Harper's Bazaar: Why Joe Biden Isn't the Best Alternative to Trump

[melman]

I don’t dislike Joe Biden. He is reportedly a very decent man. I remember very fondly his friendship with Obama. Remember those memes about their friendship? Those memes were fun! If he wins the primary, I will vote for him, because I would vote for anyone over Trump.

But I hope he doesn’t win the primary.

Because it is possible to think that people are good people, and still think those people are not the best candidate for President. And I don’t think Joe Biden is, because I don’t think the best alternative to Trump is another 70-something white man who has an unpleasant history with women.

--

If Democrats are going to position ourselves as the party that cares about women—and I think it would be a good idea both morally and politically—then you can’t have a man leading it who has this much troubled history with women.


https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a27334060/joe-biden-presidential-campaign-2020-donald-trump/

[LuvLoogie]

1. Really?

[empedocles]

2. Lumping Biden with trump 'who has an unpleasant history with women'??? [oh crap]

Did not want to read further after that.

[Honeycombe8]

37. I know. That was a bizarre thing to say. Biden doesn't have "an unpleasant history" w/women. nt

[pnwmom]

68. Here are 8 women who went public about their discomfort with Biden's behavior.

No one is making the claim that his behavior is anything like Trump's.

But I think these women found his actions unpleasant.

https://www.thecut.com/2019/04/joe-biden-accuser-accusations-allegations.html

[Honeycombe8]

76. We're all well aware of it. He doesn't have "an unpleasant history" w/women....

except those that work or worked for Bernie Sanders.

People who know Biden know he's of the old generation and very close with ALL people, particularly those he rides the subway with to work. He's almost the same way with men. That's just his style and has nothing to do with harassing women. The "me, too" movement is supposed to be about real harassment. Not political hit pieces because someone you know well put his hands on your shoulders when you were upset about something.

This sort of thing damages the claims of women who were really harassed or assaulted.

For someone to know Biden very well or be a close friend of the family...to wait for several years before saying anything, then go to work for a competitor and suddenly, when Biden is running for President against the person she works for, suddenly make a harassment claim...that's obviously a false complaint, to me. The time to complain about such a thing, when you know the person, is at the time. It's not like rape or repeated harassment by your employer when you fear retribution or shame. If you don't complain at the time...I call it false and a political hit "complaint." And I don't even support Biden!

[pnwmom]

77. These 8 women didn't all work for Bernie, and they all came forward to say

that he'd behaved inappropriately and made them uncomfortable.

I don't give men like that a pass simply because of their age. When I was young, I worked with some men like that but MOST men knew better. They treated women professionally.

[Honeycombe8]

78. Tempest in a pot of tea. I've stated my opinion.

As someone who HAS been seriously assaulted, I'm offended by these "oh, dear, he touched my shoulders and kissed my head like a grandfather five years ago." If she didn't complain then, then she wasn't very offended, I'd say. It's not like rape or an employer's advances, where it's understandable not to complain at the time.

[Dream Girl]

3. Huh? WTF.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. "An unpleasant history with women"? GMAFB.

Biden isn't even in the same universe with Trump where it comes to relationships with women. Fuck that noise.

[George II]

8. Or that other 70-something white man.

[Dream Girl]

5. This editorial was slightly less sophisticated than what a 6th grader would have written...

Seriously...

[George II]

7. ...

[George II]

6. Cute. I wonder who this quote is referring to?

"We don't need another 70-something white man who has an unpleasant history with women."

As for the rest of it:

[melman]

11. Do you have a problem with this writer?

Seems odd considering you posted another one of her articles and called it "excellent "

right here https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287121992

[George II]

14. Who said I had a problem with the writer?

[melman]

16. Oh

So a plane crash gif means it's good? I see.

[George II]

22. That's a bizarre take on what I think of the writer, but if that makes you happy have at it.

[melman]

24. Okay

[qazplm135]

60. they are pretty clearly referring to the article

not the writer.

[George II]

66. Bazinga! Thanks.

[SouthernProgressive]

27. Why would someone have to have a problem with a writer...

To think they have the ability to crash and burn on occasion. Not saying that’s what the poster meant, but it’s clearly what you are implying. I really like Krugman, but have really disliked some of his opinion pieces. Crash and burn pieces. I still really like him as s writer.

[melman]

28. Okay

[Skittles]

9. Biden is the past

I really hope Democrats move on

[highplainsdem]

12. Biden isn't the past. Look at the polls.

[Skittles]

15. the polls have nothing to do with it

[highplainsdem]

18. They show that other Democrats don't think he's the past.

[Skittles]

31. that does not negate my opinion

and yes there is a lot more about Joe Biden I do not care for

[Haggis for Breakfast]

44. So, do YOU want another four years of trumpie ?

Because right now, many people feel that he is the only one who can take trump to the mat, Given how trumpie has stamped his itty bitty feet and waved his itty bitty hands over Joe, HE thinks that Biden will beat him.

[Skittles]

70. LOL, aren't you a hoot

"many people feel".

[aidbo]

82. many people are wrong.

