Chris 3,080 Posted June 26 Yeah that’s what I was thinking too. Lowering the bar in advance. Who knew the things could get any lower? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ann 405 Posted June 27 12 hours ago, Chris said: Yeah that’s what I was thinking too. Lowering the bar in advance. Who knew the things could get any lower? Never underestimate professional politicians and what they can and will do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 469 Posted June 27 Quote ATLANTA (AP) — President Joe Biden and his Republican rival, Donald Trump, will meet for a debate on Thursday that offers an unparalleled opportunity for both candidates to try to reshape the political narrative. Biden, the Democratic incumbent, gets the chance to reassure voters that, at 81, he’s capable of guiding the U.S. through a range of challenges. The 78-year-old Trump, meanwhile, could use the moment to try to move past his felony conviction in New York and convince an audience of tens of millions that he’s temperamentally suited to return to the Oval Office. With just over four months until Election Day, their performances have the rare potential to alter the trajectory of the race. Every word and gesture will be parsed not just for what both men say but how they interact with each other and how they hold up under pressure. Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RussNelson 30 Posted June 28 The Democrats seem genuinely surprised by how badly Biden did. It wasn't just his words, but his appearance. And in the end, Trump walked off the stage, while Biden had to be escorted by his wife to ensure that he didn't get lost. Frankly, I was surprised that he made it to the podium at the beginning. I guess the drugs wore off over the course of the evening. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsKreed 1,511 Posted June 28 35 minutes ago, RussNelson said: The Democrats seem genuinely surprised by how badly Biden did. It wasn't just his words, but his appearance. I wasn’t expecting so much surprise among dems about his performance either. It’s funny, because I’ve been very aware of MAGA folks (posting constant loops of Biden’s stumbling, etc) who seemed to have unrealistically low expectations of his ability. I’d assumed many republican Trump supporters were succumbing to confirmation bias they absorb from their media choices. But until you pointed this out, it hadn’t really occurred to me that Democrats' confirmation bias had led them to believe all the WH press releases that he’s sharp as a tack behind closed doors and that videos of him faltering are all misleadingly cropped and edited, etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,080 Posted June 28 Some of the talk I've seen on other sites I frequent revolves around replacing Biden with Gavin Newsom. But someone else pointed out that would require Kamala Harris to willingly step aside. Because otherwise, they'd be pushing aside a black woman for a white man, and the optics of that would be very bad for the party. Even worse once the GOP latched on to it. But then the Democratic party likes to follow the "who's turn next" pattern, so they'd probably choose to run her and lose. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ann 405 Posted June 28 Newsom has made a mess of California and Harris hasn’t done anything to show she deserves to replace Biden. The Dems have to have someone better than those two. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsKreed 1,511 Posted June 28 2 hours ago, Chris said: Some of the talk I've seen on other sites I frequent revolves around replacing Biden with Gavin Newsom. But someone else pointed out that would require Kamala Harris to willingly step aside. Because otherwise, they'd be pushing aside a black woman for a white man, and the optics of that would be very bad for the party. Even worse once the GOP latched on to it. But then the Democratic party likes to follow the "who's turn next" pattern, so they'd probably choose to run her and lose. Yeah, if Harris was a considered a good option, then even with his questionable faculties..... people would be happy still voting Biden/Harris and OK knowing she’d be taking the helm sooner than later. The analysts I heard on CNN seemed to say that the DNC rules say the delegates are procedurally committed to Biden, and no one politically has the authority to remove him from the ticket. So, the only way to replace him as Democrat nominee is if he voluntarily steps down and says he’s decided he won’t accept the nomination. It didn’t sound like they expected that to be an option, as he has an established reputation of being ‘stubborn’ and believing he’s always thrived as an underdog. The consensus seems to be that Joe thinks he’s really killing it. And he said as much at a brief Waffle House visit after last night’s debate. And Dr. Jill is the only person who could ethically/legally pressure him to do so. At this point, it doesn’t look like anyone wants to consider the only compulsory option – the 25th Amendment. That would immediately make Harris the incumbent....but not necessarily the nominee. The Party would still need to weigh the pros and cons of her unpopularity against any disapproval of passing her over. (Unless there’s some outside chance they could craft a case that she was derelict as VP for not sounding the 25A alarm bell sooner). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 469 Posted June 29 Quote WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden’s halting debate performance has led some in his own party to begin questioning whether he should be replaced on the ballot before November. There is no evidence Biden is willing to end his campaign. And it would be nearly impossible for Democrats to replace him unless he chooses to step aside. Here’s why: Delegates Biden won in the primaries are pledged to support him Every state has already held its presidential primary. Democratic rules say that the delegates Biden won should support him at the party’s upcoming national convention unless he tells them he’s leaving the race. The president indicated that he had no plans to do that, telling supporters in Atlanta shortly after he left the debate stage, “Let’s keep going.” Biden campaign spokesperson Lauren Hitt was even clearer, saying Friday: “Of course he’s not dropping out.” The conventions and their rules are controlled by the political parties. The Democratic National Committee could convene before the convention opens on Aug. 19 and change how things will work, but that isn’t likely as long as Biden wants to continue seeking reelection. The current rules read: “Delegates elected to the national convention pledged to a presidential candidate shall in all good conscience reflect the sentiments of those who elected them.” See the rest here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsKreed 1,511 Posted June 29 (edited) Quote The vice president is Biden’s running mate, but that doesn’t mean she can swap in for him at the top of the ticket by default. Biden also can’t decree that she replace him should he suddenly decide to leave the race. Of course, if Biden were to withdraw and release his committed delegates, he can’t then “decree” that those delegates go to any particular candidate. However, Biden would still control all the money in his own campaign war chest. If he announces his “retirement” he can choose to move that money to another candidate or take it out of the political realm entirely and simply disburse it to charitable cause (as Joe Lieberman did). While a replacement candidate could move forward at the 11th hour with funding from the DNC and other various super PACs, losing the money Biden has accumulated over 50 years of political fundraising would be a disadvantage. So it seems, as a practical matter, his support for whoever may replace him would be extremely important. Edited June 29 by MsKreed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsKreed 1,511 Posted June 29 I know it's mean, but I had to chuckle: 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 469 Posted July 1 Quote CNN — Joe Biden’s family on Sunday encouraged the president to stay in the 2024 race and privately discussed whether top aides should be fired on the heels of Biden’s stunningly poor debate performance, which has thrown his campaign into turmoil. Biden’s family, including first lady Jill Biden, son Hunter Biden and their grandchildren, convened at Camp David for a previously scheduled get-together and implored the president to keep fighting in his bid for reelection, Biden advisers told CNN. One adviser described the family members as having offered their “unequivocal support.” The family – clearly frustrated with the team that prepared President Biden ahead of his alarming debate with former President Donald Trump – discussed whether any of Biden’s top advisers should be fired and whether campaign staffing changes should be made, one adviser said. Biden, however, is known for being loyal to and protective of his close advisers, and does not like to fire aides. As of Sunday, it did not appear that any major staffing changes were looming. Read the rest here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ann 405 Posted July 1 You can have all the experts you want preparing someone for a debate but if that individual in mentally unable to retain and use that preparation it is not the fault of the experts. The ones at fault are Biden’s family. They are more concerned about retaining the power, prestige and influence of the Office of President than they are about a man too old to perform the duties and responsibilities of that Office. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,080 Posted July 1 Last night while watching "Independence Day" the solution came to me: 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 469 Posted July 3 Quote Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas,, became the first congressional Democrat to call for President Biden to withdraw from his reelection bid, issuing a statement saying that Biden had failed to reassure voters in last week's presidential debate and was trailing his Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump. Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 469 Posted July 4 Quote President Joe Biden is “absolutely not” considering stepping down, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Wednesday as she responded to questions about the president’s mindset following his poor debate performance last week. More updates can be found here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsKreed 1,511 Posted July 5 After insisting that it would be "dangerous" to release Biden's audio from Special counsel Hur's interviews, because the other guys could (dishonestly) manipulate it, we have Biden supporters suggesting that using AI manipulation to make him look good would be perfectly acceptable, and not dishonest at all. Quote Joe Biden is old and has had a lifelong stutter. He acknowledged in a fiery rally following his debate performance: “I might not walk as easily or talk as smoothly as I used to.” This has impeded his ability to communicate with mass audiences with consistent success. AI augmentations and video renderings could serve to smooth out these bumps while allowing the Biden campaign to effectively disseminate true information about the state of our democracy and the Biden administration’s accomplishments. The president has limited time to campaign as he also focuses on running the country, and AI would be a cost-effective and efficient way to communicate his message personally and directly to voters. Let's be honest, if RFK Jr's used AI to "smooth out" his speech, it would certainly improve his image. And he'd absolutely be eviscerated for doing that. But the Biden campaign shouldn't stop at just "smoothing out" verbal or physical struggles.....they should use AI to just