Biden folk, tell me what you love about your candidate

[Kerrycrat]

Is it where he stands? Is it his history in the Senate? Something personal that you’ve seen that tells you he’s just a really good guy?

Help those of us who have recently lost our candidates to fall in love with Joe!

[William769]

1. Here's a list.

Joe’s Plan to end the Opioid Crisis >>
Joe’s Plan for Investing in our Communities Through Housing >>
Joe’s Plan to Secure Our Values as a Nation of Immigrants >>
Joe’s Plan to Build Security and Prosperity in Partnership with the People of Central America >>
Joe’s Plan to End Violence Against Women >>
Joe’s Plan to Invest in Middle Class Competitiveness >>
Joe’s Plan to Keep Our Sacred Obligation to Our Veterans >>
Joe’s Plan to Fulfill Our Commitment to Military Families >>
Joe’s Plan for Strengthening Worker Organizing, Collective Bargaining, and Unions >>
Joe’s Plan for a Government That Works For The People>>
Joe’s Plan for Education Beyond High School >>
Joe’s Plan to End Gun Violence >>
Joe’s Plan to Lead the Democratic World >>
Joe’s Plan for Strengthening America’s Commitment to Justice >>
Joe’s Plan to Protect & Build on the Affordable Care Act >>
Joe’s Plan for Older Americans >>
Joe’s Plan for Rural America >>
Joe’s Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice >>
Joe’s Plan for Educators, Students, and our Future >>

https://joebiden.com/joes-vision/

[emmaverybo]

8. Thank you. Not enough people realize Joe has some great plans for our future.

[onetexan]

19. K&R. And on top of all that, he's everything BS isn't

Unselfish, empathetic, kind, gets things done, charismatic, inspiring, understands the struggle of & works for working familiies. Contrast that with a man whose spent 30 years in politics and all he's got to show for it is the renaming of some post offices, yet promises the moon to get elected. I call that a con man. He's duped alot of people into sending him $, and he's made $ off their backs with his books post-2016. We dont need another conman in the WH.

[Act_of_Reparation]

34. Oh give me a break.

[onetexan]

40. i'm giving you a break by pointing those hard facts out. I know, the truth is hard to accept.

[treestar]

60. Why does Bernie get that?

[PatSeg]

67. Good question

Some people have on their "Bernie Blinders".

[Act_of_Reparation]

89. Are you suggesting I have been fawning over Bernie?

Or that it is my personal responsibility to criticize fawning every time it arises?

It's ok. I'll wait.

[treestar]

96. Where did I say that? But there are a lot of people

who support Bernie in the way you described. They can't even fathom his losing and say he was "cheated."

[treestar]

98. And how is this "fawning" like over a rock star?

Unselfish, empathetic, kind, gets things done, charismatic, inspiring, understands the struggle of & works for working familiies.

I've seen a few more descriptions of Bernie from various posts here that are pretty much equivalent.

[TwilightZone]

103. It's not.

The poster is greatly exaggerating what was said. Why is anyone's guess. Candidate already dropped out, perhaps.

[LakeArenal]

104. Fawning is your own word.

Don’t put words in people’s mouths.

[onetexan]

62. Your interpretation, u're entitled to the nonsense if u believe in it

[hangaleft]

45. Let's take a closer look at this list of supposed attributes

empathetic, kind — Anita Hill might take issue with those

gets things done — Indeed he does! Great work on that Bankruptcy Bill!

charismatic, inspiring — Biden? Joe Biden? This Joe Biden? What are you smoking and where can I get some?

PREFERRED CANDIDATE — ELIZABETH WARREN

[WA-03 Democrat]

46. I disagree

Joe is a good man. He cares about others clearly.
He has served his country and accomplished many great things.
He is the inspiration leader of the Democratic Party.

