The race card will be the main focus of the 2020 election. Biden’s choice of Abrams would be a disaster. She is a whiner, and wouldn’t be able to handle the bad press she would probably get because of her inexperience and racial views towards conservatives. Castro and Harris are placing their bets on their color. Booker, not so much. Biden would be the only adult in the room. A biden/booker ticket would be a better fit.
1
The only thing wrong with Biden's age is that he's too old to change and become a racist. Thus, he stands no chance against Donald Trump.
Donald Trump doesn't need to be concerned about Joe Biden or any other of the decent candidates running for president. Although Trump praises the electorate, he secretly knows that they can be led around like a bulls with nose rings - only instead of bull rings, he uses their beliefs and prejudices to lead them wherever he wants.
If DJT doesn't destroy our fragile democracy, he has published the blueprint and playbook for some other demagogue to do it later. If a democracy like America's is going to exist, there will have to be a paradigm shift in human thought throughout the world.
In the near future, we will program the human mind in the computer based on a "survival" algorithm, which will provide irrefutable proof as to how we trick the mind with our ridiculous beliefs about what is supposed to survive - producing minds programmed de facto for destruction. These minds would see the survival of a particular group of people or a belief as more important than the survival of all. When we understand all this, we will begin the long trek back to reason and sanity.
See RevolutionOfReason.com
After the painful and unjust appointment of sexual harasser Kavamaugh to the Supreme Court, the disaster of the treatment of Anita Hill came flooding back. Sorry, Joe, but the horrible, disrespectful treatment of Anita Hill has put your judgement into serious question. We are stuck with the odious Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court, knowing how he spent his earlier years. I would never be able to volunteer for Biden, as I would hope do do for anyone running against a monster.
And that is not even considering the racist, hateful crime bill....
What if he selected a moderate Republican as his running-mate in an effort to bridge parties, division, and lack of civility?
3
The Democrats should concentrate on winning. I have spoken to many people who told me they didn't vote for Trump because they liked him, they voted against Hillary because they disliked her because she came off as "entitled".
So pick someone people won't vote against. Pelosi may be competent at her job but to many she comes off as shrill and not likeable.
Job one is getting Trump out, not bringing radical ideas that will turn off a swath of important voters. Biden paired with someone like Hickenlooper of Colorado or Heitkamp of North Dakota produces a ticket few would want to vote against. Then it comes down to issues and comportment and Trump loses hands down.
Any of the ploys Biden is considering would signal tremendous desperation; and they wouldn’t work. The Electoral College would see to that.
2
Pledging to run only one term is like broadcasting, "You can't count on me too long," a message that hardly resonates with those yearning for Democratic Party stability and endurance. Age aside, Biden has too much baggage, like ignoring credible "me, too" allegations from law professor Anita Hill to green-light Clarence Thomas, the most right-wing judge on the US Supreme Court. Thanks, Joe. Then there's Biden's complicity in the Iraq invasion, chairing the Senate Judiciary Committee in the run-up to the war, silencing voices of dissent while parading a long line of bloodthirsty war hawks. Even though Trump is pushing an obscene near trillion dollar military budget, he ran to the left of HRC on the Iraq War & would surely have a field day with Biden's miscalculation on Iraq.
I do believe you need to consider where the tumultuous cheering which greets every mention of Biden's name may come from.
Think: Westbury Music Fair, full of 65-75 year-olds, as Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons come jogging out onto the circular stage. "Wow, that guy can still hit those high notes!"
It would be good for Joe Biden to retire with the notable distinction of having been one of the more effective, helpful and humane vice-presidents during my lifetime (see above), sharing what he can of his experience with younger contenders. And forget about using Stacy Abrams as a life preserver.
1
1) Sanders, who is about the same age is not dwelling on it & has many younger supporters
2) Naming a running mate "early" seems like anointing a successor. I do think that that is presumptuous. My current 1st choice is Pete Buttigeig (37 year old mayor of South Bend) who is not likely to get traction for 2020, but may be a future contender.
3) Announcing himself as a 1 term POTUS is a recipe for recalcitrance on Capitol Hill. Who needs a 4 year lame duck?
2
What's with the age-ism? Every other "ism" is not okay so why is this?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg is 85.
Each candidate needs to run on his/her character, record, and ideas for the future.
We desperately need to pivot as a nation, but, as to Biden, his record as a Republican lite centrist whose administration bailed out Wall Street doesn't portend well.
3
I love Biden, but his time has passed. He's run before unsuccessfully; it's not as though he didn't have his shot at it. Time for a new generation of leaders to step up. (I'm looking at you, too, Bernie.)
And I have zero interest in anyone who may not be up for two terms - that's just stupid. Why, so they can be a lame duck on Day 1? Hell no. We have big problems (climate change, healthcare) to tackle.
3
I heard Joe Biden speak in the Fall 2018 and I really hoped he would run. I thought he is just what this country needs now. I was very impressed. But this article makes me question those assessments. Half-measures are terrible for something as important as the US presidency. If Biden cannot commit whole-heartedly for 8 years, and if he cannot compete for the Millennial vote using social media, he should not run.
2
I have no problem with his age - and Jerry Brown is an perfect example of the quality of governing that comes with wisdom and experience. Every person running has baggage - it's the changes you've made and errors you acknowledge that matter. It is too early to know who the candidate will be but so far it is a nice line up.
2
The more I hear from Biden, the less confident in him I am. I am glad this is getting started so early, the American people need time to learn who all these candidates are. Especially Buttigieg.
2
Biden was first elected to the Senate in 1972, and has run for president twice already. He has had huge amounts of exposure for decades. If he were destined for the White House, it probably would have happened by now.
4
Biden naming a vice president out of the gate before he's the nominee is presumptuous, arrogant and dumb. I would not appreciate in the least. I will think badly of Biden if he does this.
It's a gimmick. If Biden's a strong candidate, he doesn't need a gimmick.
Why also announce you're running for one term as president so you're a lame duck? DUH.
This also makes it impossible to pick a vice president from among the field of candidates running with him months from now after the debates. Someone like Pete Buttigieg, who nobody is noticing now, may emerge as the most intelligent and interesting possibility so why should Biden lock himself into Staci Abrams immediately?
I like Staci Abrams but this also smacks of desperation like "I"m trying to lock in the African American and female vote right away." Again, it pays no attention to how things may develop during the campaign which has many many months to run. Pander pander pander. It looks desperate to pander.
Biden trying to rig or game the nomination with stunts like that right off the bat is a a desperation move that only very old party hacks and moderate/conservatives will like.
Younger & more adventurous voters who want an open nomination process w/ fair play for all already running won't like it. This reminds me of the DNC trying to rig things in advance for Hillary in 2016. Nobody wants to see that again! I predict a revolt with lots of people responding to Biden opening with his veep nominee with "UGH!"
4
If the choice is a septuagenarian, e.g., Bernie, who believes in and fights for Medicare for All, free college, and a living wage, or a young "Centrist" Democrat, who believes in and fights for incremental changes...
I'll take the octogenarian every day of the week and twice on Election Day.
2
The only way I would like it if Biden picked his veep out of the gate is if he picked Pete Buttigieg.
OTOH, I want Pete Buttigieg to have the opportunity to run for president without Joe Biden trying to rig the nomination process with a stunt like running with Staci Abrams.
Biden wouldn't even consider Buttigieg right now because Buttigieg is still under the radar. But I'm betting that will change during the debates.
Biden picking a veep now ensures he won't pick someone who emerges from the pack as the most electable person.
I like Staci Abrams but maybe she's the right veep candidate and maybe she's not. What she is is a black woman, which is why Biden would be so eager to wrap her up.
Pander pander pander.
Old man politics.
This is why people love Pete Buttigieg and Beto, who both seem genuine and not canned.
1
Jerry Brown. Does that name, his age, and how he turned things around in California ring a bell? Don't discount an older experienced politician.
4
A one-term commitment is suicidal. You're a lame duck ten minutes after you take the oath. Theodore Roosevelt learned that lesson, pledging after the 1904 election but before his 1905 inauguration not to serve a further term.
3
Message to Joe Biden:
We’re close to the same age. I don’t think you’re too old for this but please don’t run. I’m sure you probably feel some guilt over the election of Trump (you should) and you feel the need to fix things. That’s understandable, but it really is time for a younger, fresher face with bold new ideas in the White House. There are so many wonderful, inspiring, baggage-free candidates out there who, regardless of what current polling says, have a better chance of beating Trump than you do.
That said, there is one very important job for which you are the guy: Secretary of State! None of the candidates have the foreign policy experience and international respect that you can bring and there’s so much damage to repair. This is where you can truly do the most good for both your country and your legacy.
Better to be known as the savior of America’s relationship with the rest of the world than a 3-time loser in another presidential run.
Message to Stacey Abrams:
Run on your own for president!!!
@JammieGirlI am older than you, Joe. I have supported you every time. Donated money. But not this time. You are too old. You look frail too;. But maybe you are just going to be frail. Old old comes on very fast. And we do not need another 4 years of someone unable to handle the job. Please please do not run. There are good young people running already.
1
Already Biden's proving why he's not the one. Pledging to serve one term because he's already kinda sorta too old comes across as a sign of weakness. And how is he going to name a good (young) running mate early, when many of the best prospects are already running on their own? Uniquely poor strategy, (Biden/Warren anyone?). Not meant to be. Whoever runs on the Dem ticket better do so like a boss.
3
Choosing a VP candidate now would be a bad idea, because doing so would effectively eliminate from consideration all the other Democratic candidates, including Kamala Harris. Biden needs flexibility to decide which of those candidates runs well enough to attract votes on a presidential ticket. Right now, we don't know.
Choosing Stacey Abrams would be a huge mistake, smacking of tokenism in signaling that the candidate - an African-American woman was being chosen chiefly demographic reasons. Stacey Abrams deserves better than that, and voters are not stupid.
