I've been needing to get something off my chest with regards to old Uncle Joe

[Glamrock]

Uncle Joe has been one of my hero’s for a couple decades now. While I can’t say I’ve agreed with every vote he’s taken (can’t say that about another progressive hero of mine either, brother Bernie) he has, for 5 decades charted a path as politician that proves he’s not about himself, the wealthy, or party. He’s an 81 year old CATHOLIC who is advocating for female reproductive rights. Think about that for a minute.

And he’s genuine. He’s never acting. His blue collar background is something he embraces. He’s proud of his accomplishments and who he is and doesn’t need to polish himself. Nor does he need to. He is the genuine article.

And the strength this man has. Dealing with the losses and grief he has had to endure. I’m taken aback. If Mrs. Glam was taken away from me, much less the baby Glam we never had, pretty sure I’d drown in a bottle.

I could go on about the man for days. (Being Irish to me with the most Irish name in N America doesn’t hurt). He is one of my great heroes.

Uncle Joe was my first choice in ‘07. His decades of generally being on my side? His decades of foreign ralation experience? Joe all the way! Then I saw this young black man with a funny name speak. And it was obvious he also had my values and was unbeatable. And I switched.

Point being that I couldn’t wait to vote for old Uncle Joe for President. I came home from early voting and told the delicious Mrs. Glam with a huge grin on my face, “mark my words, dude is gonna CRUSH it!” And of course, he did. The most impactful, transformative president of my life. I was and am, so proud to have voted for him. And as ridiculous as it may sound, so proud of the man produced by my home. I really man that.

And then I saw the fateful debate. While he was already falling in the polls. And I felt bleak and defeated. I knew the media, like a cat cornering a mouse, would NEVER let this go. I knew how many millions of Americans who don’t pay attention to politics would see this. I knew the anxiety of all of us who still supported the man would have every time he spoke moving forward. I knew the most loyal of us would “thank you for your concern (rolling eye emoji added)” as we barreled to fascist takeover of this democracy. It was plain as day to me. And I feared for my family, and for my country.

I have zero, literal zero doubt, that Uncle Joe would have CRUSHED a second term. And I type this next with literal tears in my eyes for someone who I love, respect, and revere. There is no president who has DESERVED a second at bat than Uncle Joe. Not a one. And it hurts my heart to have turned away.

But he became even more a hero by recognizing my fears and stepping out. I will always be thankful to him for that act. And I will also always kinda hate myself for turning on someone I love.

[Hope22]

1. It's not been easy for sure.

Love to you as we move forward. 💗💗💗🙏🏼

[Arne]

2. Think of it as a chess board and it helps.

[Glamrock]

3. That was exactly why I wanted Joe to step down.

We HAVE to win this! But I still feel ashamed of turning against a hero and a president we got but clearly didn’t deserve.

[Ocelot II]

10. You didn't turn against him. You just accepted the reality

that he finally accepted - that he wasn't going to be able to recover from the perception, fair or unfair, that he wasn't going to be able to compete as a candidate.

[peggysue2]

14. There's no shame in accepting the reality of the political situation

I agree on Joe Biden: he's been an outstanding president, the best in my living memory. And yes, he ended up with the short end of the stick after months of hounding by Trump, MAGA and the jackal press. Still, he stood strong, made a very difficult decision to step away for the sake of the country.

Because nothing is as important as defeating Trump and his Flying Monkey Brigade.

Joe Biden's legacy will be long and honorable outlasting any of us here. I will always love the man's courage and his deep regard for country and people.

I, too, come from Irish Catholic roots. He's the best of us.

[ananda]

18. Even my Irish Catholic pro-life mother did not think that...

morals should be legislated.

IOW, if you're pro-life, be pro-life and don't get an abortion.

But if you're pro-choice, then it's your decision, not anyone
else's.

[CincyDem]

41. Just because there came a day I had to take my dad's car keys away...it didn't mean I stopped loving him.

[Glamrock]

43. That's a really good point and I appreciate you for it.

I had to go through taking mom’s keys away too and never looked at it from that perspective. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for that perspective.

[GreenWave]

102. Fox started lying about him from day one.

Other media took the bait and ran with it too.

So many people were brainwashed against him. He did great things with razor thin majorities or even minorities. That is the great shame of it all.

[Deuxcents]

4. My respect and admiration of Uncle Joe was full on support even tho I did not always agree

But when he selflessly took his ambitions and put the country’s future ahead of his, I am unconditionally grateful to this honorable man. A true American Statesman that history will, no doubt, also hold in high regard.

[Think. Again.]

