I think you're right about Taylor Swift. Her contributions through music, actions, and social responsibility, reach across generations and the world. We're in our 70's and are fans of Taylor along with our three Gen Z granddaughters, who are smart and have a growing sense of social justice which is key to the survival of our Democracy.
I so hope she does. We need our young people right NOW. I pray constantly that we will show the Lenard Leo’s that they sure like to throw $$$ away. (Lots of hope). I like your prediction, Dr. Deborah Hall. 🇺🇸
One must applaud President Biden for not just hanging in there, but also for taking on evil personified & saving the greatest experiment in government to ever exist. I am concerned, however, that the majority of those who now make up the media will concentrate on trump, his picture nonending & all the putrid garbage that flows from that pursed mouth. I wonder that they don't tell us which pantleg he pulls up first. It used to be Whatever sells papers, but few buy one. ( My store receives only 3 NYTs each day, & usually, 2 remain at day's end.) Now, it's Whatever sells ads, brings in revenue.
News on Biden will, unfortunately, be his stumbling, mumbling, age, blame for southern border trouble, ongoing wars & world troubles. All his fault. And, of course, Hunter here, Hunter there, Hunter everywhere.
We will have to think positively, vote like never before & pray that Moses & his followers never make it out of Egypt !!
IMO, the people who are "bothered" by Joe Bidens age are really saying they are bothered that a woman of color is second in line. If our Vice President were a nice Christian white man it wouldn't be so concerning for them....just what I'm observing from my perch....Personally I can't think of a better person to be President at this time but I'm truly sad that he is giving us the last years of his life when he's done so much already.
While I agree with you, IMHO Kamala certainly won’t hurt us. The alternative is a million x’s worse. I have thought this same thought, but now that we are here, she is not going to hurt us. (It will be mostly the racism factor that will have a negative attitude, and, of course the Right... so be it.
There has never been a more important time to not take our Democracy for granted. Every Dem must take action to help Biden. We can spread the word by writing, volunteering to make calls or sending postcards so every Dem, Independent and Republican like Liz is convinced about how important their vote will be next November.
We just can’t leave it to the next guy. We have to be that guy!
Comprehensive, beautifully written analysis of President Biden's motivations for seeking re-election and the significance of his potential victory. Kudos, Steven.
Perhaps the single best writing and analysis you have done since you started this blog. Thank you. As a fellow blogger, I have an extra thanks - for my next one, I may just say, "Here, read this. What Beschloss said - spot on."
By now Americans should be familiar with the GOP strategy of doing nothing positive and distracting with serial episodes of political theater called “Congressional Hearings.” We must not allow the repetition to make us numb to it while the devoted followers trashing America are energized by it. Each of their failures lead to spin and rattling at a new door. It also leaves a murky cloud of cynicism in its wake.
The truth is stark. We face an election that will decide whether we preserve the country and our rights or witness “the deconstruction” of our country from the inside taking our rights with it.
For those who doubt, I offer not only statements of those salivating over a return to the WH by the previous administration, Project 2025, promises by those touted as future members of a red WH administration but also the states acting as incubators for an ideology being pushed: FL, TX, NC, TN, AR, AL and others.
These states have created “special” police; civil laws for vigilante enforcement when the state lacks authority; censured or expelled legislators who do not agree with them; encouraged & “legitimized” book bans; criminalized teaching aspects of history; targeted groups; targeted individuals or companies who oppose their proposals; overruled decisions voters made at the ballot box.
The tragedy unfolding in Texas with AG Paxton includes a newer risk. It is one revived from the old segregationist playbook - ignore court rulings. Like Alabama tried to ignore rulings that its redistricting was illegal, Paxton is attempting to nullify a court ruling by immediately threatening hospitals where the doctor of Plaintiff Cox has admitting privileges. He claims Judge Guerra Gamble’s ruling doesn’t give protection to anyone from criminal or civil anti-abortion laws:
I wish I knew people in the swing states. I'd be writing them and calling them every day to make sure they vote for Biden. I live in Washington state, and there's almost no chance Trump will win here. There are enough Democrats around Seattle to overcome the Republican votes over the mountains. I wish my vote counted as much as a vote in Ohio or Wisconsin. We really need to make all votes equal.