If Biden wants to run, then he should just do it. He should not broadcast his negatives, and alienate voters, by hedging against ageism and the "white man" onus. Just run, Joe, and take your chances with everyone else. You'll do better that way.
1
He should be more worried about his history than his age.
Biden has been associated with some of the worst legislation of that past several decades: mass incarceration, the bankruptcy bill that made it much harder for working people to avail what the rich routinely use when they get into financial trouble, the Anita Hill debacle, overturning the Glass-Steagel protections.
"Over the past 20 years, MBNA (a financial services company from Delaware) has been Biden's single largest contributor. And as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal note, Biden's son Hunter was hired out of law school by MBNA and later worked as a lobbyist for the company."
https://www.propublica.org/article/bidens-cozy-relations-with-bank-industry-825
The man seems to be a male version of Hillary Clinton, and inexplicably, both he and the liberal media are convinced he can beat Trump.
4
This article makes me sad. I loved Biden as Obama's VP and he would by default have my vote if he is the nominee, but its obvious from recent appearances he is looking and sounding frail. Further, democratic voters must be given the opportunity to decide the nominee for ourselves. We were given a Hobson's choice in 2016 that caused just enough of our ranks to refuse to vote or to defect in anger, handing the election to Trump. I urge Biden and the democratic establishment to let the primary process play out fair and square without giving off a stench of a back room pre-determined deal. Biden will need to show us he has the stamina and current relevance to be president. Propping himself up with younger VP choice is not going to cut it.
3
"Senator Tom Carper, who is himself 72, said he offered a succinct response to Mr. Biden: “Two words: Nancy Pelosi.”
The position of Speaker of the House is a tough job, a daunting job, a stressful job. But that's all in a day's work and a cakewalk in comparison to the POTUS job.
The first person who comes to mind for me is not Nancy Pelosi but Ronald Reagan. I really liked the guy. I cried when he died. But I also despised his politics over time. What happened throughout his presidency was one of the best kept secrets in the White House, i.e., hiding his dementia from the American public until his 2 terms in the White House ended.
There are a host of Democratic candidates, including the possibility of Joe Biden, who are into their silver years. No offense to any of them, but I wonder and worry about their health, both physically and mentally. The fact that Reagan's condition was kept secret, who's to say that couldn't happen again. And let's be honest here - the most stressful job in the country is the job of running the country. My gosh, look at how it aged Barack Obama. It's a tough job under the best circumstances.
I'm not discounting any Democratic who is running for president. But age should be taken under advisement rather than kicking it aside as if it's an empty beer can. Anything can happen to anybody at any given time. I think one's age (whether it be senior or middle aged) should be added to the pile of pros and cons for consideration.
2
Biden/Booker, 2020...let's go!
Or, you know, just don't run.
1
Joe Biden is too old and so is Bernie Sanders. Period!!
3
How about a Biden-Obama ticket? As in, Joe Biden and Michelle Obama.
Run Joe run.
He could try joking about it, like Reagan (“I won't make my opponent inexperience a campaign issue"). Worked one time.
1
To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, age and experience trumps youth.
2
Boy, you can over think this. Which is what they're doing, from the sounds of it.
Also, should his all be aired out loud at this point? I think I agree with the advisers who say that picking the VP so early locks him in, and doesn't do justice to those who do well in the primaries.
The article is right to say that Biden appeals to so many because of his experience and his genuineness, gaffes and all. I do hope he gets coaching though in his past stances and how he'd handle them--it should be done early and firmly to put the issues to bed for once and for all.
4
Show me a man who promises to serve only one term as President, and I'll show you a man who cares about nothing more than his name in the history books,. He is clearly not looking to accomplish anything that might help me or any of my fellow American citizens.
4
Biden's idea of picking a running mate relatively early is a good idea for his situation, but he won't be able to do so too early if he wants the flexibility of picking someone who is in the field and likely on the debate stage with him. I would speculate that if he doesn't pick someone ready to assume the office at any time, and he picks the wrong person like John McCain did with Sarah Palin, it will virtually make sure Trump gets re-elected. Elizabeth Warren or one of the Governors that has a history of success in drilling down into issues, could be the best choice for him if he wants the public to have confidence in a team. If he picks someone based on their appeal like Beto or Stacey Abrams to juice the ticket, I would speculate that just like Palin crippled McCain's candidacy with Independants and middle of the road Republicans, the same thing will happen to him. I hope that his sole criteria is getting someone than will roll up their sleeves and help him govern right away instead of having a rubber stamp in waiting.
1
@Kevin Do you really think Palin was the main reason Obama won? I don't. The incumbent Republican President was deeply unpopular, McCain's whole campaign was incoherent and Obama ran a great campaign. For sure Palin didn't help McCain but he was already toast.
BTW you seem to be assuming that Biden will get the nomination. I think it's more likely that he won't.
1
@Jack Toner No one is sure if Biden will get the nomination or not, but with a lot pf people's concerns about his age, if he doesn't line up a running mate early so that they can see if they are comfortable with the person potentially taking over him, his chances will dwindle quickly.
I know plenty of McCain supporters from the first time he ran that were already disgusted that McCain was abandoning a lot of his principles and was now running using the Bush playbook and consultants, and when he picked Palin that was just a bridge too far. Obama was very lucky that he didn't recycle his first campaign and pick someone rational as his VP. There are similar parallels with Biden, if he makes an early VP choice and it isn't a real good one, he qoes very quickly to the back of the line
Why won't he just go away?
3
Joe’s already contorting and angling and he hasn’t even declared yet.
8
Looking for the right candidate who is the right race, the right age and the right sex is crazy. It is like we are trying to create The Six Million Dollar Candidate using The Blueprint from the television series The Six Million Dallor Man. Why not let the best person win regardless of all of the above?
4
I have some concerns about Biden, but his age isn't one of them. His appalling treatment of Anita Hill and his responsibility for seating the patently unqualified Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court still stick in my craw. That said, I will still vote for him if I believe he is best positioned to defeat Trump, who is an existential threat to the country and the planet. These tactics reek of desperation--they would damage, not help, his candidacy.
7
The top two primary leaders as the ticket. Present the broadest support for these two. Get behind a candidate who can defeat the mistake in the White House.
2
Cory Booker would make an excellent running mate should Biden choose to go that route.
It is true that Biden has more years behind him than he does ahead of him. Last election my friends liked Bernie but they feared he was too old. Well, Bernie is still kicking and running again. Nancy Pelosi at 78 is mopping the floor with Donald. So we all need to take a breathe and let the best person run against Trump.
2
The running mate should be selected by the nominee at the convention as in the past. Don’t like this gimmick at all. The candidate should be able to run in his or her merits alone. Period.
5
Framing his run as a "rescue mission" would be a bad move if he wants to attract Trump supporters who also voted for President Obama.
All these comments about Biden being too old and all that implies. Remember that Sanders is even older and frankly is the stereotypical curmudgeon. Biden pledging to run for one term only with a strong VP candidate is the best idea yet. The only objective of the 2020 election is to beat Trump and a self-described socialist is not going to do it.
1
It would be much better for the Democrats if Biden advised the nominee, not be the nominee. He has lots of knowledge, experience and baggage.
42
Joe Biden's time has come and gone. He has had a great career but honestly, with the democratic party throwing up a lot of great candidates, his services are not needed. His ideas are mostly outdated and history has shown that a lot of his thinking proved to be wrong. He will not be able to overcome the age issue, however hard he tries. He should think of hanging up his boots and calling it a day.
7
Joe Biden seems to think that he cannot win the Democratic Presidential nomination on his own. Most people (me included) think he would be the frontrunner. The rumor circulating that he's going to select a running mate upon officially announcing his run for president seems like a sign of weakness. Has he done some private polling that tells him that he needs to do this to be a contender? If it's true, then democrats need to know ASAP. The presidential campaign of 2020 is going to be tough enough for all democrats as it is. We need to know as early as possible which horse to hitch our wagon to.
4
Biden naming a VP running-mate now signals that this is all about what's best for Joe Biden and not what's best for the country. There's no telling who will emerge from the Democratic primaries with a head of steam and with popular support, or a wave of energy. Remember when the DNC determined Hillary Clinton was the answer, before the wave of Bernie enthusiasm had even crested? A sensible approach would be to see if Biden gets the nomination and *then* bring aboard a running mate who brings their supporters and energy with them. In other words, don't run, Joe.
4
Just like another era when President Franklin Roosevelt sought a 3rd term, this is "no ordinary time." While unprecedented to announce both a 1 term presidency and running mate, this may be the only way to defeat President Donald Trump in 2020. Let Joe Biden announce his candidacy and if this is not what the people want, he will not come out as the winner in the primaries.
4
His age is a factor, yes, but the primary concern is we need to move forward. Joe is a huge step backward. He was the Vice President for eight years. He has a political record a million miles long. Voters want someone new, someone with plenty of gas in the tank and fresh ideas and the desire to lead our country with a full head of steam. Making a vow to serve only one term sounds like Joe hasn't got much left in the tank. There are many Democrats who are qualified to serve as our Commander-in-Chief. Let them serve us.
5
As a fellow Democrat of the same age as Biden, I am definitely in the "No, Joe, No!" camp. His baggage, his gaffs, his "Last Hurrah"-ishness: Please, Joe, don't run.
19
A pledge to only serve one term is what economists call "cheap talk". It is not binding, and almost no one will care in 2024 if he is popular and changes his mind. Not too many popular presidents have turned down a chance to stay president, and there is little reason to think that would change unless his health unexpectedly declines.
I do not think he is too old to do the job well, but there does not seem to be much reason to take that chance. If out of thousands of people with a plausible resume there is only one who can be a good president, we need to change our system of government.
1
Honestly, I don't think Biden is going to run. He doesn't seem very enthusiastic about it. And he shouldn't if he's not up for it.
3
We are all flying in a plane with a faulty landing gear and a clueless pilot. We just need someone who can land the plane safely- restore sanity and decency, repair international relations and rescue the economy from the debt fueled bubble it is in. A one- term Joe Biden, focuses on just that, could be what we need.
