I was an Elizabeth Warren supporter in the 2020 cycle, but I also had the thought that maybe, with the depth of experience and gravitas he had, that Joe Biden was actually the right candidate for the times. As much as I still like and admire EW, I'm glad he became the nominee, and then the President.
I've never understood why Joe Biden has been underwater in approval ratings for most of his term. I think he's going to turn out to be this generation's Harry Truman--a President who was not necessarily appreciated by his contemporaries but will become a giant as history is written. The President did have an eye for talent, mostly (Merrick Garland as AG was a mistake), and his best choice was elevating Kamala Harris to run with him. I think she has been learning from the master, which is how support for her consolidated so quickly; yes, the President's endorsement was a major factor, but she did the legwork over her years as VP to make the moment possible.
How interesting to hear your take on the issues I have faced in my life. I’ve got a year or two on you. I had no idea about the CA politics. But then I didn’t live there. Thought Brown was ok. Yes, I liked LBJ but came to hate McNamara. I appreciated Bill, mainly because he was so vilified by Newt, Rupert and the self-righteous squad of repubs (granted he asked for some of it.). Mostly, Dems were the lesser of the evils. I hated W with a passion, still do. I blamed Mitch for most of Obama’s disappointing outcomes, but was glad he wasn’t murdered in office. He was hated more than most in Tx. And, there aren’t enough electrons on the internet to say why I hate chump so much and how so many of my fellow Americans fell into the toilet in my opinion of them. A national shame…. A take away from all this. Choosing your team and the people to trust is the true challenge and the make or break decision that affects every last one of us.
When it comes time for me to need a bullshit detector, I’m often thinking “TC is gonna have an opinion, and one that comes from living in trenches”. I still believe that Joe Biden has another great term in him but feared the voters were not to be counted one. TC believed that too. I never imagined that Democrats could immediately rally around Harris. Neither TC, and I was pleasantly surprised when they did. Harris came out firing on all 8 cylinders. I’m thinking Biden played a little political rope a dope. The master. I think he even surprised Pelosi
We’re not going back
Thx TC for the example of how to be politically tough
I thought President Biden looked healthier last night and he surely had the fire in his belly we all saw when he delivered the SOTU address. Perhaps not having the weight of campaigning added to his already massive load of to-dos is helping him now. I too thought he had another term in him and now maybe he does - just not a term in office, but doing what he does best: work behind the scenes to get things done. He said he would be Kamala's best volunteer and I believe him. And without the added pressure of a campaign, I hope he'll be around for a lot more "terms" to give his best for the country we all love.
Thanks for the walk down memory lane Tom. If Biden was as good a speaker as he is a statesman , people would appreciate him more. He did his best work quietly and our nation is all the better for it.
Whether by strategy or happenstance, withdrawing 3 months before the election was check. Endorsing Kamala was checkmate. She was clearly ready, Democrats were ready, Donald was not.
“Dark Brandon” has laid the groundwork. Now we must do our part.
A great trip down memory lane and I agree with what you have written here. I didn't know California politics, but it rings true to me..... As for our current president, what can you say - a lifetime of service to his nation, a presidency with amazing accomplishments (considering his razor-thin margins in Congress), and one of the most amazing political maneuvers I have ever seen. I will go to the grave convinced Smokin' Joe Biden had decided to turn over the reins earlier - he had the record that deserved a second term, but knew the voters did not see it that way, only his age. In one of the greatest examples of selfless sacrifice, he voluntarily gave up the office he had worked so hard to achieve his whole political life. I suspect that only Jill knew, as like many strong married couples they are a team. And I will always believe that he deliberately delayed a public announcement of his decision until the Republican Convention was over and Trump had picked his VP candidate, knowing that the Republicans would be setting up to run against him - laying a trap they fell into. And I also believe he encouraged Kamala to take the bit in her teeth and get the nomination before the neoliberal wing of the party could put in anyone else, a task she had prepared for her whole time as vice president - and in a day she had it locked up. That was one helluva rope-a-dope..... Way to go!
I thought the line of the night was from Jamie Raskin, "It's not the heat, it's the stupidity".
Anyone who works 50 years to a goal, and gets there, and is successful, and then can wet his finger and hold it up in the air to see which way the wind is blowing like he's done a thousand times, and follow his instincts even though it means walking away, realizing his 50 years of work was not for himself but for his country - that dude is all right with me.
TC, you have lived such a remarkable, passionate life, as have others here on this forum. I’ve made my way and bumbled through, more on the surface, trying to penetrate the truth and fictions of American life with only modest success. You’ve thrown yourself into the trenches and witnessed and distilled such an astounding amount. I wish I could have attained 1/100th as much grasp as you have. My dad was radio man on a torpedo bomber, flew 10 combat missions in the Pacific. On the last one they were told to jettison the bombs and return to the carrier, not knowing why. Japan had surrendered. As a result, and through he and my mother’s continued hard work, we had a decent life.
