Lawrence O'Donnell really helps me appreciate the negotiating genius of Joe Biden

[Silent3]

Beyond that, Biden apparently has a degree of patience and diplomacy working with these slimy Republicans I can't begin to imagine possessing.

Not anywhere enough of the American public appreciates Biden as much as he deserves, otherwise he'd be 20-30% higher in opinion polls and Trump would be in single digits.

[C_U_L8R]

1. In an opposite universe.

[Silent3]

3. I saw that when it first aired

It was, and is, brilliant.

[Irish_Dem]

25. Same here, I saw this episode when it first aired, it was hilarious and brilliant.

[yonder]

12. Classic. Thanks

[NJCher]

15. first time I've seen it

the idea of a Reagan who knew what was going on and was devious and cunning (and hardworking!) is hilarious.

This guy has Reagan down, what with all the head doddering. If only he were a bit taller. The hair was perfect.

The Jimmy Stewart old buddy part made me laugh, too. "you've changed, Dutch!"

That was fun. Glad you posted it. I'm sending it around to all my Reagan hater friends. Believe it or not, there's one who hates Reagan more than Trump!

[Spazito]

2. Biden uses the tendency to underestimate him....

to his advantage. He's done it before and did it again in this negotiation. Unlike so many others, he cares nothing about getting credit and, instead, cares deeply for getting the best results possible for the American people, imo.

[NJCher]

9. ego and getting things done

he cares nothing about getting credit

I saw the show and remember that remark which applied not only to Biden but his right hand negotiating partner who has been doing negotiations for decades. I can't recall his name now and it's driving me nutz not to remember it. Italian surname? He is a strong asset to Democrats.

A few days ago there was a brief profile on him and how he, too, doesn't care about getting credit.

A person can do a lot when they're not fighting for the limelight and getting a big power boost to their ego.
Did you hear that, Donald Trump?

No? Doesn't matter. Whoosh!

[Spazito]

22. The negotiating partner Lawrence mentioned was...

Steve Ricchetti, counselor to the president. Here's some info on him:

"The 66 year-old from Westlake, Ohio has long been a confidant in Biden’s orbit. Ricchetti currently serves as a counselor to the president, and chaired Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign. Richetti also served as chief of staff for then-Vice President Biden from 2013-2017.

Ricchetti is a fixture in Washington, serving as deputy chief of staff and deputy assistant to the president for legislative affairs during Bill Clinton's administration. He also spent nearly a decade as a registered lobbyist on Capitol Hill..

This isn’t the first time Biden has tapped Richetti to head to the hill to cut a deal. Back in 2021, Richetti played a huge role in crafting the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law with since-retired Sen. Robert Portman, R-Ohio, according to POLITICO."

https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2023/05/24/who-are-the-key-negotiators-on-the-debt-limit

[NJCher]

23. Yes, that's who

Now I have a memory aid so I won’t forget: rich-etti. The irony of such a low profile guy.

Thanks, spazito!

[Spazito]

24. You're very welcome!

[BigmanPigman]

4. I look forward to his show every night...

He cuts through the BS and explains things so that even a moron like me can sort of understand what's going on.

[PatSeg]

10. Yes, Lawrence covers this White House

and congress in a very informative, yet interesting way. His appreciation of Biden's experience and many skills is always reassuring and enlightening.

Lawrence explained the debt ceiling negotiations so much better than anyone else. Though I don't think I could explain it clearly to anyone else, at least I now have a better understanding than I did before. And of course, Biden and his team were absolutely brilliant. They were playing chess to McCarthy's checkers. I think Kevin just wants it all to be over with.

I only hope that some day the rest of the world will see what we see. We are witnessing a historic presidency that may not be appreciated until later down the road.

[BigmanPigman]

11. Last night I watched "FDR" on the History Channel

since they are running a series this week for this new special. I kept thinking about Biden and now he, like FDR, wants to genuinely help people compared to the GOP. During the Depression Republicans and Libertarians said people should help themselves and charities would do the trick. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

[PatSeg]

16. That is so true

The same elements still exist and we see history repeating itself.

Yes, I think Joe is our FDR and I believe he sees himself that way. He is a true idealist, and like FDR, he is also a pragmatist. He really does know how to get things done.

At times I'm a bit critical of some on the far left, not because I disagree with them, but because they pay a lot of lip service to their goals with little understanding as to how to achieve those goals. They thought Joe was an old school moderate and he is the one who is making their lofty goals reality. Much like FDR actually. (I've been wrong about a lot of things throughout my life, but I was spot-on about Biden years ago and he's exceeded my expectations.)

I remember Ken Burns miniseries about the Roosevelts on PBS. I watched it more than once. It was absolutely fascinating. I'll have to look for "FDR" on the History Channel.

[BigmanPigman]

17. I noticed how confident FDR was and he projected that so well.

He was willing to take chances, make mistakes, accept his losses amd go forward. The population was boosted by his confident and positive attitude and they WANTED to help him to help them.

I saw the Ken Burns special and loved it!!!!! I can watch anything about the Roosevelts over and over and learn something new each time.

[PatSeg]

19. Oh yes, his confidence

and uplifting message gave so many people hope. And to think that he projected all that positive energy from a wheelchair. His actual accomplishments were extraordinary. He wasn't all talk. I'm not sure that any president was equal to him.

Did you see Warm Springs on HBO? I've watched it three or four times, maybe more.

[Joinfortmill]

5. History will be good to Joe.

[MLAA]

7. I certainly hope so! He deserves the respect and appreciation of generations.

[ITAL]

8. Presidents often look better when they are gone

I remember David McCullough telling a story once about his dad hating Truman when he was in office, but a few years later being nostalgic because Harry could "give'em hell."

[Tree Lady]

6. People expect a lot

And everyone wants something different. We all have priorities and Joe knows he can't make everyone happy. With republicans he doesn't try to make them happy just tries to stay sane and watch them go nuts.

[ms liberty]

13. That was a good segment. n/ t

[calimary]

14. The adults are in charge.

Not a week goes by that I'm not even more impressed by President Biden. He's better than I ever expected him to be! I guess all those years in the Senate and eight more as VP really made a difference.

[Beartracks]

18. Like many people who do their jobs extremely well...

... you can't always see it because most of it's not flashy.

================

[bringthePaine]

20. frickin' Joe-jitsu😬👍🥳

[liberalla]

21. Rhiannon has posted this Lawrence O'Donnell segment in the video forum:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017832563

Thank you, Rhiannon!