The debate has split my family on Joe

[Joinfortmill]

This makes me so sad. They want him to withdraw, which is nearly impossible at this stage, but they were shocked by his presentation last night and they are afraid.

I have a lot of thoughts about this and them, none of them good. But, for peace in the family, I will remain silent on the topic.

God bless Joe and God bless America.

[MacKasey]

1. Biden had a cold, in a few days he will be better, Trump will still be a Liar!

[karynnj]

11. True and by voting Biden, you get the well qualified, exceptional Biden team

If at some point, it is too much for Biden, President Harris would be far far better than Trump.

[Polybius]

20. It's not just the cold

Do you think Gavin with a cold would have a similar debate? The same look when Trump was speaking? We finally beat Medicare?

[emulatorloo]

27. 'Gavin' is not running. And is 100% behind Biden.

[Polybius]

65. In public n/t

[emulatorloo]

70. A "secret plot" then?

Sure 😑

[Polybius]

78. Not a plot

Just saying what he says in private may be different.

[brush]

46. What exactly are you saying? That you want Joe to drop out? Please. That would give it to the convicted criminal rapist.

No way. No fucking way.

[Polybius]

66. And staying in won't?

I know it's late, but we never should have been in this position.

[brush]

69. You're over-reacting. Joe will win, early reaction polls have already shown indy voters are against the lying crimnal...

rapist, attempted coup leader.

I'm not bailing on Biden, just as Gov. Newsom, Rep. Pelosi and Rep Clyburn...all stalwart Dems recommend.

And you should be staying with Joe too.

[Polybius]

77. Ok, I'll take a pause for a week

I will check back on things then, thanks.

[rzemanfl]

40. He was a lot better in less than 24 hours.

It makes no sense to me. I have my tinfoil hat on and suspect the venue, CNN, or someone in the Secret Service.

[hueymahl]

57. Stump speeches in front of an energized crowd with a telepropter

Are whole different animals. But I am still encouraged by the way he performed at it.

[NoSheep]

2. It is sad. Remind them we don't have the luxury of an opinion right now. Starving people don't refuse food.

Harsh, but it's the truth.

[JohnSJ]

3. The race is between Biden and trump. I assume they will be voting for Biden, right? That being said,

my suggestion is wait a week and see if this has any impact on the polls. My suspicion is that it won't move the needle.

I also believe we will see Biden doing more press conferences, more public appearances, and making himself more accessible.

[calguy]

54. The best thing about this debate is it's only June

Lots of time, and many opportunities for Joe to turn it around. Trump didn't do himself any favors by lying his ass off, and he'll be sentenced for his felonies in a few days.
I have faith.

[USAFRetired_Liberal]

4. Nearly impossible

Regardless of how someone feels on whether Biden should step aside, I can't stand this line of “nearly impossible” or “the party doesn't have time to field another candidate.” That is a media and political narrative. There hasnt been a convention yet, and conventions are how parties pick their nominees. Over the last 60 years we have made these conventions into infomercials for the candidate and party, but before 1960 they were no kidding true conventions where delegates chose who would represent the party. But now the parties are too afraid that the media would call them in disarray or infighting. But I call it true political engagement

[Joinfortmill]

10. I still think it would be difficult.

[emulatorloo]

29. Yeah - Nationally unknown candidate, no money no war chest, 3 months before an election.

Not an option.

Plus Biden had a cold, then bounced back the next day in NC.

[Celerity]

25. 1968 was the last delegate-chosen convention for us. We got off to a poor start with the

present model in 1972.

[True Dough]

30. The country went with the crook back then

BUT AT LEAST HE WASN'T A KNOWN CROOK like the friggin' 34-time convicted felon (with an even longer rap sheet to come).

Gawd, don't let that asshole pardon himself!

[Doodley]

34. Correct. It is a way of quashing discussion.

[LeftInTX]

80. The party rules have changed. We just can't "throw out" the existing rules.

Sure if something would happen to our elected candidate, there are back up rules. But I don't believe there are rules that allow a bunch of pledged delegates to throw out the nominee.

[kcr]

5. Yep. People are freaking out. Rinse and repeat the following:

Debates never change anything, not even the disastrous ones. Voters already know Joe is old. Undecided panels didn't break for Trump last night because of Trump's lies. Rinse. Repeat.

I've managed to calm my friends and family with this. This will pass.

