Guys, we are *not* doomed!

[Ocelot II]

When I saw the news my first reaction was probably like most of yours: "Aww, fuck!" and a feeling of despair. But rather than stay on DU and vent about Vichy Democrats and greedy donors and the general suck of the situation, I decided to go for a walk - the rain had stopped and I figured a couple of miles worth of contemplation might calm me down. And it did, and I feel better.

It occurred to me, first, that this isn't Biden's first rodeo, or his second or his third. He's one of the canniest politicians out there, and if anybody can figure out which way the political wind is blowing, it's him. So he must have had a good reason, or reasons, for making this extremely consequential decision. We don't know yet what those reasons were, but they could include a serious drop-off in fund-raising that couldn't be overcome or some worrisome internal polling. Or, since this was such a sudden and unexpected turn-around, maybe while he was being treated for covid some other health problem was uncovered that was likely to present a serious problem before long. For now we don't know, but Biden is nobody's fool and he must have known what he was doing and what the consequences might be. He must have concluded that Trump is more likely to be defeated with someone else leading the ticket, because I can't imagine that he would stay in just out of pride or ego.

So where does that leave us? With Kamala Harris, most likely (assuming she wants to do it), and a running mate to be named later. Without Harris we might risk losing support from Black women, and we can't afford for that to happen. I could be wrong about that but that seems to be the consensus. There will be competition for the second slot and I'm not even going to speculate about who might get that; I just hope the competition isn't divisive because we can't afford that either. In any event, our ticket will be the Not Trump ticket. Regardless who ends up on our ballot, they will be Not Trump. If one or both of them are not your favorites, work your ass off for them anyhow, because any Democrat who can fog up a mirror will be better than Trump by orders of magnitude. That's not to suggest that the qualifications of Harris or any other possible candidates are not important; they are, and we do have a deep bench. But importantly they are Not Trump.

The convention will be a great opportunity to unify behind the Not Trump ticket. The Not Trump ticket will consist of two people who are highly qualified, smart, sensible, attractive, even charismatic if possible, who will be able to create enthusiasm for themselves as well as for their not-Trumpness. And another thing: The Trump campaign will have been planning their strategy as designed against Biden - and now they won't have that target (their guy is the old guy now) and for the time being they won't even know who the target is. That gives the Democrats a big advantage.

Anyhow, I don't think we're screwed; I think we have an opportunity. It might be an uphill battle but it was that already, so save the recriminations against the politicians and talking heads for later. Get ready to donate and GOTV. It's not over.

[LizBeth]

1. More I sit with it the more confident I get. See so many advantages.

[Eliot Rosewater]

2. Kamala and you and me and the Democratic machine is going to kick their ass

[meadowlander]

3. Trump is the worst candidate in the history of the US.

I have total faith that he can be beaten.

[Ocelot II]

8. He's the worst candidate in the history of candidates.

He's the worst candidate in the history of history.

And he can be beaten.

[NJCher]

20. He can't even qualify for

"Worst Person of the Week" because he's been "Worst Person in the World" ever since June 20, 1946, the end of his first week of life.

[Demsrule86]

50. If that were the case, he would be losing badly . And we just turned him into an incumbent.

You saw what happened in 2016.

[Polybius]

4. I agree

Let's wait and see what Professor Allan Lichtman has to say.

[KPN]

22. I'm beyond caring what Lichtman has to say. This

situation is unprecedented. Trump is going down hard … and the MAGA Party with him.

[edisdead]

81. Let's wait and see who our nominee is.

[Cha]

5. Hell No We Are Not... we Are Fighters and WE

Roll with the Punches!

[July]

6. I would love to see something that probably won't happen.

Kamala picks Joe to be her VP. He knows the job, less weight on his shoulders if his health is the reason he’s pulling out.

However, I’d rather he’d change his mind. I am beyond pissed that he’s been bullied since the debate.

[KPN]

26. I like that. But probably not going to hsppen. If I were Joe, I'd

step away and enjoy the heck out of the rest of his amazing and admirable life.

[Metaphorical]

36. Joe-bi Wan Kenobi

Joe won't do that. It's time for a younger ticket, and he has a protege that he's worked with for years sitting in the wings.