What the media pundits are missing is that Trump’s threats are Campaign Promises. Instead of promising good stuff for the voters he’s promising retribution against his own enemies. For his personal benefit. So what’s in this for voters? Nothing.
I respect your optimism about Biden; and I respect Biden's desire to make sure our country stays democratic. However, I am concerned about the dropping polls - below 40%, and his age, which Trump and his cult will exploit. I agree with what was said - that there are lots of democrats who could beat Trump. I think the democrats would have a better shot with Josh Shapiro of PA, or Gavin Newsom of CA. Younger. The next generation. Looking to the future. I think that would be a more certain bet to keep 45 and his cult from ever re-taking the White House.
Janet, these polls are nothing. We are one year away from getting our acts together to make certain that we will never ever see Fake 45 as prez again. In my heart, he will be convicted and will serve time. Where is the question. We cannot allow him, Bannon, Miller, etc. come near our sacred grounds again.
I’m of the upbringing that , “Good wins over Evil”. I want to think Biden / Harris are the good team and the job at hand is get out the vote and keep having these wonderful platforms. Let’s go team because everyone of us is in the game and it’s going to take all of us. Thank you Steve .
I have much faith in my fellow Americans who I know want the best for this country of ours. We all, brothers and sisters in arms, will not go down without a fight and the fight will be in our hearts and minds, in our towns and neighborhoods. It will be at the school board elections that we good Americans must get off of the couch and run for tough but important political positions. The fight will be with friends trying to get them out to vote. It will be in our yards as we place "Vote Blue" in the lawns. It will be on the bumpers of all of our vehicles with more signs that say "Vote as if your very life depends on it!!" Because it certainly could.
I am pumped and ready as much or more than when I protested in the 60's against the same Democratic party and the Viet Nam War! You may say that it is in MY BLOOD!
Thank you for your thoughtful essay today promoting Biden’s leadership role as well as his experience in running the world’s largest and richest democracy. I concur with your assessment of Biden’s capabilities to continue to serve. My biggest fear is the length of time that he will be required to serve - another 4 years. The stress of dealing with 2 wars and the vagaries of growing older during a last term lead me to believe that the issues might play a bigger role on his physical health and mental acuity than most people want to admit. I’m not convinced that the current Vice-President would be up and running should she be called to assume the presidential role if she were called upon to do it urgently. She is a very capable woman, but her current role has not been sufficient to prepare her for the future role of President of the United States of America.
I loved this piece from you. I think there is a lack of true patriotism in this country. I don't know if it's because it's "peacetime" for us...kind of, or there is just political burnout. I feel if everyone who voted in 2020, shows up, we'll be alright. But I am quite concerned about the young vote. Too many are saying they can't vote for Biden, for numerous reasons. I don't think they'll vote for Trump, but I think they could stay home. This is frightening. I just don't understand how we got here. The lack of concern, the lack of understanding of what's at stake. The lack of understanding of what their future will hold.
I visited the American cemetery at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France some years ago. I was moved to tears there, and didn't expect to be. It was incredible. I told my husband that I wanted to walk amongst the graves of the soldiers who took their last step there, and then laid to rest there. Kids. They were kids that saved the world from fascism. 16-20 years old most of them. No one is asking these kids to pick up a gun. Just a ballot slip. In the name of freedom and democracy. They too, can be heroes that save us from fascism. I wish they knew their power, and felt their patriotism and civic duty.
No question how the label "The Greatest Generation" came about. I will be forever grateful to those men and women who saved and shaped this country.
Go, Joe....and all of us opposed to despotism. “The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.” - Plato
amen brother
time for good trouble
I predict the Person of the Year, Taylor Swift,
is going to call on her adoring young
to register in DROVES to vote for democracy.
And they will!
The rest of us must bring in
as many voters for Joe as we can.
But it is Gen Z who will save America.
I think you're right about Taylor Swift. Her contributions through music, actions, and social responsibility, reach across generations and the world. We're in our 70's and are fans of Taylor along with our three Gen Z granddaughters, who are smart and have a growing sense of social justice which is key to the survival of our Democracy.