[TexasDem69]

6. The one story I saw about an undecided panel

CNN maybe(?) said the panel did break for Trump because of concerns about Biden’s age.

[kcr]

8. The CNN panel did not break for Trump

It was a panel that already leaned Republican, and only 5% on each side switched votes. I have yet to see any discussion on a panel that switched from Biden to Trump.

[TexasDem69]

18. Thx

[emulatorloo]

31. ++++++++++

[karynnj]

12. If debates won races, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton would have been president

GWB was very bad especially in the first debate, where Kerry corrected himself when Bush said Saddam Husein attacked us on 911 - reminding him that it was OBL.

Not to mention, Gore who easily won a debate on content, lost it when he was showed sighing and grimacing when Bush spoke. The agreement had been you were only seen when talking.

[Polybius]

21. There was no talk for Bush to step down after his bad debate in 2004

It's a huge difference.

[emulatorloo]

33. Bush is a Republican. Plenty of talk about Obama stepping down in 2012. He's a Democrat.

That’s the ‘huge difference’

[Polybius]

64. Not after the debate

Not whole panels of liberal commentators. We've never seen anything like this. We can't pretend that this is normal.

[emulatorloo]

67. "Obama's Debate Performance A Catastrophe" Huffington Post Oct 4, 2012

“The Collapse of Hope: Obama’s Awful Debate Performance” Salon (Oct 4, 2012)

“Obama Failed To Seize His Moment In Debate” AP (October 3, 2012)

“Obama Should Drop Out After Debate Disaster” Washington Times (Oct 4, 2012)

“Disappointing Debate Performance by Obama” The Los Angeles Times (Oct 3, 2012)

“Obama’s No Good, Very Bad Week” The Daily Beast (October 5, 2012)

“Debate Night Debacle: Obama Tanks, Romney Scores” USA Today (October 3, 2012)

“Obama’s Fall From Grace” New York Post (October 4, 2012)

“Obama’s Debacle” Chicago Tribune (October 5, 2012)

Not whole panels of liberal commentators.

- AKA people who get paid for hyperbole nonsense (to get ratings)

We've never seen anything like this. We can't pretend that this is normal.

- Stop trying to make FETCH happen

[MorbidButterflyTat]

73. Agree, and thank you!

The arrogant, stubborn declarations of doom and defeat are fucking bullshit.

"It's never happened before!!!1!!!!!!1!!!"

What's never happened before is a fucking convicted FELON who instigated an insurrection against the US government, a rapist traitor, etc., etc. and everybody on the planet knows it, being normalized and supported by criminal corrupt MAGAts and a complicit click bait media.

THAT is what never happened before.

Is it too much to ask for DEMOCRATS to support and maybe even defend a DEMOCRATIC president? JFC.

[LeftInTX]

81. Obama's debate performance was lackluster, not a catastrophe.

I just watched it yesterday.

[Polybius]

76. Not erven remotely the same thing

Being in denial isn't helping. Look at what entire panels were saying right after.

[emulatorloo]

83. Entire panels, huh? Very convincing! /s

Lawrence: We live in a country where most commentators declared the liar the debate winner

?si=DHr0pMBeJWLL_vmD

[Polybius]

84. There's always one outcast

Anyway, we'll see how the next debate goes. Luckily, there's lots of time to prepare since it's in September.

[emulatorloo]

85. Track down the whole show, he had multiple guests. Good substantive discussion and historical analysis.

[Kaleva]

7. What does it matter if they end up voting for Biden anyways?

Hoping Biden withdraws is not the same as changing their support for Trump or not voting at all.

[Johnny2X2X]

9. I got several texts too

It's not that they won't support Biden still and vote for him, it's that they think swing voters now won't vote for him.

[Elessar Zappa]

13. I don't think this is a death blow.

August is when the campaigns really rev-up and wish-washy voters start paying attention. IMO, Biden needs, starting now, to flood television and especially social media with ads highlighting his accomplishments and going hard negative against Trump. And all of us who are able need to donate time and money to his campaign. And most important, get out the vote! I’m still cautiously optimistic because I think many will find it hard to pull the lever for Trump again when it comes down to it.

[Johnny2X2X]

14. Townhall

He needs to announce some town halls right away. Get in front of the cameras again and talk to the people.