[MD shmoo]

84. Re: A good man

IMHO this is basically his primary pitch, that regardless of his specific policies or personal quirks he's at heart an "honest politician" who legitimately wants to improve things using government. As opposed to the current WH occupant whose primary motivation seems to be "find out how you can be the biggest jerk then do that." I think he's wrong on some policy ideas and some of his approaches but I'll take someone who isn't always 100% aligned with me but does it from good motives over someone who might (or might not) be more aligned with me but are doing it from less noble motives.

[treestar]

61. you're focusing on the negative

So how can you support anybody?

[PatSeg]

65. Clearly you don't really know Joe Biden

You just know the perception that some Sanders' supporters have of him.

[hangaleft]

99. I'm not a Sanders supporter, I'm a Biden opposer

PREFERRED CANDIDATE — ELIZABETH WARREN

[Demsrule86]

66. Say what you want Bernie's record isn't perfect...he has the negatives but where are

Bernie's accomplishments?

[onetexan]

77. Sure he has accomplishments: renaming 2 post offices

[Lulu KC]

86. Why the need to jump in and be so negative?

Really curious. Do you think you will actually change anyone's mind, or are you trying to illustrate exactly the turn-off that is drawing more and more attention in your candidate's supporters?
I do not get it.
You are not helping Bernie.

[LakeArenal]

105. Bingo.

This was a thread on why we like Joe.

They are attacking us for answering the question.

The negativity is surprising from supporters of candidates who are calling for unity.

[LongtimeAZDem]

49. Exactly right

[PatSeg]

64. In the end

a large percentage of voters will vote for the person first and foremost. Policy does matter, but people are drawn to the person they are most comfortable with, someone they trust to make important decisions in times of crisis. No amount of great progressive policies can make a candidate likable or presidential.

I look at the candidates and try to imagine him or her giving the State of the Union address or visiting with foreign leaders. Of course, I take into consideration policies, but when it comes to Democratic candidates, most of them are progressive and the variations aren't always significant.

Being president is about so much more than ideology and policies. It is the person selling those policies that will connect with the voters.

[onetexan]

83. Spot on. The candidate's moral compass & integrity is first & foremost the thing to look for

There are plenty of policy hacks , but do they have the soft skills to govern is the question - the second requisite. Being able to get the job done is the third.

In his many years in public service, Biden has proven he has all of these qualifications. As Clyburn said, WE KNOW JOE.

[PatSeg]

108. Yes

Views on policies can change with the political winds, but character and integrity tend to be constants.

[The_Counsel]

81. Better Than That, He's Everything TRUMP Isn't.

Joe Biden is a lot of things, but two things he ISN'T is a liar and a criminal.

Sadly, Mr. Trump checks both boxes.

[Sunlei]

85. Just like President Obama, Senator Sanders made his first million off a book!

And voted with the Democratic party almost 100% of his 30 year career.

I don't appreciate and I'm positive Joe Biden wouldn't appreciate you demeaning about 30% of our D party voters.

[LaurenOlimina]

54. This is the best post in this thread. Well done.

[AncientGeezer]

2. I recently lost Amy...I can't make you or anyone else "fall in love with Joe"

I'm not "..in love with Joe" but I absolutely HATE the dumpster.
I also hate anything akin to socialism...even socialism lite...so I'm going to VP Biden.

[squirecam]

5. Joe/Amy 2020

Nt

[AncientGeezer]

6. Works for me...I wish it were reversed..but...I get math.

[squirecam]

7. I wish Amy were President too.

Nt

[PatSeg]

68. I wasn't in love with Hillary

but I voted for her and defended her when she was unjustly attacked.

[RockRaven]

3. He ain't Trump. He can beat Trump.

That's good for infinite as far as I'm concerned.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

11. Aha. Two liberal guys at KLBJ in Austin said the same

thing. All you have to do is "not be trump."

No one is the epitome of this more than Biden. Period. Paragraph.

He is kind, dignified, experienced, knowledgeable, and traditional.

Amazing the Dems think that in this time in history, where we HAVE to rid ourselves of the monster, that it is more than that.