5. We change as we age...

Joe Biden made the decision to step aside bevause he recognized his age-related changes made him a less desirable candidate than the younger and just as deserving candidate he handed the candidacy over to.

You didn't turn away from Uncle Joe the strong President you support, you turned away from a weaker candidate than Auntie Kamala.

[Tetrachloride]

6. +++

yep

[Ocelot II]

7. It was messy and painful, and I didn't like the way so many Dems went public

with their concerns so quickly. It seemed very disrespectful. But we really don't know exactly what was happening behind the scenes, NYT know-it-all reports notwithstanding. What I think happened is that after the debate (which did bomb, and must have embarrassed Biden terribly) the media wouldn't let up about how old he was and how feeble he seemed, never gave him a chance to get his mojo back (he seemed fine in subsequent appearances, e.g., NATO) or to attribute one poor performance to illness or fatigue instead of the inexorable failings of old age. They just kept beating the drum. Of course that got folks scared, which was reflected in new polling, which got the politicians scared, which led to their pressure on him to step down. Whatever the actual situation was, there was no way Biden could have recovered from the perception that he couldn't handle an election campaign or a second term. I think he wanted very much to be able to show that he could do it, but he finally realized he couldn't overcome that perception, as unfair and inaccurate as it might have been. In the meantime, as well, he was negotiating the final parts of the prisoner swap deal, which few people knew about. I don't think he could have made the announcement before that deal was done without the risk it would fall apart.

In any event, he did the right thing under the circumstances, and he deserves all the credit and glory for putting the country ahead of what he wanted to do. Love the guy.

[CrispyQ]

12. You said it better than I did. I still get mad when I think about it. -nt

[LisaM]

54. Yes, the media and all of the above. What enrages me...

is younger voters who just weren't going to vote for him, but got all excited by a younger candidate (hand picked by him) with the exact same policies and their breathless parents (I even saw evidence of that here) who were proudly reporting that now their kids and their kids' friends were going to vote. Really? They weren't going to before, even with reproductive rights and the environment on the line? Great parenting.

Biden is like Gandalf. With age comes great wisdom. Yes, I am still pissed, much as I like Kamala Harris, who's deftly handled all this.

[Clouds Passing]

59. Claire McCaskill and Thom Hartmann, very disappointed with them!!!!!

She was awful in MSNBC. I’m ashamed I voted for her one too many times! And Thom, can hardly believe a word he says anymore!

[CrispyQ]

8. They couldn't have found a less public way to do it? They being democratic congress members.

Senator Michael Bennet was one of the first to speak out against Biden & was so harsh with his words. I wrote to him several times expressing my disgust with how he handled it. My other senator, Senator John Hickenlooper, put out a statement basically saying, 'this is a never seen before political situation & I think it's best to listen & not make myself part of the story.' He said it better than that.

IDK, maybe the whole thing had to be aired publicly, but I'm still POd at Bennet & think he could have tempered his words. He said we were on our way to lose in a landslide.

IMO, Joe Biden deserved much better.

[PortTack]

24. Agree! I'm still mad at those that spoke against him. They could've handled it better...but chose not too

Harris/Walz ‘24!

[Skya Rhen]

67. For the Party that boasts about diplomacy, this was a big fail for them. Utter disrespect and callousness by the

mouthpieces. Criminals have been treated with more respect than our President and the only “crime” that he committed, in their eyes, was the natural effects of getting older. Legacies were tarnished but Biden can hold his head high because his character remains in tact.

[TheKentuckian]

79. Have you considered the possibility that the velvet glove/behind closed doors efforts

were going nowhere with Biden?

To me this seems to be the case.

Biden correctly believed he deserved a second term on the merits.

He incorrectly believed he was up for the day job WHILE vigorously campaigning for the term he "earned" (quotes for effect just because earned like the previously non quoted "deserved" has nothing to do with it) but had not been elected to and had dug in like an Alabama tick with a deed in its grasp.

[Skya Rhen]

100. I considered that but everything was too orchestrated from the second the debate was over

I vividly remember John King looking down at his phone and breathlessly reading off messages he received from elected democrats - saying the most disparaging things about Biden that was all attributed to his age, physical appearance and mental capacity. From the word “go”, they gave him no grace and beat the man relentlessly while he was down.

After the debate, a diplomatic way would have been for them to privately meet with him regarding the performance and together lay out options that could be agreed upon.

So, no - I can’t give the bashers the benefit of a doubt. This was a plan that they immediately put into motion to unleash a smear campaign based on cruelty and intimidation, for the world to see.

[Cassidy]

86. I, too, am very angry with the public way Bennet betrayed Biden.

I think Bennet still has dreams of the White House for himself. I have never trusted him, but it seems Coloradoans are stuck with him until he chooses to leave.

