That's what Kristol is saying. It has been the elephant in the room for more than 2 years. Issues mean squat compared to substructural realities.

Biden has lost more than a step. As I posted last night, this would be an easy choice if Biden were 8 years younger. Now his mind struggles to quickly find so his mouth can recite. Every response varies in that regard. You can't tell beforehand if it will be the sharp articulate Biden of old or if he'll stumble to the eyes-closed hesitant sputtering version.

I emphasized a year ago that we needed a male version of Amy Klobuchar. That would be a phenomenal blueprint. After last night I'll add that it needs to be a male version of Amy Klobuchar who is more confident and prepared when challenged.

I hoped Beto would emerge. That blueprint had a chance. Obviously he imploded. But I'd always rather identify the blueprint first instead of make-believe with ideas types who the swing public will quickly reject.