[sweetloukillbot]

4. I think he's genuinely empathetic

He's able to connect with voters one on one.
He also has no patience for bullshit, which I appreciate.
I'll also acknowledge that both of these traits tend to get him into trouble.

And I loved Diamond Joe on the Onion, and I'm looking forward to him returning.

[emmaverybo]

9. I heart ❤️ Joe because he hearts 💕 America and people in general all across it of all demographics.

He has hope and inspiration and wisdom to share. Jonathan Capehart says it best: he reminds us of who we are and I’d add who we can be.

[doc03]

10. He is not being supported by Russia and Trump. He is not making a bunch of

pie in the sky promises that have zero chances of being passed.

[Kerrycrat]

13. Amen

My main beef with Bernie. That and the way some of his supporters act

[Laura PourMeADrink]

12. Should someone who joined DU weeks ago be asking

This question???

[Kerrycrat]

14. I don't get what you mean?

Asking for testimonials and positivity is bad?

Anyway, I think it’s been a couple weeks

I’m trying to get back in the swing of things after a long absence. I campaigned for Kerry and Obama, but not so much for Hillary.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

17. Ease in

[Kerrycrat]

18. Ah

I suppose what I was trying to do was repeat what I did in 2004. Wasn’t terribly enthusiastic about Kerry, ended up loving the guy.

ABB wasn’t good enough then.

ABT won’t be good enough now.

We must be for our candidate, not just against the other guy.

But you’re right, I’ll use the search button and get the lay of the land first.

[Just_Vote_Dem]

30. "We must be for our candidate, not just against the other guy. "

That is YOUR opinion, not shared by all

I like a lot of things about Biden, but if the only thing was that he was against Trump, that works for me. And many others, I believe.

[Kerrycrat]

36. And I think that's a mistake

If we are going to convince others to vote for him too, being against isn’t necessarily enough.

And isn’t that all most of us are doing? Giving our opinions?

[LaurenOlimina]

53. You touch on my struggle.

I'm looking for something to like in the guy. I can't sell what I can't tell a story about.

I guarantee you telling a voter how much better Biden is than Bernie Sanders won't cut it in the GE.

[still_one]

15. To make it short and brief, he will continue the Obama Legacy

[Celerity]

16. He isn't Bernie, he isn't Trump, he has a far better chance to beat the latter than the former would

[OKNancy]

20. Jill Biden

I can envision the first weeks in the White House. He will appoint competent people for his staff and cabinet. He knows how the White House works. There won't be all the chaos and drama. Jill will not need a tour led by Melania. She will add class and intelligence.
Jill will have a hand in education policy. He will start to work on his policy ideas in a rational and competent manner.

If you actually read and know about what his ideas are, they are very progressive. As I've written before, in no other time would Joe be called a moderate.

[Walleye]

31. And you know cancer research would be a top priority.

[beachbumbob]

21. he is the genuine article. He is pragmatic and open.

He can get people to collaborate and cooperate in a way that sanders has never done in his life

[brooklynite]

22. I don't love him and I don't plan to try...

I plan to vote for him because he's the best candidate. Emotion has nothing to do with it.

[dansolo]

23. My feelings exactly

I loved Pete, but I knew it was too soon for him. While I haven't necessarily agreed with Joe's positions on some issues in the past, I have no doubt that he is the most qualified based on his experience. He is also a genuine contrast to Trump.

[Kerrycrat]

25. I didn't mean that literally

What I mean is, why do you feel he is the best candidate? What is it about him specifically that makes you come to that conclusion?

[Demsrule86]

69. Fair enough...I agree. If Biden were not the best candidate much as I do love him, I would

not vote for him. You have take electability into consideration.

[wyldwolf]

24. I don't fall in love with a candidate. I make a pragmatic choice ...

... based on what I perceive is their electability.

[Kerrycrat]

26. But I would think you'd need to also agree with his positions

What I’m looking for are some of the reasons for that pragmatic choice.

