Biden might be the best candidate we've

[cilla4progress]

had since FDR!!

[Green Line]

1. I agree, I've been thinking this for a while

[PatSeg]

26. I have as well

I have said numerous times that Joe could be our FDR. I have a feeling we will see some major progressive change in a Biden administration. As with Roosevelt, he could be the perfect person for this particular time.

[XanaDUer2]

54. My thoughts exactly

Nt

[PTWB]

2. Well, that is certainly one opinion.

Biden will do fine. But... let’s not get carried away.

[underpants]

5. Yeah. I think Obama came out of nowhere for a reason

Yes he was a Senator and had been keynote speakers but even a Michelle figured “let him get it out of his system”.

Axelrod saw something and everyone wanted Axelrod. Obama was perfect especially in timing.

[PTWB]

6. Obama was an incredible candidate.

I’d rank JFK, Carter, Bill Clinton and Obama ahead of Biden.

And I like Joe Biden just fine. I just think there’s no reason to pretend he is something or someone else.

[dsp3000]

14. Can't say anything either way till he is in office... he's the right candidate for the moment though

and i would not be surprised if he's highly regarded for healing the nation after the last 4 disastrous years

[wnylib]

19. JFK, Carter, Clinton, and Obama

Last edited Fri Oct 16, 2020, 12:17 AM - Edit history (1)

were good presidents. But Biden faces crises and challenges greater than any of them did. His calm steadiness combined with his ability to be firm and fight back in a no nonsense way are what is needed now. May he rise to the occasion in office as he has done in the campaign. And may we have his back because R's will fight him like they did Obama.

[cilla4progress]

40. Honestly, wny -

I think there will be less resistance.

Here's why: 1) he's one of them - longtime Senator. I think there was a sense with Obama from the R that he cut the line. That he was insolent and arrogant, and had not established the deep ties in that most corrupt and cowardly of fraternities - US Senate. Not only Biden's relationships (he's touted his inclination to work across the aisle - something some of us faulted him for), but just the sense that he's doing things in the right (established, status quo) order - has waited his turn. I think one likely path forward may be - for the first time in many many years - some cooperation. I think some Rs - any reasonable ones who may remain - will be grateful and feel exhausted and ready to work towards progress together. Of course, this hinges on the blue tsunami we are anticipating.

2) race. Fuck 'em all. I think all the leading Rs are racists and were just so offended at a Black man as president. They need to go the way of the dinosaurs. Their extinction is on the horizon. Thank goddess.

[wnylib]

62. I agree that race was a driving force

in opposition to Obama.

But R's were acting as if they were the only legitimate party long before Obama. They have been pushing for sole power for a very long time - beyond the normal or usual attempts of parties to win and hold onto office. The lengths they went to in discrediting both Clintons, the rigging of the 2000 election (beyond FL), the refusal to work with Dems throughout Obama's 8 years, and then the willingness to embrace Trump in order to have and keep power, to the extent of blatantly ignoring Congressional subpoenas and refusing to have a Senate trial after impeachment - these are people for whom power is everything and governance is nothing.

They might be superficially cooperative with Biden for a brief time, but will quickly revert back to old tactics of discrediting both Biden and Harris in order to prevent her from succeeding Biden. If we're lucky, McTurtle will go down on Nov 3, but there will be others willing to play his role.

R's are re-imaging themselves after Trump, but it's just superficial in order to distance themselves from him. They will be the same book with a new dust jacket.

[wnylib]

9. The stakes are as high and the

divisions are similar.

The country lost faith in the system after the '29 crash. Divisions ranged from those who turned to communism versus those who idolized Hitler (including some very prominent people, like Henry Ford and Charles Lindburgh).

[cilla4progress]

18. Great

point!

[LanternWaste]

46. I doubt an opinion rises to the melodrama of "getting carried away..."

Did you read the entire opinion? If not, I suggest you do.

[PTWB]

47. The entire opinion?

It was one relatively short sentence. Are we talking about the same thing? Are you lost?

[Thekaspervote]

4. He's a great man rising to the occasion. He'll be remembered well

[DonaldsRump]

7. I love Joe, and I have been his fervid supporter since day 1

I don't necessarily think he is the "best" ever since FDR. Folks like JFK, RFK, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama in some respects had very strong characteristics to make them great Presidents.

However, without any doubt, Joe Biden is the best candidate for these times. We don't need an outsider: we need someone who is incredibly competent, dedicated, trusted, tried and true, and kind, and he is perfect. There is simply no one else in this country and in this world who would be better than Joe Biden.

