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In reply to the discussion: Post removed [View all]

democrattotheend

(12,007 posts)
14. I'm honestly torn (and have been afraid to say it)
Wed Jul 17, 2024, 03:02 PM
Jul 17

I wish he had decided not to run again, which was his original plan (he strongly implied as much himself in his recent BET interview). He's done a great job and he deserves another term, but watching him over the past few weeks, I can't deny how much the presidency has aged him. I do believe he is still "all there" mentally, but he seems old and weak and unfortunately, perception is reality in American politics. I watched his interview with Lester Holt and his press conference and even though his answers were great on substance, he still just seemed old and tired and not nearly as sharp as he did in his debate against Paul Ryan in 2012 or even in the 2020 campaign. Most Democrats will still vote for him but they aren't excited about him (so may not turn out as much, donate as much, volunteer as much, etc.), and concerns about whether he will still be up for the job in four years will probably influence at least some swing voters.

On the other hand, I think switching candidates now is a big risk, especially if Biden does not go willingly, as it seems he won't. It would divide the party, especially since it seems that at least some influential people want to skip over the person we nominated four years ago to be his successor to the presidency. I think swapping out Biden with anyone but Kamala would be divisive, and while I personally would be really excited to vote for her, she seems to be not that popular either for reasons I don't understand. And she is far less well tested and experienced than Biden. I think there is a lot of risk but potentially more upside for a replacement candidate - higher ceiling but lower floor. It may be a risk worth taking if Biden's poll numbers don't increase in the next couple weeks. And make no mistake, being only 2 points down or even tied in the national polls is not good enough - he probably needs to win the national popular vote by at least 4 points to win the electoral college, and that doesn't even factor in the fact that Biden in 2020 and Hillary in 2016 did worse against Trump than the polls predicted.

Post removed [View all] Post removed Jul 17 OP
I am curious to know what you think should or could happen instead of Biden at the top of the ticket Walleye Jul 17 #1
And what's your proposed alternative? Elessar Zappa Jul 17 #2
I think in these particular situations, data driven conclusions Torchlight Jul 17 #3
There is no data that could possibly BootinUp Jul 17 #11
I agree, I would prefer Kamala Harris budkin Jul 17 #4
Post removed Post removed Jul 17 #5
Honestly, if one's goal is to shake things up, that would do it. Kick GOPers in balls. GOPer men have been running this Silent Type Jul 17 #7
Haven't we sort of been encouraged here piddyprints Jul 17 #6
???? This is supposed to be a discussion site. LAS14 Jul 17 #12
The primaries are over. piddyprints Jul 17 #22
Apparently some people don't think terms of service apply to them NT AZSkiffyGeek Jul 17 #18
Apparently not. n/t piddyprints Jul 17 #20
There is a tool to address that BannonsLiver Jul 17 #24
Of course. piddyprints Jul 17 #26
Thanks Miami Blue Jul 17 #8
A rider with Biden. Squeaky41 Jul 17 #9
Overruling the nearly unanimous Democratic primary vote for Biden is almost guaranteed to lost *everything* unblock Jul 17 #10
Give us a name lame54 Jul 17 #13
What's wrong with Kamala? democrattotheend Jul 17 #15
I'm already voting for her lame54 Jul 17 #17
But wouldn't you be excited to vote for her at the top of the ticket? democrattotheend Jul 17 #19
If you'd be equally happy... lame54 Jul 17 #21
She's already on the ticket. n/t piddyprints Jul 17 #27
You don't think that would create rage-voters on the right? Think. Again. Jul 17 #28
I'm honestly torn (and have been afraid to say it) democrattotheend Jul 17 #14
Post removed Post removed Jul 17 #16
I believe if we lose... lame54 Jul 17 #23
I don't. lees1975 Jul 17 #25
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