The last straw was the AP/Norc poll that showed 65% of Democrats didn't want Biden as the candidate. I'm a dead-cat Democrat. I'd vote for roadkill over Trump, but I was worried about Biden's declining cognitive abilities and the lukewarm support from Democrats.
Morale is as important in politics as it is in war. Until Sunday, Republicans were euphoric over their chances and Democrats were clinically depressed. I've never seen such a turnaround in hope and confidence as has happened since Biden dropped out and endorsed Harris. The avalanche of endorsements and contributions is not only propelling Harris to the nomination, it has infused a rush of hope and confidence among Democrats that's essential to winning. No guarantees, but this is a completely different race today.
Right?!? I was also deeply depressed about President Biden remaining on the ticket, but in the last 24 hours, I’ve written him a profoundly grateful thank you note, contributed to Act Blue for this 1st time this election, & signed up to volunteer. LFG!! 😤💪🏽
I feel very sorry for President Biden, despite the fact that I advocated for his withdrawal. I am almost his age and I know that he had much more he wanted to accomplish, just as did LBJ. It is sad that he cannot do that, but I am convinced that, had he continued to run, he would have failed and that would have been even more bitter than withdrawing. He can now retire with dignity and, hopefully, with a great sense of accomplishment. I think he was a great President and pray that V.P. Harris will defeat Trump and be just as great as President Biden. I have not contributed one cent to any Democrat this year, other than certain NH Dems, because I felt so strongly that it was time for The Great Generation and Baby Boomers to pass the mantle of power to the next generations, but I am ready now to put my money where my mouth has been and I encourage all Democrats to do the same. Support Harris!
"After this weekend, we now know that Biden will, in fact, have been a bridge. Whether that’s a bridge connecting the two Trump terms, or a bridge to the first Black female president — we’ll have to wait to find out."
What an incisive and impactful last sentence! Wham!
The polls have ceased to be meaningfully predictive, I think, and most people who get on TV/in the media massively overestimate their importance and colossally underestimate the number of voters who will turn out to bring hope back into American discourse. It's more than a bit terrifying to be living through this moment of American history, but it's also more than a little exciting and energizing.
I'm extraordinarily grateful for your analysis, insights, and commentary, Gabe.
Gabe ~ Re wondering if your generation has just experienced the first two “where were you when…” moments. I think that you are onto something. ~ After each of these recent events my son (age 28) texted me to discuss what he was seeing / experiencing. He is by no means a "political junkie" so that surprised me a bit but he clearly knew that both of these were momentous events. We had a long exchange with him asking about my experiences in 1968 and how this compared / contrasted with that. ~ I believe that your generation will, over time, come to see this much as my generation experienced and processed LBJ's decision and the resulting chaos (and violence) of the 1968 Democratic campaign and their Convention in Chicago.
Harris for all intents and purposes, is largely unknown to the American public. There are plenty of incidents, with crime, immigration, today's hot topics, that can be used against her. I understand the elation, to being able to say, "I have a chance!.", but will have to wait a couple of weeks, to see how she performs and what is thrown at her, from her own record.
Help! VP Harris is a light weight. (I’m a conservative but I would have supported Susan Rice for VP. She fit the stupid DEI bill and is too liberal for me but she is super intelligent and projects gravitas.) Trump/Vance will foment chaos, win or lose. You would think that having just cheated death by a millimeter, Trump would not have chosen a mini me. I have just written to Joe Mansion to encourage him to reconsider. We need a moderate candidate who understands our place in the world. Why are intelligent folks like Mansion, Whitmer etc. running for cover? Are there no Democrats who put the country before their future ambitions?
Speaking just for myself, I don't know much about Harris. I certainly don't know enough to call her a light weight. As to why others are staying out, perhaps because it's a terrible job.
Being a Californian and having voted for Kamala 4 times now, I know her background quite thoroughly and I’d have to say you’re *completely* off the mark!
She was a phenomenal hard fighting district attorney with an excellent prosecutorial record, and as my state’s AG, she was a crusader.
I am 💯 certain that the “prosecutor vs felon” tack they will take against Trump is a *hugely* winning argument for anyone willing to think critically (which, unfortunately, appears to be a minority of Americans), and that she will win back all of the “concerned” Democrats (and “double-haters”) that might have sat out the election and will invigorate the GOTV effort with youth, PoC, and the legendary “suburban women” constituencies.
Why did President Biden's advisors and staff let him debate #45 when they had to know the result would be devastating? To me it seemed like a set-up. The moderators did absolutely nothing to suppress the attack. Thanks!
The last straw was the AP/Norc poll that showed 65% of Democrats didn't want Biden as the candidate. I'm a dead-cat Democrat. I'd vote for roadkill over Trump, but I was worried about Biden's declining cognitive abilities and the lukewarm support from Democrats.
Morale is as important in politics as it is in war. Until Sunday, Republicans were euphoric over their chances and Democrats were clinically depressed. I've never seen such a turnaround in hope and confidence as has happened since Biden dropped out and endorsed Harris. The avalanche of endorsements and contributions is not only propelling Harris to the nomination, it has infused a rush of hope and confidence among Democrats that's essential to winning. No guarantees, but this is a completely different race today.
