea of that journey or the promise it held, nor cares to is more appalling than I have words to describe.
Another old guy here- I’m grieving with you.
If 70-80 million people have seen everything we've seen and know what we know and still want Trump, then that's it. It's already over.
Many of those 70-80 million people have NOT seen everything we've seen. Some live in a pro-MAGA bubble where they are insulated from reality. Others just don't follow the news closely.
Because Democrats won't stand behind Biden. Trump sits farting in court and the speaker of the House 5 other Republicans seat behind him smiling for a whole week. I wonder how Biden's chances would be if the Democrats and everyone else would stop trashing him. It's not Biden's fault that Democrats are weak and self destructive bunch of assholes. Superman is not going to save us. We have to stand together for Biden or we will lose.
There was talk in a Next Level if JVL could break Will. I never thought he’d break Mona.
Ugh, Will. Love you but Mona was right to say we don’t have any evidence whatsoever that the shooter was a Democrat or a Biden supporter or a member of the “left” or that anything Biden or any Democrat said had anything to do with motivating him to try to kill Trump. In fact, the little evidence that we do have so far tends to go the other way. Too many people have been making that leap, and it’s irresponsible—because the first things people say usually stick in people’s minds even after the facts come out and disprove the original narrative.
The shooter was a republican.
Yes. He was registered as a Republican and his parents appear to have been Trump supporters. He was also into gun culture. So what we know so far suggests he was on that side of the political spectrum. But we don’t really know for sure or whether his political beliefs were the motivation for the shooting. But people certainly shouldn’t be making the assumption that his actions were motivated by Democrats saying Trump is a threat to democracy.
I read somewhere that he got cut from his school's shooting team. Maybe he was trying to prove his shooting skill.
I would like to make two comments. First, if you watched Biden's address to the nation about the assassination attempt, he was not impressive, even with the teleprompter. I was very disappointed. Second, concerning Trump's fist bump while being escorted to his vehicle, he endangered all the agents that were trying to protect him. They didn't know for sure that there wasn't another shooter. He was stopping them, and it was those agents that would have been hurt, all for a photo op.
Has Biden been a good President? Yes. Is he a good public speaker. No.
You know who else was a horrible public speaker? George W Bush. He was also not a great President. But the Republicans would never have ditched him. What the fuck is wrong with the Democrats. They have not guts at all.
I'm a die hard Democrat. There is a reason Biden's approval numbers are so low. This is Jimmy Carter territory. Should we make that mistake again???
So pray tell, who should we run instead?
Anyone who is not 81 years old.
Give me name. You think of any politician who can be bear Trump. You can't just believe any Democratic candidate will beat Trump. Or you just dont like Biden and don't care if can beat Trump. Who is 78 by the way and crazy.
Harris, Whitmer, Shapiro, Pritzker, Newsom, Beshear, Polis
Harris has less experience than Trump, but she has Biden's war chest. But, why would anyone vote for her? Whitmer would be good, but why would she give up being governor for a slim chance at being president. Same for Shapiro and Bashear. They both would be great, but are they willing to give up their Govenorships? Newsome? Voted for him for governor, but he couldn't convince the rest the country to vote for him. But all of this moot since they have no national campaigns and no money. Biden can't legally pass the campaign funds on to them. They would each have to build a nationwide campaign in less than 2 months with no money. That's impossible.
Biden's campaign could refund the money and those donors could then donate to the new candidate. Harris on her own as the current vice-president would energize the country. People are looking for someone viable to vote for.
Not in only 4 months
The rest of the democratic world doesn't spend as much time as we do in elections. We are in constant election season, and don't do much else. In this age of instant information maybe we can rethink what we do.
I’m a hard core Democrat, and it pisses me off to no end that we have no Killer Instinct.
I agree. Trump is a horrible candidate and every Republican and all the Right Wing are praising g him all time. So voters belive them.
Great show...depressing--what isn't nowadays--but per usual Bulwark helps me organize my thoughts--thank you Mona and Will.