But I do think it helps to be at least somewhat enthusiastic about that choice. The better to maybe campaign for them.

[Walleye]

32. Like it or not, most people vote on emotion

[wyldwolf]

35. Agreeing with positions is not necessarily a criteria

I don't understand why people, you included, believe there has to be something more to feeling a candidate can win.

But I do think it helps to be at least somewhat enthusiastic about that choice.

Enthusiastic about their chance of winning, yes.

[LaurenOlimina]

52. That's my position exactly.

[Demsrule86]

70. All the Democrats and even Bernie are not that far apart position wise. All want some form

of universal healthcare, a minimum wage increase, new taxes on the rich, better education, college cost help for the young etc. They simply have different ideas how to achieve these goals. I think Biden's plan is more realistic than some others' plans.

[PatSeg]

74. I would probably be comfortable with the positions

of most of our Democratic candidates, though I might disagree with some. In this primary season, Democratic candidates as a rule have been fairly consistent, so in they end voters will be looking at the person, his/her experience, and his/her ability to make crucial decisions as commander-in-chief.

If we elect a Democratic president, keep the House, and take back the senate, we will have progressive policies. Who is most capable of working with congress? And who will restore our standing in the world?

[beachbumbob]

27. he csn easily lead a Nov democratic landslide no other candidate had a chance to do for starters

he was part of a very successful admin who saved america in their first 6 months on the job. No adherence to pie-in-the-sky crap, they did the hard work and had people around them that could too.

enough for me and should be enough for all those sick and tired of trump, gop and foxnews

[randr]

28. He is closer to the civility we should expect from our electees

[Peacetrain]

29. See post 1.. precise and to the point

[Amishman]

33. Moderation and dependability

I'm tired of politics. I want a leader who will focus on the obtainable and make incremental progress towards a better tomorrow.

Four plus years of steady small wins, rather than endless turmoil trying to push radical change that either won't pass Congress or survive the courts.

I trust Joe to be a rational, reasonable steward of our country.

[Todd79]

38. I'm still new here

But I initially supported Joe in 2007. When he dropped out I went with Obama.

On paper, Joe is even more qualified than Hillary was in 2016 (and I am not saying that to belittle Sec. Clinton). More importantly is his foreign policy experience. People hang the Iraq War vote around his neck, but that was such a shit time and situation that I have never considered that vote a dealbreaker.

People need to remember that in the post-Trump world we will not have the open doors and goodwill that we had beforehand. Our nation’s credibility has crumbled internationally. We will have to re-earn that trust with leaders not named Bibi or Vlad.

Biden is the only candidate who won’t have to prove himself to world leaders, they already know him and he’s proven during his time not only as VP, but as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. He’s got international credibility on Hillary’s level- a lot more than any other candidate that ran this time (not knocking them, it’s just a fact).

There is also his personal story. He has handled multiple tragedies in his life that are on a scale that I can’t even begin to comprehend. You are never supposed to outlive your children, but to outlive two of them is frankly unimaginable. My wife lost her sister to brain cancer shortly after Beau Biden died, and since then I watched my father in law basically drink himself into an early grave. That doesn’t even begin to cover the drama of losing a wife and a baby daughter at the same time. It’s a tragically fucked up situation and the man persevered while never disconnecting from the two constant reminders who he very easily could’ve left in care and visited on weekends like a lot of Washington creatures have done. Instead he did the right thing.

That to me shows leadership in the face of adversity and a man who is uniquely qualified to begin the process of restoring trust of our own citizens. Biden knows people and understands their pain. He had dealt with pandemics and natural disasters in our country.

He’s been my guy since he declared. I would’ve happily jumped on with Liz, Beto, or Pete at different points, and Amy proved to me that she was a great candidate as well, but for me, Joe was always my first pick.

[Kerrycrat]

43. Thank you.

That’s the sort of post I was hoping for.

I had reasons for Pete.

I’m trying to hit the ground running with Biden.