[Cha]

85. Ha.. sez you.

[Cha]

84. Yeah, I Feel It!

Mahalo, Haggis

[Haggis for Breakfast]

86. Hi Cha !!

What I think some people FAIL to see is that trumpie is terrified of Joe Biden. Now, THAT speaks volumes to me.

[Cha]

87. Any Dem who

frightens the Psycho has my utmost gratitude.. no matter for how long.

Aloha

[Haggis for Breakfast]

89. I think that the more Uncle Joe

Gets out there, making speeches (making sense), garnering BIG crowds who just want to hear an adult speak (and not with trumpian profanity or silly, childish nicknames), and make people realize that we CAN recover from the cesspool shenanigans, the more he will get under trumpie's thin skin. Hopefully keep him up at night. Didya notice that when Cadet Covfefe is sleep deprived, he makes even LESS sense ?

Mahalo, dearest Cha.

[Cha]

17. Yeah,right now.. the polls are showing that Biden is

our Future!

[Skya Rhen]

54. There is no one so blind as one who refuses to see...

[uponit7771]

90. Obama / Biden past was good and we're still living in the economy of it.

[highplainsdem]

10. LOL! It must be a terrible disappointment to her that Biden has so much support from women in all

the polls.

Women who can see through the smears against him.

[SouthernProgressive]

13. Biden has been one of the leading advocates for stoping violence against women for decades.

“who has this much troubled history with women.“

“because I don’t think the best alternative to Trump is another 70-something white man who has an unpleasant history with women.”

That is an attack. It’s these attacks that will help Biden continue to rise.

I imagine it’s why he is supported so heavily by women. Because he has been working for decades to end the violence perpetrated against them.

[SouthernProgressive]

19. Here is another article from this author.

Bernie Sanders' Sexism Problem

Is an old white man who overlooks the pressures women are made to deal with because of their gender really the best person to lead the Democratic party forward?

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a26517395/bernie-sanders-2020-campaign-gender-comments-explained/

[still_one]

21. nuts. Ya beat me to it!!!!!!!!!

[SouthernProgressive]

29. I didn't see it was an op.

Someone beat both of us.

[still_one]

32. yeah, I just saw too. oh well.........................

[sheshe2]

52. +++++++++++++++++++++

[still_one]

20. The same author that the OP just posted thinks "Bernie Sanders' has a Sexism Problem"

and is also should not represent the Democratic party

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a26517395/bernie-sanders-2020-campaign-gender-comments-explained/

Is an old white man who overlooks the pressures women are made to deal with because of their gender really the best person to lead the Democratic party forward?

.........................

"Bernie Sanders seems to feel those double standards can just be overlooked, even when sexism has clearly manifested in his own campaign. And not just when his surrogates called his opponent a “democratic whore.” According to The New York Times, one of Bernie’s delegates claimed in an email that within his campaign, “There was an entire wave of rotten sexual harassment that seemingly was never dealt with.”

When women who worked for him came forward to discuss how they were paid less and experienced sexual harassment, Bernie initially replied, “I was a little bit busy running around the country” and seemingly couldn’t be expected to know about staff complaints. Bernie now seems to be trying to discuss those issues, but, frankly, after his female staffers came forward to talk to The New York Times, it would be impossible for any candidate not to do so. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to have been his instinct before then."

One thing Biden is NOT, and that is a sexist.

and while he is a touchy/feely person, he realizes that was inappropriate for some, even though he had no bad intentions, it was uncomfortable for them, and is mindful for that OP

If the OP believes by slurring Biden this is going to somehow elevate his candidate, the voters will decide that thank-you, and at least at this point in time, it appears that these attacks against Biden are working, and it sure isn't elevating Sanders in anyone's eyes

[melman]

23. "If the OP believes by slurring Biden this is going to somehow elevate his candidate"

All I did was post a link to a Harper's Bazaar article. Same thing you just did.

[still_one]

25. That is why I countered with the same author in response to the OP. All I did was a

Google search to see what other articles the author has done, and while I don't agree with her assessments, it seems she is quite consistent in her view points.

I usually try to avoid these types of OPs, and I suspect you are posting this in response to another OP on DU with the link I supplied.

The normal back and forth

[emulatorloo]

57. They are talking about the Harper's Bazaar article, not you Melman

Maybe Harper’s Bazarr isn’t worth citing here at DU. Seems like a very negative source.

I really would love to see you, Melhman, promote the Democratic candidates you like and might support.

That would be very helpful to other undecideds like me. Slanted hit pieces on Democrats from biased authors that write for Harpers Bazaar just aren’t helpful in this forum right now imho

It just doesn’t help us to defeat Trump or win big majorities in Congress.

[samnsara]

26. i thought Harpers had gone under yers ago..with panty hose and kotex belts

[ucrdem]

33. I'm stuck on a pop-up with urgent info on high heels

[ucrdem]

30. No fresh menudo I see.

This scandal is already stale.

[emmaverybo]

35. These always start with the obligatory " don't get me wrong, I like Biden but..." nt

[BannonsLiver]

79. I've noticed that framing as well.

Usually a good indicator the poster can’t stand Biden.