DEPRESSING
I am listening to Season 2 of Maddow’s podcast Ultra. Her research into ultra right wing extremism in America is incredible. I didn’t know about most of these events before McCarthy, my father’s personal hero. It was in my home. Dad was a Bircher for lords sake. My mom, bless her, forbid him from attending Bircher meetings at the Grede Foundry, tense family atmosphere. I’ve had a book on my shelf for years that I still can’t bring myself to read - “A Conspiracy so Immense”. I still can’t open the cover without activating raw nerve cells. Listen to Ultra if you haven’t already.
Dear god that was bleak. Cancer is spot on. And as someone below put it so perfectly: "JD Vance is a Judas to the False Prophet and an a--hole."
I think it has been established that the democratic party is coming from a position of weakness. They are permitting Biden to proceed on sentiment. This is a weak position. Weak people fail, strong people prevail. Trump is coming from a position of strength because he is quite adept at being a bully and the democrats are offering us a weak candidate. Dear democrats: could you please select someone, anyone who is legally trained to recognize and rebut the mendacity of the republicans. Could you please select someone who has the legal knowledge, the vocabulary and the linguistic skills to convince the voters that he or she will protect the people, and not just give in as the passive are inclined to do. Could you please stand up, tighten your tie and do your job by selecting a candidate who is qualified to LEAD, not follow. It's time to replace the franchise, decrepit quarterback with new blood ; someone who can move the ball. Step up and do your job or this is over today.
They are permitting Biden because there in no fucking other person who can beat Trump. If everyone got behind Biden, he'd win. The country desperately wants an alternative to Trump and that's Biden.
Dumping Biden is weak
Apologizing for your candidate is weak.
You know of course that if Trump is elected, Cannon will win her auditions for SCOTUS. People who are beginning to lose heart and quasi accept that Trump will win need a trip to the woodshed. There will be no do-over, no course correction with the next election. I’m with you both - depressed and despairing and terrified. Trumpism is at least a generation of fascism that can’t be fixed.
Thanks. They think it's going business as usual. Women especially should realize he will erase 50 years of progressive rights and not just reproductive rights.
Stop navel gazing and saying Trump will win. Marshall the democrats, republicans and indies to One Cause,
Defeat Trump. Get Kelly, Mattis, the Bushes, all noted Republicans on deck with statements , ads, traveling, the country sounding the alarm. Normal Republicans should know that their party as a conservative bulwark is no more and they have to vote for the Democrat or
not vote president at all. Enough no vote for Trump might reduce his vote to the MAGA faithful. Regular Republicans should abstain or vote for Biden. Otherwise we will be responsible for the result. Question is how do we organize it.
Thank. Finally someone who makes sense.
That very vision is what keeps me sane ( mostly). I can see that happening at the end of the RNC convention. I keep thinking where is Madea when we need her to hitch slap the D leadership. Can’t someone appeal to Biden with fear for his legacy, appeal to his ego from that position? I pray Biden will hand the reins to Kamala to run on his legacy and her vitality? I doubt that much good will come from a chaotic competitive DNC Convention after what the MAGAts have been predicting. Last week, maybe, but now? Nope. Don’t let that bunch of creeps and fools be right about anything, especially the chance of winning. I’m old, I can’t imagine winding down my life with Trumpism looming without extraordinary effort to stop it.
Kamala has less leadership experience than Trump. Why would anyone vote for her?
I disagree on leadership. Trump has never been a leader of anything anyone. Kamala is underrated, she can beat Trump like a drum. He is easily triggered. She is untested though, but remember that Rs have been running against her since 2018/19 as a threat to white males and their “womenfolk”.
Call me old fashioned (everyone does) but I prefer reading a transcript to watching a video or listening to a podcast.
There is a transcript button on this page.
Unfortunately, the transcripts don't say who is speaking, so they can be hard to follow.
Just pointed out where it could be found.
Thank you.
You’re quite welcome. It took me a while to look around and find stuff.