[Elessar Zappa]

15. Yes, absolutely.

About the debate, I wonder if he took some NyQuil or something like that before the debate to treat his cold? That would explain why he seemed kinda out of it. Those kind of medicines hit the elderly hard.

[JanMichael]

37. I imagine he knows the difference between NyQuil & DayQuil.

That would be like taking two or three Benadryl just for fun and thinking you can speak in front of a camera.

[Elessar Zappa]

63. Not for fun but I take Benadryl all the time during the day

when I’m at work due to serious hay fever. Maybe Biden didn’t know it would hit him hard, I don’t know. I’m just speculating, there’s a good chance I’m completely wrong. But what explains the difference in his demeanor from last night compared to today? He’s completely different.

[LeftInTX]

82. I don't think that's the case. There's always a flight surgeon on AF 1

I bet all his OTC meds are prescribed. (Under a doctor's orders) The reason would be to prevent an embarrassing mishap from an OTC med.

[karynnj]

17. I agree

He has been great at them and they would counter yesterday's look.

[karynnj]

16. The question is what is worse - an aging statesman leading a remarkable team or a nasty fellon,

actually promising truly bad things?

The conventional idea that sometimes you need to vote for the lesser evil in this case, is between knowingly voting for evil and voting for a nominee who might be replaced by Harris. For suburban voters, Harris vs Trump should still be a winner ... and keeping democracy.

[Silent3]

19. As long as they'll all still vote for Biden in the most likely event Biden remains our candidate...

…isn’t that really all that matters? Is a difference of opinion on the best strategy to defeat Trump really that terrible a split?

[Joinfortmill]

22. I think they are so blind with fear that Trump

will win that they have lost all perspective. They think if Joe continues to run he is being selfish. It is what it is. The optics for Joe were horrible at the debate. I'd like to know why. I don't think it was by accident. But, we move on.

[WA-03 Democrat]

53. I would like to think it was planned too

Confirm that Joe is old and Trump is a racist, rapist, lair, felon and wants to be a dictator. Joe is old and Trump is evil. Night and day. Joe will flash back and show he still has moxy but Trump will always be evil. Joe can do better and will. Trump only gets more evil. Compare and contrast all ya want.
It was not planned but it is still true.

[Joinfortmill]

59. I hear you. Tine will tell. It always does.

[Iris]

23. If they are afraid, they should vote for Joe.

[Iris]

23. If they are afraid, they should vote for Joe.

[FarPoint]

26. He is not going to withdraw....

Now they can choose between tRump or Biden....

Joe is fine....

[emulatorloo]

35. The debate was a one off. Did you see Biden's speech in North Carolina yesterday.

He kicked ass.

Welcome to DU!

[brush]

50. Nuts. That would just hand the win to the convicted criminal rapist.

Last edited Sat Jun 29, 2024, 03:32 PM - Edit history (1)

No time to bail now. Work harder. Joe will bounce back, like he did the next day in NC.

[Bettie]

32. So, if he doesn't drop out

Are they planning to vote for the convicted felon?

Or will they vote for Biden? We can all want whatever we want, but in the end, voting for the guy with a D after his name on the ballot is the best choice.

[Deep State Witch]

36. Everybody needs chill the fuck out

It was one bad debate. We lost the battle. Regroup and keep working. I'm ridin' with Biden to the end!

[Silent Type]

60. Unfortunately, there is no reason to believe this won't happen again. Hurts me to say that. One more time, and

it'll be difficult for Democrats up and down ballot.

Like everyone here, I'm voting for Biden over trump or any GOPer, but I am less confident than before the debate.

[Baltimike]

38. Ridin' with Biden or rootin' for Putin

it is FAKE NEWS FOLLY to think that either side could replace their candidate right now

[Doodley]

41. So if Joe or Trump had a heart attack or a stroke and were hospitalized, they couldn't be replaced? Really?

[emulatorloo]

49. Obviously if they were dead, they would be replaced. However having a bad cold isn't being dead, obviously.

[brush]

52. Please. Get back to us when that happens.

Joe dropping out would be giving it to the criminal rapist.

Listen to Gov. Newsom. No time to bail now.

[Doodley]

39. My family (excluding any Republicans) are not divided on this issue. They all think Joe should step aside for the good

of the country. It's not about having a cold, but about being able to effectively communicate a vision for America and to be able to contrast that with the danger of Trump. Most Democratic representatives would be able to make mincemeat out of Trump, the worst human being that has ever been a presidential candidate, who wants to destroy so much that is good about America. It's a very low bar.