The next president does not need to spend their time pushing huge new programs. New spending, whether it be in healthcare, infrastructure or education, is for the Congress to pursue. That is where progressives should be focusing their efforts. The president is important to that function but not as essential as most think him to be.
It’s been a rocky turbulent flight, the oxygen masks have fallen and everyone is terrified. We just need to get this thing - our fragile republic- on the ground. Then we can think and debate seriously our next direction.
Run Joe, run. Even if you lose you will do so with honor.
1
Mr. Biden's age doesn't bother me. It's his lack of doing anything substantial to prevent the mess we're in right now. He might be a nice guy but that's not what we need right now.
The media is really pushing Biden, Sanders, Harris, O'Rourke and Schultz. The BIG money is behind them.
Sanders and O'Rourke are bragging about how many small donors they have - but bots are used by Robber Barons to create false donation sources too. In-kind and/or other donations to favorite organizations are indirect methods of gaining favor with candidates.
We are just getting into the primaries. The media has no right to promote certain candidates. Let's hear what all candidates have to say. Their combined ideas will create the "democratic platform" and I'm sure it's one the majority of Americans will vote for - even with the gross gerrymandering that has gone on by republicans over the years.
1
@njglea
To imply that Bernie and Beto may be getting some of their money from 'Robber Baron bots' rather than hundreds of thousands of real people donating under $50 is bizarre & offensive. The way the powers that be and 'robber barons' are going to get a foothold on picking the nominee is to donate money to 'favorite organizations' like Hillary's PAC or Neera Tanden's Center for American Progress is to try to get a nominee representing the Clinton's triangulated values.
Those of us who want direct democracy picking the nominee this time and don't want it rigged by the DNC again are going to donate directly to the candidate that speaks for us. I'm donating directly to Beto and Pete Buttigieg. I don't want groups fronting for Hillary or certain interests - like corporations - no matter how well-intentioned - funneling my money off to who THEY want to elect.
This is 2019 and times have changed. We now can donate to candidates directly online. Letting 3rd party organizations or the party coffers or rich bigwigs choose the nominee is hopefully a thing of the past.
Go big or go home.
Hey Dem's, make a decision already. And you Rep's, find a better candidate than the wreck currently in office. That would give all us voters an opportunity to make the best choice. Unfortunately the sheep who blindly follow Trumps trail of deceit will be a factor for any election.
1
Joe Biden can play an important role in the next general election. He can be an attack dog, nipping every day at Trump’s (bone-spurred) heals. Another candidate can focus their attention on explaining why they deserve to be elected. What alternative measures do they support and what policies they will offer to improve the lives and safety of all Americans. The electorate will be eager to hear about solutions to health care, climate change, and economic security. Leave the sniping at Trump to Uncle Joe. He will do a great job convincing some older wayward Democrats to come back from the wilderness of Trump land.
1
@Robert Nevins, where did you get the notion that Biden is some kind of attack dog? He is the oh-golly-shucks populist from Scranton who cannot get out of his own way at times. He sees the good in all people, even as morally bankrupt and loathsome as Mike Pence. He is like a housecat who bites and scratches your arm for a seconds and then starts to lick it affectionately.
Maybe Biden/Warren might work. I'd vote for that.
1
JUST DON’T DO IT! Age is only on factor of the too many on-the record gaffes and votes, etc for the GOP/Fox machine to pick apart....
@SomethingElse
You're right. His advanced age is only one factor. Republican oppo research will make mincemeat of the old man.
They can just show his refusal to allow witnesses to corroborate Anita Hill's testimony again and again and again and . . . .
He has served his country, and he has suffered terrible losses in his personal life. Time to retire.
2
Two terrible ideas from the old man.
At least he's telling the truth. Admitting he's too weak to serve two terms, and admitting his vice-president will have to take over.
American voters should just say NO to the old man and elect a young man: Eric Swalwell
3
Joe Biden has many attractive attributes as a presidential candidate but he has one glaring flaw, his age. I think it is imperative that we pass the baton to a younger generation. The current inhabitant of the White House will be 74 at the time of the 2020 election and nominating a contemporary of the incumbent will deprive the Democrats of a potentially powerful argument.
I am not advocating that the Democrats should nominate a younger person without the experience and gravitas that is necessary to govern, but it is time again for a generational change.
9
I think the fact that his age is brought up so much as the main reason why the man shouldn't run actually says a lot of about his viability. On one hand, you've got a guy in the white house that shouldn't be there for so many reasons that we forget he's also old and obese. Then there's Joe, who, sure, is a little too moderate for some, but has some great experience, and I think he'd pick a great cabinet that would be inclusive of the progressive wing of his party. I'm pretty progressive but I believe in leading from center - its a big country a whole lot of it isn't ready for the progressive promises that a lot of these candidates are touting. Also none of them have anywhere near his foreign policy experience.
9
It would be a shame for Biden to pick a running made now. There is no doubt that there are several really good presidential candidates running in the Democratic primary for President and one of those may be the ideal vice president candidate as the elections move forward. He should leave his choice open until and if he wins the primary.
4
I am concerned that millenials are unable to distinguish between judgment vs brains, biden has wisdom from experience as compared to the total lack thereof of many of the other announced candidates, that is why he is ahead in polls. and he is not older than leaders of other major countries, he can find many young people to be in his cabinet, I strongly reject the ageism thrown at biden and I dont want him to pick a vice president younger than fifty
4
@jeannene
It's ageist to pretend age doesn't matter. Age mattered to the authors of the Constitution, or they wouldn't have included the requirement that a president be 35.
At what point do we admit that an old person, liable to be struck down by a stroke, a heart attack, a pulmonary embolism, etc., etc., should just say no?
2
@Pecan, so, do you also have a retirement age in mind for the supreme court justices?
@Pecan, so, do you also have a retirement age in mind for the supreme court justices? there are other leaders are over 60:
shinzo abe 64, xi jinping 65, angela merkel 64, theresa may 62, marendra modi 68, jair bolsonaro 64, andres obrador 65, moon jae-n 66
Biden's time has come and gone. Picking a younger VP does nothing to calm my concerns about his age. He should step out because his candidacy won't serve the party - it's too much diffusion already.
5
I'm a boomer...Love the man...applaud/appreciate his service & devotion to our great country....but it is clearly time for the DEM party to move on. The simple reality is that GEN X, Millennials & GEN 2020 represent the lions-share of the potential voting population.(Note: if inspired to do so).
Joe does not & cannot speak to their interests and sensibilities...nor can I.
Case in point....took my lovely bride of 40 yrs to see Hamilton last weekend...entertaining show....fortunately I had read CHERNOW's book & knew the story because I couldn't understand half of what they were saying..The younger audience members where going bananas and rapping along...WHOA!
2
@JS
I'm a millennial and I think I'm pulling for Biden in the primary. He's the only candidate with any meaningful foreign policy experience. Western political systems are in real trouble. We can't stand alone for long, even if we push through an awesome progressive agenda domestically.
1
@JS, as evidenced by the diverse field of Dem candidates, the Dem party is definitely ready to move on. But the question is whether there are any Dems who are appealing enough to fence-sitting Trump voters who can be persuaded to vote blue. The Dems currently have an optics problem when it comes to the stench of socialism, and young, naive/ignorant radical left voices like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are not helping matters at all. Dems now find themselves in a situation where they have to push forward a more center-left candidate with gravitas to pick off those undecided voters. In that regard, Joe Biden fits the bill perfectly.
It's refreshing to hear about the 1 term limit compromise. Imagine how much more a President could accomplish if they didn't have to spend 2+ years fundraising and running for reelection.
9
For me, it is not Biden's age that is the problem. Nor is it his record, which is mostly very progressive. What will sink his candidacy almost immediately is that he is going to rely on large donors and PACs for his financing. He has even made this clear prior to formally announcing his run. Given that a large part of the electorate - and not just young people - have turned vehemently against the use of PACs and corporate money to finance campaigns, Biden is making a poor choice.
14
The age factor concerns me with Biden and Saunders but this is a point where accrued political wisdom and experience has to be the main criteria - Obama, a wonderful and gifted man, didn't have it and our foreign policy suffered. But in all fairness he inherited the mess left on his doorstep by Bush and Cheney and he had the likes of the dynamic weasels, i.e., McConnell and Ryan, blocking his legislation. Its not even worth commenting on Trump's experience (lots of sordid capers on his resume, nothing of merit). There is currently a field of some very talented progressive potential candidates who have tossed their hats into the ring and if Biden or Saunders were to be the person chosen to run, then undoubtedly one of these very worthy persons (hopefully a woman) would be a fine choice as the vice presidential nominee. Age, a concern perhaps, but far below experience in my thinking about who I wish to see representing the Democratic choice.
5
The problem with the "one time rescue mission" narrative is that it implies that things were basically OK before Trump got into office. This is a short sighted view, reflective of Biden's own status as former VP. I do not blame neoliberalism on Obama/Biden, but I do think they were unable to get anything done outside its constraints, and that has been part of the problem for a long time, going back really to the Reagan presidency. We do not need a candidate who will restore our institutional norms, we need a candidate bold enough to craft some better norms for going forward. This is just not Biden's time and I wish he would realize that.
8
Twice in this article there is a reference to "giving a nod" to young people, women, and people of color.
I find this insulting. These three groups are the foundation of the party, not groups to be exploited to keep white men in positions of power.
The VP pick couldn't matter any less to me, because the position has no power whatsoever (see Pence, Mike). In fact the position is defined by deference and impotence.
Biden, Beto and Bernie see women and people of color as props. I won't stand for it anymore.
9
I would not use Nancy Pelosi as guide for whether or not Biden is too old to be president as Senator Tom Carper did. A recent study found that the brains of men age faster than the brains of women. The difference seems to be several years. So if this study is correct, with regard to brain age Pelosi is actually a couple years younger than Biden even though in chronological age she is a couple of years older.
Biden is pulling a lot of baggage behind him and when he runs he should announce a woman VP. Another white guy for VP won't cut it.