And welcome to DU!

[Todd79]

44. Thank you

[LongtimeAZDem]

47. Beautifully stated

[Todd79]

48. Thank you

[Demsrule86]

71. Me too and welcome...if I missed doing this...

[Todd79]

116. Thanks!

[PatSeg]

109. Welcome to DU!

It was pretty much the same with me. I supported Joe in 2007 and have admired him for years. I wasn't sure at first whether I thought it was a good idea for him to run this time, but it didn't take long to get on board.

[Todd79]

115. Thanks!

[Hekate]

112. Welcome to DU

I mean that.

[Todd79]

114. Thanks

[Don1]

39. He will cure cancer

[Kerrycrat]

41. Uh huh.

A specific orange cancer?

[Don1]

51. Cancer and diabetes

[Kerrycrat]

91. And snarkiness

That should be added to his list or I don’t know if I can support him

Seriously though I can’t tell if you’re kidding.

[Demsrule86]

72. That is a top priority for him. Indeed.

[lees1975]

50. Lots of experience

Joe knows how to get things done. He knows how things work and is old enough to remember a time when bi-partisan cooperation worked. He has a realistic perspective.

With Joe, you get the real deal, warts and all.

[Politicub]

55. I was a Warren supporter who already admired a lot of Biden's traits

He is a good, thoughtful person. He has the experience and know-how to restore and repair our democracy. I also like his higher-level message of talking about America as an idea, and that we have a ways to go to make our union more perfect. That's inspiring.

It's not a matter of falling in love with Joe for me, although I do like him a lot.

[COLGATE4]

56. My list

1- Total honesty
2- Highly experienced
3- Big on bipartisan cooperation
4- Humanity

[LAS14]

57. That, apparently, bunches of other people love him. So glad we've come together. nt

[Squinch]

58. He is the least objectionable to the largest number

of potential Democratic and Independent - and even some never-trumper - voters.

ALSO he has the highest margin of victory against Filthy Donnie in the swing states.

Those two things make him most likely to beat Filthy Donnie. And now with Bloomberg's money behind him, I think his chances are even better.

We have one job in this election. Anyone looking for tingles or stars in their eyes gets NO respect from me.

We must be pragmatic. If we do not beat Filthy Donnie, our Democracy will cease to exist.

[Mme. Defarge]

59. Joe Biden is the Anti-Trump.

[Demsrule86]

63. I have always loved Joe...I was thrilled when Obama picked him as VP. I have seen the pictures

of his being sworn in for the Senate at his son's hospital bed...with his wife and daughter in the grave. He went back to Delaware everyday to tend to his kids. He also wrote the violence against women act and pushed it through. He has always been a great Senator and was never corrupt (wouldn't even have Wall Street investments...poorest Senator). Joe Biden is a decent and so very kind and to empathetic man. Joe Biden was an active Vice President and can build the coalitions needed to fix that which Trump has broken and to re -establish ties with our world Allies that Trump has shredded. Joe Biden is intelligent and has great experience... he knows how to seize opportunities to get things done and will be be a very effective president...we of course need the Senate. But I think we have shot at it with Biden. I believe Biden will destroy dirty donnie too. And last but not least...the way Joe treats Jill resonates with me. Show me a man who says 'he married up' and treats his wife really well (like a shining star in his life), and I will show you a great man in all ways.

[PatSeg]

76. What she said

If people want to get to know Joe, they should read his book "Promises to Keep" - he has an extraordinary life story and more integrity than any politician I've ever seen. Well, neck in neck with Barack Obama!

[Kerrycrat]

93. I'll look that up

Thanks

[PatSeg]

94. You're welcome

Bring sure to have a large box of tissue at hand!

[Demsrule86]

107. Promises Kept is a wonderful book...indeed. Biden is great man.

[PatSeg]

110. And so under appreciated

[blueinredohio]

73. For me it's not that I'm crazy about Joe.

I'm afraid of Bernie. Russia seems to like him too much and Trump will mop the floor with him with the socialism issue.