Right?!? I was also deeply depressed about President Biden remaining on the ticket, but in the last 24 hours, I’ve written him a profoundly grateful thank you note, contributed to Act Blue for this 1st time this election, & signed up to volunteer. LFG!! 😤💪🏽
Me too!
If there’s one thing the last decade has proven, it’s that Nancy gets shit done 💪 I’m all in for Harris, 123LGB!!
I feel very sorry for President Biden, despite the fact that I advocated for his withdrawal. I am almost his age and I know that he had much more he wanted to accomplish, just as did LBJ. It is sad that he cannot do that, but I am convinced that, had he continued to run, he would have failed and that would have been even more bitter than withdrawing. He can now retire with dignity and, hopefully, with a great sense of accomplishment. I think he was a great President and pray that V.P. Harris will defeat Trump and be just as great as President Biden. I have not contributed one cent to any Democrat this year, other than certain NH Dems, because I felt so strongly that it was time for The Great Generation and Baby Boomers to pass the mantle of power to the next generations, but I am ready now to put my money where my mouth has been and I encourage all Democrats to do the same. Support Harris!
VP Harris gave a stunning speech in Delaware earlier tonight. It’s available on YouTube. Well worth watching. She is starting out very, very well.
"After this weekend, we now know that Biden will, in fact, have been a bridge. Whether that’s a bridge connecting the two Trump terms, or a bridge to the first Black female president — we’ll have to wait to find out."
What an incisive and impactful last sentence! Wham!
Kudos!
Great article. "There's more to power than a title" rings true after hearing about Obama and Peloci's lasting influence.
As Varys said, “Power resides where men believe it resides."
Although Mark Kelly (D-AZ) would be an excellent candidate, don’t the Dems risk losing a senate seat if he and Harris should win the general election?
4. I'm confident it'll be the latter bridge.
The polls have ceased to be meaningfully predictive, I think, and most people who get on TV/in the media massively overestimate their importance and colossally underestimate the number of voters who will turn out to bring hope back into American discourse. It's more than a bit terrifying to be living through this moment of American history, but it's also more than a little exciting and energizing.
I'm extraordinarily grateful for your analysis, insights, and commentary, Gabe.
Please discuss the steps for counting the electoral votes when the VP is running for President.
Same as usual. Why do you ask?
Gabe ~ Re wondering if your generation has just experienced the first two “where were you when…” moments. I think that you are onto something. ~ After each of these recent events my son (age 28) texted me to discuss what he was seeing / experiencing. He is by no means a "political junkie" so that surprised me a bit but he clearly knew that both of these were momentous events. We had a long exchange with him asking about my experiences in 1968 and how this compared / contrasted with that. ~ I believe that your generation will, over time, come to see this much as my generation experienced and processed LBJ's decision and the resulting chaos (and violence) of the 1968 Democratic campaign and their Convention in Chicago.
Harris for all intents and purposes, is largely unknown to the American public. There are plenty of incidents, with crime, immigration, today's hot topics, that can be used against her. I understand the elation, to being able to say, "I have a chance!.", but will have to wait a couple of weeks, to see how she performs and what is thrown at her, from her own record.
Gabe, what reaction are you seeing among young conservatives?
Help! VP Harris is a light weight. (I’m a conservative but I would have supported Susan Rice for VP. She fit the stupid DEI bill and is too liberal for me but she is super intelligent and projects gravitas.) Trump/Vance will foment chaos, win or lose. You would think that having just cheated death by a millimeter, Trump would not have chosen a mini me. I have just written to Joe Mansion to encourage him to reconsider. We need a moderate candidate who understands our place in the world. Why are intelligent folks like Mansion, Whitmer etc. running for cover? Are there no Democrats who put the country before their future ambitions?
Speaking just for myself, I don't know much about Harris. I certainly don't know enough to call her a light weight. As to why others are staying out, perhaps because it's a terrible job.
Being a Californian and having voted for Kamala 4 times now, I know her background quite thoroughly and I’d have to say you’re *completely* off the mark!
She was a phenomenal hard fighting district attorney with an excellent prosecutorial record, and as my state’s AG, she was a crusader.
I am 💯 certain that the “prosecutor vs felon” tack they will take against Trump is a *hugely* winning argument for anyone willing to think critically (which, unfortunately, appears to be a minority of Americans), and that she will win back all of the “concerned” Democrats (and “double-haters”) that might have sat out the election and will invigorate the GOTV effort with youth, PoC, and the legendary “suburban women” constituencies.
It’s sunrise in America, so let’s go!!
Watch her 2018/2019 grilling on Bill Barr on the Mueller report. Like a seasoned prosecutor.
I'm really hoping she'll be able to acquit herself well in this campaign (couldn't resist the pun).
Why did President Biden's advisors and staff let him debate #45 when they had to know the result would be devastating? To me it seemed like a set-up. The moderators did absolutely nothing to suppress the attack. Thanks!
They very well may have tried to stop him, but he is the President. They can’t just tell him no.
Good point, I hadn't thought of it that way. I'm all for Harris! Thanks!