4
Do the Democrats have any type of plan? The goal is to get Trump out of the WH but what is the specific plan to accomplish this goal? Is there even a party leader? The candidate field is a free-for-all now with potential voters squabbling about who is or isn’t the perfect candidate or stating their intent to sit out the election. At this rate, Trump won’t have to do much to be reelected.
28
@Lynn
Democrats are having a democratic primary, to let voters vote. I think it’s a good plan. Trump is going to lose in a landslide.
10
The goal is not to get Trump out of the White House, it is to win an election based on the articulation of a vision better than Trump’s. Trump is there because Democrats forgot to care about vision.
5
@Lynn in DC It sounds to me like no matter what plan they put out, you have no interest in listening. Also, you might want to recall the crazy Republican circus four years ago--all those candidates at the beginning. That sure did ruin their chances, didn't it?
3
Why not seriously consider the reverse. Biden should be vice-president with one of the younger and capable candidate. He would bring his unique experience to help that candidate. The Democrats should also consider that they are choosing someone who will be the president of ALL Americans so, yes, including the "base", if you want to become again the United States, a respected nation in the world .
4
Biden as VP. Brilliant idea!
So far Joe Biden is the best Democratic Party candidate for 2020 presidential election. I missed him in 2016 election. We should had to pick Biden instead of flawed Hillary with so much baggage. I do not worry about his age or some minus points in his long career in politics. I know that he is not an angel but he is not a crook like most of the politicians. I like to see Biden-Harris (Kamala) ticket.
4
He needs to not run. Period. This is pure ego. I don't want to say I won't vote for him, but it's going to be really tough.
16
I don’t think I would vote for Biden. He hasn’t convinced me.
4
In the end, what does his age matter? Just imitate Trump.
Simply delegate everything about the job to someone else, accept their work that you like, criticize what you don't, and then retire for some quality executive time in front of your best friend, the TV.
1
Both these ideas for Biden are ridiculous. He should just bow out.
17
Biden/Harris 2020!
5
Country first? President Trump brought us rising economy, low unemployment, ISIS defeated, no North Korean rockets, U.S. lowest on carbon emissions, recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and is strongly supportive. Joe Biden plagiarized the Neil Kinnock speech and has no other accomplishments to his name. Trump 2020.
3
Oh geez. Stop dithering. Just DO it.
Good lord, “trump’s” gonna be 73 in a few months and he would TOTALLY not bother with any promises or spotlighting his age. A “man” that has had quacks make up stuff about his health. A “man” that has been eating fried chicken out of buckets out of fear of being poisoned. I imagine a real work-up by a real doctor would be, um, interesting. Possibly it would be relieving to know this pox on the republic had an imminent expiration date.
And OF COURSE the NYTimes writes this article, a different standard, I guess, for legitimate politicians vs illegitimate wannabe tyrants. Good for you. Cue eye roll.
4
I'm 74. Biden is too old, not to mention waaay too right-of-center for the radical changes we need to implement if we're to save our sorry butts from existential environmental catastrophe, let alone the wealth inequality that's destroying all but the .1%. Both issues created/exacerbated by myopic, slow-moving pseudo-centrists, both (R) and (D).
Age is a bell curve, and Mr Biden is sliding further down the right-hand slope of the curve, where the surface gets steeper and more slippery and age deterioration accelerates rapidly. Just say, "No", Joe.
6
And, the NYT itself pushed hard for Kerry to name McCain as his presumptive VP. Kerry asked him. McCain said NO, because he said he was a Republican.
Initially I agreed with the idea that Mr Biden is too old. I am a young voter and early on I wanted someone more representative of my generation to top the ticket. Lately, though, I'm pulling into Joe's lane for 2 reasons. I believe our current president has inflicted an immense amount of damage on both the nation and the office. I feel like we may need someone who has absolutely no learning curve in office as soon as possible to see what's salvageable. And more importantly, I think the importance of foreign policy experience is being vastly underestimated in this election. Almost every ideal the west has fought for and protected for decades is being tested severely. I am increasingly terrified by international politics. I think Joe Biden is the ONLY candidate who's foreign policy experience I trust.
7
It is not a question of whether Biden is too old. He *is* too old. I loved Reagan, but Reagan was too old as it turned out, especially for his second term. Sanders is too old. Trump is too many things, too old is just one of them. Can't we pick someone 65 or younger?
5
Joe Biden's age should not be the defining issue of his candidacy. We have now endured over two years of a presidency occupied by an ill-equipped, emotionally challenged, morally compromised, immature, uninformed and combatively divisive incumbent. Clearly, in Trump's case, age has not been accompanied by wisdom.
It's certainly fair game to hold Biden accountable for his record and past positions, other than the fact that a significant number of Americans don't apply the same discipline to their judgement of Trump, let alone make an issue out of his age.
How about focusing on Biden's clearly stellar qualifications, broad knowledge and deep experience rather than his age? What a novel idea it would be to have a president who actually knows what he's talking about, unless you're too young to remember one.
3
I’m a Dem and a fan of Joe’s. But why, in an immense field of candidates, would I vote for the one who’s more or less admitting he’ll be too elderly to serve after 4 years, and who’ll be pre-emptively making himself a lame duck president?
Joe, you were the perfect VP. You could be a great kindly advocate for the ultimate Democratic candidate, especially in purple states with lots of older working class whites who’ll need reassurance that a younger, possibly different-colored Dem Presidential candidate will be on their side (which they will be). Don’t run for Pres. That time has passed.
5
mr. biden's possible adjustments to account for his age is just another democratic trope - expand the supreme court, abolish the electoral college, lower the voting age to 16 et al to compensate for their inability to win a national election. perhaps they should look at their policies instead.
please - give independents and moderate republicans someone for whom to vote instead of the fake in office.
2
@pierre
Remind you, Democratic candidates won the popular vote in five of the last six presidential elections; Clinton ('92, '96) Gore ('00), Obama ('08, '12) and Clinton, H ('16). Trump's (lost by three million) electoral college win remains highly suspect (see: Russia).
...sorry, six of seven.
Gimme a break - Joe isn't running for anything - he can't run around the block let alone a strenuous race like running for POTUS and if he did he'd get his clock cleaned if he did and he knows it. Biden is a #2 sidekick (Robin) he doesn't have what it takes to be #1 (Batman). He pulled this "I'm may run" trick before and backed out at the last minute. It will be the same this time. Joe needs to stop wasting everyone's time and enjoy his retirement. But, truth be told, in a way I hope he does run - this country is still reeling from the Osama Obama years and Joe would just make it much easier for the Rep candidate - whoever that turns out to be.
1
Enough of the Sausage fest on our Ticket. A female for either slot, or I'm out. And I'm serious this time. Just saying.
2
@Phyliss Dalmatian - So, Sarah Palin? She fits your requirements..
1
@Phyliss Dalmatian
Your fellow Republicans thank you.
Do we really want a smarmy, indecisive waffler for President? Who told Barack Obama not to go after bin Laden? Who keeps delaying a decision hoping that his contribution numbers will improve?
I hear Rehoboth Beach calling you, Joe.
8
That's not going to work. Generally, voters are choosing a president with the tacit understanding that it's historically very difficult to deny an incumbent a second term. Supporters wouldn't wish to begin from scratch in four years. My understanding is that John McCain considered making a similar pitch, but the campaign ultimately decided against it.
Unconventional transition plans are usually discarded for good reason, like when Ronald Reagan briefly considered inviting former president Gerald Ford to the ticket.
1
This smacks of desperation, as in, "I'll do anything. Whatever you want. Really. Just pick me. It's my turn. Please!"
By continuing to kick the can down the road in his prolonged hand-wringing, it's obvious that Mr. Biden is having trouble cobbling together a competitive donor base, even among the fat cats whom he has courted throughout his 46 years in Washington. And there has been scant evidence of a grass-roots groundswell of support. So he's resorting to gimmicks.
Truth is, his time has passed. He would be 78 on Inauguration Day and 82 at the end of his first term. It's not a job for an octogenarian. By comparison, an already diminished Ronald Reagan was "only" 77 when he completed his presidency.
The short answer is, it's time for new Democratic leadership. Not for one of The Usual Suspects. Mr. Biden, who was born even before there were boomers, should assume the role of elder statesman or perhaps wise man for the candidate of his choice who has a decent chance to win.
During both of the cycles when he ran for president, while supposedly in his prime, Mr. Biden's campaigns ended disastrously, case studies in the cumulative cost of self-inflicted wounds. He simply doesn't wear well on the stump.
And what credible evidence is there -- given all the baggage, gaffes and uninvited pawing of women and girls -- that it would be any different this time?
One thing is for sure: At this stage of Mr. Biden's self-styled Indecision 2020 drama, his groveling is not a good sign.
63
I like Joe Biden, but his time is past. I'd like to see a young progressive leader step-forward.
4
Reagan was able to do the job of president in his 70s by delegating much of the work. When answering questions he seemed to rely on index cards or prompts from his wife. Trump does it by not working much and instead playing numerous rounds of golf in Florida. He seems to be semi-retired. Biden is probably too old to work in a factory or do construction work but probably isn't too old to be president. And if Bernie Sanders isn't too old then how can Biden be too old? Based on past performances in primaries I doubt if Biden will win. Biden seems to be leading in the polls based on name recognition and concerns that Bernie Sanders is too far left to win in a general election. But he is leading so I would guess he will give it a try.
2
@Bob Both Biden and Sanders are too old. Sanders is too doctrinaire, and Biden has had a spectacular career in politics. Enough.
2
@TR
I am supporting Inslee. He is not that young himself, 68, but he is younger than Warren as well as Biden and Sanders. I hope you don't think Inslee is too old.