This was an enlightening exchange. Thank you. As to President Biden’s interview with Lester Holt, I didn’t think Biden missed all opportunities to reply cogently. But he missed most of them. A good lawyer, or even a good debater, would have sensed the many opportunities to respond to Holt’s questions with nuance and appropriate intensity. But Biden could not think quickly enough? Perhaps Biden was simply not real skilled at rebutting arguments? Perhaps he did not have a sufficient command of the subject matter of the questions? I simply know that I winced many times at his anemic responses, when he did not follow up to make his rebuttal understood by the listening audience. My real fear is that I am not sure that Kamala Harris’s impact in such a situation would be that much better. Neither are real great orators. And please don’t respond that it’s not oratory that’s important, it’s simply the force of ideas. Good ideas are very often not understood if the speakers expressing them don’t know how to do so well.
From what I remember about Harris in her presidential campaign, in more intimate settings like the Holt interview she showed to me a very quick mind, very able to parry or extend a discussion as appropriate. I also recall that she had a good sense of humor, an asset for a politician.
One thing I learned from the Ezra Klein podcast episode about Kamala was that she is good at answering specific, concrete questions, but she can flounder when confronted with a more general, abstract question.
I heard that podcast too. It made me think back to her campaign then and remember what I liked. Can't say that I observed that split, but I may have just missed it.
I don't care if Biden is a bad speaker. Do you remember George W.? He was a horrible speaker everyone said no one thought he should resign
Harris has less experience than Trump. Why would anyone vote for her?
One word. Trump. That’s what does it for me.
You two have delivered a perfect eulogy for the death of our Democratic Republic. Will was spot on with his use of the term cancer...cancer kills.
Christ almighty I'm going to need therapy. This is all so damn depressing and I feel powerless to do anything about it. No ponies anywhere.
Let’s face it. The party leaders are weak and unwilling to demand that Biden stop his candidacy. He could be the dems hero when he steps out on the stage at the convention if he steps aside. We could have our own Trump moment and then get someone fresh. I don’t even know if it’ll work anymore. After all he survived an assasination attempt. That makes him a gd right? But I know we have no chance with Biden and I’m sick of wimpy dems doing nothing and waiting for our execution by MAGA. If he’s President (Trump) I can’t think of a bigger disaster.
I keep on hoping that they’re giving him as much time as possible to exit gracefully before someone jerks his chain. Hope dies last…
Mona, I hope you feel better soon! And Will, what I was most struck by was the timber of your voice as you expressed your processing of the magnitude of President Biden’s age-related (perhaps it’s more than that and a neurodegenerative condition) cognitive decline repeatedly on display and the sad-but-real possibility the President’s character influences his unwillingness to pass the baton. As the most optimistic alongside Sarah and a usual “pony provider” to the Bulwark community, I confess it hit me hard. I’m not quitting, giving up, or giving in (though a day or two ago the despair within me felt palpable), but your solemn grappling gives me an extra shot of resolve. Let’s keep our lamps burning as brightly as we can, wherever we can.
If we could rewrite the script of Star Wars such that the Rebels had actually captured the Death Star, not just the plans for it, but that the Rebels had only six months to act before the Death Star would fall back into the hands of the Empire, what would the Rebels do?
The Supreme Court did not make Trump an imperial president. They made the presidency imperial. They made Joe Biden an imperial president.
Again, I ask: what would the Rebels do?
Biden should throw Trump in jail for causei g a riot. It would be in accordance with his duty as president.
The smart ones will make it work. I would posit that they would present ideas to Trump in a manner that would have him solve those problems that will further their positions. People once given the perfume of power, Vance and the others might exercise that power in ways that Trump may not be able to stop. I gather flattery can delude the most powerful but beware the ides of March, dear Ceasar. Can Trump's lizard instinct sniff the danger? Maybe, we might be fixin' to find out.
Okay, about Biden and the charge of his "egotism" and "denialism".
Show me a person who offers himself or herself for election to public office whose ego is not strongly apparent.
Has Biden exhibited denialism in his responses, public and in private, to challenges over his ability to defeat The False Prophet?
Yup.
So who among those named by others as potential Democratic Party candidates for President other than Biden (Harris, Shapiro, Witmer, etc.) has actually shown the ego, hubris, and guts to offer himself or herself for the office?