I so hope she does. We need our young people right NOW. I pray constantly that we will show the Lenard Leo’s that they sure like to throw $$$ away. (Lots of hope). I like your prediction, Dr. Deborah Hall. 🇺🇸
One must applaud President Biden for not just hanging in there, but also for taking on evil personified & saving the greatest experiment in government to ever exist. I am concerned, however, that the majority of those who now make up the media will concentrate on trump, his picture nonending & all the putrid garbage that flows from that pursed mouth. I wonder that they don't tell us which pantleg he pulls up first. It used to be Whatever sells papers, but few buy one. ( My store receives only 3 NYTs each day, & usually, 2 remain at day's end.) Now, it's Whatever sells ads, brings in revenue.
News on Biden will, unfortunately, be his stumbling, mumbling, age, blame for southern border trouble, ongoing wars & world troubles. All his fault. And, of course, Hunter here, Hunter there, Hunter everywhere.
We will have to think positively, vote like never before & pray that Moses & his followers never make it out of Egypt !!
IMO, the people who are "bothered" by Joe Bidens age are really saying they are bothered that a woman of color is second in line. If our Vice President were a nice Christian white man it wouldn't be so concerning for them....just what I'm observing from my perch....Personally I can't think of a better person to be President at this time but I'm truly sad that he is giving us the last years of his life when he's done so much already.
While I agree with you, IMHO Kamala certainly won’t hurt us. The alternative is a million x’s worse. I have thought this same thought, but now that we are here, she is not going to hurt us. (It will be mostly the racism factor that will have a negative attitude, and, of course the Right... so be it.
I'd vote for her in a heartbeat. Amy Klobuchar would be a great candidate to IMO
Yes, indeed she would. I am beginning to really think it is time for a woman. Their day will come. Thanks, Linda.
and it'll be a good day
There has never been a more important time to not take our Democracy for granted. Every Dem must take action to help Biden. We can spread the word by writing, volunteering to make calls or sending postcards so every Dem, Independent and Republican like Liz is convinced about how important their vote will be next November.
We just can’t leave it to the next guy. We have to be that guy!
Comprehensive, beautifully written analysis of President Biden's motivations for seeking re-election and the significance of his potential victory. Kudos, Steven.
Thank you, Gloria. Much appreciated.
Perhaps the single best writing and analysis you have done since you started this blog. Thank you. As a fellow blogger, I have an extra thanks - for my next one, I may just say, "Here, read this. What Beschloss said - spot on."
Thank you kindly, Bill.
By now Americans should be familiar with the GOP strategy of doing nothing positive and distracting with serial episodes of political theater called “Congressional Hearings.” We must not allow the repetition to make us numb to it while the devoted followers trashing America are energized by it. Each of their failures lead to spin and rattling at a new door. It also leaves a murky cloud of cynicism in its wake.
The truth is stark. We face an election that will decide whether we preserve the country and our rights or witness “the deconstruction” of our country from the inside taking our rights with it.
For those who doubt, I offer not only statements of those salivating over a return to the WH by the previous administration, Project 2025, promises by those touted as future members of a red WH administration but also the states acting as incubators for an ideology being pushed: FL, TX, NC, TN, AR, AL and others.
These states have created “special” police; civil laws for vigilante enforcement when the state lacks authority; censured or expelled legislators who do not agree with them; encouraged & “legitimized” book bans; criminalized teaching aspects of history; targeted groups; targeted individuals or companies who oppose their proposals; overruled decisions voters made at the ballot box.
The tragedy unfolding in Texas with AG Paxton includes a newer risk. It is one revived from the old segregationist playbook - ignore court rulings. Like Alabama tried to ignore rulings that its redistricting was illegal, Paxton is attempting to nullify a court ruling by immediately threatening hospitals where the doctor of Plaintiff Cox has admitting privileges. He claims Judge Guerra Gamble’s ruling doesn’t give protection to anyone from criminal or civil anti-abortion laws:
— Paxton said in a statement accompanying the letter that Guerra Gamble's order "will not insulate hospitals, doctors, or anyone else, from civil and criminal liability for violating Texas' abortion laws." https://www.reuters.com/legal/texas-judge-allows-woman-get-emergency-abortion-despite-state-ban-2023-12-07/
I wish I knew people in the swing states. I'd be writing them and calling them every day to make sure they vote for Biden. I live in Washington state, and there's almost no chance Trump will win here. There are enough Democrats around Seattle to overcome the Republican votes over the mountains. I wish my vote counted as much as a vote in Ohio or Wisconsin. We really need to make all votes equal.
