399 Comments

Post Bombed Debate

This is directed to those who may feel dismay and those who still have hope following the debate. For those who say, “we’ve lost” or “Biden cannot stay in the race,” I hope that you will hold on a little longer. I am sorry your hope was so easily dashed. To those who are hanging on I say, it is not our hope that will keep D. J. Trump out of the presidency, it is our strength. Nobody says that this monumental campaign is going to run smoothly with no bumps in the road. President Biden, after multiple trips around the world, with a cold and a week of being subjected to his campaign staffers’ angst and push on debate issues, came and underperformed. This is one debate. Other presidents have bombed in a debate and went on to win their races. Take a breath and relax.

We all grow older; it is the human condition. It does not make us less effective in our decision making, it just takes a little more time. Biden’s decision-making strength comes from his weighing the numbers, the effects on people and our economy, and a multitude of other things. When asked a question he processes a lot, and processing and verbalizing in a two-minute window is a challenge for anyone, especially for an older individual.

Spewing lies is a much easier task. Which was done, as expected, but with no pushback from the moderators, other than a three time repeat of original, unanswered questions, by Diana Bash. I refuse to go into the fact checking Trump in this comment, I’ll leave that to the professionals.

Remember what a dark hole we are viewing in Trump’s Project 2025 plan. I plan to work for the elections of Biden and Harris, and every clear-thinking Democrat up and down the ballot. I accept the bombed debate outcome of this one debate and will move forward, as I sincerely hope all of you will as well.

NOTE: In the next debate, if it happens, I think that the inclusion of notes, on cards or paper, and a three-minute response time would be helpful. While muting the mic was a well-intended addition, it did not mute a debater from making himself be heard on the stage. This was unfortunate, particularly when someone was spewing lies, although it did make the audience’s listening atmosphere calmer.

I've posted this all day, everywhere I go. Have a good evening.

Expand full comment

Joe Biden`s speech today in SC is living proof his is the man of the hour.. He wasted no time in getting back on track and moving full speed ahead. Winston Churchill, floundered somtimes before he was called upon to save democracy in the summer of 1940. He got up, lit a cigar and made the iconic "fight on the beaches" speech to rally a nation in its darkest hour.

34-0's hero is the despot that Churchill took on with odds stacked against him.

Joe Biden proved today in SC that he is on a mission to save democracy and America. I am with him now more than ever.

Expand full comment

I agree with you...but Biden was in NC yesterday...not SC...

Expand full comment

He gave a rousing introduction of Elton John in NYC today as well. It was a ceremony about the Stonewall Inn area becoming a national monument. Can you imagine trump & his homophobic cabal supporting this designation?

Expand full comment

Paul McCartney tried once to remember an inspirational thought from the middle of the night........he could not do it. My June 28 posting is an inspirational flash out of nowhere. Getting the Carolinas mixed up is a mistake .........it is what it is.........the gods give ther apologies

Expand full comment

Thank you for that correction

Expand full comment

Here here! And to Mary too! Joe Biden has made our country stronger. Our economy is lifting the global economy. People aren’t dying by the hundreds or thousands from Covid. He is working every day to right the wrongs of the last president. If anyone thinks a new candidate can save the Democrats this late in the cycle, they are mistaken. Don’t throw your vote away on a third party candidate. Move on and have Joe’s back. He has yours everyday.

The criminal he debated yesterday never will have your back.

Expand full comment

And don’t forget Biden is not alone. He selected great advisers to help. Go Joe!!

Expand full comment

When we vote for President we are voting for his team, his advisors, his staff and the courts. President Biden has an excellent team. Trump has a whole team salivating to destroy democracy for an autocracy. Look at the damage the so-called Supreme Court has done already, and they haven’t finished yet. Trump calls it “my Supreme Court” .

Expand full comment

I couldn’t agree with you more!!!

Expand full comment

We should ALL be concerned about Project 2025

Expand full comment

Dems need to get the word out and quick.

Expand full comment

Do you really think we are the only ones that know about “Project 2025”? It’s been floating around since 2022.

The real problem is how do we get those who think that that sounds like good policy to see through the smoke and mirrors to the anarchy that Trump will bring to their doorstep?

Expand full comment

We are among the few with awareness of Project 2025 and its potential threat to our freedoms.

As for changing the mindset of the supporters of Project 2025 it could be a lost cause. Better to encourage more people to join in defeating it by showing up in November and then voting blue across the board.