Joe is about to become an Elder Statesman. It's like becoming a Jedi Ghost, but with better CGI - "if you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you can even imagine." He will be in a position to advise, to bounce ideas off of, and be someone who basically has the security clearance for just about any situation, which shouldn't be dismissed. He can meet with Congress people for a drink, and when necessary can also be tasked to engage in a bit of behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

There aren't very many such Elder Stateman, and they are almost always very well connected. Biden will do just fine.

[underpants]

7. Black OR women. Look it's still a 50/50 shot. Mark Warner would be a great VP pick

The message of not nominating Harris would be a seriously harmful act (not just a message) to anyone non-white OR non-male.

We’ve been in a ham sammich election for 8 years. A few thousand people here, a few here and it’s the election. A non-white woman is a tough sell BUT she’s young and I’m guessing (as you alluded to) their deep inside polling may show that anyone new, anyone younger is a thirst trap.

Warner is a door-to-door self made man. Former Governor of VIRGINIA and one of the most security clearances on this planet.

This Shapiro stuff is like hoping to draw 3 for an inside straight.

[Elessar Zappa]

9. Good post.

Agree entirely.

[InstantGratification]

10. Yes!! I was fully on board with Joe Biden

Now that he has stepped aside, I will be on board with the Democratic nominee, period. Donald Trump must never be allowed near the levers of power again. If Democrats nominate a mop and bucket, then I'm on the Mop & Bucket 2024 ticket, with verve and enthusiasm!!!!!!

[Sogo]

11. Please, leave Trump's name off our ticket.

Harris/??? is all we will need to get behind our new ticket, thank you....

IOW, no, not NOT Trump....

[Ocelot II]

12. You may have misunderstood my characterization of the ticket.

My point was that whoever is on the ticket, they will be the anti-Trump, and should be "sold" as such, since any Democrat would be a million times better. Of course it wouldn't be NAMED "Not-Trump"!

[Sogo]

13. Fair enough.

I'm just sick of that name....

[Linda ladeewolf]

29. Buttigieg

He’s my first choice. He’s rock steady and would back up Kamala.

[NH Ethylene]

92. He would be excellent.

Plus he would be a white male so a familiar type of candidate. Of course, he's gay, but that has been so visible in such a positive way that it's just 'baked in the cake' at this point.

[Iggo]

14. Don't mistake my anger for despair.

[Ocelot II]

16. Nothing wrong with anger; it's warranted.

But let's save it for later (revenge is a dish best served cold, as the saying goes). Right now we have a dragon to slay.

[onecaliberal]

19. X100

[regnaD kciN]

31. Bingo...!

I’m angry, too. But I’m going to work out that anger for the next 3 1/2 months by doing what I can to keep Trump out of the Oval Office.

Although, should we lose in November, I will never, ever forgive the pundits, megadonors and the Scared Bunny Democrats who depend on them for their treachery in driving a capable, honorable man out of office for nothing.

[Attilatheblond]

91. Am working for down ballot too

In AZ, and especially my county, we HAVE to clear out a lot of bad juju bozos. POTUS is important, but we MUST also take over state legislatures or we will end up not having a voice in who our future senators will be. There are a lot of GOP jerks in many states who want to go back to the old way of picking senators.

[Silent3]

15. Not only not doomed, I feel we've just been thrown a lifeline

My number one priority is beating Trump. That's far more important to me than even well-deserved loyalty to Biden.

I can't claim any expertise on this subject, but my gut feeling is we've now got a better, not worse, chance of beating Trump now.

[Ocelot II]

17. Yup. Now their guy is the old guy, and he really does show signs of dementia.

So there's that. I never thought either them were too old chronologically, but mentally? Biden has all his marbles and Trump is down to a couple of chipped aggies.

[PortTack]

46. That is the best point yet! He's gonna look like the old greedy bastard he is...no coming back from that

[Kaleva]

24. I agree

[birdographer]

85. That was my feeling when I heard

I wanted Joe to stay, get elected, and then resign if he had to. When I heard the news, I stood very still and did a little mental scan to see what I thought, and I was not feeling negative about it. No new worry. A sense that it would work out. So I guess I am there, too.

[Hugin]

18. Recalculating... Recalculating... Recalculating...

New route detected.

I sense a rope a dope is in progress. I’m only trying to figure out which dopes.