What the media pundits are missing is that Trump’s threats are Campaign Promises. Instead of promising good stuff for the voters he’s promising retribution against his own enemies. For his personal benefit. So what’s in this for voters? Nothing.
This writing today summarizes what we face, what we must do to keep our Democracy. Thank you Mr Beschloss.
Thank you, Helen.
I respect your optimism about Biden; and I respect Biden's desire to make sure our country stays democratic. However, I am concerned about the dropping polls - below 40%, and his age, which Trump and his cult will exploit. I agree with what was said - that there are lots of democrats who could beat Trump. I think the democrats would have a better shot with Josh Shapiro of PA, or Gavin Newsom of CA. Younger. The next generation. Looking to the future. I think that would be a more certain bet to keep 45 and his cult from ever re-taking the White House.
Janet, these polls are nothing. We are one year away from getting our acts together to make certain that we will never ever see Fake 45 as prez again. In my heart, he will be convicted and will serve time. Where is the question. We cannot allow him, Bannon, Miller, etc. come near our sacred grounds again.
I’m of the upbringing that , “Good wins over Evil”. I want to think Biden / Harris are the good team and the job at hand is get out the vote and keep having these wonderful platforms. Let’s go team because everyone of us is in the game and it’s going to take all of us. Thank you Steve .
I have much faith in my fellow Americans who I know want the best for this country of ours. We all, brothers and sisters in arms, will not go down without a fight and the fight will be in our hearts and minds, in our towns and neighborhoods. It will be at the school board elections that we good Americans must get off of the couch and run for tough but important political positions. The fight will be with friends trying to get them out to vote. It will be in our yards as we place "Vote Blue" in the lawns. It will be on the bumpers of all of our vehicles with more signs that say "Vote as if your very life depends on it!!" Because it certainly could.
I am pumped and ready as much or more than when I protested in the 60's against the same Democratic party and the Viet Nam War! You may say that it is in MY BLOOD!
Thank you for your thoughtful essay today promoting Biden’s leadership role as well as his experience in running the world’s largest and richest democracy. I concur with your assessment of Biden’s capabilities to continue to serve. My biggest fear is the length of time that he will be required to serve - another 4 years. The stress of dealing with 2 wars and the vagaries of growing older during a last term lead me to believe that the issues might play a bigger role on his physical health and mental acuity than most people want to admit. I’m not convinced that the current Vice-President would be up and running should she be called to assume the presidential role if she were called upon to do it urgently. She is a very capable woman, but her current role has not been sufficient to prepare her for the future role of President of the United States of America.
I loved this piece from you. I think there is a lack of true patriotism in this country. I don't know if it's because it's "peacetime" for us...kind of, or there is just political burnout. I feel if everyone who voted in 2020, shows up, we'll be alright. But I am quite concerned about the young vote. Too many are saying they can't vote for Biden, for numerous reasons. I don't think they'll vote for Trump, but I think they could stay home. This is frightening. I just don't understand how we got here. The lack of concern, the lack of understanding of what's at stake. The lack of understanding of what their future will hold.
I visited the American cemetery at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France some years ago. I was moved to tears there, and didn't expect to be. It was incredible. I told my husband that I wanted to walk amongst the graves of the soldiers who took their last step there, and then laid to rest there. Kids. They were kids that saved the world from fascism. 16-20 years old most of them. No one is asking these kids to pick up a gun. Just a ballot slip. In the name of freedom and democracy. They too, can be heroes that save us from fascism. I wish they knew their power, and felt their patriotism and civic duty.
No question how the label "The Greatest Generation" came about. I will be forever grateful to those men and women who saved and shaped this country.