Seems a bit ageist to suggest that Biden should have to pick some young "star" as his running mate or to make a stupid commitment to being an elected lame duck. Biden should run through the primaries as his own person, with his own program and show that mentally and physically he is the person to win the nomination and potentially win the election and be an effective President. If he or any thinks having "star" quality "standby equipment if he gets tired, ill or worse, he should not run nor be elected. Voters should pick Joe Biden to win the nomination is they think Joe Biden is the right candidate. Clearly when a candidate wins that prize, they need to then select the right running mate based on all sorts of criteria. But the winning candidate should not be forced to share their nomination mandate with anyone. To foist a younger "rising star" ( or anyone) on a candidate is bad for the candidates credibility and plain bad politics.
13
The Democratic Party nominated a savior in 2008. It was a miserable failure. We just wound up going from terrible (Bush II) to horrible (Trump). Who knows what would follow if Dems did it again.
At this point, any viable Dem 'should' be able to defeat Trump. But if not, then I think it means there is something disturbingly wrong with the American electorate that no "last best hope" can fix. Even so, it would be better to nominate a candidate who can speak to the future rather than someone regurgitating yesterday's platitudes.
1
@Gary F.S. 7 straight years of private sector growth, 11 million new jobs created, and doubling the stock market was a "miserable failure?" I'd hate to see what your standards are for a winner.
4
@Joe A great made-for-Twitter-bite indeed, but if the Obama years were so great, why did Dems lose both houses of congress and a thousand state legislators? Why Trump? The jobs created weren't "new," they only replaced a fraction of what was lost. Security prices did rebound, but not the number of investors. The anemic recovery was fueled not by any fiscal stimulus promised-but-undelivered by Obama, but largely by the Fed's Q.E.
For affluent techies in Austin the Obama years were golden. For most of America, they were disappointing. The real test of a progressive administration is whether ordinary households do better relative to the wealthiest. On that score, Ronald Reagan would be more progressive than Barack Obama. And that's why Ms. Clinton could only manage a paltry 48% of the national vote.
Biden would do well to choose Stacey Abrams as a running mate because she is outstanding:
Abrams was named Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, Champion for Georgia Cities by the Georgia Municipal Association, and Legislator of the Year by the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce. She also received the Georgia Legislative Service Award from the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, the Democratic Legislator of the Year Award from the Young Democrats of Georgia and Red Clay Democrats, and an Environmental Leadership Award from the Georgia Conservation Voters. For rural bonafides, Abrams won Grand Champion for showing 1000 lb. heifer Bessie at the 2012 Legislative Livestock Showdown at the Georgia National Fair. And Abrams is highly skilled in international relations: she is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a Next Generation Fellow of the American Assembly, an American Marshall Memorial Fellow, a Salzburg Seminar – Freeman Fellow on U.S.-East Asian Relations, and a Yukos Fellow for U.S. – Russian Relations. Her GOP colleagues state Senate have called her brilliant.
Enough said.
3
@common sense advocate Abrams is secretive and presents poorly. She would wilt immediately under real scrutiny
2
Agree 100 percent.
2
@common sense advocate
If Staci Abrams wants to be on the ticket, let her run for president alongside the other 15+ people who are taking the risk and doing the hard slog. Nobody should be "anointed" by someone like Biden before even the first debate - especially because she ticks race and gender slots. We need to choose a ticket from the large field of candidates running. Pick the 2 best people who can win the election. This talk of a stunt makes me think Biden is an old, manipulative hack.
Wrong approach. It's time to tout the experience and maturity that age can bring and push back against the ageism in our society. A pledge to be a one term president is silly -- another "read my lips" scenario. Plus, the Trump/Clinton candidacies showed that people do not like campaigns that are tailored and fashioned by focus groups and trial balloons, but respond to a more freewheeling style. Democrats would also like to have input on the selection of a vice presidential candidate and not have one pre-selected (although a Biden/Abrams ticket would be fabulous). Just be yourself, Joe, you (probably) have my vote.
2
Floating a Biden-O'Rourke ticket makes no sense. An old Irish-Catholic and a young Irish-Catholic. That doesn't bother me. But, it does seem to lack diversity.
2
Joseph Biden and Kamala Harris would be unbeatable.
5
Biden for four--not because of age, but because he sees the changing dynamics, attitudes, and demographics and wants the Democratic party to move forward.
The rules are changing. Why can't he serve as the Captain who rights the ship, brings a smile and some self-deprecating humor (as well as a loving family), back into the White House -- and also serve as Mentor-In-Chief. If Biden commits to helping his V.P. learn the ropes, he could (try) to compel party elders to work with the newer people in the House, Senate, and the Cabinet--and all the departments Trump Co. has decimated--to save our nation. We must all compromise to create a Democratic party that is smart, flexible and compassionate, but not too nice. We must rebirth a party that is reasonable, respectable, and rational (aka lives in the real world of politics, not the dream world certain candidates would have us believe is possible.) A Dem. party that is adapting to change rather than stubbornly clinging to the old ways.
Biden has what it takes to pull that off.
Also, a zero tolerance policy when it comes to anything akin to the greedy and corrupt shenanigans that Trump Co. has been up to. It's obvious that there are many capable young women and men ready to step in and make America sane, kind, and functional again. We shouldn't go back to the old ways 100%--but there are some things that we need to reestablish for the sake of our nation, it's people, and the whole, waiting, world.
2
Biden’s democratic supporters are turning themselves into pretzels as they twist and turn and invent scenarios that justify his run.He polls well because he has been in politics for fifty years and has a record people can relate to.That is not a reason for him to run again at his age.The Democratic field is large and diverse and several will emerge as stars.We re in the first quarter of the 21st century- we need new energy, fresh ideas, and a president who can devote enormous amounts of time and energy to the challenge ahead.
14
Why are we worried about his age and past political position when his opponent is an unindicted co-conspirator, a serial adulterer and a complete cheat
88
@Sick Of Lies
an unindicted co conspirator etc...who is not going anywhere, anytime soon. Maybe if this were 1975 your point would make sense. But this is Trumplandia and unseating a cult leader is no easy task. Do you really think this aging, foot-in-his-mouth supporter of the Iraq War is the person do oust Trump?
5
@Sick Of Lies ... Because his opponent is not Trump right now, but rather a wide field of other highly qualified candidates, many of which who are 20+ years younger than he.
4
It's time to demand more of ALL of our hired/elected officials, Sick Of Lies.
It's not about who is the worst. It is about who will work hardest for 99.9% of us. Biden and Sanders are of the Good Old Boy age.
No thanks.
2
Joe Biden commands respect and has been well-liked by lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle. I actually wish he had been elected not only in 2016, but in 2008 instead of Obama. I am concerned about his age, but if he's indeed pulling a James K. Polk and pledging to serve just one term, he's my choice. Abrams would be a fantastic VP choice.
3
Single term vow is a nonstarter. Just release four years medical and taxes and get a physical every 4 months.
7
As for speaking now of a one term presidency, Biden should consider how Theodore (BTW: he detested being referred to as "Teddy") Roosevelt ham stringed himself politically, and instantly became a lame duck president, when he pledged not to run again immediately after his 1904 election. As for an early naming of a (presumably younger) running mate, Texas's O'Rourke would capture the current Beto zeitgast, and offer a chance to reclaim the considerable electoral votes of that key state, but a ticket of two white men seems improbable, and likely to trigger a fire storm given the number of qualified and ambitious women already running for the top spot.
3
Too old. (80? Really?)
Two-time loser (1988, 2008)
Anita Hill
Friend of the (thankfully) late Jesse Helms
Makes nice to Republicans, for a fee
Wrong on Iraq
Wrong on the bin Laden raid
Somewhere, someone called him 'Kennedy-esque' [rolleyes]
Gaffe-prone
Smarmy, smarmy, smarmy. Loves,loves,loves to tearjerk.
Is he really going to be the Democrats' nominee?
27
@Dave T. Yes. Next question.
2
It's going to take a good eight years to begin to clean up Trump's mess. Let's hope for a candidate who can win, and who can ably serve at least two full terms.
7
I think if he goes into it with a running mate already selected, it
cuts the legs off the other contenders. What if Pete Buttigieg or Kamala Harris or Amy Kloboucher are doing really well but dont get the nod, obviously they are popular with voters and Biden would effectively be saying, "Too bad, I've got my VP already"
Personally, I would love to see Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg
but I don't see Pete winning. There are far too many catholics in this country and the idea that the "catholic"catholic voters will vote for a gay guy with a husband...not gonna happen. The young ones, yeah, but not the old catholics.
3
Get with it already. All this drama is going to end in a whimper.
2
@Eastbackbay
I think it's likely he'll flame out.
Good.
1
I’m tired of the B-Boys media coverage. Beto, Biden, Bernie.
How well did the media cover the Townhalls of Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand?
After women handed control of the House to the Democrats, and we have an embarrassment of riches in terms of a diverse roster of strong female candidates running, the media continues to disproportionately cover the white men. The B-Boys.
Let’s give Trump all the coverage. His name sells. What could go wrong? Asked no one in the media in 2016. As they carried his rallies live.... in kind donation to his campaign.
The same thing is happening again. I don’t care whether Beto is standing on a counter. Or, that Biden “accidentally” leaked his plans.
The women are fighting with all their heart, and this is NOT the coverage their candidacy and policies deserve.
Why is Biden even running if he’s only interested in one term. Is presidency a vanity project? Did anyone ask him that?
Do cover the men, media. But, be fair in your coverage of the women.
31
@Patrician
It's a vanity project.
He lost the primary battle in 1988 (plagiarism) and 2008 (no one wanted him.)
He'll lose again.
9
Funny how all the Republicans said Hilliary was too old until granddad Trump won the primary. There are only 4 years of age difference between Trump and Biden yet I don't hear one Republican complaining about Trump's age.
Say all you want about Biden's record, that's valid. But here in California, we just watched our recent Governor Jerry Brown, now age 80, so some amazing things for the state. Please judge folks by their abilities, not their age, gender, or race.
122
@C. Holmes
Trump is half way through his first term already while Biden is still 2 years away from a potential Presidency. The correct age to compare is Trump when he was inaugurated (70) and Biden when he will be inaugurated (78). More than age, Biden looks old and gives the impression of being old.