[cilla4progress]

41. Yes,

this was my point. Thank you!

[Polybius]

8. Gore was my favorite

Loved Hillary too.

[JohnnyLib2]

10. It's hard to imagine a better contrast to the snarling Orange Occupant.

And this time, all signs are that what we see is what we'll get.

[demtenjeep]

11. I have been wanting him for a LONG time. I was happy that Obama choose him

and if his son had not died fully believe we would have never had this abortion of the last 4 years

[bdamomma]

20. We need Joe

now, always liked him too. He has the experience and qualifications to be President, he's not a celebrity con man.

[Sogo]

12. I caucused for Joe Biden in Iowa in 2008.

I've always admired him as a decent man and effective public servant.

[PatSeg]

27. Joe was my first choice in 2008

I was one of a group of people who called ourselves Biden Bloggers. He has always been my favorite politician.

[cilla4progress]

13. Thanks!

I'm not necessarily saying best leader, best politician, best President. I'm saying best candidate: person for this exact moment.

He was never my choice in previous runs.

DAYUM: Stuart Stevens is essentially saying the same thing on Lawrence, and I've seen others say: this is a person whose met his moment.

It's a beautiful thing to watch unfold. So rare in history!!

[DonaldsRump]

17. I totally agree

As noted in my post, there is absolutely no one in the world whom we need more right now than Joe Biden! He is PERFECT for these times.

[DonaldsRump]

22. I might add one other person, but for 2016: Hillary Rodham Clinton

Let's say the situation was reversed and that Joe ran against Trump in 2016. Basically, Americans like outsiders and tend to vote them for President since at least 1976 (with Bush I being the exception). So Trump was an outsider with a huge media following, so people fell for the line "what do have to lose." And let's assume Joe lost to Trump in 2016 because of all the obvious reasons (cheating, voter suppression, Russian interference, etc).

Under that hypothetical, if HRC ran now, I would say the same for her: she WOULD have been a great candidate in 2020 against the Trump catastrophes. However, she was so badly damaged in 2016 that I wouldn't put her in the "great candidates" category.

That being said, had she become President in 2017, this country and this world would NOT have been in the mess it is in. Her "loss" and that of Al Gore in 2000 has profoundly altered the course of history. Let's see if we have learned our lesson (and I am very optimistic that a significant majority of us have!)

[BainsBane]

35. Obama?

You can't match that charisma.

[Sympthsical]

58. Disagreed with your OP, but agree with this clarification.

Biden has always had a strong core of decency in him that he effortlessly exudes.

When faced with a President this fundamentally indecent in every conceivable way, a very strong contrast is created. It makes voters’ choices pretty easy.

[cilla4progress]

59. EGGS

actly!

[Hoyt]

15. He was definitely on track tonight. Didn't see it all,

but the Foreign Policy and Transgender responses were outstanding.

Him staying after it was over to answer questions on one side of screen, and ABC correspondents comparing Biden and trump’s town halls was great.

[highplainsdem]

16. He's certainly the right candidate for the time.

[GulfCoast66]

21. This won't be popular here, but I liked Clinton.

The Nation had definitely swung very right back then. Lots of people attack him now for being to centrist, too compromising etc. In my mind that is totally ignoring the sentiment of the nation at the time. Clinton did what it took to make sure we did not have 30 straight years of republican presidents. He was a liberal at heart, but coming from Arkansas realized that if you don’t win you accomplish nothing. Falling on the sword of ideology is a useless and stupid gesture.

American politics runs in waves. The 80’s and 90’s was a very conservative period.

Again, I know many here disagree. But I think it is the truth.

Few if any of us actually remember FDRs time. But he had to make tremendous compromises to accomplish what he did. The biggest being making sure African Americans did not get Social Security. Because Southern Democrats were racist. Without their votes there would have been no Social Security.

[DonaldsRump]

24. Bill Clinton was a wonderful President

He had a flaw that the Rs exploited, but he was a great President. That's why the Rs had to neutralize him. They also neutralized JFK and tried with some success with BHO.

[Boogiemack]

30. I did too. Putting people first was his administration theme. Biden's responses

tonight reminded me somewhat of Clinton's type of answer. You always learned something when Bill Clinton spoke. His voice is weaker now from health reasons but if you listen when he speaks he is still teaching something. This was Biden tonight.