Thank you for reporting what Hickenlooper's position was. That is honorable behavior.

Joe Biden was chair of the Judiciary Committee when Clarence Thomas was nominated to the "Supreme" Court. I remember the disastrous way Anita Hill's experiences and testimony were handled. But Biden learned from that and his ability to remain humble enough to learn from his mistakes is one of the things that makes him a great man and a great leader. I think there will be a role for him in the Harris administration, even if an informal advisory role. In this complicated world, we cannot afford to lose such a treasury of knowledge and wisdom.

[soldierant]

104. I also wrote to Bennet

and contorted myself past my pain threshhold to be, not harsh, but reasonable.

Didn't get an anwer. And I ususally do get answered by him.

I didn't write to Hickenlooper because I didn't consider him part of the problem.

[Dave in VA]

9. Thanks for this post

I could have written this exact thing, but not as eloquently as you have done.

Thanks.

[Doodles]

60. Totally agree.

You’ve put all my feelings into a great post. Thank you!

[leftyladyfrommo]

11. I don't think he was forced out. I think he

saw the reality of a 24/7 job at 80.

I didn't realize until I heard James Carville discuss why he thought Biden should step out. He said he thought about it for a long time. He's 80, too. And he realized that there was no way he would be as active and alert as you have to be in that job.

And we really needed younger people to start taking over from these ancient white guys. They were driving this country into the ground.

And along came KAMALA with all her energy. Perfect timing.

[displacedvermoter]

21. Screw James Carville

Just saying...

Good thing we all jumped on his "mini primary" idea, right? Oh, wait, we didn't, thankfully.

[leftyladyfrommo]

25. I have never paid much attention to him.

And I was kind of offended when both he and Jon Stewart wanted Biden to step down.

But my problem with Stewart is that he says outloud what I'm afraid of but don't want to think about.

But I just happened to catch this Carville clip explaining. He was very thoughtful.

[CincyDem]

42. I think he saw the reality of trying to do TWO 24/7 jobs...

Running the country AND saving the country at the same time…and given the importance of his side gig (getting re-elected), he made the decision to give the assignment to someone who could work the gig virtually full time. Not discounting the work involved in being YP but it ain’t the top job and I’m good with Joe doing the running and Kamala doing the saving.

[Trueblue Texan]

47. I do not have much respect for James Carville...

In fact, I can't stand the man. But even if I could, I would still disagree with him. I absolutely believe Joe Biden could have handled another 4 years at the toughest job in the world, but I don't know if Americans, so concerned with image, could. Biden is an old man, but he IS sharp and experienced. Still, ya gotta get elected and I think that's where the problem was. Joe Biden didn't make the job look easy. It's NOT easy! But his age magnified the wear and tear it does on any human being.

I was crushed when he stepped down and my anger at the Democrats who trashed him still simmers. But Kamala Harris is a winning candidate who will fight for our democracy and our values, and that is the most important thing. Her campaign has been so flawless, you have to wonder if Biden hadn't arranged to step down quite a bit before the rest of us knew. You have to wonder if they didn't already have all their ducks in a row before anything was announced. Maybe someday we'll know. But if she runs her presidency in the same way she's run her campaign so far, this nation is in GREAT hands.

[BattleRow]

62. Wasn't Carvilles nickname

Ole Snakehead??

[vanlassie]

78. I think he may very well have waited to step down

until that idiot Vance was solidified. So much work seemed to have been done overnight… it makes ya wonder.

[MaryMagdaline]

13. 100 per cent to all of this!

I’ve loved Biden for 50 years. His presidency has been transformative. One reason is that it was pretty much a second term for him - all the things Obama could not get done when he didn’t have both house and senate. Biden learned from watching presidents get shut down when they would lose the House. He maximized the power when he had it.
Age stole his second term from him. But maybe it spurred him on in the first term. Maybe he accomplished so much because he was on borrowed time.

[Bluestone]

15. Perfectly said.

Thank you for that beautiful post. Sums up exactly how I feel too...just not articulate enough to say it that well.

Long time reader...but my first post. Not antisocial....just a little shy. Hello everyone.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

28. Hello Bluestone 😊

[Beartracks]

48. Hi there!

[LetMyPeopleVote]

96. Welcome to DU

[leftyladyfrommo]

16. On a little different topic but I'm 76 and

don't have any real ailments and I have wondered what kept Trump going. He's up all night and golfing all day.

Is he on drugs or is he just naturally speedy?