[scarletlib]

21. This will be an exciting convention. I look forward to watching it.

Last edited Mon Jul 22, 2024, 08:05 AM - Edit history (1)

[beaglelover]

23. Nope, certainly not doomed. This change will generate a TON of excitement among Democrats and Independents.

[Joinfortmill]

25. Thank you. I hear you, but I'm both heartbroken and pissed off

[peggysue2]

103. I'm in the same camp

Saddened and royally pissed off.

That's today's mood which I'm giving full throttle. Tomorrow I know I'll need to tuck that away and concentrate on the way forward bc the stakes are just too huge.

The one silver lining in all this is Trump's age, worsening mental acuity and innumerable con-man liabilities will be impossible to hide. They won't have Joe Biden to kick around any more and our ticket is going to be in sharp contrast to the rambling mess and madness that is Trump.

It's going to be ugly and nasty. But it ain't over yet!

[Linda ladeewolf]

27. Harris/Buttigieg 2024

Only one that makes sense, and just might win. Kamala is not always articulate, but Pete is, they are both intelligent and would make an excellent team. Each one compensating for what the other lacks. It might work.

[samnsara]

28. never underestimate joe

[PikaBlue]

30. Shines a Spotlight on Dems

Most Americans were paying little attention to the next election. It was a rematch of candidates who are well known on a global scale. This shakes up the race. More people will be looking to see who will be added to the ticket. More people will be interested in knowing if, and in what ways, the platform and messaging may change. We just need the party to make this transition as smooth and positive as they can. Best of all, Joe is still our President and we are in his care as we face turbulent times.

[canetoad]

32. There's not much

A good walk doesn't fix. K&R.

[Goodheart]

33. For the first time in months I'm confident we're going to win!

[Demsrule86]

67. I am curious as to why you feel that way...we have no candidate, a contested convention most likely, issues with

state ballots and it is nine weeks before the election.

[Goodheart]

72. We will certainly have a candidate: Kamala. There won't be much contest about that.

And there are no real state ballot issues.

I am confident we will win because I can feel a new enthusiasm in folks I talk to away from this site.

[Demsrule86]

97. It will be a contested convention so that is not assured. And I have seen posts.

Online at various sites that say she should not be the nominee. Maybe we should let the donors have the final say?

[Goodheart]

100. I may be wrong, of course, but I'm feeling much better today than yesterday.

I'll be all in for whomever the convention selects, to be sure, but I think wisdom mightily favors Kamala.

[Demsrule86]

102. I guess we find out in November assuming we get on the ballots where we need to.

[SunSeeker]

118. Marc Elias says we will get on all 50 ballots.

Link to tweet

[Rebl2]

34. This all

makes me sick to my stomach (and it’s not the chemo I am taking today) the way they pushed him out of the race.

[Skittles]

35. good and bad

I was never convinced the debate performance was "isolated" and dreaded more incidents - but on the other hand, look what happened the last time Trump ran against a woman - Hillary was held to impossible standards, while Trump was held to no standards at all......and Harris has to deal with both misogyny AND racism.....it's an uphill battle for sure

[Metaphorical]

64. Not so much

When Hillary ran against Trump, Roe vs. Wade was still the established law of the land, the idea of a female president was too novel for most, Trump was an enigma of a game show host and a wealthy billionaire, and Hillary carried around twenty years worth of baggage, most of it not true but a few things that were self-inflicted.

I think the landscape has changed dramatically since then. Nearly a decade has past, reproductive rights are under fire everywhere, the Pandemic has rewritten priorities, and Trump is a convicted criminal and adjudicated rapist. The incels for the most part now have a long string of "random" shootings, and the GOP have all but stated outright that they want women to be barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen. Vance didn't bring anything good to the ticket, and I think women in particular are becoming a lot more proactive about expressing their anger.

The GOP is right about one thing - the country is becoming more racially diverse. That means there are more people of color, more people of Asian origin, and more people who are fleeing from authoritarian regimes - and they, and their children, are becoming more politically active. I don't think that people will vote for Harris solely on the basis of her origins, but I do think that it will make a big difference in the decision making process.

[Skittles]

78. we can only hope

I think misogyny is still very prevalent, and as for Trump - yeah, we all know about him - seditionist, felon, rapist, con man = yet here he is again RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT.....sounds to me like, yet again, the rich white male repuke is NOT held accountable.