create full-out Deep Fake content. Quote AI-generated content can be tailored to highlight President Biden’s accomplishments, clearly articulate his policies, and present a consistent, compelling message. In an era where visual mediums and quick, digestible content dominate public perceptions, AI offers an opportunity for more effective communication. These AI-enhanced videos could ensure that the public does not make decisions about the future of our democracy based on an inconveniently timed cough, stray stutter, or healthy but hobbled walk (Biden suffers from a ‘stiff gait’). Aesthetic enhancements aside, another significant advantage of AI is its ability to produce high-quality content efficiently. This would allow the campaign to respond rapidly to current events, misinformation and the fast-paced news cycle. Read the rest HERE (and it's got some extremely detailed advocating for extensive manipulation) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,080 Posted July 5 Nothing is off the table I'm thinking. Both campaigns will try anything to win. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 469 Posted July 8 Quote President Biden sent a two-page letter to Democratic lawmakers on Monday to say that “I am firmly committed to staying in this race," saying speculation over his future was helping former President Donald Trump — and that it was time to stop. “The question of how to move forward has been well-aired for over a week now. And it’s time for it to end. We have one job,” Biden said. Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsKreed 1,511 Posted July 8 This part of his letter is an argument I've been hearing a lot lately: Quote He said Democratic voters had spoken during the primaries — and that it was their decision to make, “not the press, not the pundits, not the big donors.” “This was a process open to anyone who wanted run. Only three people chose to challenge me. One fared so badly that he left the primaries to run as an independent. Another attacked me for being too told and was soundly defeated,” he said, apparently referring to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., respectively. This premise sounds valid on its face. Except for the fact that "The Party" took great measures to limit voters from having any other choices. Despite the fact that voters were calling for access to other candidates for several months before the primaries began (Example A, Example B)....debates were prohibited, and primary schedules were rearranged to ensure that Democratic primary voters didn't have "credible" options other than the Anointed One. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,080 Posted July 9 Let's be honest, a bad performance at the NATO summit isn't just a problem for his campaign, it's a national security concern. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Twin Tiers Living 469 Posted July 10 Quote Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is releasing all of her 97 delegates and urging them to vote for Donald Trump at next week’s Republican National Convention, our colleague Meridith McGraw reports. “The nominating convention is a time for Republican unity,” Haley will say in a statement. “Joe Biden is not competent to serve a second term and Kamala Harris would be a disaster for America. We need a president who will hold our enemies to account, secure our border, cut our debt, and get our economy back on track. I encourage my delegates to support Donald Trump next week in Milwaukee.” Asked if Haley is attending the convention, Haley spox Chaney Denton said that Haley “was not invited, and she’s fine with that. Trump deserves the convention he wants. She’s made it clear she’s voting for him and wishes him the best.” Source Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsKreed 1,511 Posted July 10 Since it's the NY Times, the entire editorial is behind a paywall, but THIS article has the most direct quotes I've seen so far. Quote Top fundraiser George Clooney abandons Biden: ‘The dam has broken’ “But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time. None of us can,” Clooney wrote of the 81-year-old commander in chief. Last month, Clooney joined former President Obama and actor Julia Roberts for a buzzy and record-breaking Los Angeles fundraiser for Biden’s campaign. The event raised $30 million. But in his New York Times essay, Clooney acknowledged that he observed a difference in Biden at the glitzy fundraiser. “It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal‘ Biden of 2010. He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate,” Clooney wrote. Biden’s shaky performance, which critics and some allies described as “disastrous,” in his debate last month against former President Trump in Atlanta renewed concerns about his age and viability as the Democratic presidential candidate. Several House Democrats have called on Biden to exit the White House race — an idea that he’s repeatedly rejected. “Was he tired? Yes. A cold? Maybe. But our party leaders need to stop telling us that 51 million people didn’t see what we just saw. We’re all so terrified by the prospect of a second Trump term that we’ve opted to ignore every warning sign,” Clooney, 63, said. The part that I highlighted is one reason I found it interesting. Clooney seems to be the first person to publicly go on record saying that he's personally witnessed Biden's decline outside the debate performance. Other than "anonymous" leaks, everyone has said..."He's fine."..."It was one bad night."...."I have concerns, but haven't seen any other lapses with my own eyes". etc etc 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris 3,080 Posted July 10 Ouch! That's prett bad. Whaddya think, a big announcment coming later this week? Or will they save the drama for the convention? Honestly, at this poin I have a feeling FLOTUS has a lot to do with pumping him up to stay in the race. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