Expand full comment

All they got to do is to read the whole thing.

There will no longer be a country of AMERICA, it will be the country of amurikkka.

Expand full comment

We are on the same wavelength. I find it shocking how many people are reacting to one data point in the career of a real statesman.

Expand full comment

I agree! The moderators were awful especially Bash. People on some dem groups said they suspected trump had an earphone and someone was feeding him bs. And they pumped him full of uppers. Either way he was terrible and wasted time with his bs. I turned it off because I didn’t need to hear him. I know what Biden has done and will do. I’m all out for Biden and I’ve shouted it from everywhere too. Every dem group that I’m in. We must vote blue to end this evil crap!

Expand full comment

Yes, the moderators were awful! IMHO they favored Trump every time he spewed his disgusting vitriol and when he finished, they thanked him before moving on. Eeew!

If anyone should be fired and replaced it is Dana Bash and Jake Tapper. They prevented us from experiencing Trump as the Emperor Who Has No Clothes, and by never fact checking him may as well have been on his team. I also want to give a "shout down" to

Biden's"team," who obviously practiced him almost to death at Camp David. They should have left him alone and not tried to get him to talk up his programs and accomplishments. His self defense after Trump dissed him made him look weak and pitiful. Without their "practicing" him, I am quite sure Biden would have let out his "Irish!"

Expand full comment

There was only the TV audience, no people present. Was that your understanding? Bless your persistence. I am with you, for what that’s worth.

Expand full comment

Thanks for that! I stayed up in the UK till 2am to watch and I am glad I did because I would have not have believed how strangely bad it was for Biden. Trump is a deranged bully and I want him vanquished! I was so shocked And saddened. I expected a strong man to kick Cheatolini’s tush, but Joes faltered badly. It was so painful to watch. But now, 24 hours in, as the angst disapates, I realise that it is not about personalities but about each of us choosing between good and evil each day, and fighting for the good and true and decent any way we can. Joe is not going to save us… he is doing a very good job but he is just one human. We, as it says somewhere in the bible, are not fighting against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities and evil on high This delution has captured the hearts and minds of some of humanity. I am going to continue to fight on the side of our better angels… until the tide turns.

Expand full comment

You're right. But Biden's speech the next day was on fire. At the debate he got gobsmacked by the Gish Gallop, and there's no defense for that, other than to try to ignore it and make your own points.

.

And no matter what, Biden is a good man, with a good heart, and lots and lots of experience and years of friendship or acquaintance with world leaders, who all hate Trump. He loves America with all of his heart and will do the best he can for us. Trump only running to stay out of prison and enrich himself.

.

Between these two old men, I'll take the guy with the stutter every day and twice on Sunday.

Expand full comment

Thank you... I agree, a response time would've been nice. Donald did that every time to avoid the next question and continue his "Snake Oil Salesman" sack of lies.

Expand full comment

Thank you. I hope these naysayers STFU by Monday morning. I'm tired of hearing about it!

I posted a supportive text on "X" and got only positive responses. The people are behind Biden. The naysayers can please stop!

Expand full comment

My indignation is that NO Gerontological Neurologists/ Psychologists have diagnosed President Biden as INCOMPETENT, DEMENTED, or MENTALLY COMPROMISED.

There is time to have both be subjected to FULL PHYSICAL & MENTAL WORKUPS by a gaggle of our Non-PARTISAN, Premiere Specialists. Let their WIVES choose the doctors, they know their men better than anyone else.

I am voting for the Biden/ Harris ticket.

The SCOTUS 6 have just fked America & OUR VOTES are the ONLY PAYBACK on 11/5/24.

👋⏳⌛🎱🔥💯

Expand full comment
Jul 7Edited

It is very disappointing to see some democrats (like Angie…) either asking Biden to quit or avoiding verbally supporting him (Tammy - Wis senator). Republicans would never do that to their nominee. The media - tv, newspapers- amplify the slightest anti-Biden statement. The media need to talk about a lot if other things like Project 2025, Trump’s lies and his nental issues, and the Immunity. They avoid these topics and incessantly talk about Biden’s mental health. After his rally in Wisc and the ABC interview the media are saying it makes no difference. It means they want to make judgments regardless of evidence. At least Dr Sanjay Gupta (cnn) said he should get checked and if there is a problem there are treatments now. Why is Trump not being subjected to this? Obviously the unity in that party keeps the vultures away, while Democrats invite the vultures. I am so disappointed in this party! Of course I am not going to join the other party.

