58 Comments
Feb 14, 2023Liked by Michelangelo Signorile

I can't believe the comments here on your Report. I'm 73 and I live in a "retirement" community. I put retirement in quotation marks because the retired independent-living seniors that live here are doing so much - it's almost like working. They may have been professionals in their younger years, but they now apply their talents and intellects to new pursuits. Retired professors lead lecture series, other residents run charitable organizations, take part in our governing council, head up the local League of Women Voters, become CASA volunteers, and many write books. We don't stop living and learning just because we've passed a magic threshhold of 80. Yes, we will stumble over a word now and then, or forget something, but we can write our own speeches, master new skills, and pass on the wisdom we've acquired to a younger generation. Tribal cultures and Native Peoples honored their elders for a reason. We would do well to let Joe Biden play this hand out. He's been able to run rings around Trump. Why would that change?

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Well, I'm 78, and I agree that many seniors are active and contributing to their communities, but that does mean that they should run for one of the most exhausting jobs in the world, when they would be 86 at the end?

And Joe's foreign policy leaves much to be desired, as does that on immigration. Keeping any part of Title 42 in place, and having people languishing on the other side of the border, is kind of awful. And there are places damaged over time by our own country and corporations that people are now fleeing, i.e., climate change in El Salvador and Honduras, and the horrendous plantation operations that were led by the United Foods group in Guatemala, Belize, Honduras and Nicaraugua. And add to that all the small farmers that were crushed by the lower priced American goods that were advantaged by the first NAFTA.

Obama had a much more open door policy with Cuba; Trump cancelled that, and Biden has yet to re-open it.

Netanayhu is the new crazy man of the Middle East, and we need to start pulling funding right away from a country that is not a democracy by a theocracy, and whose spy operations seem to want to look at us almost as much as Iran at times. The tearing down of Palestinian homes and settlements with no compensation is completely intolerable and telling, that the current government has no interest in any 'two-state' solution, when it can take over all the territory except Gaza, and keep it as an open air prison for millions.

We're still tiptoeing around Saud Arabia, and probably still sending them military supplies, which seems absolutely nuts.

I'll vote for Joe, but is this really the best the Dems can offer? An octogenarian?

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I am really getting tired of this argument!! I remember when he won the primary and people complained, even though he won fair and square. And why did he win, because people came out and voted for him!! Then came the general election and all of these people were complaining that he couldn't possibly win against Trump, but he did win and won by 7 Million more votes. Now, he has been in office for 2 years, he has been doing great things while in office. He is coming out and giving great speeches around the country and of course there are people who like to make fun on him when he stutters or trips, like we all do. But, then came the midterms, and people came out again and boosted up the democratic party and Biden. Last but not least, he gave the most incredible state of the Union speech and he played the GOP like a fiddle, why??? Because he has experience and he knows how to play their game!! There is something to be said for being the underdog and being underestimated. And there is something that we seem to not pay attention to in this country and that is wisdom!! Wisdom is key to strategy!!

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founding

Absolutely correct Michelangelo. The occasional stumbling over words comes from a childhood affliction with stuttering. And let's face it, the Orange Monster at 76 and overweight has a much greater chance of dying in office, that and all the adderall and other drugs he's been taking for years! President Biden has the strength, the knowledge and the integrity to go another 4 years and he has the advantage of being an incumbent who has done great things with a difficult Congress.

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I like Biden and think he's done a great job. I would, however, like a young charismatic Democrat to run. I think that might bring young people to the polls. Here in the Gunshine State, the Dem turnout in the midterms was pitiful and resulted in FL turning a satanic red. The R's do get out and vote, but Dems don't for some reason.

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Who?

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That's a great question! Maybe Chris Murphy? Gretchen Whitmer (if the people are willing to elect a female)? Gavin Newsome? I like Sherrod Brown, but I don't think he wants to run.

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This country had a shot.to elect a competent, qualified WOMAN and elected a "reality show" clown instead because they didn't "like" her 🙄....these same people are doing the same thing to VP Harris

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Yes, misogyny runs deep in the USA. We're ruled by wealthy, white men.

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Sherrod Brown tried to run in 2020 but was pushed aside by other candidates, as he would be again in 2024. Who wants an ugly primary??? exacerbated by the media??

Not me.

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That's a shame. I think he's a good man, but I guess it depends on who else decides to run on the Dem ticket...

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How pathetic and sad that the majority of democrats want a different candidate. These people have lost their memory. Biden brought this country back from the abyss. His steady hand guiding the pandemic the economy international affairs. Where do these people get off denying Biden a second term? We still need him in this leadership role. The danger is still out there. Things were so close last election that a new candidate would not prevail. And exactly who would that be? Get real people. Biden is the guy. Get behind him.

Further more the right wing loves seeing this uncertainty in our candidate.