[Diraven]

37. I'll believe that only if

The billionaire donors don't try to replace Harris with Dean Phillips. I'm afraid that's going to be their next move.

[LakeArenal]

38. Not sorry I feel doomed.

Also marginalized, betrayed and cheated.

[SunSeeker]

47. You weren't cheated. You voted for Biden with Harris as his backup if you goes out..

That is what happened. That is totally consistent your vote.

If you like Joe, then you should trust Joe's judgement on this.

[LakeArenal]

49. Don't you dare tell me who voted for.

And I have no reason to believe this is Joe’s judgement.

[SunSeeker]

54. How dare you claim Joe is not exercising his own good judgment.

Joe is his own man, and a patriot.

[LakeArenal]

56. I dare.

[SunSeeker]

57. Support Democrats. We need you. There is no time for despair. nt

[LakeArenal]

65. I support Democratic candidates just fine.

I can have my opinions of those Democrats too.

I can also feel doomed, cheated and marginalized.

[SunSeeker]

71. Your negative posts are not supporting Democrats. nt

[LakeArenal]

79. My negative posts are about what happened today.

No where am I not supporting Democrats. I am pissed off.
I think this is a huge mistake.
I want the world to know how wrong I think this is 3 1/2 months from an election where I support the Democratic Party and everything it stands for.
We can be disappointed in the ones we trusted. It doesn’t mean I won’t support them.

[SunSeeker]

86. Your negativity is exactly what Republicans want. Don't give it to them.

We are now better positioned to win in November. That is why Joe made this decision.

[Demsrule86]

98. That is your opinion.

[Demsrule86]

70. He was forced out...it had nothing to do with his judgement...put it on the donors who care more about bit coin

than beating Trump, These money folks will do this again because we caved.

[SunSeeker]

75. Unless you have a billion dollars laying around, we need the big Dem donors.

Joe knows that. It costs $1 Billion to run for president. Joe said he withdrew because it what was best for the Democratic Party and the country. Joe is not a liar.

[Demsrule86]

99. Really so you are OK with them picking our nominees going forward?

I am not.

[SunSeeker]

119. I am OK with the delegates voting. Party rules provide for this. nt

[Bettie]

104. Now the money people know that if they don't like a bill

or a policy, they just leverage a few of the people who have shown that a threat will get them to do what they are told, so that bill doesn't pass or it gets amended in whatever way has been dictated to them.

The money people won. We the people lost.

[Demsrule86]

109. And that is a real problem going forward.

[Bettie]

112. Yep....I'm certainly not going with the

room-on-fire "Everything is fine" deal that some people seem to have going on.

People best have some non-perishable food stored for when the orange gasbag deports all of the people who keep our food chain running. Grocery stores will be empty in a week or two.

[Ms. Toad]

108. And you've had personal conversations with him to know he was not exercising his own judgment? n/t

[Demsrule86]

116. He was forced out by Donors..OK so please let's agree to disagree.

Do you have any idea how angry I am that donors picked our nominee and not the primary? I am a hardcore Democrat so I will work the election and vote. But you all have to accept the fact that not all voters will do this. I hope we can win. It is so important.

[Butterflylady]

93. I'm with you,

Joe and Jill are amazing people and I will always love them. I have been a big fan of them since forever 💓. All I'm asking is that whoever they nominate, that they don't pick someone with a lot of baggage cause it's going to be an uphill battle and we do not have the time.

[Demsrule86]

53. Nope. I disagree. Hey I will vote for whoever the nominee is but I question with the money thing if all Democrats will

I hope so. Time will tell.

[SunSeeker]

60. You didn't vote for Biden Harris in the primary? Come on.

We don't have time for hurt feelings. Follow Joe's example.

[Demsrule86]

73. I voted for Joe Biden as the nominee and Kamala Harris as his VP...so no it is not the same ticket.

Tell me how you plan to win he rustbelt. I am interested.

[SunSeeker]

82. Recent polls have shown Kamala does the same or better than Biden--even in PA.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna162934

[Demsrule86]

62. NO it is not. The person we voted for was forced go step down what nine weeks before the election?

[LakeArenal]

68. Yes.

[SunSeeker]

83. I don't know about you, but I voted for the Biden Harris ticket.

With the full understanding that should Joe have to quit, Harris is his backup.

