Schiff Calls On Biden To End His Campaign
The second night of the Republican National Convention is now over, and once again I am finding it hard to provide any sort of comprehensive review. Ted Cruz spoke. Do you really want to read a rundown of all the odious things he said? Yeah, me neither. I will sum the experience up with a description by one of the New York Times journalists, who notably called him: "The human oil slick Ted Cruz...." That seems about right. Last night seemed to be the "night of the also-rans," with Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley all swallowing their pride and bowing down to the man who beat them in the primaries. Haley has now completed a full flip-flop-flip, since she started out by swearing she wouldn't run if Donald Trump did, then turned around and ran anyway, and now she is back on his side again. Pretty much par for her course, really, as she has always been somewhat of a weather vane, twisting and spinning in the prevailing Republican winds. What else happened? The governor of West Virginia brought his bulldog on stage, to the delight of the crowd, and Trump showed up in person again to watch the show. Some delegates have taken to wearing mock ear bandages, which could be a new MAGA fashion trend. The whole "kinder, gentler convention" idea went straight out the window, as speaker after speaker tossed red Republican meat to the crowd. That's about it for my reactions, really.
Across the aisle, Democrats are making news once again, but not in any kind of good way. Representative Adam Schiff -- who is almost certainly going to be California's next senator -- today added his voice to the chorus calling for President Joe Biden to drop his re-election campaign. This brings the total number of congressional Democrats who have done so up to 23 (22 in the House, plus one senator). These are not exactly overwhelming numbers, but Schiff's announcement today was the first one since Trump's attempted assassination on Saturday, which might be a green light for others to now speak up as well.
Biden is doing what he can to try to stop this movement, but so far he hasn't been all that convincing. His interview on Monday was much the same as his other recent appearances -- you can just see how old he is and the toll the job has taken on him already. He hasn't had any major stumbles in all of his appearances, but he also hasn't proven he truly is up to the task of beating Donald Trump. He looks every day of his 81 years.
Biden is trying to push back, behind the scenes. He's had calls with various groups of Democrats, but the reviews of these calls by some of the attendees is not exactly what could be called confidence-building. Biden seems to be surrounded by a small group of advisors who are refusing to level with him about the political reality of the situation. One audio clip from one of these calls was leaked to the press, where Biden states:
The polling data we're seeing nationally and on the swing states has been essentially where it was before. You noticed the last three polls, nationally, they had me up four points. And I mean, I don't have much faith in the polls at all, either way, because they're so hard to read anymore.
This is simply not true. Biden hasn't been up by four points in a single national poll, much less three of them. So why doesn't he know this? Some of the participants on the calls have been trying to tell Biden the unvarnished truth, but "I don't have much faith in the polls at all" is a convenient way for Biden to deny any reality he doesn't want to face. Which should be very worrisome to Democrats, obviously.
A new poll of a different kind was released today, and it had more bad news for Biden. A full 65 percent of Democratic voters say that Joe Biden "should withdraw and allow his party to select a different candidate." That is almost two-thirds of the Democratic base -- an absolutely stunning rebuke to Biden's candidacy. But one has to wonder if this news will even get through to Biden or whether he'll just brush it off because he doesn't believe any polls he doesn't like. The inescapable conclusion from all this is that not only has Biden lost the confidence of his own party's rank and file, but also that he is now woefully out of touch with the current political reality.
Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee bowed to the pushback it was receiving over the planned "virtual roll call" of convention delegates. This stemmed from the state of Ohio dragging its feet on passing a waiver to their filing deadline (which was necessary because the Democratic National Convention will be held so late in the year). Ohio has now passed such a waiver, but some argue that it would leave Biden vulnerable to a legal challenge to his name appearing on Ohio's presidential ballots. Other Democrats, however, argue that this is ridiculous and any lawsuit would result in the judge ruling that Biden's name must appear on the ballot anyway.
In any case, the national party decided to hold a virtual roll call early, to avoid the problem altogether. However, this is seen by Democrats opposed to Biden continuing his campaign as a sneaky way to make the whole thing a "done deal" far too early. So today, the Democratic National Committee bent a little bit and agreed not to start the virtual roll call next week. Now the plan is they'll wait until the first week in August. But that really only adds a week and a half to the window of time to get Biden to drop out.
There was one interesting development today, which could turn out to be a face-saving excuse -- or it could turn out to just be an insignificant answer to an interview question. Biden, when asked what it would take to convince him to get out of the race, cracked the door open more than he has previously done. His response:
If there had [sic] some medical condition that emerged, if somebody, if doctors came to me and said: "You got this problem and that problem."
This is better than his last answer to the same question, which was that he would only drop out if the "Lord Almighty" came down and told him to do so. A doctor telling Biden he's not up to the task is a lot more plausible a scenario than divine intervention, to state the obvious.
