Friends, it is important to know that millions of rank and file Democrats are concerned about Biden’s health and/or his ability to beat Trump. Accusing them of wanting a Trump victory is neither accurate nor honest. We have to be the party where people can freely express concerns about Biden — otherwise, we risk degenerating into the current Republican situation, where all dissent has been quashed. 1/
As I have said before, my only interest in the upcoming federal elections is in Democrats holding the White House and Senate and, if at all possible, taking the House. My nightmare is a Republican trifecta at the federal level. None of us can know today the best way to produce the best outcome and avert the worst. Many of us are anxious and afraid. Some crave a certainty that is impossible to achieve until we have the election and winners are inaugurated. Understandable, but impossible. 2/
We have to be able to talk to each other, here and elsewhere, without unduly exacerbating each other’s vulnerabilities, anger, and fears regarding American politics at this particularly difficult juncture. I am grateful to those who clearly make an effort to respond in a measured way to those who differ from them in their assessments of Biden’s health and abilities. I am trying to absorb a wide range of views on these matters. I invite you to join me in this effort. 3/
Whatever your or my most ardent preference is for who does or does not head the Democratic ticket come November, we have to work together to put as many Democrats in office, at every level and every state. We can’t lose our focus on this. It has never worked for Democrats to insist that we all agree on everything. That isn’t the culture of the party nor the temperament of its rank and file. 4/
We don’t agree on when and whether we should discuss our differences. We don’t agree on any number of specific policy issues. I believe that we do agree on the importance of rule of law and secular, pluralistic democracy. In an era when so many do not, I am grateful for every one of you who does. 5/
Let’s be good to another and hard as hell on the Republican crime syndicate and its theocratic, anti-democratic agenda. 6/6
@heidilifeldman
How about if we for once become the party that risks solidarity?
There's dissent, and then there is the selfish fuckery that helped Trump win in 2016, and looks poised to tank us yet again and elect Trump again in 2024.
There. Is. No. Way. To. Replace. Biden. At. This. Time!
Even if he died, the right-wing will find a way to prevent replacing him on ballots like Wisconsin, Nevada, etc.
The media knows this. We should, too.
@Okanogen @heidilifeldman Funny, because assuming our bad candidate will prevail and that we don't need to fix their failing candidacy is what sounds like 2016 to me.
@Okanogen @heidilifeldman
1) I hate to tell you this, but we're going to be going up against lots of right-wing lawsuits this election no matter what. You can't stop them. All we can do is make sure we're on the right side of the law.
2) The smug, condescending way that you assume you know my thoughts and intentions better than I do is everything that's wrong with online democrats these days. You're actively harming the party you claim to support. Take the day off for some introspection.
@LouisIngenthron @heidilifeldman
I'm taking forever off from you.
@Okanogen @LouisIngenthron @heidilifeldman
He called the greatest POTUS in my lifetime that has begun the USA's transition away from fossil fuels a "bad candidate" has proven that he's either a Russian troll working for the fossil fuel industry or just a bad judge of character or something.
I don't want to assume.
@GreenFire @heidilifeldman I didn't say he was a bad president. I said he was a bad candidate. And I stand by that assessment. He just doesn't have the energy and enthusiasm he needs to GOTV or coherently rebut Trump in real-time anymore.
I watched the debate expecting Biden to smash Trump. I was horrified to watch the exact opposite unfold.
@LouisIngenthron @heidilifeldman
Well, you are welcome to vote for whoever you think is the better debater.
I choose to vote for the guy who has proven to be a great POTUS.
@GreenFire @heidilifeldman As I've said many times, it's not my vote you have to worry about.
@Okanogen @LouisIngenthron @heidilifeldman you were pretty condescending
@mcgroover @LouisIngenthron@qoto.org @heidilifeldman
I see you want some, too.
@LouisIngenthron @Okanogen @heidilifeldman with all due respect, I don't think that is what is being said at all.
Yes, there will no doubt be legal challenges from the right and there will probably also be spates of violence if Democrats prevail. Trump may once again rally his MAGA zealots to try to seize power.
Many awful things are possible in this extremely fraught election.
But abiding by the rule of law is our shield and that is what Dems are trying to do.
@Okanogen @LouisIngenthron @heidilifeldman as Heather Cox Richardson pointed out last week, there is NO WAY to put another candidate on the ballot at this point. Those windows were securely closed and locked months ago.
The real question is how do we find a way to unite around the candidate we have and look to build support for our favored candidates AFTER we secure democracy? That is really the ONLY question on this ballot.
@LouisIngenthron @Okanogen @heidilifeldman Biden has been the most prolific and progressive a president since FDR, and has proven he can beat Trump. He’s the best candidate we have.
@mdylanbell @LouisIngenthron @Okanogen @heidilifeldman were you not concerned about him mixing up conversation points at the debate though?
@LouisIngenthron @Okanogen @heidilifeldman what lawful ideas do you propose to "fix" our candidate?
@LouisIngenthron @heidilifeldman
Once again. There is no way to replace Biden. It will trigger thousands of right-wing lawsuits in front of corrupt right-wing judges to block his replacement and challenge their legitimacy if they do actually win. You know that. You aren't here for an honest discussion.