Expand full comment

I canceled my subscription to New York Times after I read their anti-Biden articles. I told them why I was canceling. Perhaps I should write them a letter even though I am no longer a subscriber. On Washington Post in the comments section I am supporting President Biden. I am posting on Facebook too, and my Facebook friends are in agreement with me. I would like suggestions on which publications to target. It is impossible to write to a large number.

Expand full comment

I cancelled the NYT as well, and money or lack of it is the greatest motivator for any of the media.

I believe that our energy is best spent writing postcards, making calls, canvassing your neighborhoods and making sure you have joined your local Democrat group. If you can travel, then find a group and go along to work neighborhoods in other districts. People who are physically capable of walking, that’s great, and those who cannot walk then write postcards and/or make phone calls, that’s great too. Most important is that we continue to express ourselves, everywhere, to anyone, at any time.

We are all in this together and everyone, young or old, white, black, brown, of any gender, of every religion as well as atheists, every single person in America must fight. Fight using, and keeping, our most important weapon, our vote.

Here are a few groups and there are many out there.

Postcards with Custom Postcard Kits - Eye-catching front graphics, Pre-printed election information, QR code for more information, Short message to write, Self-stick pre-addressed label, Stamps available at cost.

https://shop.bluewavepostcards.org/

Phone Banks (Navigate the filters to find what, when, and where you want to call.)

https://events.democrats.org/?event_type=2

https://www.turnoutpac.org/

https://www.activateamerica.vote/

Expand full comment

Thanks so much!

Expand full comment

Thank you Mary. I am appalled by the negativity being spewed toward President Biden. Old does not automatically mean incapable.

Why are our media beating up Joe Biden for his 90 minutes of disappointing performance and assuming that a younger nominee would beat Trump? Not with the chaos they are creating. What we need is unity with Joe as our leader. Republicans never dump their nominees, no matter what. Democrats are a strange breed, a fractured party that keeps losing. Biden won the election in 2024, and he does not deserve this reaction. Biden Harris ticket is still our best hope to beat Trump.

Those who think Harris can do it as the top nominee are misguided. The USA has difficulty electing a woman for the top position. Harris faces racism as well. She would be a tougher sale than Biden. Anyone other than her will create so much chaos and division that defeat will be a certainty for the democrats.

It breaks my heart to see what is happening to our country. We need to be United and strong and stay the course with Biden. One concern I have is - are people worried that if something happens to Biden in his second term, a woman of color will become President? I have no problem with that, but I have a suspicion that some people may. It does not mean Biden should find another running mate. I have full confidence in VP Harris, but how can we change those minds? Racism and Sexism both exist. That is not a secret.

Expand full comment

President Obama said today, "“I am unwilling,” he said, “to abandon a great president after one bad debate, any more than I wouldn’t want to be abandoned after a rough debate.” I, like you, stand with President Biden. At the NC rally today he got back up and all that powerful truth, goodness, leadershp, and love of country came pouring out of him.

Expand full comment

Obama should admit he had the same kind of experience debating Romney. Remember? Still see Chris Matthew's devastation written all over his face as he attempted to evaluate the debate But it was a different time then.

Can't help feeling that the Dems continue to be outsmarted at every turn.

I'm one of the near hopeless today.

Expand full comment

Obama has reminded everyone today of his first debate with Romney.

Expand full comment

Obama did say that, out loud .on MSNBC

Expand full comment

Obama knows best. He had a terrible first debate against Romney. We didn’t abandon him.

Expand full comment

Well said. I agree.

Expand full comment

Hadn't heard Obama admitted that when I wrote that post. Glad he did, but realize it was very unusual for Obama to mess up a debate. It was shocking because he was such a powerful speaker and so in charge at all times.

Expand full comment

Not at the beginning though

Expand full comment

I like using the bad debate outing by saying “when we get knocked down, we get back up!” That’s America! When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Expand full comment

I can’t believe they are asking Biden to drop out after one lousy debate with that lying idiot. I think he was sick last night and a little off his game because of his cold. That’s totally understandable.