[Think. Again.]

43. You're family should watch some of Biden's other media appearances then.

[Doodley]

55. They love Joe Biden, but think he can't overcome the negative voter perceptions. By the way, I was a stutterer.

I barely spoke for a whole year when I was a teenager. I don't stutter now, but it has affected me my entire life---the bullying, and going into my shell. So, I relate to how he went through that and faced upto his fears to achieve so much. Yes, they have seen his other appearances. I agree he usually does much better. He's done great TV interviews recently.

[Think. Again.]

56. Okay, just show them how he publicly appears the majority of the time...

....tell them not to pay attention to the deliberately negative media, and offer them a ride to the voting station in November.

[Silent Type]

61. I have. This was not the first time he looked his age. Voting for him no matter what, but I think any true undecideds

will skew toward trump or just not care about election. Either way, a win for trump.

[emulatorloo]

47. Who specifically do they want to replace Biden?

[Think. Again.]

42. Bad optics are a reason to withdraw?

I could understand if Biden was convicted of 34 felonies or something, but one unflattering tv appearance? Seriously?

[PeaceWave]

88. Not necessarily. But, it certainly does create a lot of pressure for the next debate.

[brush]

44. Push back vigorously on them that Joe stepping aside at this late date...

just gives the criminal, rapist, coup leader and wannabe dictator a win.

No time to jump ship now. Time to buckle down. Joe will come back. He did in fact do an excellent job in NC the next day after the debate.

[Torchlight]

48. Thankfully, our household remains unified behind the strength of Biden's performance as a President

I'll giggle at anyone who thinks his debate performance is a leading indicator of anything other than a debate performance. I certainly won't call them names or use them as props for an anecdotal perormance, but I'll always and forever giggle if they walk past.

[Ferrets are Cool]

51. Ask them politely to watch his speech yesterday. EVERYONE can have a bad day...especially when

fighting a cold.

If you can't find it...

Here Ben discusses.

Joe was ON FIRE!!!

[lark]

58. Mine too.

My sister, my husband and I all have different takes. I'm having dinner with my daughter tonight and she probably has a different take too, we'll see. Anyway, husband thinks Biden should resign at the convention and give it to Newsom/Whitmer to run. My sister and I say this is impossible and Biden is it. Brenda is sure Biden has no chance and wants to move to another country next year. I am not so easily swayed and think Biden should stay on as there is no other choice that wouldn't be suicide for the party. Biden's chances will almost certainly go down, but who would have ever thought tcf could get elected after the pussy grabbing tape came out - but he did! R's didn't abandon him, and we shouldn't abandon Biden and need to work hard to elect him.

[kimbutgar]

62. I had to talk several people down yesterday

One he had three prior events before the debate ….big mistake and two he had a friggin cold.

[emulatorloo]

68. See if they will watch this clip from "The Last Word" - 'Calm rational analysis of what we saw last night'

Lawrence: We live in a country where most commentators declared the liar the debate winner

?si=DHr0pMBeJWLL_vmD

[RandomNumbers]

71. Please read EarlG's thread and share the important points with them.

https://democraticunderground.com/100219077397

He nails the reality quite firmly.

[emulatorloo]

72. ++++++

[Iggo]

74. Half your family prefers Trump now?

[Joinfortmill]

75. No, they want him to withdraw. They want Newsom... like it's that easy. Sigh.

Not to mention, what about what a great President Joe is. That, it seems, means nothing in the face of their fears.

[Tree Lady]

79. Tell them its too late even if we wanted to

it would be udder chaos and infighting and we would lose by a huge margin.

Tell them Joe has great people working for him which will keep things going in the right direction unlike those that will be with Trump.

If they are afraid we will lose with Joe, tell them changing now would be worse so help fight for Joe!

[emulatorloo]

86. Their choice is between a solid dependable workhorse or a deranged rabid hog. I'm sure they'll make the right choice

I doubt they’ll choose/prefer or allow Trump’s cabinet and staff full of Nazi psycho’s over Biden’s team of rational progressives when Election Day actually arrives.

[Iggo]

87. It's Biden or Trump. If Biden withdraws, it's Trump.

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

89. I think we win either way nt