I spent 3 Vietnam era years in the army, but never faced combat, as my dad did although I signed up for the medics.
I love America dearly, and have been infuriated by the rise of Trump and MAGA. Joe Biden delivered an unimaginable masterstroke, a crushing blow to the dark forces who thought they were in ascendance. I’m 74, had a failing heart, but am now 6 days out from a heart transplant and doing very well. I wanted to see my grandkids grow up and for them experience America as an arc of progress and continual conscious endeavor.
TC, I’m so glad to have discovered you, your firebrand insights, and this community
Your trip through time is a couple of years before mine, but so much of this resonates in a powerful way. The one addition I would make is how my opinion of Biden has changed over the years. His personal story was always interesting, but more so his growth as a politician and thinker. I went from utter disgust over the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill fiasco, to an enthusiastic supporter in 2020 and 2024. Now, in light of the aforementioned fiasco, he’s the one who brought a Black woman to the ticket in the first place and then boosted her to the nomination. Bravo, Joe!
What I most love about this recap of American political history from mid-20th Century until now -- most of which I've been around for -- is the passion with which you engaged with all of it. And yep, I love Joe too. Still applauding.
what a fine fine post!! it's no surprise that i mirror your thoughts and opinions...and i really do love you! what an amazing time we've witnessed ... i'm so grateful! xx's
Outstanding valedictory for President Biden, and I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. The history lesson is appreciated too, as always. Being younger than you, the first election i have memory of was 1960; Nixon was a creep then and nothing changed over the years. Tipper had the brains in that family, it's a shame she didn't come along later.
Thank you for this, Tom. Such a great rundown, and I also agree with what Biden has accomplished, despite mainstream media's failure to acknowledge most of it because they were busy filming and reporting on the circus of idiots, orange men, flat earthers, conspiracy theorists, and people who think the moon really is made of cheese.
Good piece of writing and thanks for sharing the anecdotes! The legislation that Biden was able to get passed with absolute minimal majorities was/is amazing. I doubt that I will live to see anyone else be as effective in working thru the system to effectively serve the American people. Biden may be an ordinary person, but he has been an extraordinary president.
I was an Elizabeth Warren supporter in the 2020 cycle, but I also had the thought that maybe, with the depth of experience and gravitas he had, that Joe Biden was actually the right candidate for the times. As much as I still like and admire EW, I'm glad he became the nominee, and then the President.
I've never understood why Joe Biden has been underwater in approval ratings for most of his term. I think he's going to turn out to be this generation's Harry Truman--a President who was not necessarily appreciated by his contemporaries but will become a giant as history is written. The President did have an eye for talent, mostly (Merrick Garland as AG was a mistake), and his best choice was elevating Kamala Harris to run with him. I think she has been learning from the master, which is how support for her consolidated so quickly; yes, the President's endorsement was a major factor, but she did the legwork over her years as VP to make the moment possible.
How interesting to hear your take on the issues I have faced in my life. I’ve got a year or two on you. I had no idea about the CA politics. But then I didn’t live there. Thought Brown was ok. Yes, I liked LBJ but came to hate McNamara. I appreciated Bill, mainly because he was so vilified by Newt, Rupert and the self-righteous squad of repubs (granted he asked for some of it.). Mostly, Dems were the lesser of the evils. I hated W with a passion, still do. I blamed Mitch for most of Obama’s disappointing outcomes, but was glad he wasn’t murdered in office. He was hated more than most in Tx. And, there aren’t enough electrons on the internet to say why I hate chump so much and how so many of my fellow Americans fell into the toilet in my opinion of them. A national shame…. A take away from all this. Choosing your team and the people to trust is the true challenge and the make or break decision that affects every last one of us.
When it comes time for me to need a bullshit detector, I’m often thinking “TC is gonna have an opinion, and one that comes from living in trenches”. I still believe that Joe Biden has another great term in him but feared the voters were not to be counted one. TC believed that too. I never imagined that Democrats could immediately rally around Harris. Neither TC, and I was pleasantly surprised when they did. Harris came out firing on all 8 cylinders. I’m thinking Biden played a little political rope a dope. The master. I think he even surprised Pelosi
We’re not going back
Thx TC for the example of how to be politically tough
I thought President Biden looked healthier last night and he surely had the fire in his belly we all saw when he delivered the SOTU address. Perhaps not having the weight of campaigning added to his already massive load of to-dos is helping him now. I too thought he had another term in him and now maybe he does - just not a term in office, but doing what he does best: work behind the scenes to get things done. He said he would be Kamala's best volunteer and I believe him. And without the added pressure of a campaign, I hope he'll be around for a lot more "terms" to give his best for the country we all love.
Yes! That! Exactly!