[Walleye]

32. I don't see how anybody could sleep with the load of sin trump has on his conscience

[leftyladyfrommo]

36. Maybe he's afraid to sleep. Sleep brings

dreams.

[Bongo Prophet]

71. Conscience you say? Oh, his Jiminy Cricket was murdered long ago.

Side note: When Colin Powell was asked how the Bush2 admin could sleep at night, he answered, simply.

"Ambien."

[BattleRow]

83. Jiminy was bumped off by

Spinocchio..the wooden head puppet...

[Ocelot II]

87. What conscience?

You have to have one in order to be troubled by your manifold sins and wickednesses.

[Demsrule86]

17. Can I just say...I am sick of such posts...I mean no offense but honestly...Joe Biden is not your Uncle nor mine.

He was our president. He got more legislature through than anyone since Roosevelt except perhaps Johnson. I only hope President Kamala Harris can do as well or better. So far so good.

[Glamrock]

20. Yes he is. He is the best of us.

If you can’t view him as a family member? Your loss. Joe IS my family. In his blue collar speaking, his values, his voting record, love of family and love of country. Sorry to hear you’re so insular, but Joe IS my family.

And sorry to hear you’re so sick of posts where the author is literally crying while pouring his heart out to the world about their feelings about our leaders. You be you, bro.

[JanLip]

29. Thank you Glam

This is a wonderful post you wrote. I feel the same way about our President. He has restored my faith. I believe (future) President Harris will only cement that faith and I am looking forward to her winning I also feel he’s part of my family. No question.


Jan

[Happy Hoosier]

46. Kinda rude...

If posts like this are not your cup of tea, move on. No one needs to know your opinion on this matter.

[Demsrule86]

99. I am sick of seeing such posts lauding Biden (who deserves it by the way) when I remember well what they said in

the past. Biden is one of the two best presidents in my lifetime. Do some understand we can remember what was said? And there is a print record too. I will ignore such posts in the future.

[Ocelot II]

53. "Sick of such posts"? Really?

No, he's not the OP's actual uncle, or anybody else's who isn't part of his actual family, but he brings out warm sentiments that make him feel like family, and frankly it's kinda rude to drag on the OP for expressing that.

[Glamrock]

57. Thanks for having my back, baby!

[Demsrule86]

97. I love Biden. I worked on all his campaigns even during 1987. But I am sick of watching many who I know actually

demanded his resignation now act as if they love him so much. It is time to move forward. Biden did the honorable thing as he always does. And he was not too weak to continue either as some have intimated. I am proud of him as I always was. I think Kamala will do a good job, and it is time to move forward. All it does is irritate me when I see someone make these posts or answer these posts when with my memory and the posts record know damn well what was said in the past.

[Bongo Prophet]

73. Uncle/Auntie are terms of endearment that are used often in a symbolic way, not literal.

Also, to be clear, Joe is still president. So "He was our president" is inaccurate.

That aside, I think most here are hoping we wiin and VP Harris does as well or better, and gets the credit she deserves for doing so.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

19. I hope you stop hating yourself for your reaction good lord

[Glamrock]

22. It's not really self hatred.

It’s just that the guy deserved another run. And recognizing that, my main instinct is to support. But my logical self saw we couldn’t win. And there’s the rub.

[johnnyplankton]

23. Yes. Joe Biden was the most effective president of my lifetime...

But with our awful media, I think Joe would have been beaten or barely squeaked out a victory. I don't think we should let sentimentality interfere with reality. Our chances are a billion times better now with Kamala.

[Glamrock]

26. Unfortunately

We are human, not robots. And the most logical decision might not always feel loyal, or ethical, or moral. Hence my conundrum.our sentimentality is what makes us human.

[usonian]

27. My feelings: Joe outsmarted them all.

Repost:

I am sure he decided that while he could win, as many of us thought, a younger ticket has better chances.

By doing what he did, he completely bamboozled the opposition, which spent all its energy bashing him.

Joe outsmarted and outplayed everyone, for the betterment of himself, the party, and the country.

Most of all, he loses the howler monkeys, the hate machine, and the doubters, who will ALL BE FORGOTTEN, while his record, and unselfish acts will be known forever, and that's 100% wonderful with me.

Great leaders have vision that transcends the short term matters.

His vision includes a younger, revitalized party and America whose leaders are more like the populace than himself and the opposition, and who will build upon his tireless, compassionate and bold efforts to move forward with great enthusiasm, energy and resolve.

[Walleye]

34. Yes, it was a colossal historic head fake. Trump still doesn't know what to do.

[leftyladyfrommo]

38. I read he's playing golf all day. nt

[Walleye]

40. Cheating golf is substance-abuse for Trump. It's all he's got for fun.

[BattleRow]

64. Hmmm...there's always

self abuse..