Expand full comment

I can and it’s mostly hair on fire never Trumpers doing it. If Trump shot someone on Fifth Avenue, his Rs would say he was innocent. But a bad night for Biden and they want to boot him and start the debate about who to put up in his place. Joe rocked that speech in Raleigh in spite of that cough. I recommend everyone watch The Lincoln Project podcast that Rick Wilson just posted. It is worth listening to and we can stand up for Joe and get this fight to save our democracy done if we don’t allow stumbles to get us off track.

Expand full comment

Yes. It’s shocking that some pretty articulate and thoughtful people have fallen into the black hole of despair. They are now going to try to defend their position, rather than use that energy wisely to help compensate for Biden’s temporary flub up. That would be teamwork, something democrats seem less able to master. Being non-authoritarian has its disadvantages in political warfare. Thank you Mary for beautifully expressing what I’ve been thinking all day, while prepping for a postcarding session. As someone pointed out, it’s really hard to wring your hands while rolling up your sleeves. Note added in edit: looking at you, Steve Schmidt.

Expand full comment

Amont those "articulate and thoughtful" bunch - the NY Times Editorial Board that today wrote that Biden should step down. Shame on them. Why didn't they opine about Trump lying his way through the debate - 450 times according to fact checkers!

Expand full comment

The New York Times has made the decision to be the spoiler. Their 30 something nepo, "Dash," who thinks he knows best (isn't that the name of a condiment?) is sucking his thumb over Biden's refusal to grant the NYT an exclusive interview.

I was shocked by the columnists who want Biden to step aside, then I thought about it. Not one of them has run anything more complex than a column. Not one of them has had to make life or death decisions. Not one of them has ever had to deal with crisis, and not one of them has ever run a campaign. And they think they can tell the President of the United States what to do?

Yeah, right.

Expand full comment

The big shocker to me was Thom Hartmann. After saying that the job of successfully running the country as president requires different skills than being a showman, he then fatally faults Biden for not being a showman while saying he is a fabulous administrator.

Expand full comment

I thought Thom Hartmann was smart and knowledgeable, though a bit overbearing in his Substack. He was too intense for me and I unsubscribed. Now I'm even more glad that I did. Personally I would much rather have someone who is good at their job than a showman.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Jun 29
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

I beg to differ on it “overwhelming” the moderators. They chose to let the lies stand until the last question when they did actually try to nail Trump down on accepting the final tally for the November election even if he loses “fair and square” like it was in 2020. He still basically says he’s not going to go quietly. He will say it was stolen even when Biden wins by overwhelming numbers. That is the only time I heard them push back on trying to get him the ANSWER THE QUESTION ASKED and he basically said NO.

Expand full comment

Thanks Mary! I agree about the awful right/leaning moderators. I’m with Biden no matter what. It’s preposterous of dems to say they want another candidate. Don’t they remember what Biden did in this Country. I don’t care. I want him and I’m voting blue all the way!💙💙🇺🇸🇺🇸

Expand full comment

Good question, what about it NYTimes?? Fair weather friend, huh? Shame on you!

Expand full comment

As a former New Yorker I’ve cancelled The NYT now twice. This time(sorry about that…) I told the kind man who answered my call the reason why: the editorial following the debate.

I will never ever again ever ever subscribe to that paper again.

I like The Guardian best. I’m also teetering on the WA Po. Next….

Expand full comment

I’ve canceled my subscriptions to both WAPO and NYT. It’s clear they prefer to intensify the angst and distress because they think it will keep people paying attention. Not me. I’ll never trust them again. I’m disappointed and angry!

Expand full comment

Your use of ‘disappointed and angry’ is exactly the way I feel. Even better is your perception of how that paper wants to lure readers by intensifying their angst and distress.

Brilliant!

Expand full comment

Does anyone at the NYT or other news sources understand debates and debate strategies? Trump was prepped to use the strategy that is perfect for him: the Gish Gallop. Look it up if you don't know what it is. It is the strategy for liars and people of low intellect. But it's a strategy that can overwhelm anyone who is not prepared for it, especially given the stupid timed format of this debate. Biden obviously wasn't prepared and that's entirely on his prep/election team. They obviously don't know about the Gish Gallop either. So instead doing more than simply fact checking Trump's lies way after the fact, these journalists and pundits again fall for his games and now focus their continued attacks on Biden's age and demand that he should drop out. But God forbid they argue that a convicted felon shouldn't be running for President either! So Biden should be ashamed for not bowing out long ago? How many times do we have to point out that these journalists and pundits are the ones who should be ashamed for continuing to fall for Trump's games. They never learn.