Thanks for the walk down memory lane Tom. If Biden was as good a speaker as he is a statesman , people would appreciate him more. He did his best work quietly and our nation is all the better for it.
Whether by strategy or happenstance, withdrawing 3 months before the election was check. Endorsing Kamala was checkmate. She was clearly ready, Democrats were ready, Donald was not.
“Dark Brandon” has laid the groundwork. Now we must do our part.
A great trip down memory lane and I agree with what you have written here. I didn't know California politics, but it rings true to me..... As for our current president, what can you say - a lifetime of service to his nation, a presidency with amazing accomplishments (considering his razor-thin margins in Congress), and one of the most amazing political maneuvers I have ever seen. I will go to the grave convinced Smokin' Joe Biden had decided to turn over the reins earlier - he had the record that deserved a second term, but knew the voters did not see it that way, only his age. In one of the greatest examples of selfless sacrifice, he voluntarily gave up the office he had worked so hard to achieve his whole political life. I suspect that only Jill knew, as like many strong married couples they are a team. And I will always believe that he deliberately delayed a public announcement of his decision until the Republican Convention was over and Trump had picked his VP candidate, knowing that the Republicans would be setting up to run against him - laying a trap they fell into. And I also believe he encouraged Kamala to take the bit in her teeth and get the nomination before the neoliberal wing of the party could put in anyone else, a task she had prepared for her whole time as vice president - and in a day she had it locked up. That was one helluva rope-a-dope..... Way to go!
Yes indeed.
I proudly join the chorus singing your praises. In a very short time I’ve come to count on your extraordinary insight. Thank you.
Two quick points:
I thought the line of the night was from Jamie Raskin, "It's not the heat, it's the stupidity".
Anyone who works 50 years to a goal, and gets there, and is successful, and then can wet his finger and hold it up in the air to see which way the wind is blowing like he's done a thousand times, and follow his instincts even though it means walking away, realizing his 50 years of work was not for himself but for his country - that dude is all right with me.
Indeed!
Thank you for this! I too would put Truman and Biden up as my lifetime besties.
TC, you have lived such a remarkable, passionate life, as have others here on this forum. I’ve made my way and bumbled through, more on the surface, trying to penetrate the truth and fictions of American life with only modest success. You’ve thrown yourself into the trenches and witnessed and distilled such an astounding amount. I wish I could have attained 1/100th as much grasp as you have. My dad was radio man on a torpedo bomber, flew 10 combat missions in the Pacific. On the last one they were told to jettison the bombs and return to the carrier, not knowing why. Japan had surrendered. As a result, and through he and my mother’s continued hard work, we had a decent life.
I spent 3 Vietnam era years in the army, but never faced combat, as my dad did although I signed up for the medics.
I love America dearly, and have been infuriated by the rise of Trump and MAGA. Joe Biden delivered an unimaginable masterstroke, a crushing blow to the dark forces who thought they were in ascendance. I’m 74, had a failing heart, but am now 6 days out from a heart transplant and doing very well. I wanted to see my grandkids grow up and for them experience America as an arc of progress and continual conscious endeavor.
TC, I’m so glad to have discovered you, your firebrand insights, and this community
Long may you run.
Art, I pray that your recovery is going well.
Your trip through time is a couple of years before mine, but so much of this resonates in a powerful way. The one addition I would make is how my opinion of Biden has changed over the years. His personal story was always interesting, but more so his growth as a politician and thinker. I went from utter disgust over the Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill fiasco, to an enthusiastic supporter in 2020 and 2024. Now, in light of the aforementioned fiasco, he’s the one who brought a Black woman to the ticket in the first place and then boosted her to the nomination. Bravo, Joe!
I had a similar path with him.
What I most love about this recap of American political history from mid-20th Century until now -- most of which I've been around for -- is the passion with which you engaged with all of it. And yep, I love Joe too. Still applauding.
what a fine fine post!! it's no surprise that i mirror your thoughts and opinions...and i really do love you! what an amazing time we've witnessed ... i'm so grateful! xx's
Outstanding valedictory for President Biden, and I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. The history lesson is appreciated too, as always. Being younger than you, the first election i have memory of was 1960; Nixon was a creep then and nothing changed over the years. Tipper had the brains in that family, it's a shame she didn't come along later.
And she was a good drummer!
True. All true. No dissent here.
Thank you for this, Tom. Such a great rundown, and I also agree with what Biden has accomplished, despite mainstream media's failure to acknowledge most of it because they were busy filming and reporting on the circus of idiots, orange men, flat earthers, conspiracy theorists, and people who think the moon really is made of cheese.
Good piece of writing and thanks for sharing the anecdotes! The legislation that Biden was able to get passed with absolute minimal majorities was/is amazing. I doubt that I will live to see anyone else be as effective in working thru the system to effectively serve the American people. Biden may be an ordinary person, but he has been an extraordinary president.