[Turin_C3PO]

75. I don't fall in love with politicians

but I do think Joe is a good, kind man and a solid liberal.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

78. I learned long ago that it was dumb to fall in love with any candidate.

I'm supporting Biden mostly because I think he has the best chance to beat Trump. I also especially like his experience in international relations, since we'll need someone who can repair our alliances; I like the fact that he knows how government works probably batter than any other candidate; and I believe he is an honorable, decent, good person.

Never fall in love with a politician; you'll inevitably be disappointed - just find good, logical reasons to support them.

[Kerrycrat]

79. I'm not blind to faults

But there’s a reason I’m a Kerrycrat 😁

[Sunlei]

80. I voted for Sanders but I love Joe Biden too!

I like his experience domestic and foreign. I like that he has a wide range of experienced friends and co-workers to fill a good Administration. Excellent group of advisors too, that's so important for a president (they can't do everything themselves)

I also love his "Family values", he's a great Dad and Granddad. Love that he's a hugger, that sure makes some republicans nervous. I guess many republicans didn't have much hugs in their lives.


Joes an excellent listener too. Back about 7 years ago Joe sat down with and listened to a group I'm involved with. He gave an hour of his time, listened and then managed to add a line to a bill that made a world of difference to me!

[snowybirdie]

82. Sanders people

Please tell me how your candidate will govern, his preferred cabinet and how he will get his programs enacted.

[Kerrycrat]

92. Those are my questions too

Might be worth a separate thread

[Hiawatha Pete]

87. In addition to points already listed, he will invest in public transit, including passenger rail

Last edited Fri Mar 6, 2020, 08:10 PM - Edit history (1)

References:

Joe Biden's infrastructure platform:
https://joebiden.com/infrastructure/

Rail travel reduces congestion, pollution and conserves energy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_efficiency_in_transport#US_Passenger_transportation

Passenger Rail produces Net Economic Benefits:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcQnR7oaOeJcmezh6mfDcpkO3eZKVcGpJHfLJAvTqk_lP0RLEai1

[Fresh_Start]

88. Because he rises above the shit that life keeps throwing at him

and he does it with grace. He's lost a wife and two children...and found the strength to continue to care for the remainder of his family and to care for the people around him like his staff and to continue to work for the common good.

Decency is a virtue.

[zackymilly]

90. He's always been a Democrat. n/t

[Jarqui]

95. I've always been a stickler for integrity

Can't stand being lied to so you can attempt to imagine what Trump's 17,000 or so lies have been like for me to endure.

Elizabeth Warren said last night that Joe in person is who we see at the podium. He's sincere and honest.

For decades, Joe was at or near the bottom of the list of Senators by descending net worth - which ought to tell you he hasn't been cashing in like many of them have.

It's why what Trump was up to was so heinous. It's like what they did to John Kerry. Kerry was a true war hero so they swiftboated him to bring his heroism - an outstanding characteristic - into question. With Ukraine, they wanted to damage Biden's outstanding integrity he'd spent his life establishing to help them beat him in 2020. So even Trump and the GOP recognize Joe's integrity.

As Obama was preparing to leave office, listen to what he had to say about Joe

Barack isn't making that stuff up. They became good friends.
He carefully selected Joe and feels he made a really good decision.

I like Bernie, Elizabeth, Pete, Amy, Kamala, Beto, Cory, Andrew, Michael, etc
They are/were a great group of candidates. Really good people as we saw again in Elizabeth's interview last night.

Joe fits right in. He's a really good person who wants many of the things the other candidates want. The big difference is how we get there with many of the candidates. Joe is probably more pragmatic and realistic.

[MineralMan]

97. We've been doing that all along.

[Sparkly]

100. He's the last Democrat standing.

And yes, that IS enough for me.