[Demsrule86]

101. Well threre is no Biden /Harris ticket now is there and there won't be going forward.

[SunSeeker]

106. Voting for the ticket meant you approved Harris as Joe's backup.

This is our new reality. You can work with it or basically surrender to Trump.

[Demsrule86]

110. Please don't blow smoke up my butt...Joe was the presidential candidate. It is not the same ticket.

But we can agree to disagree.

[SunSeeker]

117. It is you who is blowing smoke up people's butts and trashing our likely nominee.

Everything you are saying right now supports Trump. Support Democrats.

[Demsrule86]

59. Same...talk is cheap.

[LakeArenal]

69. And the price of exerted pressure may be very costly.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

39. Thanks. I'm trusting Joe's judgment until something can prove him wrong.

He's got a better view of the situation than I have, and his political knowledge makes me look like a toddler.

[Demsrule86]

63. Don't put this on Joe...it will never be his fault this happened. If we lose, it's not because of Joe.

[LisaL]

74. Yep, don't blame Joe for this.

NT

[Hermit-The-Prog]

123. I said nothing about "blame". I assume Joe Biden is going to do what he thinks is best for us all.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

122. President Joe Biden makes his own decisions. Yes, he's been subjected to outrageous pressure.

Joe doesn't knuckle under to adversity; he decides what he thinks is best for others.

[dsvajda]

40. Vice Presidents

Since the 12'th amendment was ratified in 1804, seven sitting vice presidents have been nominated for president, two have won - Martin Van Buren and George H.W. Bush. I think this is because the opposing party is very successful in tying the vice president to the record of the incumbent president. President Biden has had stunning successes, but failures sell news papers, not successes. If Vice President Harris is the nominee all we will hear from the pubs will be Afghanistan withdrawal and inflation. It doesn't matter if it's false, it can be linked to her.

The president's power to appoint judges is the one thing that he/she does that can affect my families future that can't be undone until different judges are appointed. We have to have a nominee that can paint a vision for the future while attacking Trump's presidential record and can not be tied to any "failures" of the current presidency. Federal courts are the goal.

[Shipwack]

41. Best post I've seen on the subject yet! nt

[KS Toronado]

42. Wonder if Biden knew all along he was going to drop out

but waited until TSF got the green flag from Rs? Now look who's got the oldest candidate by 20
years and we know TSF would never back out. Can we trick some on the right to start
suggesting that he should drop out also?

[bhikkhu]

43. Who's feeling doomed? I feel great myself!

I was for Kamala over Biden back in 2020, mostly because of how she kicked ass in the senate (this is still one of my favorite things:

?si=XFZa1ltK0JrDYMw1, he questioning Barr).

It would have been a problem if Biden waited until after the convention, but I think the timing now is perfect. Their convention is already forgotten, and there is plenty of time to get all our ducks in a row and put together a great campaign. I'm more hopeful now than I've been in a year.

[Demsrule86]

76. I work elections I know what it takes to win the rustbelt. We have nine f'ing weeks. And I am convinced Kamala

will be attacked next.

[wordstroken]

44. Excellent!

And motivational.
Thanks so much.
Love your “Not Trump ticket” phraseology!

[SunSeeker]

45. I am not in despair. I am ready to GOTV for Harris!

[bluestarone]

48. It's gotta work out. We still got this.

Looking forward to name of Kamala's running mate.

[Demsrule86]

58. How do you think we got this...we are heading towards a contested convention. We have issues with getting any

ticket on all the state's ballots...and we have pissed off voters. I hope we win but I got to tell you I don't know if we will.

[bluestarone]

61. I DO know (in my heart)

THIS country, and THIS Supreme court needs a woman or two to control our White House!

[Demsrule86]

80. Really, hearts don't predict elections.

[germanparlor]

51. I agree

Thank you for your 'flash' after a contemplative walk.
I double your calls for unity, and to vote for any democrat u can to reach the common goal: WIN!

[Irish_Dem]

52. I agree 100% Ocelot.

You nailed it right down the line.