Expand full comment

I learned 2 things yesterday from a high school debate coach whose kids have competed nationally. 1) there is no fact checking during a debate. It’s up to the opposing team to call out lies and errors. (Points are docked for lying by the judges after the debate, during scoring) 2) to prep for a debate, the kids practice both sides of the issue. That way they know intimately the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent’s argument.

Biden was not properly prepared. But, we voters are the judges and it’s up to us to dock Trump’s points and declare him the loser in November.

Expand full comment

This wasn’t a high school debate. The risks we face if tfg is re-elected are ENORMOUS. Call it whatever you like, the media has a responsibility to confront misinformation and if they’re going to opine about something it should be that!

Expand full comment

Yeah just like they’ve been doing all along since Biden took office. Rare is the report about how successful Biden has been.

Expand full comment

We should acknowledge there has been a large number of folks, at "high levels" who didn't want Biden to run again in the first place. We've beaten most of them down but it was still circulating at tge cocktail party circuit. The poor performance Thursday just gave them fodder to speak up again. I support Biden staying in the race, wholeheartedly.

Hopefully these naysayers will STFU by Monday, Tuesday at the latest.

Expand full comment

Maybe not 450, but 50 for sure.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Jun 29
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Amen!

Expand full comment

Yeah, I've stopped reading Steve Schmidt's substack because of his latest opinion on Biden needing to drop out. Plus, he helped get RFK, Jr's campaign started. Thanks, Steve.

Expand full comment

Steve needs to lighten up. His negativity is the reason I don’t read his Substack anymore. He actually used the word “hopeless” and said Biden couldn’t win. Enough!

Expand full comment

One has to wonder about his motives

Expand full comment

Money, mostly. And he did bring us Sarah palin.

Expand full comment

My god I had no idea. He writes persuasively but apparently lacks adequate judgement.

Expand full comment

I broke up with Steve after reading his rant on being a Jew.

Expand full comment

I love this validation Abbie! 🙏🙏

Expand full comment

Ditto re: Steve Schmidt. I’ve unsubscribed to his substack, having grown tired of his perpetual negativity. Not helpful. I’ll take hopeful every time.

Expand full comment

The Decoding Fox News substack did an excellent deep-dive on Trump's lies during the debate.

"Donald J. Trump lied, exaggerated or said something misleading for every single answer he gave during the debate."

Click the links for their articles, "Presidential Debate - Trump Fact Check - Parts One and Two."

https://decodingfoxnews.substack.com/p/presidential-debate-trump-fact-check

https://decodingfoxnews.substack.com/p/presidential-debate-trump-fact-check-520

Expand full comment

Who is asking Joe to step down????

Expand full comment

The NEW YORK TIMES IN AN ARTICLE YESTERDAY. NO ASKED DJT TO STEP DOWN AFTER ALL HIS LIES OR HIS FELON CONVICTION HE SHOULD BUT NO REPUBLICAN SCUM LIKE THAT THE CAN Manipulate the idiot. He LIES YOU KNOW RUSSIA GOING TRY AND MEDAL LIKE JOHN KELLY SAID THEY CAN MANIPULATE TRUMP EASY BECAUSE HE REALLY STUPID. DO KNOW EVERY SINGLE BUSINESS HE EVER STARTED WENT UNDER HE STOLED MILLION FROM HIS OWN CHARITY. HIS IN BED WITH RUSSIA ALSO IF CANNON NOT REMOVED WE MIGHT NOT NEVER FIND THE MISSING CLASSIFIED DOC THEIR MISSING HE STOLE THEM GIVE THEM TO WHO? $6B total FROM SAUDIS DJT 4 JARED 2. THEY FOUND OUT DJT GAVE PRINCE OF SAUDI CLASSIFIED DOC TO PRINCE ABT HIS COUSIN. DJT HAS COMMIT TREASON.

Expand full comment

This all-caps post turned all blurry to me. I have vision problems, and all-caps writing, beyond a short phrase, is too difficult to read.

I skipped it.

Expand full comment

Please change the all caps. It's hard to read.

Expand full comment

You misspelled so many words and all the capital letters are distracting. “Stoled” isn’t a word.

Expand full comment

It's a word in the Troll Dictionary

Expand full comment

(I think someone is channeling DJT without the “twitter” limits.)