[Walleye]

70. Ew. Gross. Maybe JD can introduce him to Ms.Couch

[BattleRow]

84. Since Trump only loves himself

I guess it wouldn't be self abuse..just giving a hand to someone he loves.

[usonian]

39. He's stll attacking Joe Biden

Seems to claim that Kamala is a man.
Desperately seeking Joe.

Deranged old fart.

(I am a very lucid old fart.)

Played some Brahms and chainsawed some parasitic mistletoe from the oak trees yesterday.

That dipshit can't tie his own shoes.

[yardwork]

30. We didn't turn on Joe Biden. We turned with him.

My admiration for the man is greater than ever. He saw what had to be done and he did it. THAT is selfless public service.

Something people like Trump will never understand.

[LuckyCharms]

31. Outstanding post, Glamrock. From the heart. Much respect.

[Arne]

33. Again to the chess analogy,

Biden Castled and the Queen came out.
Along with a Rook they can checkmate.

[BattleRow]

35. Uncle Joe graciously gave up the

car keys on his own.

Now,there's someone new in the driver's seat.

She'll take good care of the car,while cruising to victory in November.

[Walleye]

37. I feel the same. Joe is exactly the man he presents himself to be. Rare in a politician.

Unfortunately, the lies and constant repetition of them broke through to the public. They slandered and lied about him He was never motivated by wealth or power. I also think they insulted the people of Delaware at the same time. He won six statewide elections. In a state that is basically a small town and everybody knows everybody’s business. I love him. He was always nice to me. I covered him for the newspaper. I have never seen him do anything duplicitous or mendacious. I was sorry that he stepped aside as well, but I am excited about Kamala’s candidacy and I think we owe him that too, he picked her. she’s the first woman vice president and he put her in a position to be the first woman president. I didn’t think I would see that chance again in my lifetime. I’m sure he’s taught her well. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was thinking of something like this all along and waited till after the Republicans stupid convention. I’m looking forward to seeing him and Jill back in the neighborhood. He shops at the same grocery store that I do

[Glamrock]

45. Oh man. You made me realize!

I never spoke of my hopes and thrill Kamala is our candidate! I fully support the decision he made and the way he set us up for victory. Just breaks my heart that I turned against a hero, a PROVEN hero of mine. Whether it was the right thing to do or not. My heart hurts.

[IbogaProject]

44. I wasn't a fan of Joe until he got into the Presidency

I voted for him, for VP in 2008, 2012 and for President in 2020. I felt we could have run the country with just his team and his notebook. I was going to vote for the great team he has built. And I've been amazed how a former centrist, who promised "to not change much of anything" during the 2020 campaign, didn't keep that 'promise'. This is still a strong sell now, he has the connections, skills, experience and intelligence to get things done legislatively. The GOP can't really do anything useful as they have cornered themselves with refusing to do the cooperation that good legislation requires.

[AlexSFCA]

49. When Harris wins, it will be remembered as Biden's achievement

more than any second term would have. He is aiming for a much bigger legacy. It’s honestly the best possible outcome for Joe who doesn’t need to worry about energy draining campaigning anymore.

[oasis]

50. To me, Joe represented positivity and comfort.

It carries a lot of weight with most voters.

[somaticexperiencing]

51. I love Joe too, as obviously do so many. And I believe his rewards will be great, as are ours for his selfless act.

[Botany]

52. And even now he and his people are working on removing the dams from the Salmon River

The man is transformational. His actions are gifts to our grandchildren.

[Martin Eden]

55. If that "fateful debate" is judged on content, Joe Biden WON

He told the truth, while his opponent spewed a gish gallop of bold-faced easily disprovable LIES.

Some of the lies were so egregious, Trump's mendacity should have captured the bigger headlines. He said the J6 crowd was small, and the police escorted them into the building. He also asserted Nancy Pelosi said it was all her fault because she refused to call in the National Guard.

I've ALWAYS liked Joe Biden and voted for him in 2020, but I was against him seeking a 2nd term at the end of which he would be 86 years old. However, as it turns out, I think we're in a better place to win this November than if we had an open primary in 2023.

As a side note, prior to 2020 in Democratic primaries I refused to vote for Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and any other Dem who in October 2002 voted to give GW Bush authority to invade Iraq.

I joined DU during the run-up to that war, and joined the protest in Washington DC four days before "Shock and Awe" was launched. John Kerry, especially, broke my heart. He garnered national attention as a leader of Vietnam Veterans Against the War, and I hoped he would stand up against the Bush administration's campaign of lies for their PNAC war of choice.

