Biden gets closer to a White House bid but serious concerns remain

[Miles Archer]

Biden gets closer to a White House bid but serious concerns remain

As he weighs a decision, Biden is carefully considering how a campaign, and the president's likely attacks, would affect his family.



https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/biden-gets-closer-white-house-bid-serious-concerns-remain-n973861

Sources close to the former vice president say he’s clear-eyed about the political challenge ahead if he runs, not taking anything for granted in a crowded race for the nomination even as he’s confident he offers the party the best chance to beat Trump.

But Biden knows and expects the president to fight as hard to stay in the White House as he did to win it in the first place — and he’s already shown nothing is off limits.

“I understand how anyone running could be concerned about the ways in which President Trump demonstrated in the 2016 election an enthusiasm for attacking not just his opponents but his family, including famously by making things up,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., who met with Biden recently to discuss the campaign.

“I offered my general advice that he should do what he does best, which is focus on the positive and let others take up the mantle of defending his family, his record and his honor to the extent that’s at all necessary,” Coons told NBC News.

No line of attack would be more reprehensible to Biden than one directed at his family, and he and his team have been forced to consider that even as they also weigh the political dynamics.

[getagrip_already]

1. I'd like to see him run....

If for no other reason than to derail bernie.

[Renew Deal]

4. Bernie will be derailed either way.

We'll see if he gets any delegates this time around.

[marylandblue]

2. If he is concerned about attacks on his family, he should not run.

Trump always goes for the weak spots and the media will follow.

[Miles Archer]

6. By making it public that it is a concern, it's a guarantee it will happen

It would have happened anyway, because that's how vile Trump is.

But voicing the concern turns it into a magnet.

I would like to see him run, but he needs to fully embrace the reality that he will be going up against the unholiest of unholys, a "man" who, if he took a few steps the ladder, could then be considered the scum of the earth.

I do feel the idea of letting others deflect the garbage while he precision-focuses on beating Trump is wisdom worth considering.

[Renew Deal]

3. Forget about Trumps attacks...

There are plenty of photographs that will be difficult to deal with in the "Me Too" era.

[monmouth4]

5. IMO, this "concern" sounds like a cop out. No one running wants problems for their family but the

candidate and family agree to unite, little or no problem. He knows his chances are slim to none and doesn't want to end his career as the guy who "almost" won. He's too old, too tired, and should retire.

[BannonsLiver]

9. Are you talking about Bernie?

[monmouth4]

11. The Op is not about Bernie.

[BannonsLiver]

12. Yeah I was confused momentarily

Because what you wrote made me think of Bernie. Anyway, my apologies. Carry on.

[monmouth4]

13. No prob..n/t

[CrossingTheRubicon]

7. It is generally not a good idea to tell an opponent how they can hurt you.

I think Sun Tsu said that.

Or perhaps I just made it up on the spot?

Unless, of course, it is a trick being laid for Trump to fall into?

I trust Joe to despatch the orange menace.

[WeekiWater]

8. Letting this out guarantees attacks on his family.

This is either a campaign strategy or Biden keeping his image solid and not running.

Biden and the people around him know this will increases the number of attacks that will happen on his family.

[crazytown]

10. Trump would attack him on age: Old Joe

won’t last a full term, then pivot onto something like - but atleast he’ll see his kids again.

Why? Trump projects his own weaknesses into opponents. Age, health - it fits.

[honest.abe]

14. Yep, and keep digging him on those gaffes that Biden was famous for back during the 08 campaign.

Trump is an idiot but he is very good at playing the insult game.