[cilla4progress]

42. Appreciate the history

lesson - so many things hidden from view! I did not know this.

Howard Zinn's "A People's History" was such an eye-opener for me. I'm not sure he covered this in there? I don't recall.

I do recall this history of "discovery" (fuck that shit), and miners, specifically. I don't think most Americans know the history of the mineworker revolts in this country. Or unions in general.

Those who don't know their history are doomed...

[BlueNProud]

52. Bill Clinton will always be my favorite president nt

[democrattotheend]

23. No way

He's doing better than I expected, and I think he'll be a fine president, but as a campaigner he's no Barack Obama, or Bill Clinton for that matter.

[Demsrule86]

28. Biden is a great campaigner. Can't really do it as usual this year.

12 was tough and closer than folks think. Biden delivered the Mid West for Obama and Clinton sure helped too.

[cilla4progress]

25. Stevens is talking about timing, too.

I've felt through this campaign that his timing is perfect.

Oh...and his VP choice. ..choked up..

FUCK: NOW MARIA TERESA KUMAR IS CITING FDR!!!

BE OPEN TO IT, FOLKS!!!!

[Demsrule86]

29. I feel we may end up with new policy as significant as the new deal in the end.

[cilla4progress]

31. I do, too!

Demsrule! It's one feasible outcome! People are so primed for change. Good positive change!

Do I dare to dream?

[Demsrule86]

44. It is like that poem I have in my profile that Biden ofen quotes. I remembered how much I liked the

author after I saw the poem again...I think hope and history are about to rhyme. Updated as I screwed up the quote! Mea Culpa.

“History says, Don’t hope
On this side of the grave,
But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up,
And hope and history rhyme”

[ChoppinBroccoli]

32. We Won't See Another Politician Like Obama For A Generation, But.........

............Biden is VERY good. He almost always has the right answer, phrased the right way, he connects with people, and most importantly, NOTHING sticks to him. The Republicans have been slinging mud at him for over a year, and none of it sticks.

After saying won't see another Obama anytime soon, I will say that there is ONE guy who I'm keeping a close eye on, because he's going to be a MONSTER in the future: Pete Buttigieg. The way he's able to dismantle hostile interviewers and people who try to "trap" him is masterful. Get him a little bit more experience on an executive level, and he'll really be something to see.

[cilla4progress]

43. Yes. I revere both Obamas -

of course. But I honestly feel like they are so much above us! Even while being down to earth. I can't really explain it.

Biden doesn't have Obama's elegance or brilliance - I don't mean that intellectually so much, as just, breathtaking character. I think more Americans can relate to him. Of course, race, as well... SMDH. This doesn't mean I don't think he should have run; it's just too fucking bad middle America rejected his elevation. It caused huge backlash that resulted - I think - partly at least, in drumpf. I'm talking tea party evolving into QAnon believers.

Obama was almost ahead of his time - in many ways - that harnessed his ability to govern. Not his fault; its the regressiveness and damn ignorance of the average American. Yes, he campaigned beautifully and ultimately had overwhelming support of the electorate!
Obama challenged / challenges us to our higher selves. Biden I think is someone the troglodytes can relate to - as well as we progressives.

[JonLP24]

55. Republicans made it impossible to get anything done with Obama

At first there were Democrats like Lieberman who killed the Public Option and stuff like the Stupak amendment.
Biden has the advantage of being a VP, a known quality and his opponent is the worst candidate in US history. Before he was VP his electoral history is not that impressive as far as Presidential races.

I think Clinton's loss was a fluke and she doesn't make as many unforced errors.

[cilla4progress]

60. I like your analysis.

Who doesn't make as many unforce errors?

[Demsrule86]

45. Obama was very good and he achieved health care...BFD.

But I think we are ready for change now where as we were not in 2009.

[Skya Rhen]

33. I absolutely agree!

[quickesst]

34. I know one thing that is a fact

Joe Biden is the best, and only candidate there is for 2020. The polls would have painted a very different picture than what they are today, and it wouldn't be pretty. If I'm asked on Thanksgiving what I'm thankful for I'll be saying I'm thankful for my family, my country, and Joe Biden for taking it back for us.

[Gothmog]

36. I really like Joe

I have had the pleasure of meeting him twice and I am impressed with him

[Totally Tunsie]

37. We need Joe right now. We need him to lead us in our healing

after enduring the past four years. We need his steadiness, his empathy, and his charm and humor.