But that's all water under the bridge now (except for the families of those killed or wounded in body and soul).

We now have hope and joy that better days lie ahead.

[Clouds Passing]

56. I love Joe Biden ❤️

Beautiful post Glam

[Glamrock]

58. Grassy ass!

[flamingdem]

61. Yes and yes

I too love Joe. Was so upset but now it's okay.

Fingers crossed for Joe to stay active in some role.

I miss him already! And Jill.

[AverageOldGuy]

63. Let's correct something you said

You said:

But he became even more a hero by recognizing my fears and stepping out. I will always be thankful to him for that act. And I will also always kinda hate myself for turning on someone I love.

Neither you nor any other person who felt as you did -- I am one -- turned our backs on "Uncle Joe". He did as he has always done: THE RIGHT THING.

He recognized that the time had come to pass the baton. He could have stayed in the race, may have won, may not. But he knew what was best FOR THE NATION, not what was best for himself.

Please don't beat yourself up about moving from Joe to Kamala -- he did the right thing, you did the right thing. And doing the right thing is often very, very hard.

[Glamrock]

72. Yeah it really is.

I’m not trying to be dramatic. I cried writing this mea culpa. I adore the man. But, as you said, I had to put country above loyalty to a man. I know it was the right decision. But it hurt nonetheless.Ot just isn’t in my character to be disloyal. And I feel disloyal.

[ecstatic]

92. +1000. nt

[Marthe48]

65. Good post

When Mr. Biden was running for president for the 2020 election, I saw him getting interviewed. I can't remember if Ms. Harris was sitting with him at the same interview.
Whoever was interviewing Mr. Biden asked a question something like, if you aren't up to the job, what will you do? Mr. Biden replied that he'd hand it over to Ms. Harris. It was very offhand, but since July, I haven't been able to shake the feeling that Mr. Biden helped craft this whole political shift, and it he is, indeed, masterful

[aurora the great]

66. With literal tears in my eyes!

Thank you, Thank you so much for posting this. I spent almost 40 years of my adult life living in Delaware. No politician or person that I respected more. Delaware is a small state and I even got to meet him a few times. Warm smile, kind eyes with a bit of a twinkle. I was proud to call him my Senator and even though I had moved to Maryland by the 2020 election. He was still my Joe, Senator now President Biden. Blessings to you from one very proud Delawarean.

[Delarage]

68. Ditto

But I still live here 😁. I look forward to seeing him around more....I live about 5 miles from his house & church (but literally on the other side of the tracks, LOL). He's a great human being!

[Glamrock]

74. Thank you!

As a male, I hate, HATE, displaying my emotions. But they are true and I can’t see how we move forward if I hide them.

[paulkienitz]

69. Well said -- Joe would have continued to have excellent impact overall.

[Tweedy]

75. I know the feeling

President Biden earned a second term. No President in my lifetime has delivered more for so many in such a short time. I am with the VP all the way; although, I still feel the loss of what we will not see, Joe Biden’s second term.

The left behind counties are growing
Our country is growing and leaving our economic competitors far behind
It really is morning in America again.

I don’t know why so many in our press ignore reality. I don’t know why so many of our reporters appear content to live inside the lies Mr. Trump actually struggles to proclaim. The man is an unserious word salad express who understands less about our country than most fifth graders do. That is plainly obvious to anyone who listens to him.

Whatever the reason, our fourth estate is falling down disastrously in its essential duty. Thank goodness President Biden figured out a way to unify us behind Vice President Harris and thank goodness she is qualified for the presidency.

Going forward we all need to ignore the gop ear worms. Although much of our press appears in thrall to the stream of bs, we cannot be.

No more chicken little-ing between now and November no matter what some pundit proclaims.

Let us make certain President Biden’s sacrifice has meaning by electing Kamala Harris to the presidency! Anything less would be unfair to him and a disaster for our country.

[4lbs]

76. Just like Jimmy Carter, Biden might end up more popular and revered AFTER his one-term

four years, than while in office.

He was already an awesome POTUS these past 4 years, the person we needed to "right the ship" that Dumpy ran aground quickly.

Now that he has turned over the Captaincy to Kamala, to me he will be even better.

I wouldn't be surprised if she drew upon him as some sort of "special advisor" who can help her navigate the Congressional waters during her Presidency.

[LexVegas]

77. Biden got a LOT done, unlike another progressive hero of some....nt

[Bettie]

80. It seemed that there were very vocal people

looking to humiliate him. To make themselves feel important by denigrating a great president and a good, decent man.

That is wrong and I will remember who they were. I'll remember who stood with him.