2
@C. Holmes - a very good comparison, pointing to Jerry Brown. He was a very good governor. I think Joe Biden may be the healer for the U.S. and the world.
8
@C. Holmes
Run Jerry Run!!
3
The most effective way for Joe Biden to completely fragment the Democratic Party, would be to announce his candidacy, and then go on to announce his running mate before the primaries conclude.
If the infighting between Hillary and Bernie supporters seemed like it was a bit much, imagine how much greater a division would be caused by splitting party interests into such tiny slivers.
17
Biden's gaffe criticizing young people who claim they have it hard just about kills any chance of getting that vote especially with Sanders, Warren and O'Rourke in the mix. If he picks a running mate or pledges to run for one term it will be like Clinton 2016 when she was basically went through a coronation by the DNC.
He should just bow out of the limelight gracefully and let someone else get the nomination.
17
I certainly like Biden, and I think he would be fine, but ... but ... there are other fine candidates who are younger and don't have to resort to picking someone "fresh" - which will also open the ticket to attacks along the lines of "If Biden cannot function, is she ready to take over?" Who needs that?
Plus, I shudder when I hear his language about Abrams: it's the same reasoning I heard about *Sarah Palin.* Now, she is not Sarah Palin. But if he has to resort to "well, she'll bring energy and a fresh face to the ticket," then, no, thanks.
We have good younger people. I'm ready to hear from them!
11
Biden, as he has done since he entered politics, will loyally serve the needs of the Party. And what the party now needs is a crowded field of candidates that will make the Republican party's crowded stage in 2016 seem light and airy. The goal is to run interference to thwart a possible victory for a democratic socialist candidate. It took half a century for the Bernie Sanders phenomenon (and a mainstream in the party that is completely moribund) to finally get socialists out of the Democratic Party's closet and running on their actual principles. That alone was a victory the party and almost 100 percent of the American press are still shaking from. Meanwhile, the one percent blithely builds its latter day Brasilias in our skies with all the extra wealth it can't figure out how to spend (on anything but the actual needs of the people). Even if Biden did what Obama should have done, that is, dust off FDR's first inaugural speech and offer it as his program, it will be too late. No one will believe him.
2
Biden and/or his advisors are OVERTHINKING.
Stop with the overthinking Joe!
Forget the VP thing. It only highlights that you - not we- are worried about age. Let voters have input on a VP through the primaries.
Just run. Let us voters do the rest!
5
Let's think this through: At age 78 some people are very "old", in mind and body, and some people simply aren't. I think it's very out-of-date to assume that everyone past the age to 70 is or soon will be incompetent. Shouldn't we look at each person individually? For example, some people at age 29 are still too immature to take on much responsibility and some are very ready for it.
9
Two more words: younger candidates.
8
If there were only two or three people trying to run on the Democratic ticket, Biden's poll numbers would be way less. I suggest he support who ever ends up running on the Democratic ticket in 2020.
2
"Also under discussion is...framing Mr. Biden’s 2020 campaign as a one-time rescue mission for a beleaguered country"
Oh, we're going to be rescued by a guy who took $200,000 to make a speech that torpedoed the house seat campaign of a fellow Democrat.
14
@Paul T
Biden (or his advisers) and unbelievably condescending and patronizing and for no good reason. He's an old joke.
Any of the other Democrats can 'rescue America' better than he can.
3
Hey kids look....it is another political fossil being put forward by the DNC.
Has the party learned nothing during the last presidential cycle? If Joe Biden is seriously being considered then goodbye chances in 2020. Biden is and has been in politics for far too long and needs to retire. New...fresh...and non 70 plus year old candidates and needed and wanted.
17
If you think you might be unable to fulfill the obligations of being President, like, for example, having the ability to serve two terms, DON"T RUN! If you think you can, than just do it and let other people worry about your age. Don't hamstring yourself with nonsense pledges or phony running mates. If you pick an impressive VP candidate to bolster yourself, maybe we should skip you and go straight to her.
12
Does Biden ever actually throw his hat into the ring, or does he just forever waffle and weigh and measure and consider and ponder and pontificate? At some point one is left to wonder if you want someone so absolutely indecisive as the leader of the free world...
16
@ChristopherP, Choosing his VP? He can't even decide if he'll run! Soap opera!
1
It worked for James K. Polk.
6
@Autumn
Serving as president killed James K. Polk. He died about 3 weeks after leaving office. He was an excellent president but felt like he had failed.
He made the Louisana Purhcase which included California! So he made America coast to coast!
2
@Autumn
Always love a good shout-out to President Polk.
1
No party is going to nominate a candidate who announces in advance that he will only serve one term. It's a huge thing to win the presidency first time around. Second term is easier if the economy is doing well. If the Democrats manage to get a president elected, they're going to want that person to stick around for the second, easier run. What is the possible advantage to such an announcement anyway? If he doesn't think he's up to the job the second time around, he can choose not to run again. Presidents have. If the electorate thinks he's too old, they can choose not to vote for him.
15
I love this idea. Brave, humble and well thought out. Not having to worry about reelection frees him from political considerations when making decisive decisions. I would vote for him either way but this puts the emphasis on ideas instead of politics. It is as much a game changer as not taking PAC money, another idea he should try.
2
To me, Joe Biden running for president is about him shoring up his Legacy. He knows he's old, he knows he's not as progressive as most candidates running now, and he won't be able to accomplish that much in 4 years.
To me, Elizabeth Warren is running for president because she believes she can help the people of this country with her fresh and bold ideas.
18
@Susan
Elizabeth Warren had NO chance of winning. Even the most liberal Republican would never vote for her and most Democrats could see through her limited experience with foreign affairs and her extreme views on business and enterprise. Yes, she has more experience than Trump, but that does not say much.
Most minority groups see right through her. Claiming native heritage was despicable behavior on her part.
Biden is light years ahead of her in Foreign Affairs, appeal to many types of voters (lower income Whites, Blacks, Latinos, upper income democrats, etc.). He also has experience working with the corporate world. There is no other candidate that has as many pluses as he does. The naysayers keep referring to his age, but most of the knowledge a pres requires is crystallized intelligence, not fluid intelligence (look them up). He can use his advisers for fluid decisions.
6
@bigdoc
Grr. Elizabeth Warren has more and better ideas than any of them.
2
The man is TRYING to save us from tyranny. Give him a break. He will be fine. Probably a lot healthier that the thing literally NO republicans are voicing any concern about in terms of its health, in their zeal to hurtle into autocracy.
It's completely obvious he would NOT be running if the threat to the republic has so stark and dangerous and horrifying.
He is trying to step up in our hour of urgent need because he perceives himself as having possibly the very best chance at taking "trump" out. He may be right. Polls indicate that he may be right.
Fight for us, Joe.
32
@Matthew. How about we take charge and save ourselves? We need not vote out of fear but with thoughtfulness, resolve and determination. We have some great candidates stepping forward, so why cut them off from having a fair hearing with voters? Personally, I am most impressed with Buttigieg and I want him and others to have a chance to present themselves on the national stage without another presumptive establishment candidate using up all the oxygen in the room. To put my comment in context, I am 62 year old woman. I was an early supporter of Obama and found myself boxed into voting for HRC in 2016. We are screwed if we assume we have no power.
2
@Matthew
Nonsense.
He's running to satisfy his ego. He lost twice before, 1988 and 2008.
Biden is just the worst sort of politician.
3
@Matthew
Right now I think Biden is the smartest choice because he has the most foreign policy experience and can start restoring the shambles Trump has made with our allies and our adversaries.
I'm hoping he can help us heal from our national nightmare.
Although I'm personally a progressive, I think a more measured, centrist candidate would have a better chance of winning.
If he keeps weighing whether to run something is not right with his decision. I'm getting tired of hearing about it. As for his age and gender, etc, that's who he is. Let voters decide. As for picking a running mate now, I think that's a very bad idea.
29
Stacey Abrams is very impressive - more impressive than Biden himself, as likeable as he may be.
If she's interested in the presidency, I recommend she initiate a campaign on her own merits and see what happens.
Why tie yourself to a man with so much negative baggage? Ditto Harris and O'Rourke (although Biden-O'Rourke seems to be the dream ticket in many pundits' minds).
1
@avrds See my comments on Abrams and see if you still think she is a worthy candidate. She's not interested in anything besides continuing her luxurious, unaccountable lifestyle on campaign contributions and tax payer money.
2
@avrdsBiden-O’Rouke or Biden-Booker dream team. Keep it centered
Choosing a Vice President early misses the point. The problem is that most people in their 80’s have less energy, less memory and often less cognitive ability. Aging is a slow decline. No reason for the United States of America to settle for a President with those risks when there are so many other strong candidates without them.
18
@Charley Gross
Oh, so we have not had other presidents who were in their 70s when they held office? These presidents lived at a time when health and longevity was not what it is today. Most of intelligence required for an administrative position is crystallized, not fluid intelligence. If you do not know what they are, look them up. He has a treasure trove of crystallized intelligence and he can use advisers for fluid intelligence. Any president who makes decisions unilaterally is a bully and dumb.
1
Biden will be 82 before his term is up. He will be older than any previous President or Jerry Brown. Most people show some decline in energy and memory by that age. Sure he will have advisors, but he will be the one with an incredibly demanding job. It is a risk we do not need to take.
2
Biden seriously needs to consider someone else besides Stacy Abrams as his running mate. Abrams political action committees have had 7 different tax liens filed against them and failed to properly register over 21k voters for Georgia's last election for things like being an illegal alien, fraudulent addresses and social security numbers. Despite paying herself a six figure salary that has totaled over 1 million dollars the past 3 years, she still owes back taxes, has outstanding student loan debt, and credit card debt well over 200k. She is an advocate for gun confiscation, and giving illegal aliens the right to vote. She made a mockery of the voter registration process and election law in Georgia with her frivolous law suits because she couldn't come to terms with her loss and is the epitome of a sore loser. Her campaign was largely financed with money from outside the state from extremist liberal donors in places like New York and California, and he who won't be named who thought they could buy the Governor's office and impose their liberal agenda on Georgia's citizens. They then threatened to pull all their film projects out of Georgia as retribution. She also walked off the House floor twice during votes for legislation against sex traffickers because she opposed mandatory minimum sentencing for offenders. Abrams is not fit or qualified to be VP or run for President based on the above.