[JonLP24]

38. I think Obama and Hillary Clinton were better

Don't worry I voted for Joe Biden but he is up against a horrible opponent with a record.

[Celerity]

50. Obama for sure, Hillary completely disagree. However unfair is was (and it was extraordinarily

unfair on multiple fronts) she and Trump were the two most unpopular candidates in decades. Biden would have won in 2016, as you would have had no Comey 'but her mails' surprise bomb, no built-in massive misogyny, no Benghazi/no 'we came we saw he died', etc etc.

If Hillary had run again and somehow won again in the 2020 primary, I would be terrified of Trump winning/stealing it again. She is the first losing POTUS candidate to actually go massively lower 2 years out, post-election, in approval ratings, in modern polling history. And that is with the Trump nightmare as a counterpoint.





newer poll

1596 interviews - YouGov Ratings data collected between July 2020 and October 2020

[JonLP24]

51. I agree

Hillary Clinton was a tough campaigner. She pushed Obama to the distance in 2008 and obviously outlasted Bernie.

Hillary Clinton took a lot of heat for the crime bill in 2016 but Biden is the one who actually wrote it. Policy wise Biden & Clinton are very similar.

In 2016 there was Cambridge Analytica which won Brexit, boosted Trump & Cruz in the primaries also swung the election for Trump. There was Russia disinformation & all sorts of shady stuff you don't normally see in elections but it looks to be our new normal with this Giuliani Hunter Biden laptop story.

[Fyrefox]

39. "Sleepy Joe?" No, healing Joe!

He may not be dynamic or charismatic, but a healthy cup of Joe is exactly what we need to undo the serious damages Trump has inflicted upon the country, and restore us as a nation. I believe in the subtle magnificence of Joe Biden!

[BlueStater]

48. He really isn't.

I’m just being honest here. The vast majority of votes cast for Biden will unquestionably be based on the hatred people have for his despicable opponent rather than any real enthusiasm for the man himself. When you remove Trump from the picture, there’s very little genuine excitement for Biden.

As a nominee, I would rate Biden no better than John Kerry. Yes, that means I think Kerry would also be trouncing Trump right now and Biden would probably lose to Bush in a fictitious scenario where they switched opponents.

[peggysue2]

56. Joe Biden is the best candidate for this particular moment

I've felt that way from the start. He is the antidote to Donald Trump via his very nature: decent, humble, empathetic, a straight arrow and a man who knows a lot about governance, legislation and geo-politics. He is all the things Trump is not. Including likeable.

Joe ran before and he was not my guy. But in 2020, he's exactly the right guy who will bring the best and the brightest to the job of repairing our fractured, sorry Republic and prepare us for the future ahead.

John Kerry? A decent, intelligent, skilled man but not the warm and fuzzy type. Right now the public needs a president to lead us out of the wilderness, someone who can embrace us from afar and restore our confidence in the country, our institutions. So we can look ahead without cringing.

Joe Biden was made for this moment, IMHO. And with Kamala Harris by his side, we're ready to rock and roll!

[Celerity]

49. Obama FTW, JFK 2nd nt

[Ms. Toad]

53. Nope.

I've been meeting weekly with a Biden group since he became the apparent nominee. we started as a group of 20-30, but have dwindled to a group of 5-10. Not a single one of us is enthusiastic about Biden - we are all driven by the desire to get Trump out of office. (All of us knew one person when the group started - so it isn't that the group grew out of another group that supported a single different candidate. Our first choices were varied - but Biden was the first choice for none of us.)

Most of struggle to find ways to be for Biden, rather than against Trump - and to actively participate in makint sure Trump is defeated. That was actually the topic for our third meeting - articulate a way to be pro-Biden, rather than anti-Trump. Out of the 10 remaining, one of us is phone banking, and one of us (me) is writing postcards to swing states. I may also be the only observer out of the bunch - I haven't heard anyone else mention it (but I've been in and out since the meetings for the last 7 weeks have conflicted with times I teach.

Most of us are generally happy with Harris as VP choice - probably more than we are with the Biden as the top of the ticket. I like her as a partner with Biden. As likely the candidate for 47, I have similar concerns to those I had with Clinton: Putting principles second to getting elected (in connection with decisions she made in her prosecutorial role). She wouldn't have been my top choice, either, but together they make a solid team.

[former9thward]

57. Not even close.

Obama, Clinton, JFK and Truman were far better campaigners than Biden.

[cilla4progress]

61. THIS!

Link to tweet

?s=20

[Raine]

63. No ... nt