I'll also remember AOC standing up and telling what was being said behind closed doors about shutting Kamala out. I believe that it was her public statements about this that made them stick to our VP being the nominee, which is the only thing that kept this from becoming a disaster.

[keithbvadu2]

81. Joe did not give up. He picked and trained a capable successor. His turnover was well carried out.

[yobrault1]

82. Think about it this way, Joe

Biden will prove to be the most patriotic and successful president of our lifetime. He took the reins back from an unglued, untethered, undisciplined and unserious man and put the country on a path to success. Then, in one tremendous act of selflessness, he handed the reins to a younger generation. It wasn’t easy for him to do but nothing worth doing ever is. He only did this because he knew that people that loved him were scared. He did it because he loves you and he did it because he loves his country.

Now it’s your turn (the people) to step up. It’s not gonna be easy to win your country back from the tides of hate and greed and chart a new course, but you have to do it anyways. Good luck to us all.

THE WORLD IS ROOTING FOR YOU!!!

[GAJMac]

85. That hurts

You just described my emotions when I saw how the media attack dogs went after "Uncle Joe" as you call him. When he stepped down I was sure it was the end. I knew he did it for the best of reasons, putting country before self and ideals before personal achievements, but I was still terrified.
Thankfully, his Second-in-Command was able and willing to step up and carry the torch. With the new excitement and joy building in the faithful since that day, I'm sure that, with the man that he is, he is rejoicing despite his personal loss. Did I mention putting country before self?
The finest example of honor and fealty I have witnessed in the political realm EVER. This man won't give up the ship, even if it means giving up command.

[Jean Genie]

88. THE BEST

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - Joe Biden is SIMPLY THE BEST! We are so lucky to have been on this planet during his lifetime. May he have a long, and totally enjoyable retirement relaxing under his own fig tree ("Hamilton" reference if you don't know). Bless him - and bless his wonderful family.

[wryter2000]

89. I've loved him since the Robert Bork hearings

The Clarence Thomas hearings didn't go the way they should have, and I'm sure he'd like to do that over now. We're so much better about sexual harassment these days.

I knew he'd be a good president. I had no idea he'd be as great as he has been. I'll bet you money he'll accomplish a lot still before he leaves office.

[Evolve Dammit]

90. Great post. Thank you.

[DFW]

91. Ah, THAT Uncle Joe!

Those of us with parents who were World War II vets remember to who whom “Uncle Joe” referred back then: Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, the runner-up in the 20th century’s “Who can cause the deaths of the most people in my own country?” contest.

Joe Biden is by far the better man to earn the nuckname!

[Wild blueberry]

93. Beautiful post

It would make a wonderful letter to Joe, and I think you'd feel good sending it to him.
I wrote him a thank-you letter, expressing my respect, gratitude, and love. Made me feel better.
Cannot stand how the corporate media piled on him, and some Dems went public. I'm done with them.
But I wanted to convey how much I admire Joe.
Your post would make a fabulous letter.
Thank you.

[HeartsCanHope]

94. I had a plan.

President Biden was going to have a second term, then VP Harris was going to take over and have 8 years. We would have 12 years of safety to fix all the crap that Republicans have inflicted on us. I love President Biden and will miss his steady hand at the helm. As I watch VP Harris, I feel that President Biden will still be with us. He mentored her for 4 years, and while she will be her own person, he's given her his wisdom and experience and she will use what he has given her to continue to save this country. I am so excited that a woman will be president, I have waited for that since 1972 and Shirley Chisholm's run. I thought that we would have Hillary Clinton as president, but the Republicans stole that. The new generation of Dems are capable and savvy, so I will hopefully have more than my 12 years. It will be as it is to be, but I will miss President Biden. He saved us once again by stepping out of the race, and history will give him his due as one of the greatest Presidents of all time.

[lees1975]

95. No question that President Biden's accomplishments on behalf of the American people earned him a second term.

And I don't doubt that he is physically and mentally up to it, in spite of right wing conspiracy theorists claims. I also believe that the media was using polling data, including cherry picking outliers, as they are doing now with Harris, to show he was doing worse than he really was. I honestly believe that when it came down to it, he'd have beaten Trump comfortably and thoroughly and I think we're going to see something in November that is far greater than our nail-biting pollsters are predicting in terms of a Harris win.

His decision to stop his campaign and endorse Kamala Harris will go down as one of the greatest political decisions in American history. The contrast between the Democratic party's unity and motivation and the GOP's infighting that includes 21% of their primary voters casting a ballot for candidates that had already dropped out of the race, is stunning.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

98. I also believe that President Biden could have beaten TFG

I have been a fan of Joe Biden for a while. I was able to meet Joe Biden twice back in 2019 at fundraisers where he took some selfies of us and signed some floor speech signs from his speech at the 2016 National Convention. I also got to talk to Joe Biden about stuttering and he told me about the 20+ stutterers he keeps track of.