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Setting aside the choices democrats make, we do need to talk about age and your two choices are perfect. Andrea Mitchell has been for decades a consummate professional. So when Andrea stumbles over words or clearly blanks what she’s saying or when it’s clear she wants to remember something and can’t, then age doesn’t matter. When it’s the man with the launch codes, that’s a different criteria. I’m a healthy, average 70. I don’t remember as clearly; details that slip my mind now, never would have even 10 years ago. I’m not sure you can mandate it via the US government, but I think pressure should be put on the political parties to mandate real physical and mental evaluations for anyone running. Use the same psychologist for any of them, but let’s not send another narcissist to the White House.

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Oh, Jeez, Andrea Mitchell is the worst of the MSNBC hosts, and I fail to understand why she doesn't give it up. I felt the same way the last two years of Judy Woodruff, and I feel now that Al Roker should retire. Can't these people think about anything else to do? And I was tired of looking at Judy's neck veins.

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And that’s why the title included the comment about being ageist & honestly your comment feels a little misogynistic. You got tired of neck veins? I imagine that they don’t leave because it takes a certain amount of ego to do what they do. It’s probably hard to let that go. If they love their jobs; generally do it well; & their $-driven companies are happy with them, then good on them. The trick, I think, is knowing when to walk away.

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If Biden runs, I will fight like hell to make sure he gets a second term. Any of the Republican alternatives are unthinkable. However, I think he's too old. If he were an energetic, young 80 year-old, I would say yes he should run. But he looks and acts his age, which is old. He did an incredible job at the SOTU, and made the Republicans look like the dangerous children that they are. He's been a fantastic president, and will go down in history as the president who started taking us out of the ugly morass that was the Trump presidency. If you run in 2024, Mr. President, I will support you 100%. But, please don't.

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Who runs?

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Well, Buttigieg is definitely making noise in that direction (and I refuse to dismiss a gay candidate as a pipe dream - once Obama won, he broke that white straight Christian male presidential mold for all), Commerce Secretary and former RI governor Gina Raimondo has gotten buzz, Amy Klobuchar probably wants another chance, Pritzker of Illinois, Corey Booker, Gretchen Whitmer, or somebody not yet on radar. I don’t see Kamala in the running at all, though, as she has been an unimpressive VP.

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I’m guessing there’s not a Democrat left in Ohio or downwind of that plume who would vote for Buttigieg. It’s criminal the way that burn was handled.

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If he was responsible for inaction or neglect in East Palestine, then he should definitely pay politically, and his presidential aspirations might be dead. But I await that assessment.

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If he doesn’t run, it goes to Kamala. From what you suggest she’s not a good candidate.

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Gavin Newsom, Gretchen Whitmer, Elizabeth Warren (not as old, and frisky!).

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I don’t think most of us know what Harris has been doing other than not sitting at home cooking. Harris has been exactly the kind of VP Biden was: invisible while doing things. That’s not to say I’m ready to vote for her, but I don’t think our lack of knowledge should be a dis on her. I get that Biden’s the best choice to date, but that doesn’t mean I won’t hold my nose while voting for him. Buttigieg has yet to show real competency running his department, so not yet. I think Klobachar won’t run. None of them will take on Biden though.

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Why is it everyone talks about Biden being too old to be president at 80, but Trump's "youthful" 77 is of no concern...? While there's a huge difference in maturity and experience between the ages of 3 and 6, I fail to see where Trump's advantage of just 3 years is any real significance.

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My concern is that many younger voters think he promised he was only running for 1 term. When I’ve asked my GenX, GenZ, friends & family, they’re happy with what he’s done. They consider breaking that promise a betrayal. They’re really tired of so many 70-80 year olds in DC making decisions they’re going to have to live with for their next 50 yrs or longer. That’s not representing them. I suggest that they

contact their reps in DC.

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I don’t think the elephant in the room is Biden.

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I suspect Biden will agree not to run.

However, he must continue to insist he will run, or people will ignore him.

And I like Gretchen Whitmer

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Feb 14, 2023·edited Feb 14, 2023Author

How do you politically bypass Harris for a white woman governor.? There would be much rightful anger.

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The anger would not be "rightful." Skin color does not make you a good or bad candidate. She has been unimpressive as VP, and awkward at times. this was her dress rehearsal, and it didn't go well. The next president should be the best qualified, regardless of skin color, gender, sexual orientation, or religion.

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And yes, Michelangelo, that anger would be RIGHTFUL!!!

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Black women don't have to worry about.the.double standard and misogynoir in the Republican party because it's on full display in our own party....

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Look, if Kamala got the nomination, I would fight like hell for her. I just think there are better candidates for President, and I've listened to and followed all the folks I've mentioned many times. She will probably run if Biden doesn't, but if her candidacy is anything like her last run for president, she won't be the nominee. If you want to read more into it, that's on you, not me.

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Who are these "better candidates" that would appeal to the base of the party, African American women? And please don't insult me by mentioning Warren or Sanders....