This interview is set to air tonight on BET. And it may provide a process for the "pass the torch" movement to follow. There are a lot more Democrats who are worried about Biden's prospects than the 23 who have called on him to step aside, and they might be more inclined to sign a letter to Biden demanding he get a full neurological workup done. If the doctors came back with bad news for Biden, it would allow him to step down but still save face -- "I truly believed I could beat Donald Trump, but my doctors have told me that continuing my run would be a mistake."
This would all have to happen quickly, though. Which is why it'll be interesting to see what the reaction is to this interview tonight. Will Democrats use this to force the issue with Biden (even those who are not yet explicitly calling on him to step aside)? Or will it just be remembered as a throwaway line and wind up not meaning anything?
[Addendum:] As I was writing this article, the news broke that President Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. This, obviously, is a new curveball in the mix. Conspiracy theorists are already proclaiming this will be the "medical condition" that Biden needs to drop out, but I seriously doubt that is true. After all, COVID-19 is survivable, not some sort of chronic condition (although it can be, with occasionally-permanent "long COVID" symptoms). It is going to put the focus on Biden meeting with his doctors, at the very least. Which is an interesting development, to be sure.
-- Chris Weigant
Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant
According to the CD&GC (Centers for Disease & Gun Control) an individual who is 75 to 84 years is 220 times likelier to die from COVID..
Just putting the facts out there... :D
As I am wont to do.. Have a great night ya'all :D
It is SUCH a surprise, Michale, that you choose to show up at this time. ;)
Must you persist in the hand wringing, Chris? I’m getting embarrassed by my own Party.
Why do so many think that 'anybody but Biden' is going to result in something better than, well, Biden?
I can't wait to hear what Chris and the rest of them have to say when Trump beats 'anybody but Biden' in November.
I'm especially looking forward to the look on Jake Tapper's face when Trump beats 'anyone but Biden. That is going to give me no small amount of satisfaction. :)
Biden seems to be surrounded by a small group of advisors who are refusing to level with him about the political reality of the situation.
Of course, if Biden is unable to grasp the political reality of the current situation all on his own without any help from his shrinking inner circle, then it's game over, anyways, right? There, I finished it for you! :-)
It was kind of strange to see Biden heading back to Delaware this evening after just receiving a positive COVID test result and not wearing a mask. No one close by to him on the tarmac was wearing one, either. Hmmm...
...is there some gaslighting going on here?
Well, I'm not surprised that neither Biden, himself, nor the Dems, in general are capable of effective messaging on the economy. There is no hope for them, it seems.
Isn't it amazing, though, that the race for the WH is still pretty close, despite (or, would that better be because of) EVERYTHING!?
Conspiracy theorists are already proclaiming this will be the "medical condition" that Biden needs to drop out, but I seriously doubt that is true. After all, COVID-19 is survivable, not some sort of chronic condition...
Exactly. Current death rates from COVID-19 have actually dropped precipitously in all groups. #Vaccines
https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/?ref=quillette.com#demographicsovertime
President Biden receives regular vaccination, doesn't have cardiac issues and has access to some of the best medical care in the world... so he'll more than likely have a mild case. Also, he already had COVID-19 a couple years ago... so this ain't his first rodeo.
count me among the Biden should stay the hell in crowd. he's got the votes and the pledged delegates, so what are they going to do, call for another primary? win or lose, Democrats are not going to do better with anyone else, so they should seriously quit trying. my idea of a campaign promise to step down within year one is the absolute most he should do, if that.
very disappointed in you, cw.
Elizabeth will you relax?
The shit don’t get real until after Labor Day! You save your best stuff for when Muricans are paying attention — and not a moment before! What don’t you understand about this, c’mon.
I betcha Joe’s first debate won’t be on anybody’s radar screen at that point. And polls this far out are objectively not good at forecasting electoral results, period. Polls are a snapshot in time and nothing more.
Add me to the disappointed in you category, Chris. This election shouldn’t be close (and I don’t think it will be close) so media is bagging on Joe to make for a more profitable story line.
You shouldn’t join the group think it’s against your Mission Statement, yo.
@Liz
It is SUCH a surprise, Michale, that you choose to show up at this time. ;)
How could I resist?? :D
I am glad to see that my legacy of multiple comments in a row is alive and well here in Weigantia.. I always knew that Weigantians never really had a problem with multiple comments in a row...
They simply hated MY multiple PRO America PRO President Trump comments in a row.. :D
It was kind of strange to see Biden heading back to Delaware this evening after just receiving a positive COVID test result and not wearing a mask. No one close by to him on the tarmac was wearing one, either. Hmmm...
Especially when one considers that right before the BIDEN HAS COVID announcement, Basement Biden was asked if there was anything that would make him re-evaluate staying in the race..
“If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody, if doctors came to me and said, you got this problem and that problem.”
-Basement Biden
And, soon after that statement, it was announced that Basement Biden has COVID...