I am sad that Joe Biden decided to drop out but his decision was the best for the country

[PCIntern]

101. My feelings are akin to yours...

I’ve had issues with him over the years, particularly when he was chairman of the judiciary committee but I knew in 2020 that he was the only candidate who had a shot at defeating our tinhorn-Mussolini.

I was heartsick watching the debate and figuratively sat shiva until I saw the joy and relief that the party had when Kamala was received so warmly.

Unfortunately, Americans are as a whole too stupid to understand what they had here and optics are nearly everything. Carter vs Reagan. Another nightmare.

[lostnfound]

103. Give him a chance to write memoirs, play with grandchildren, enjoy time watching his legacy blossom under Kamala

Surely he deserves some years to NOT be a politician, for a while. Time to just be human.

I’m sure he could provide some great content for his memoirs.

And he started the US on a path toward reborn democracy in the hands of an empowered next generation of Democrats.

[Greybnk48]

105. I feel EXACTLY the same about Joe as you do, Glamrock,

and I have zero doubt he would have crushed a second term. It still makes me really sad and depressed how he was attacked, disrespected, lied about and minimized over the past months given all he did for us his first four years.

To me the giants of the 20th and 21st century in US governance will be FDR, LBJ, and J.R. Biden. No one else can touch them, or him.

[pansypoo53219]

106. the gnewz media was unwilling to forgive the debate. even tho hillary won all 3.

yes. what could have been, but he deserves a nice retirement w/ his dogs.

[markodochartaigh]

107. I don't remember Vice President Biden

stuttering when he came out in favor of marriage equality before his president was ready. I'm not aware of any vice president going ahead of their president on anything else, ever. I don't remember President Biden stumbling when he walked the picket line. I know no other president has done that.

[DontBelieveEastisEas]

108. It feels wrong to be talking about this now. We need to focus on the election, not how bad or good we feel about Joe.

You say, "There is no president who has DESERVED a second at bat than Uncle Joe"
And that you felt bad?

After seeing the debate, it was obvious that he should not have a second at bat. It was time for a designated hitter.
Don't feel bad.

However, focus on winning the election. After we win, lets have this discussion in more detail.

[Oopsie Daisy]

109. Uncle Joe is typically used to refer to Joseph Stalin. This was confusing at first...

... and I think his tribute/analysis would have been better with a simple "Biden" or "Joe Biden" or "President Biden" instead of the odd and distracting "Uncle Joe, Uncle Joe, Uncle Joe" six times throughout. It sounded forced because that's NOT his nickname, not really.

I guess people can call him anything they want, and others have called him much worse... but this nickname seems to pay into the RW's talking points that President Biden was ready to put out to pasture, or that he's ready for the retirement home and sitting on the front porch-swing.

[Glamrock]

113. My apologies

Being born 18 years after the death of Joseph Stalin, and his being dead for 71 years, I never heard of him being referred to as Uncle Joe.

And that’s my very affectionate name for my president. Sorry if it felt forced to you. That IS his nickname in my household.

[Oopsie Daisy]

114. Well, I'm quite a bit older. And it was in all the world history books.

But... no worries. It just hit me wrong.

I enjoy your posts. Let's win this election!

[Glamrock]

115. No issues!

Just splainin!

[emily333]

110. This

Me too. Exactly.

[FakeNoose]

111. This is a well-written essay and I feel almost the same as you do about Joe

We're not turning on him when we support Kamala Harris. We're allowing Joe the grace to step down with dignity and to choose his own way to retire on his terms. There's no disloyalty in that.

Joe deserves the peace of mind knowing that the country won't fall into the hands of an evil fascist dictator. Kamala won't let that happen! Joe has been a great President, and he has accomplished so much in the last 3.8 years. He can hold his head up and receive the love and respect he deserves from a grateful nation.

Thank you Joe Biden!

[Kid Berwyn]

112. President Biden saved Democracy in the United States of America.

Then he stepped aside to pass the torch to the next generation, ensuring liberty and freedom and the U.S. Constitution continue to be the light of the world.

Thank you, Glamrock, for a great OP and thread.

[Ursus Rex]

116. You and everyone else saw one-half of that debate.

TFG was still speaking over Biden even though his mic was muted. It looked like a masacre but it was also partly an ambush. As delighted as I am with how things look with Harris-Walz, we were led down a primrose path.