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I like to think that African American women want the best president for our country, regardless of race or gender. If you think that Kamala Harris is the best person to lead our nation if Biden doesn't run, then by all means, champion her nomination. But if you think she must be the nominee if Biden doesn't run, because African American women will insist on her, regardless of skill or political acumen, I find that depressing for our nation's future.

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Feb 14, 2023·edited Feb 14, 2023

Let's not go there regarding VP Harris' qualifications. She is as qualified to be President as anyone else being mentioned on this thread. It seems to me that the legacy of US vice presidents has been far less notable than that of first ladies, with two major exceptions of Spiro Agnew and Dick Cheney. Those were legacies that we did not need. I expressed concern about Biden running again some months ago, but I have changed my tune because he has been getting things done and would have gotten more done without the obstruction of Sinema and Manchin. The energy he showed at the State of the Union address helped to seal the deal for me.

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Yes, let's put up the qualifications of Kamala Harris against those of Trump and De Santis. I'd be fine with her, and I'm unhappy with Biden for sidelining her so much, and have her so invisible in the background.

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What a low bar for choosing the Democratic candidate.

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I don't.

They do.

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As I age, I'm thankful for it. Consider the alternative. In fact, I've only gotten better. More confident. Don't care as much what people think. Joe is handling the business of the U.S. very well and unapologetically. I'm feeling Dark Brandon at any age. These ageist haters can kick rocks, and I'll vote for Joe again when he runs.

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My view is that Biden is a seasoned Washington insider who has seen what his own party, and the opposition party can and will (and will not) do. The reality is that has proven to be a very good skillset in today's environment. That said, the VP isn't the reason anyone votes for a given Presidential candidate. Biden will evaluate what's realistic for him personally, as well as what the nation faces when he makes a decision on whether to run for reelection. Either way, the threat from authoritarianism looms large, and that should help Democrats as it did during the midterm elections. But accomplishing much of anything with a dysfunctional house where a leader had to give away his own power to secure the role will be a challenge. Luckily, McCarthy gave the holdouts power that anyone in the Republican party might use to force votes the the House Speaker wouldn't ordinarily offer. We should watch this space to see what becomes of it.

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Feb 15, 2023·edited Feb 15, 2023

If we are not careful, it will be 2016 all over again. Our democratic republic is in danger of being destroyed. Yes, Biden's age is something to be considered. However, the base of the Republican "party" IS the MAGA cult. Even so-called moderate Republicans and R-leaning Independents will vote for the orange one, or his mini-me, should he get the nomination. Their base will stay home if by some fluke Pence or Haley or even Hogan or Youngkin gets the nomination. MAGAs learned that lesson from McCain and Romney. They want their base of "deplorables" and evangelicals activated. Dems want their base activated, too, but let's do it by emphasizing progressive policies and achievements and with less obsession on the person. Biden is a good and competent person, and as long as he has a good cabinet around him, including his VP Kamala Harris, then we need to support him. An Obama or an FDR are a once-in-a-generation or a once-in-a-lifetime candidate. We cannot afford to stay home or vote for a 3rd party candidate in '24 or in any future mid-term elections.

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I have clients of all ages some of my sharpest clients are in their 90’s Age should not be a factor unless you show signs of slowing down mentally. I know many young people that couldn’t keep up with Biden physically or mentally. When Reagan won a second term he had dementia and nobody did a damn thing look at Finestein she should have been required to retire a few years ago. But it’s only the democrats that remove our politicians for the right reasons. There are plenty of very mentally unstable people on the republican side that will never leave and also plenty of mentally corrupt people I can name 10 without even trying they should have been removed as soon as they were elected

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Michelangelo asked persons that think Biden is "too old" and then when pressed, they name Sen. Warren (former republican and OLD) and Sen. Sanders (just as old, NOT a Democrat)?

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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The burn that has sent a plume of cancerous chemicals across the Midwest, was not a decision made by Trump. At no point did DoT step in and stop a burn that should never have happened. They let the railroad make the cheapest choice instead of pumping most of it out before a burn. Dr. Eric Fiegl-Ding has a great story full of info. They should all feel ashamed.

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His article is here, on Substack.

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Warren is about 5 years younger than Biden and FIT! And presents an energetic image.... Even Sanders presents a more passionate and energetic image than Biden.

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Warren? A former republican? That allowed Agolf Twitler to sucker her into a ridiculous DNA test? She'll be lucky to win her senate seat.

Sanders isn't a Democrat

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So weak... You're downing Warren for one incident over 3 years ago? Seriously?? And she is tremendously popular in Mass. Maybe she was actually interested in her DNA.

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Yeah, it was a weak move that she made....she should have never allowed herself to be bullied into doing that....and there have been other "incidents"....

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Whatever....but why don't you keep your misogynism to yourself?

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It misogyny and it doesn't apply to our convo....and I'll keep my opinion to myself when you do the same....and we all know that's not happening, so....

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