[mikewv]

101. He is the best chance to beat Trump. nm

[Under The Radar]

102. Jezzus! It is like you asked who the best FB team in Alabama was

This is nuts people. Each candidate has their strengths as well as weaknesses but which can we all stand behind to defeat a man with no strengths and full of evil.

[Recursion]

113. UAB, obviously

Why? They're the only damn school that knows what their mascot is. Auburn confuses an eagle with a tiger, and Alabama seems to say "Roll Tide" because they can't spell "elephant".

[Under The Radar]

117. Or that Roll elephant just doesn't have the poetic ring to it.

But you do know that we have not had a major terrorist attack on freedom and liberty of this great country since Nick Saban was named head coach?

[Recursion]

118. And they're starting a GoFundMe to get him surgery

to have his arms unfolded

[Under The Radar]

119. I knew times were hard in Tuscaloosa

I would think that Saban’s part time job of selling insurance would have covered surgery.

[Kerrycrat]

120. The purpose of my question

Is a matter of enthusiasm for the task of campaigning for Biden should he be the nominee.

If you want to convince others you need to be convinced yourself.

[Blue_true]

106. I like that Biden understands the complex history and many cross-currents

of this country and has not fallen into the one size fit all trap. Because of that, Biden is likely to welcome a broad spectrum of people into his administration, we need that as a country right now.

[Hekate]

111. I love his sheer decency. Not a saint, but learns from his mistakes. I love it that he likes people

Liking people is not a universal characteristic of public figures who say they love humanity -- they often remind me of a "Peanuts" cartoon where Linus grumbles, "I love humanity. It's people I can't stand." Yeah, if only those fractious individuals would just do what I tell them is good for them, everything would be grand.

To a great extent he embodies core Democratic principles, and respects the Party he belongs to. Like him, it's not perfect, but it sure as hell is not the GOP. He doesn't need to tear it down continually for not being some Platonic ideal.

I like it that he's a politician -- the good kind. He knows how to make friends, make alliances, form coalitions, and compromise. Compromise done right is an art, not a cop-out or a defeat. He knows when to fight, too. As a consequence, Joe has a record of getting things done that ultimately benefit all those fractious citizens.

Although he was not my first choice (Kamala Harris, my Senator, nominally was) I was glad he entered the race. Win, lose, or draw, I said -- his presence will benefit us.

His opening tv ad brought me to tears and won my heart. The Soul of America. Video of Nazis marching thru towns in Germany in the 1930s, terrorizing all they encountered. American Nazis marching in the streets of Charlottesville right fckng now, murdering peaceful protestors and terrorizing the town -- after we lost tens upon tens of thousands of our military fighting them in Europe in WWII.

The next day I read quite the op-ed in the LA Times by Virginia Heffernan, sneering up one side and down the other about how out of touch that ad was, how dated the imagery and sentiment were. Who cares about Nazis in WWII in Europe? How does Biden expect to reach younger voters with a message like that? Geezer, just retire already.

Personally, I think if the majority of younger voters find no resonance at all in that imagery (regardless of who they end up voting for) we are truly lost. Because history is truly repeating itself, and we have an honest-to-gods fascist in the White House. And it was Biden who was willing to point that out.

Let it be said that I very much admire most of our prior candidates, and hope they go far in the future -- including to the White House. But at the moment, Joe's the last one standing, and I am fine with that.

[gulliver]

121. Trustworthiness... I've yet to see him pull anything sneaky

I like Biden's policy approach. He'll maximize real progress on making lives better. Sanders's approach would delay progress. He can't sell, and clearly can't get the numbers needed for his plans. They would be shelved immediately and set back for a decade.

But Biden is also more trustworthy. I've seen Sanders show too many examples of playing cute. Most recently, I saw a CNN questioner ask him about Trump's implying the DNC was rigging the primary against him (Sanders). Was the DNC doing that?

Instead of saying yes or no, Sanders just said he wished Trump would do his job and stay out of the Dem primary. By not denying what Trump said, Sanders affirmed it. And in a sneaky way.