Yves here. Tom Neuburger’s latest on “What to do about Biden” raises many interesting discussion points, even if yours truly disagrees with them. What bothers me the most is the idea that the voters should have a say. In practice, with past primaries, there is no way this is happening. Moreover, it has long been apparent that Democrats treat ordinary voters as mere chumps, to be used and tossed aside. The party does not support policies that most Americans, not just self-described Dems, want, starting with higher minimum wages, strengthening Medicare and Social Security, taxing the wealthy, and reducing military spending. The group called it crazy to bash Sanders and wasn’t even willing to throw a policy bone to his supporters. They also used incredibly aggressive methods to block Biden’s primary rivals, most notably RFK, Jr. and until they announced beforehand that Biden was the candidate, no opposition was allowed.
And as for official looking, sounding conferences, come on. Trump had the worst rally in 2016, when his team had a hard time getting anyone other than his family members to appear on stage with him. And remember the gruesome and protracted battle he had with the dead Gold Star soldier’s father? It didn’t stop him from winning.
And as for the deal that Biden might take, I would risk a reversal of what Tom is suggesting. The Bidens seem to be spending more of their money than others. An eye-catching contact (as it turns out the Bidens have an expensive house to maintain, among other lifestyle clues) estimates it would take $200 million to get Biden to leave, as that’s what it would cost to keep him and his extended family at the level he’s used to, as well as pay legal bills, especially Hunter’s. .
Written by Thomas Neuburger. It was first published in the book God’s Spies
The Donor Convention is happening as we speak – behind-the-scenes negotiations (sort of) are being conducted by major donors and grandkids to (a) force Biden to resign or withdraw, and (b) figure out who should take over. he.
Takeaway: None of this engages voters, except indirectly. (Questions like “Can Harris beat Trump?” involve voters indirectly, by guessing their choices.)
The problem: Even though everyone in the Party seems to want to beat Trump, including the majority of voters close to the Party, some may feel offended by the blatantly undemocratic process and stay away. Right now the Party needs all the votes it can get. That’s a tight circle to square.
Candidate Requirements
What are the requirements for a candidate for this program? I think they have:
- Donors must endorse that person and freely donate to him or his race.
- Party office bearers – House members and senators, especially those up for re-election – must fully support the choice.
- The media should also fully support the choice. There is no more talk of an “uncertain future.” No more “Confused Dems.”
- Voters, both close to the Democratic Alliance and true independents, must think otherwise
• Donors choose well, or
• Voters have a real say in this process.
All of these seem necessary, but especially 1 and 4. When donors decide who to open their wallets to— and do so together – The party and the media will follow. Nervous Democrats needn’t worry about them.
But in voters, the process cannot seem too undemocratic. As Ryan Grim wrote, “The key to an open meeting being legitimate in the eyes of the public is that it has to feel open.”
Grim is absolutely right. The product just doesn’t know be good for you; it should to hear good for you too. This is why they put fizz in some toothpaste brands: It is desirable; that means it works. Of course, fizz is usually hydrogen peroxide, which provides benefits. But also feels it’s profitable, and that’s what drives the product.
If the various candidates and their allies were on TV regularly and giving speeches on their behalf, with constant news about endorsements from big wigs, unions, environmental groups, etc., it would sound like what we understand today as reality and democracy: reality TV.
Reality TV. Why would that work?
The spectacle will attract worldwide attention and create a bond between the viewer and the stars of the spectacle – especially if social media seems to play a real role in how things unfold. If that sentiment is seen as helping pick the next nominee, Trump is humbled. If the Democratic administration appoints someone, that person appoints.
I’m not sure I’m as confident in the outcome as Grimm, but I agree the process is worth it to hear the right of voters, even if few will buy into it.
The Intelligence Community Speaks Out
I would be remiss if I didn’t say that the intelligence community’s “vote” is important. They’ve already rated at least twice, and they don’t want Biden.
The first time was September last year. David Ignatius is as close as a reporter can get. In 2023 he wrote in Washington Post, “President Biden should not run again in 2024”. His reason, two “debts” of Biden: his age and Kamala Harris.
After all, if all the donor they knew ahead of time that Biden was weak (as Krystal Ball said on her show), did the spook situation not know? Ignatius and his whisperers may have changed their minds about Harris, but not about Joe.
It came for the second time this week. Matt Taibbi wrote this about Senator Mark Warner (subscriber post; emphasis added): “I [Washington] Submit The report said the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Virginia Senator Mark Warner, was planning to gather prominent Democrats to ask Biden to consider resigning. I opinion of an elected official with very close ties to the intelligence community dropping that news just before Biden’s biggest televised interview since the debate wasn’t hard to explain. “
Court guards and King Lear’s “spies of God”, please beware. Do you think they want Trump? The IC gets a vote too.
How Donors Can End Biden’s Reign
Before I say this, remember, I have no horse in the Democratic Party race. There is no real option going forward. I want a very strong candidate, and I will like it soon. To that end, I offer this.
If everyone who donates agrees that Ms. Somebody Else is their choice, the way to get rid of Biden and the people who stiffened the spine is simple and clear: He refuses to finance his retirement and his family.
You know what I mean. No library fees, few lectures, the perfect cold shoulder in all major currencies. It’s not even a bribe; it is a post facto the carrot is also the perfect stick. Even the Court says post facto tipping is fine.
And it would work. Every modern former president can take that deal. The Bidens and their close friends, if they chose well, would sail to the islands of the sun in boats made of gold, surrounded by flowers and praise.
And we, the public, will know who our choices are… eventually.
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