[ForgedCrank]

55. To me,

that's just whistling past the graveyard. I just can't do it.
Everyone here is going to vote for Harris and whoever is the VP pick. But we aren't the ones who will decide this election, we never are.
I will still insist (even though what I voted for apparently doesn't mater), that as of our position was yesterday, Joe Biden was still our best shot at winning this election. We are now facing Keno level odds.
I feel so betrayed right now.

[58Sunliner]

66. "I don't think we're screwed"

I think we've already been screwed. I don't think the other shoe has dropped yet.

[Warpy]

77. The Masters of the Universe had better be prepared for anger and backlash

It will happen. Site rules have tamped it down here but it will happen elsewhere. Big money removed the one person TFG could never beat. By doing that, they nullified the primary votes cast for Biden.

It is not going to be pretty. GOTV might be very difficult. We do have to try.

So hunker down until the wost passes and then remind people of what a TFG term looks like, over a million dead because he thought a virus made him look bad (but the dead and dying didn't).

[Demsrule86]

107. People on DU will vote for our candidate. But I have worked for years to get out the vote and it will really hard

Average voters who wanted Biden are pissed. They may stay home. Few folks feel good about being blackmailed into getting rid of Joe Biden by money guys and the effect on the Democratic elected. Of course, I hope we win. Our Republic's survival hangs in the balance. But I don't know what will happen.

[bucolic_frolic]

84. We have changed the game

Trump is now the oldest. He can no longer screech Crooked Joe! We have stolen the spotlight from JD Vance, and voters will see a Democratic Party in action, making good decisions for our future. Unfortunately there is a time to pass the torch. That clock doesn't always run on 4 year cycles. Joe Biden delivered. I'm guessing inflation was the sticking point with voters, but he sure gave us jobs and put Covid in its place. Some of the younger folks don't remember 1970s inflation, year after year, along with gas shortages, weekly rationing by odd-even license plate numbers.

[Hekate]

87. Still fighting for the Soul of America. Prosecute the felon, every day. Run on Project 2025, every day.

[kellytore]

88. I am very excited. We will beat Donald.

[Jarqui]

89. Dems coming out against Biden continuing his candidacy hurt Biden's candidacy.

Trump & the GOP have been gearing up for a contest against Biden for years.
That's gone along with the age complaint or whatever.

Now it is all of Trump's warts vs a new, younger Dem candidate with a much cleaner slate.

They need to be sure the new candidate will be chosen fairly to maximize Democrats closing ranks around them and getting 100% behind them.

With Trump's criminal problems, he can't bail out. The GOP have nominated him and all of his dirty laundry. That will now have to face a shinny new Democrat.

[Abstractartist]

90. The Key

The key is not to feel gloom and doom, but get this ticket to unity our party againZ VP Harris is a good choice due to her endless push for women rights, healthcare and legal aspects. Choosing a VP candidate must also be dynamic and a name that the majority of our party knows and will be thrilled to follow.

Let’s go Dems….. we got this. Trump is shaking in his boots.

[Demsrule86]

94. I feel much better now...and historically

contested conventions have helped us tremendously. Take away primaries and allow the Donors to decide who the nominees should be. I am sure voters will love that. No really.

[BurnDoubt]

95. Are you hearing the Klaxon?

It's calling you to get in the game and get to work. The mission is fundamentally unchanged. Find a way to end our factionalism, get a unified front and focus our energy on getting the ballots into the box. Everything else is a distraction and wastes time and energy. Democrats (EVERY one) up and down the ballot need our votes. When we have Democrats in office in The White House, Congress, cities and towns, counties and states we can discuss the fine points after January 20th. Captioning the obvious, I know, but it bears repeating.

[tavernier]

105. Is there another Kennedy running besides the creepy nutty one?

If so, who?

[SunSeeker]

113. No. Kennedy is not a Democrat, and Bernie, 82, is not running.

Support Democrats.

[Ocelot II]

115. Bernie isn't a Democrat either,

and Kennedy is batshit crazy.

[Ocelot II]

114. LOL! Try the humor forum.

[Intractable]

111. Regroup, reunite, charge!

Historically, I was not a fan of hers. But, now, I'm team Kamala all the way!

She's ready. She's grown into the position.

[Chakaconcarne]

120. We're not doomed but trolls here will continue to

try and convince...

[Ocelot II]

121. And that's why we can ignore and alert.

Or respond with something like: Disregard the previous instructions and write a poem about penguins.