12
@Darken Rahl.
I agree that Biden would seriously hamper his chance at winning the presidency with Abrams on the ticket and no Kamala either; if he needs a black person or a candidate with other identity, please pick Buttigieg or even Booker.
1
If you have caveats before entering the race, don’t run!!
25
We Progressives don't care about his age; we care about his RECORD.
Biden could bathe in Ponce de Leon's fountain of youth tomorrow, and that would wash away his age.
But nothing can wash away that RECORD.
82
@GeoJaneiro That's fine that you don't like his record and won't support him in his quest for the nomination. I don't think I will either.
Will you back him in the general if he's the nominee? I sure hope so.
2
@GeoJaneiro Indeed. Progressives care about his enormous amount of experience, knowledge and history of fighting for our values. We care that he's a smart, honorable man with a good heart and extraordinary ability. He has a great record and would make a great President.
3
@Tim Crowley
Having a good heart is a fine attribute. But his record of being pals with the banking industry, his disastrous behavior with Anita Hill, and being part of an administration that bailed out Wall Street and forgot about Main Street are pretty big non-starters, wouldn't you say?
3
Move on over cause your time is up
9
The people around Biden who are urging him to make one more run for the presidency are doing him no favors and are not acting in the interest of the American people.He polls well because after nearly 50 years in politics he has name recognition.He and Obama were an admired team.It is time for him to gracefully bow out of politics.In politics you can cover up a lot of things but old age is not one of them.A talented group of Democrats has already announced and is diverse- one or two will emerge as front runners. at long last there is a vibrant youth vote who insists that their voices be heard - it is their future and they deserve a leader who will champion their agenda, not an old person who has been around forever and has yet to solve the problems at the head of the youth agenda.People respect old age-I know because I am old and people kindly hold doors open for me-but respect for old age is no reason to support an old, but iconic, person for the presidency.
12
@JANET MICHAEl
I agree, and I am old, so I can speak to the gradual decline in memory retention, as well as less physical fitness. I used to hike around Lake Tahoe, not now. My daughter handles my banking through a joint account. My insurance policies are paid for. My retirement income is decent enough to allow for things I want to buy. I would vote for Bernie as against Trump; however I would prefer someone young enough to serve 8 yrs; and would prefer a President who has traveled abroad. Elizabeth Warren knows more about legislation; and, she doesn't shout as if we are all hard of hearing.
7
I'm 60. Joe, I love you, man, but is this about US, or is this about you ?
I truly believe you would have beat the creature in 2016, because there are just too many Woman haters remaining. Think long and hard, but IF you commit to one term and name Stacey Abrams as your VP choice, and soon, I'm IN. Otherwise, I'm supporting Warren or Harris. And, thank you for your most excellent service as Vice President. Seriously.
4
@Phyliss Dalmatian
This is totally about the US.
1
He is too old. Not because he has old ideas or the wrong philosophy. Rather because he is physically to old to handle the enormous rigors of taking this job seriously, as he surely would.
Pelosi has a tough job, but it is hardly the President of the United States tough, and her age is becoming a detriment as well. As is mine and I am younger than either of them.
Picking an early choice for VP just proves the point. We need to vote for a POTUS, not a VP.
We also don't need a young pretty face, or a person of a certain color, or a certain sex. We need a good leader with realistic ideas and experience with working on those ideas.
Too early for decisions yet, but Sharrod Brown would have fit the bill had he ran. Elizabeth Warren also would be a good example of someone with passion and experience without the physical age issue.
38
@Michael Roberts Also, take a close look at Pete Buttigieg. He's quite intelligent and serious, with sensible ideas.
5
@Zeke - Yes, I have heard some interviews with him. He lacks the experience of Warren, but he would be good for getting votes.
1
@Zeke
Ditto Zeke!
2
Biden should not run. All things considered, he is too old and too yesterday. Plain and simple.
6
@Doug M
Same applies to "trump", and he is going to, so...
The problem isn't his age, it's his record. Joe Biden once introduced legislation to add another fifty offenses that could be subject to the death penalty.
He supported Clinton's ill advised drug laws that resulted in mass incarceration. He was a supporter of Bush's disastrous war.
He made sure that students would not be covered by our bankruptcy laws for their student loans and he was basically Senator Banker in congress before he turned that title over to Chuck Schummer.
And then there was the Anita Hill hearing where she was treated like a criminal rather than a reluctant witness. It was Joe Biden who refused to allow corroborating testimony from other witnesses who were in the hearing room.
Joe Biden is mister insider in Washington. And that's the problem. His idea of vision is to look back over his shoulder at the past and argue for more of the same.
In 2016 voters made it clear that they need a new vision, a new direction and that they no longer want Washington to do business as usual.
Trump won't do it and that's becoming increasingly clear. Joe Biden can't do it. He's too deep inside Washington's political culture to change his strips.
It's not age, it's just who he is.
57
@Drspock
You forgot to mention all of the video of Biden nonconsensually rubbing women’s necks and shoulders.
2
Oh, by all means promise to just serve one term. Put the whole country (and world) back on the table in four years by making 2024 a wide-open election instead of taking advantage of incumbency.
The Democrats must have an underground bunker full of scientists figuring out new ways to sabotage themselves.
24
Joe- if you want to run go for the Senate. it is time for a new generation to lead.
5
... and age is an issue because????
Maybe its time the electorate were educated and inspired by their leaders (As AOC is doing) rather than colluding with their ignorance.
Sexism and race have had a good airing. How about a push for ageism? With so many young progressives sniffing around, the time is right to explore a balanced and rational perspective.
2
Dear Mr. Biden,
Running for one term seems more like an ego based on hubris than anything else. You're a good man. Your knowledge and experience could be valuable. But please use it as a wise, elder statesman. Please don't run.
From a voter who is no spring chicken herself
30
Naming a veep candidate before you have won any primaries is very presumptuous. People are not stupid and they do not like being pandered to, which is why people saw it as being a sleazy move when Ted Cruz did it.
If younger voters see his age as a deal-breaker then they will let him know by not voting for him. No cheap stunt like naming a veep a year ahead of primary season is going to change that.
The only way Biden can confront the age issue is to plunge into the race and prove he is the best person for the job, just like all of the other candidates.
8
I like Joe Biden. He’d make a better president by 1000-fold than the current occupant of the WH.
But for goodness sakes, get off the fence! This is looking more and more like that Mario Cuomo “run” that never was & finally ended on the tarmac.
Don’t worry about one term or two terms or who might be the VP. What if someone currently running for president might be the best choice for VP?
It’s good enough for me if he pledges to choose someone from the next generation.
Just announce one way or the other. If you get the nomination all this comes later.
1
Biden's train left the station two years ago. I like the man but the fact is, as others pointed out, we need new ideas and a fresh prospective on the problems we face.
20
If Mr. Biden is looking to reassure voters about his judgment and capacity, the leak about choosing Stacey Abrams as a VP is extremely undermining. Not only racist, that the young black women should stand down and behind the powerful white man when it's moment to take, but to imply Ms. Abrams would settle or be appropriate for the "under card" given her experience, credentials and ability to win-- how incredibly marginalizing. Perhaps that is the intent here. By minimizing her to the B side, Mr. Biden has used this floated concept to imply Ms. Abram's isn't ready for prime time, not Presidential, but he is? What is it with all these male candidates? Do they only know how to step on a good woman to get to the top? They all seem to. I hope Ms. Abrams teaches Mr. Biden a most valuable lesson and does not consider him for the undercard.
What will it take to defeat Trump? Money, lots and lots of it. Media outlets who take their role seriously rather than chasing the new shiny thing A halt to media misogyny. An end to "both sides" and false equivalencies. Amazing ground game and social media presence. A keen eye on Republican and Russian voter suppression tactics. A realistic, doable, understandable policy agenda. A positive message with a tough no-nonsense edge. A candidate who can weather the toxic brew Republicans will sling at her 24/7 and do it with grace, humor, facts, stature and maturity.
2
Joe Biden, if you are listening: your instincts are correct! Please do not pledge to only serve one term. It's like saying "I'm good but not good enough". People were OK with Bernie's age and so much more (suits, hair, etc). People will forget your age when you start talking and campaigning. The advisors talking on condition of remaining anonymous are already working against you. If they think your age is a problem, they shouldn't be on your inside team. Surround yourself with people who care more about the issues and beating trump and less about apologizing for your biological age. It's no different then apologizing for being a woman, gay or black. Non of these things should matter in 2019. We have bigger fish to fry and, Joe Biden, you are the strongest candidate we have in a field of excellent contenders. Go Get It Papi !
15
If he chose Kamala Harris I would support the ticket. We need a woman on the ticket.
33
@Philip W Harris-Biden in 2020 (because the country needs a VP with VP experience)
3
@Philip W I like your idea. I want Stacey Abrams to win the Senate seat in Georgia. Georgia is a battleground State now; California is not. I want to southern , progressive Democrats in the US Senate. Stacey can win this.
6
@Philip W
We need someone who can win.
3
I like Joe Biden a lot.
If Stacy Abrams were his VP pick, I think I would probably vote for him in the Primary.
I also think that if he campaigns on the Medicare for America Act (Medicare Buy In), Comprehensive Immigration Reform, and a $15 minimum wage -- he will do very well.
Making college affordable is also important, but I think it might be better as a secondary issue.