In this matter, Mona and Will seem to address an "If-Then" argument: "If Biden steps away from the Party nomination, then the selection of another and more popular (we believe) candidate will naturally occur and The False Prophet will be defeated, saving our Republic.:
Let's not consider the possibility that the convention will be wracked by externally visible internal chaos.
For me, these facts are salient:
-- The False Prophet is a vainglorious autocrat who needs self-vindication over all else.
-- Vance is a Judas to The False Prophet and an asshole.
-- Project 2025 is the blueprint for the destruction of our Constitution.
-- I will vote for the Democrat, whomever remains standing after the bullshit.
I would say the one with the ego and burning desire for the office is Newsom.
Thank you!
These people need a wake up call. I cannot read this pie in the sky nonsense anymore. If you're telling the voters that Biden should resign and he doesn't, Democrats will stay home. If you tell the voters that Biden is a fair public speaker but a great President, they will be excited and come out to vote.
Of course we want to avoid naughty words here, but that's exactly what you'd call Vance if he were, say, a coworker. Marco is more of a putz or schlemiel.
Biden’s ego and selfishness are going to give us an unchecked Trump with a VP who will be worse. Anyone who thinks Biden can come back and win this is smoking something. Their pessimism is justified.
Fine, you tell me who can beat Trump. Name one person. Just one. I have one, Biden!
At this point, Kamala Harris is a much better candidate than Biden. If Biden cared more about the country than about his ego, he would resign today and pass the baton to Kamala.
Agreed
Bulwark or Democrats should make a negative add using debate footage of "we beat Medicare" answer and get Biden to watch it. Force him to see how bad it was since Biden has no grasp of his own limitations. I'm sure Trump team has all of these ads of debate footage ready to go in swing states to play once it is too late for Biden to drop out. As bad as current polls are, they don't reflect true direness of situation.
Yes. The harping on Biden’s limitations that you already hear at the convention (we want a 24 hour president, not one from 10 to 4) is going to get a lot worse.
Totally agree about Biden but completely unfair to lump Democratic reaction to Biden to Republican reaction to Trump. Democrats are in a possible situation. Many have spoken up publicly and many have tried to talk to him privately. However, there doesn't seem to be any way to force him out.
I just read Section 4 of the 25th Amendment. If I'm reading it correctly, it would take a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress to relieve the President of his duties. That could make for some interesting politics on Capitol Hill!
Or the threat to use it could be enough.
I guess that I am raising the temperature, while this guy is calmly just asking the questions: 'As we move forward in Uniting our Nation after the horrific events on Saturday, this dismissal of the Lawless Indictment in Florida should be just the first step, followed quickly by the dismissal of ALL the Witch Hunts—The January 6th Hoax in Washington, D.C., the Manhattan D.A.’s Zombie Case, the New York A.G. Scam, Fake Claims about a woman I never met (a decades old photo in a line with her then husband does not count), and the Georgia “Perfect” Phone Call charges. The Democrat Justice Department coordinated ALL of these Political Attacks, which are an Election Interference conspiracy against Joe Biden’s Political Opponent, ME. Let us come together to END all Weaponization of our Justice System, and Make America Great Again.'
Stop the bullshit, revisionist history. Trump is a crook, a rapist and spoiled, rich brat. If you like him go ahead and vkte for him, but don't pretend he has any principles whatsoever. He'll sell out the country and our allies in a New York minute.
I cannot believe that you read my sarcastic quotation of Trump's unhinged rant and inferred that I would vote for him.
Agree so much! He knows his angles. He’s ignorant and cruel, but he’s canny.
Apparently, (captured on audio) he also called out 'Wait, wait, wait!' to the Secret Service to enable him to pose deliberately with fist pump and accompanying 'Fight, fight, fight' call. Talk about instincts! As Bill Kristol often observes, Trump is a master demogogue.
I definitely heard Trump say “Wait, wait,” followed by “Let me get my shoes!” Then, yes, the fist pump..i.captured in front of our American flag.