[LibFarmer]

36. Jennifer Wright is a BS supporter

and a friend of David Sirota.

Enough said.

[melman]

38. lol

She most certainly is not.

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a26517395/bernie-sanders-2020-campaign-gender-comments-explained/

[George II]

40. Yes indeed she is.

[melman]

42. lol

[George II]

43. lol

[melman]

46. Jennifer Wright: A Thank You Letter To Hillary Clinton

https://medium.com/JenAshleyWright/a-thank-you-letter-to-hillary-clinton-4c519f04869

[George II]

64. What is the point of that? Jennifer Wright is a prolific writer, are you going to post....

....each and every one of her columns over the last several years?

[melman]

48. Also Jennifer Wright

Link to tweet

Such a supporter.

[Turin_C3PO]

41. She's not a Sanders supporter.

[Cha]

45. I don't think so... Harper's Bazaar: Bernie Sanders' Sexism Problem

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287121992

[SouthernProgressive]

74. I think she is a Harris supporter.

Not positive but that is my understanding.

[Honeycombe8]

39. The Harper's Bizarre author is a Kamala Harris supporter. That article is a hit piece.

Shame on you for posting it, since it contains incorrect facts and false comparisons.

I say this as someone who does not support Biden for President. But it's obvious what that article is. She also wrote "Bernie Sanders' Sexism Problem."

[oldsoftie]

47. Blah blah blah. The purity patrol is starting early.

Want trump till 2024?

[Demsrule86]

49. Joe biden does not havean unpleasant history with women.

You should delete.

[George II]

50. +1,000,000

[Demsrule86]

63. Thanks George

[emulatorloo]

59. Indeed. Any "article" that claims he does is suspect.

That is bad untrue information which originated on rightwing Internet/twitter.

[Demsrule86]

62. I would say...liar is what they are.

[EveHammond13]

51. writers like to try to out-analyze each other with these little essays

that really have little or no relation to how most voters see things or vote

[emulatorloo]

53. How about you write something positive about the candidates you like

Rather then posting negative articles from “Harper’s Bizaare” or elsewhere that tear down solid Democrats.

Our focus is getting rid of Trump here, not destroying good Democrats.

Of course your mileage may vary.

[George II]

58. Yeahbut.....he's "undecided".....

[emulatorloo]

61. They are a very passionate and thoughtful person. Would love to get their positive takes on

candidates they like. I think their positive posts would be great for the DU community. I guess I am repeating myself too much.

[sheshe2]

55. oh, melman. nt

[radical noodle]

56. I don't see Biden as having

an unpleasant history with women, but out of curiosity, who do you think is the spotless candidate that is worthy of the nomination?

[Demsrule86]

67. Maybe Harris?

[radical noodle]

69. Maybe so

I like almost all our candidates. I think we have several who could beat trump. Including Biden.

[Demsrule86]

72. This is a different sort of year. The race will be won and lost in three states.

While all our candidates are great (but two) in my opinion only Biden can carry MI, WI and PA.

[radical noodle]

80. I hear you on the two

Somehow I think it's the two that I've ruled out.

[Demsrule86]

88. Probably,..would vote for any in a general but not in the primary.

[lapucelle]

65. "Bernie Sanders' Sexism Problem"

From Harper's Bazaar:

Bernie Sanders is back and, if people were feeling the Bern in 2016, they might find their sentiments a bit more lukewarm in 2019. In political field filled with younger women and people of color, it’s reasonable to ask whether or not an older white man is the best person to lead the Democratic party (which he doesn’t technically belong to) forward.

That’s especially true when Bernie makes statements like, “We have got to look at candidates, you know, not by the color of their skin, not by their sexual orientation or their gender and not by their age. I mean, I think we have got to try to move us toward a non-discriminatory society which looks at people based on their abilities, based on what they stand for.”

The problem with that statement is that factors like race, gender, and sexual orientation actually do influence how seriously people are taken, and how hard they have to work to be able to rise to the same heights as heterosexual white men. What’s taken as commonplace or quirkily charming in white men is seen as objectionable in others. And Bernie has benefitted from that standard.

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a26517395/bernie-sanders-2020-campaign-gender-comments-explained/

"If Democrats are going to position ourselves as the party that cares about women—and I think it would be a good idea both morally and politically—then you can’t have a man leading it who has this much troubled history with women."

[betsuni]

71. Harper's Bazaar writer criticizes Bernie and also criticizes Joe.

WORLDS COLLIDE.



Oh, melman.

[melman]

75. .

[Vidal]

73. Who Cares?

Harper's Bazaar's opinion is worth no more than any other person. I don't really care what that particular person has to say. Everyone has biases.

[samnsara]

81. is harpers a real mag? This only solidified my support for him....and i am a woman.

.....

[melman]

83. Yes, it's a real mag that's been around for 150 years

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harper%27s_Bazaar

[BannonsLiver]

91. It's a fashion magazine

Not the first place anyone should go for politics.

[madville]

92. Not paying much attention to these racist and sexist hit pieces

I just quit reading them the minute I see a candidate is somehow disqualified because of their race or sex.