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Ben Gruder's avatar

I'm a Democrat and know that Biden is absolutely up to the job as President. But this is about appearances, nothing rational. Even though Trump is close to Biden's age, Trump has a quickness and fire (with an extra topping of malice, anger and hatred) that Biden does not have. Biden seems low energy. He is not silver-tongued, never has been, but now with his decreased outward energy level, it makes things worse. Yeah, Trump has lost animation in his voice but he's still got a twinkle in his eye, a quick (if stupid) reaction to whatever comes at him. He can still bullshit fluently. Better than Biden. It's sad but true.

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rlritt's avatar

Trump is a complete loud mouth idiot when he talks. Biden is very quick on his feet. Do remember the SOTU where he was energized by the heckling of the bratty Republicans. He was able to get them to agree, on national TV, to not cut Social Security! When they realized what he had done, he laughed. He was amazing.

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Ben Gruder's avatar

He knows how to wield power and talk to members of Congress. And yes, he did have a quick and strategically effect reaction at SOTU. He's also a hell of a negotiator, besting McCarthy in the debt ceiling talks. But our country's electoral judgment is increasingly less about content and more about affect and showmanship. And, I hate to say it, Biden *appears* kind of fragile or frail. Not in content but in visual and audio impression. Trump may be unhealthy, sloppy, and whiny, but nobody would call him frail (although he's emotionally and psychologically fragile as glass)

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rlritt's avatar

To me looks like an obese slob.

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That Democracy Guy's avatar

That's true, and its' all about perception. Trump is a showman, a master at manipulating the media, dominating the stage, and getting attention. He is also always on the attack and projects an animus, a primal rage, and an unencumbered sarcasm (complete with juvenile nicknames) that makes literally anyone else seem 'low energy' and weak by comparison.

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Ben Gruder's avatar

I think you've really put your finger on it!

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suzc's avatar

I think you are conflating being loud and screaming malice with being fluent and articulate. I have never ever heard TFG actually deliver a thoughtful articulate statement. But I take your point.

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Sherm's avatar

Part of the reason people think that if Trump is because the media constantly edits his word salad into quotes without ever noting that they're doing it. It makes his statements look orders of magnitude more reasonable and coherent than they actually are.

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Ben Gruder's avatar

Good point.

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