Expand full comment

LA Times

Expand full comment

As a veteran it has bothered me everyday when I heard that he called our fallen heroes and comrades “losers and suckers”, when he called Senator John McCain a loser, because he got captured and was a POW, and when he refused to allow our disable military personnel to be seen on TV with him because it didn’t look good. He is a “loser” and I pray that he looses BIG in November!!!

Expand full comment

And I still need someone to explain to me HOW he can be Commander-in-Chief when convicted felons can't join the military.

Expand full comment

Yes, I want to know that also!

Expand full comment

Thank you! It’s shocking to me that he’s allowed to run for ANY office.

Expand full comment

I as well we have no guidelines for the office. We never needed it before trump sad but true. Now we must take House and Senate so they can make these guidelines as Republicans won’t because their Corrupt

Expand full comment

Maybe because the rules don't seem to apply to him?

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Jun 29
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Please pardon me while I throw up… With what they've done lately, it's difficult to imagine that you are wrong. We'll have to see what they decide about immunity.

Expand full comment

Its because if elected, the president also serves as the Commander and Chief of the armed forces. Its in the Constitution....the founding fathers didn't think that this nation would want to elect a convicted criminal to be a President

Expand full comment

That is for sure= Where are the Republicans that made Nixon resign for so much less-?? Plus recently did not SCOTUS ignore what now retired Republican judges pointed out in the constitution that anyone- which would include current people in the House of Reps who participated in Jan 6 or the fake electors scheme etc should not now be allowed to to be put on a ballot or be able ever to serve in any form of elected positions? Our Supreme Court is out of control-Can this be addressed after Biden is elected and the DEMS have the House and the Senate?

Expand full comment

Because the current Republican party will not do what they did with Nixon- and the conservative Supreme court has become politically radical and is has reversed what former Republicans passed in the court IE most of what protected all of us health and - food --water- drugs environment etc safety obviously when they refuse to do the RIGHT thing IE that TRUMP like Nixon WAS NOT IMMUNE from being charged A President does not have immunity from what TRUMP is being given passes on From Jan 6 to stealing all those Secret security Docs just see the pics the FBI took when they came to pick up all those stolen boxes- that alone is TREASON The Republicans and the Supreme Court ARE ignoring all of this. If voters do NOT vote all Blue down ballot and HOUSE and Senate allow Woman's Health rights and protection agonist RAPE to be totally reversed-many women and little girls WILL DIE will die-Many will lose medical insurance converge- Student loan forgiveness programs will vanish- more guns will be used to kill-Service members are NOT suckers and losers- all my family members survived WW 1 and @@Immigrants are not stealing Black and Hispanic government and company jobs- most Immigrants come to do the farm and factory work that others do not want to do and for which there are millions of vacancies.. Under TRUMP all will be lost under Project 2025 The talking heads are saying the DEMS will lose0 Vote Blue or we will lose our democracy. I am a first and 2nd generation individual from European immigrants Service members are not suckers and loser All my male family members survived WW 1-WW2 and Vietnam. We were once Republican now we ARE NOT -VOTE VOTE BLUE

Expand full comment

That draft dodger has no right to speak about any service member.

Expand full comment

Amen sister. Amen. I stand with Biden. I stand for democracy.

Expand full comment

Well said, Mary! I've loved Biden for decades because he's honest and has integrity. Sure, he had a dismal performance last night. But even if he had slept through it, I would still vote for him. Dems need to stop judging him for one bad night and remember his decades of leadership.

Expand full comment

And really, which would any sane voter prefer… a lying, felonious, sociopathic con artist, or a boring but exceptionally capable administrator and kind human being?

Expand full comment

E X A C T L Y. Shocking how many people are reacting to one data point in a whole career.

Expand full comment

Yes how can his life time of service ever be ignored? It is his character and great mind and ability to surround himself with superb people who are doing their best for all of us that is important. Even if he was wheel chair bound like Roosevelt it is his rational thoughtful wisdom and experience that makes Biden the President we need for these times. 90 minutes of an off time due to an obvious cold and loss of voice cannot negate 50 years of dedicated service .and 3 1/2 years of a positively successful Presidency. Shame shame NY Times and all those telling him to resign.

Expand full comment

Thank you, Mary. 💙

I am still voting for President Biden, too.