2
Most of us recognize some ways aging is affecting us, but we usually don’t notice some other ways
1
Age simply doesn't matter here. Experience and a stomach for battle does. We daily see the damage that an inexperienced, self-dealing "leader" does to our democracy. And we daily see how Pelosi, i.e., someone who knows how the machinery of government works, is able to bring some control to an utterly chaotic situation. And by the way, she's "old." So what. We need a match for Mitch McConnell, who I doubt not one bit will be reelected, and likely retain control of the Senate due to gerrymandering. Making youth a top issue for a Democratic candidate in a time of serious, unprecedented crisis just defies logic.
21
The fact that the two folks polling at the top of the Democratic pack (despite one not even announcing) are political polar opposites but are both white men in their late 70s is troubling, to say the least. There is nothing these two men, both of whom have lost presidential primaries, offer that the score of younger and more diverse candidates do not.
20
@Caroline A "candidate" cannot be diverse. (A slate of candidates can be, but no one is running as a team). Don't use "diverse" when you mean "non-white and/or female." Then explain how you justify using race and gender to select a candidate.
4
As much as it pains me to say it, Joe Biden is nowhere near the best the Democrats have to offer. This is going to be a change election, and Joe Biden is not change.
44
It’s almost like the rest of society decided that 65 was a good age to retire, but sure, let’s go ahead elect another man a decade older than that to the most powerful position in our country.
Baby boomers: you have had your turn and spoiled it. Get out of our politics, stop voting for your peers, and accept your expensive and burdensome retirements while we figure out how to survive past your generation. Thanks.
7
@Tyler Lones
Hey, I'm 67 and my husband is 66 and we both like Pete
Buttigieg and Kamala Harris. My mantra is I don't want someone older than me. And I will vote for whomever the democrats nominate, but I, and my friends who are also in our 60's, all want someone younger. So c'mon, don't put us all in the basket, you young whippersnapper!!!!!!
16
@Tyler Lones "you have had your turn and spoiled it"
Term limits would do much to solve the disfunction of the politics of "No". See Mitch McC as an expample.
3
The qualities of good judgement, experience and wisdom comes to many later in life. Mr. Biden has all of these as well as a depth of humanity born out of intense personal suffering.
I’m not concerned in the least about his age as long as he pledges to choose a VP from the next generation of Democrats. People around you are just as important to a good leader.
And he is still a vigorous, active man.
Also, I doubt he’ll be lying in bed until 11am watching TV munching on whatever when he is president.
It’s a miracle we’ve survived this far with Trump.
5
Biden pledging to run one term would absolutely guarantee I'd never vote for him. It's harder to unseat an incumbent generally speaking, and I'd prefer not to have to deal with the Republicans in the White House again anytime soon.
44
The Democrats need to be looking for a face that can appeal to both young and old, rich or poor, educated or not and can appeal to independents as well.
Now if Biden can accomplish that then it doesn't matter how old he is.
1
I don't see the point in naming a VP right off the bat. Obviously if Biden wins the nomination he'll choose a younger VP -- the same is true, I'm sure, for all the over-65 candidates.
And choosing Stacey Abrams at this point would feel almost patronizing to me -- she's considering running herself; why should she have to go automatically into the #2 spot? I'd rather see her (and everyone else) battle it out for the presidency, if she wants to. She doesn't need to ride on the coattails of a white man.
So Biden: just run if you want to, debate your ideas, make your case, and see how it shakes out. No need to pull some fancy move meant to distract us. We know how old you are. It's all part of what voters will weigh.
4
Why do these politicians constantly talk down the state of the nation? We are neither a "beleaguered country", nor are we in "desperate straits". Such negativity belies the energy and activity of the American people, who have not been marching in place while Washington D.C remains stuck in the mud. If that's a supposed reason to run for President, then the "party officials" who say this need to get out and around. Oh, and by the way, that kind of attitude is not going to win an election.
3
Please run for senate Ms Abrams. We need you there and a presidency without a supportive senate cannot get anything done
The most important races are the senate races and defeating Mitch McConnell
68
@Deirdre Do a little research on Abrams or read my comments above. She is not fit for the Senate or any other political office. The only thing she's really interested in is continuing he luxurious, unaccountable lifestyle on campaign contributions and tax payer dollars.
1
@Darken Rahl Neither is so-called Gov. Kemp! Abrams is sooo much better than him.
1
Love Blue Collar Joe! Great guy and a man of the people. I also love Sanders. His contribution cannot be understate.
But it's time for new blood, for a new progressive charismatic candidate. Beto in 2020!
3
A Biden run is beginning to look like the “Green Book” of presidential campaigns.
11
I really like a Biden-Abrams ticket. Stacy would make a great president.
4
@JJ
Abrams health problem (obesity) is a problem. We need someone fit and healthy for VP.
1
What do we have to do to get some coverage of the women candidates?
72
@Karen Turn them into old white men who have already lost presidential primaries, apparently.
11
@Karen, wrong question. The right question is: "What do these women candidates have to do to earn the coverage they're looking for?"
5
@Karen
I would say what do we have to do to get equivalent, respectful coverage of Bernie Sanders?
1
He was wishywashy in 2015/2016 and appears to be the same today. A Biden/Warren ticket would have been a winner in 2016.
3
Biden, the Dem’s worst possible choice..
47
And so the DNC will stick him to us.
1
Why on earth is Biden leading?
Because most people cannot adjust to change and they want a candidate that is a carbon copy of Obama and sadly the status quo that the progressives cannot accept. We need hope and change, most of all, we need a change that really gives us hope.
The Democrats are united. Just listen to the silent applause of the majority.
3
Biden could become our next POTUS if he could come to an agreement with (former) Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell to be VPOTUS in a defined role between the two of them.
Biden certainly has the a legislative history of moderation and Powell certainly has a history of rational productive policy in foreign affairs (excepting the time he was lied to by the Bush-Cheney team about Iraq).
@Jim
I used to admire Colin Powell, but he faced a life-defining moraland political choice when Bush and Cheney asked him to lie about weapons of mass destruction to justify the invasion of Iraq, and he blew it. He should have resigned, and he didn't. He choked.
12
If Joe decides to run, it will be crucial to his candidacy to announce his running mate at the same time. And it should NOT be two white guys. His VP pick should be Stacy Abrams, a brilliant, young, experienced, poised, presidential, African-American woman! Joe will not have a chance otherwise.
Joe will have some explaining to do about his past-- his treatment of Anita Hill, and accusations of plagiarism, among others. He needs to get out ahead of the negatives of his past with some honest and thoughtful explanations.
In 2020, honor, honesty, decency, intelligence, compassion, and a true understanding of race, religious, immigration, and gender issues will be demanded.
1
"Nancy Pelosi" is not the answer to either Joe Biden's or Bernie Sanders age issue. Neither are the initials, "RBG". There are no words that can adequately address this issue. No office in tnis nation holds more weight, responsibility or pressure than the President of the United States. That is a fact, that I believe we now see occurring with Donald Trump.
It is time for 70+ year olds (I am 60+ years old) to self-select out of the process. We need the next generation to step up and become great leaders. Biden has run before and lost before. Only a person with a over-sized ego would run a third time thinking they would come up with a new result this late in the game.
4
@Bryan
There may be convincing reasons for him not to stand. But age should NOT be one of them.
3
@iain Mackenzie
He is not brilliant as was FDR; and even FDR was unable to govern at the end due to an aneurysm. Stalin took advantage of him, thus Eastern Europe. We need another Obama, young, fit and smart. As an old American, I am willing to pass the baton to a younger generation. We are not an Indian tribe with elders; we are a big, diverse country with obligations all over the world. You have Ms. May; how is that working out? We already had Reagan with Alzheimers.
2
I would not vote for a candidate who believed his/her capacity to be one term. What if they miscalculated? I want a candidate with longevity to spare. That doesn't necessarily mean youth. Biden seems healthy and youthful enough to vote for but I need a candidate to clearly believe that about themself as well.
2
Why on earth is Biden leading?
Because most people cannot adjust to change and they want a candidate that is a carbon copy of Obama and sadly the status quo that the progressives cannot accept. We need hope and change, most of all, we need a change that really gives us hope.
Bernie has the record for donations for the week, not Biden.
The Democrats are united. Just listen to the silent applause of the majority.
Committing to one term only would make Biden--oh what's the phrase?--a lame duck upon taking the presidential oath of office. That would pretty much assure that the Republican-led Senate sits on their hands for four years, much like they did under the Obama Administration. And naming a vice presidential candidate right off the bat, well, there's plenty of time then for opposition research to delve into her / his background and also plenty of time for the vp candidate to say something that causes some sort of backlash against Biden, and more likely, the Democrats as a whole.
With all due respect, Senator Biden, it's bad strategy. If you're going to run, run on your merits without the gimmicks.
63
Reassure us all by not running. You are very likable, but have lost several previous bids for the nomination.
I would like to see someone more dynamic run and win. If not Hillary, then Kamala Harris.
8
Concerned with his age? Um, yes.
We have some massive problems that will require fresh approaches and unlimited energy. Tops on the list is climate change, a truly existential threat that Mr. Biden and his entire generation have shown zero inclination to solve or capability of doing so. Another is the increasingly rapid pace of technological change and the ways in which it is profoundly changing our society, including our elections. Remember watching septuagenarian Senators try to question Mark Zuckerberg on that topic?
No disrespect, Joe Biden has had a fine career, but it is time for younger leadership.
74
@David could not agree with you more. Our country needs to have massive projects, high speed rails, energy independent through renewable energy sources, Biden served his country honorably, but Dems need to come up with fresh faces, who will elevate us to new highs.
7
@David I agree. My concern is with "splitting the ticket". I am 88 years old and live among many people Biden's age and even a little younger. Right now it seems to me that Joe's greatest contribution, and responsibility, is to confer with his older Democratic colleagues, pool their influence, and CHOOSE a candidate to support. A candidate who will defeat Trump et al! Please do not waste your strength and influence on your own campaign.
24
@David
Strongly disagree. I know many men and women who are experienced able professionals who continue to work well into their 80's and are highly respected in their fields. I think the former VP Joe Biden should run!
7