Things that make you go "hmmmm"... indeed...
@JL
my idea of a campaign promise to step down within year one is the absolute most he should do, if that.
The problem with that is Basement Biden ALREADY made a promise to be a "transitional one term" POTUS..
He's already lied about that once?? What makes you think he has any credibility left??
Oh, com'on people.. Lay off CW... We're guests in his home.. And if he wants to acknowledge the facts and reality in his own home, it's his right...
But I AM surprised that CW hasn't mentioned how Jack Smith's cases against President Trump have been thrown on the trash heap of history where they belong.. :D
I realize it's a traumatic time for ya'all, what with Basement Biden failing and falling fast.
But buck up. Ya'all are going to LOVE America under President Trump's second term... I guarantee it!!! :D
Now I gotta go get ready for work.
Allow me to leave you with a couple interesting thoughts
First they sued him..
Then they prosecuted him..
Then they arrested him..
Then they tried to take him off the ballot..
Then they tried to kill him..
Idi Amin
Pol Pot
Joseph Stalin
Fidel Castro
Vladimir Putin
Basement Joe Biden
All despotic leaders who had their political opponents arrested and tried in kangaroo courts where the verdict was pre-ordained...
Cardassian "justice" at it's finest...
Tooddles.. :D
count me among the Biden should stay the hell in crowd. he's got the votes and the pledged delegates, so what are they going to do, call for another primary? win or lose, Democrats are not going to do better with anyone else, so they should seriously quit trying. my idea of a campaign promise to step down within year one is the absolute most he should do, if that.
very disappointed in you, cw.
Indeed. But, I would add surprised and even disgusted to how I feel about what Chris has been doing since the infamous debate.
I think Biden has to get very personal with voters about all of this and ask them for their support in so many words every time he opens his mouth, from here on straight through the rest of his campaign.
For all Chris has done to put Democrats on the right message over the years, it's so hard to believe that he so easily jumped on the band wagon to dump Biden. I just don't get it.
All I can say is that Biden has been through quite a lot in his political and personal life over the last 50+ years and the media - ALL parts of it with rare and notable exceptions - have NEVER been fair chroniclers of his life and career. I am sure that they are having great fun in trying to bring him down, finally. And, I certainly count Chris in THAT crowd after his behavior over the course of the last few weeks.
Now, let me be clear, IF this election was just about foreign policy and how the Biden administration has dealt with crises from Afghanistan to Ukraine with all things being equal between the parties on the domestic policy front, then I'd say that Biden wouldn't deserve another term as Commander in Chief.
But, this election is about America itself and there is a wide gulf between the parties when it comes to freedom and rights and economic well-being. And, it is painful to watch how Democrats are basically destroying their own chances to win this thing by panicking at the last moment in this years long election cycle and weakening their own candidate if not outright discarding him.
@m,
being "transitional" was NOT a promise not to run again. you know what I think will probably happen now, but you're vastly out-kicking your coverage with all this talk of Stalin and Castro. Biden has been a good president, and Donald left himself vulnerable to prosecution, whatever the motive, by repeatedly breaking the law. deep inside where your objective self lives, you know this is true, regardless of the ultimate outcome.
JL
I am still pushing for Biden. I do not believe that this country has enough sense to vote for Kamala Harris yet, despite the fact that she would be perfect for the job. I think Biden can still beat Trump and that he will step aside to allow her to take charge soon after he defeats Trump. Biden needs to take some time to rest and get over this COVID infection so he can get back to running his campaign.
not sure who did the polling on that issue, but the very unscientific consensus here is definitely on the "stay" side of the Bidexit question
They simply hated MY multiple PRO America PRO President Trump comments in a row.. :D
No, we hated your long, emboldened, copy and paste from some crappy conservative rag posts...
But I AM surprised that CW hasn't mentioned how Jack Smith's cases against President Trump have been thrown on the trash heap of history where they belong.. :D
Actually it seems to be going the eleventh circuit where Jack can get a less corrupt judge to take it over...
I realize it's a traumatic time for ya'all, what with Basement Biden failing and falling fast.
Doe174 J Trump is not much younger and showing signs of mental decline himself...
Personally I'm mixed. On the one hand I'm quite happy with what Biden and his team has done over the last few years and though I don't wish death on anyone, having a president die in office every once in a while is likely quite healthy for our democracy. We can see that they are not kings and the succession is orderly. On the other hand there are a lot of younger voters who are disappointed by the age of both candidates and someone young might energize them. The youth vote in large numbers and Trump is toast. Hence why his team is quite concerned with Biden leaving the race.
I put in all the answers to JL's and Bashi's comment, but it didn't post..
There were no links in it, so I am not sure why it didn't post..
Oh well.. It was a hum dinger of a comment!! :D
Sorry ya'all missed it.. :D
@m,
repost my part on rcp, k?