Expand full comment

I’m still with Joe!! I will never vote for that OrangeGriftingRapistFraudsterClownShow!!!! I will stay the course and I’m still voting for Joe.. he may be older BUT he gets shit done without compromising our integrity as a country. DrumptyDumpty can suck it!

Expand full comment

WAGER YOUR CORGI IS VOTING BLUE !

MY DEAR PADDY PEMBROKE IS VOTING BLUE!

I AM VOTING BLUE! SMART PUPPIES, ALL.OF US !

Expand full comment

My Corgi Koa is Voting BLUE as is my Cat Ragnar Fluffy Butt and Lab Marshall the Marshmallow and Leopard Gecko Yuzu and my daughters a vet so I’ve got a menagerie.. my kids are voting Blue and my Hubby who is a far right Libertarian is NOT voting for the OrangeShitStain.. that’s all I can ask of him.. he’s changing his political views because I’m not white I’m a Native Hawaiian and he sees what I’ve had to go through. He sees what my entire family has had to go through..I took him home to the islands and now he sees how marginalized the Native Hawaiians are as the white Haole’s buy up every thing and leave the natives moving further up the mountain to survive.. jobs are taken land is stolen and the natives are left with nothing.. I don’t hate Haole’s I just want them to respect the indigenous peoples of Hawai’i ..

Expand full comment

YOU AND YOUR DEAR.MENAGERIE ARE TRUE BLUE TO THIS SAGE GENTLEMAN WHO HAS LONG.SERVED THIS COUNTRY WITH GREAT HONOR AND WELL EARNED RESPECT! SEND THE " GERMAN JUNK" BACK TO.THE DARK DEPTHS FROM.WHICH. HE OOZED 😱

Expand full comment

Thank you for your service and as my father served in WWII.. he would not recognize the Repuklicant Party any longer.. I miss him every single day but I’m glad he’s not here to see what has happened to our Democracy.

Expand full comment

My cat is too! Lol

Expand full comment

LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE CAT VOTE! HIP! HIP! HURRAH.!😻

Expand full comment

My cat is looking at me like.. human why are you looking at me like that.. stretches and re-situated himself on my clean laundry😵‍💫

Expand full comment

Thank you, thank you, thank you for laying out what I have been thinking and saying all day. May all of us who follow you spread this message as widely as we can. I have been aghast by how quickly the media turned on Pres. Biden, while giving 45* an almost complete pass. Where were the screaming headlines reading, "Trump has disastrous debate in which he can barely manage to answer questions and, when he does, his answers are riddled with poisonous lies"?

BTW, I also just more than doubled my monthly donation to the Biden-Harris campaign. Give the guy a break. He had one bad night, and rebounded almost immediately today at a campaign stop.

Expand full comment

Yes, where are those headlines?

Good on you for doubling your donation! I just bought over $200 worth of Biden swag to wear and display and give as gifts. I would like to see huge swaths of this country plastered over with Biden bumper stickers, yard signs, T-shirts, hats, coffee cups, buttons, and the like. We need to create an expectation that President Biden will win by the ginormous landslide he deserves.

Expand full comment

iF i COULD HAVE WRITTEN THE NEWSPAPER HEADLINES FOR TODAY THEY WOULD HAVE SCREAMED "tRUMP LIES ! BIDEN STUMBLES !" I thought the CNN hosts let Trump hi-jack the debate and it didn't make them look very good. They are both good newspaople, but there was surely something they could have done ! The lies Trump told were so pitiful and we all knew what he wasa doing -- instead of taking the questions being asked he kept saying "Well let's go back to what Biden just said" and then would like about Biden's attempt to truly debate. He is a cruel, selfish wannbe authoritarian and scares the bejeepers out of me for our future. I'm 89, but before I "kick off" I would so like to have him in prison where he can't hurt anyone ever again.

Expand full comment

Beautifully said, Barbara!

You and I are old enough to remember.F.D.R.'S fireside chats! Remember how he.rallied the country with his calm reassuring voice ?.How proud he made us feel.to be Americans in this beloved land of ours? Contrast that to what a fiefdom under this German Junk cult furher would feel like. Am reasonably sure you don't wish to revisit those terrible chaotic times. I know I do not!

Say no to Trump's vision of a fourth.reich..!!

VOTE BLUE ! VOTE BIDEN.!

Expand full comment

True, 45 called his win the 4th Reich.

Expand full comment

I have NEVER supported these ridiculous "debates"! They are NOT acceptable debates in any sense of the word! Just a few moments on TV with the primary objectives is to make each other look STUPID! And both sides have done it for decades! PLUS, the rules of the debates usually don't provide the kind of support (e.g., graphics) that would help audience understand what's being said.

These debates can better be related to the political duels of the 18th Century (Hamilton & Burr) or the six-gun "shootouts" of "Tombstone". Just a mass media attempt to create interest in their endless blabber!

Expand full comment

Ditto for me also to see- Would be interesting to compare the medical physicals results for both. TRUMP is so overweight and on meds for heart and blood pressure it seems. McDonalds sems to be his favorite foods. Biden is slim and is able to work long hours which at his age is a positive health indicator. His stiff walking gate is said to be caused by arthritis in his knees. This age thing about the abilities of those of us over 80 kind of pisses me off. I am 82 and still work full time have to pass courses to keep up licenses- work on the computer daily etc etc and am not feeble or brain impaired can work 7 days a week when required sleeping shorter hours but could never keep the hours Biden does with all that travel- meetings solving US problems -world crisis all those G7 and G20 etc overseas meetings where he is -required to be on top of it all and maintain the respect of our allies. Sources on TV say Biden reads the daily briefs attends the meetings and in VERY involved in all discussions and decision making. Do we not all remember TRUMP tweeted late nights and early morning and slept in-did not read the briefings they had to be read to him in a shortened version because TRUMPS attention span was very short and he did not like attending all those meetings and did not listen attentively nor work that many hours of the day like all other presidents historically have done. He sure played golf a lot. Not sure why more of this obvious lack of interest by TRUMP in actually doing the work required of a President has not been put out there more. Biden puts in the hours has kept us safe and achieved for the US the best economy in the Western world The US economy is what is bolstering the rest of the allied countries top economists say. The entire world has been experiencing inflation due to COVID related issues and still are and wish they were at the level Biden has achieved for the US, Biden is clear he has more to do with solving the inflation problem. TRUMPs MAGA projections for 2025 policies economists says are highly inflationary. Biden/ Harris and down ballot blue is the answer.

Expand full comment

YES May it be enormous

Expand full comment

What won’t the news media hold Trump accountable?

Expand full comment

He is the train wreck that boosts viewership that brings money. It is always about money now.

Expand full comment

Until he becomes president and executes journalists

Expand full comment

You’re absolutely right! It’s profits over ethics and responsibility. So maddening!

Expand full comment

Clicks

Expand full comment

I’m with President Biden, one bad debate is not going to deter me from supporting a fine and decent man, and a great leader who gets things done.

Expand full comment

My husbands brother was killed in Vietnam. We both got irate when Trump said that. Put him in a combat situation and he would turn and run the other away. He is nothimg but a lying coward.

Expand full comment

He's also a convicted felon and adjudicated rapist.

Expand full comment

He wouldn’t even go out in the rain because of his ridiculous hair! Combat? Please…

Expand full comment

You know, Democratic voters, his base, love Biden. His poor showing at the debate, and all of the continued criticism of Trump’s unbalanced lying psychopathic ranting, he who will end the American experiment along with abortion, contraception could be a motivating factor to rally support and turnout if it is properly messaged!

Expand full comment

Thank you Mary, well said.. I’ve just completed an email to the White House that basically says Mr. President I know you were under the weather last evening, however you spoke truth to the lies. Mr. President, you are the one upholding Democracy, Honesty, The Rule of Law. I will vote for you and thank you. Hopefully a number of citizens will do the same.

Expand full comment

May I have the email to do the same?? I think we should all email and let President Biden know we are with him.

Expand full comment

I think there’s a comment form at whitehouse.gov ?

Expand full comment

I just emailed the president at whitehouse.gov

Expand full comment

I sent it!! Thank you and I fully support Joe and I told him so.. he has character integrity and kindness.. I will never vote for a 34 count convicted felon to be in the White House.. not now not fucking EVER..

Expand full comment

I wrote to the President and First Lady 💙

Expand full comment

Preach!

Expand full comment

Mary , you should knowhow polar opposite they are better than anyone else. BWhich means you know how important electing Biden is and ridding ourselves of your devil uncle is. Like DE Stephen’s said, we have no other option. We only have one choice and that’s JRB.

Expand full comment

YES JRB

Expand full comment