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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI'm very impressed by Joe Biden
Im a Democrat, and, frankly, I would have voted for ANYONE over Trump. Heck, Id put an earwig in the Oval Office over Trump.
That said, Biden was not my first or even second choice for the job. I was more drawn to Elizabeth Warrens intellectual acumen and understanding of regulatory policy.
Nonetheless, Ive been very impressed by Biden thus far. He really seems to have grasped the need for systemic change, and has shown the ability to unify his entire party, and large segments of moderate voters relatively unattached to partisan politics, behind a vision of government as an active force for public uplift.
I now think Biden may end up being one of the best Presidents of my lifetime.
Anyone else here deeply impressed by Biden?
Funtatlaguy
(10,910 posts)tblue37
(65,598 posts)DownriverDem
(6,252 posts)After Harris backed out, she was my choice for VP. Why? I just felt they could win and Biden had tons of experience. Glad to see I was right.
patphil
(6,279 posts)Trueblue Texan
(2,473 posts)Warren supporter, was not at all a Biden fan during primaries. But he has truly impressed me with his ability to learn, listen and get shit done!
Ocelot II
(116,137 posts)He's such a contrast with The Former Guy - he's experienced, sensible, calm, thoughtful, compassionate and normal. We've been so desperate for a normal, relatable human being as president and we got one. I supported him during the primaries and I got what I was hoping for.
Silver Gaia
(4,554 posts)I also supported him in the primaries for these same reasons, and I am happy to say that I have gotten much MORE than I hoped for.
brush
(54,060 posts)realize Biden was the one who could beat trump and the negative narratives and nicknames trump would create about the others. We're all lucky that Rep. Clayburn arrived at the same conclusion. And we're also lucky that all the Dem candidates coalesced around Biden shortly after the SC primary. That was beautiful.
CTyankee
(63,942 posts)their lives. I truly think that suffering has enobled him. He seems not to possess bitterness even tho he would certainly have the right reason to be bitter. He has religious faith without wanting to stuff it down other folks throats. He meets you where you are in life. And that makes the best presidents.
Demsrule86
(68,965 posts)demtenjeep
(31,997 posts)I love this man
bamagal62
(3,288 posts)XanaDUer2
(10,970 posts)Butterflylady
(3,570 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)Hes responding to what this country needs right now. Im surprised and impressed. And I agree that if he continues with his amazingly progressive actions he will be one of the great people in history. I think hes responding to the younger Preogressive people in his life, with their planetary based views.
Hes also thinking big. Large scale actions as he attests to when comparing his actions to the space program. Which makes me think that there will be many, many side benefits to his programs. A lot of future businesses and cottage industries coming out which means jobs, innovations, inventiveness, industry and a huge jump into an open ended beneficial activities for the entire world. Small businesses may be the ones that benefit the most as jobs are created and the need arises for their products.
Im with you and this is more than I thought possible when he announced he was running.
samnsara
(17,679 posts)LakeArenal
(28,927 posts)Kahuna
(27,313 posts)confidence in his heart and ability.
shrike3
(3,955 posts)About him being saved for the right time.
WhiteTara
(29,742 posts)in 2008. He had to see what Obama went through and got to see the suffering of others in a way he could not have if he had just been another white male president.
I believe that he will be transformational and I'm delighted with his wisdom and acumen.
pazzyanne
(6,560 posts)I experienced many disappointments when he did not secure the nomination. I have to believe all those disappointments were meant to save our best for the right moment in history. This is the moment in history, and Joe Biden is the right man to handle the challenges we face. He is not a one man show, but rather recruits the best people for each position and then gives those people the power they need to do thier jobs. His job is to provide vision and stucture that brings every thing and every one together to meet his goals for our nation. Biden has the strongest leadership skills I have seen in years. He not only meets my expectations, but surpasses what I knew he could do. GO, JOE!
demtenjeep
(31,997 posts)and not continuing his first run may have saved his life
flor-de-jasmim
(2,128 posts)I have to say that not only am I thrilled that Biden has really met the challenge, but it tickles me to pieces that he doesn't get caught up in the nonsense. He stays above it all in terms of just "gittin on gittin on", yet makes it clear that he is not at all oblivious to the scheming going on around him. I love his reactions "Ah, come on, man"! "Is that a serious question?"
uponit7771
(90,380 posts)... moral person but he's going hard on big ideas where I thought he was soft on before the election.
His idea of America seems more than what the DC press want
50 Shades Of Blue
(10,157 posts)blm
(113,164 posts)Last edited Sun Apr 4, 2021, 06:42 PM - Edit history (1)
He was always politically and personally tight with Kerry and, had he chosen to jump into the 2016 election cycle his plan was to run WITH Warren. He agreed with Warrens view that, overall, they could have gone bigger and bolder in Obamas first term. Biden has also tapped a number of Warrens recommendations for crucial positions.
Bidens own instincts are old-fashioned, traditional, strong progressive. So are Kamala Harris. Add Warrens economic expertise with a dash of Sanders bold energy and you have a reliable team of progressive leaders.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/15/elizabeth-warren-aides-biden-administration-475653
Most influential voice: Warrens network spreads throughout Biden administration
The growing roster of Warren protégés in the government illustrates the leftward shift underway in the Democratic Party's approach to policymaking.
3catwoman3
(24,183 posts)...he has endured, and combined with his 8 years as VP make him the right person at the right time.
I think you are right about him likely being one of the best presidents of our lifetime - maybe one of the best ever.
onetexan
(13,095 posts)get-go. Alot of people were ready to write him off. I hoped against hope & S. Carolinians came through to push him forward. I'm still in awe of how he came thru in the 2020 general elections. Losing was not an option given what was at stake, and sensible Americans collectively came together to keep democracy intact. We still have to keep fighting, but boy don't we have it good now (compared to what might have been). MoJo 2024!
Siwsan
(26,373 posts)I knew we needed somebody with first hand knowledge about the real life functioning in the White House. Someone who could hit the ground running - no learning curve necessary. Someone with existing relationships with foreign leaders and who was respected by those leaders. Someone with a proven track record for successfully tackling really hard issues. Someone with proven integrity. And someone with LOTS of experience with the way things work in Congress. Nobody fit that bill as well as does Joe Biden.
Everyone in my immediate circle fell into the Sanders and Warren camps. I have IMMENSE respect for both of those individuals but still felt that Joe outpaced them, when it comes to having well rounded experience.
Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)Course, I wanted Obama as his running mate, and then to presidency for eight years.
Obama would still be president now. Just think where wed be!
Diamond_Dog
(32,287 posts)onecaliberal
(33,065 posts)I believe in my heart that his previous bids for the presidency were unsuccessful because fate was keeping him for just this time. He is the right man for the times. I believe he will be one of the most consequential Presidents In my lifetime. He already cut child poverty in half and he hasnt even been in office 100 days.
BarbD
(1,195 posts)Walleye
(31,234 posts)And his eye is always on improving life for Americans, not gaining advantage in the next election
relayerbob
(6,566 posts)But frankly, the entire field was heads and shoulders above anything the GOP even could have offered without Trump running
Turbineguy
(37,458 posts)They like the news that's coming out of the US. It's calm. It's competent. Not the crazy chaotic shit from trump. And they know all about the trump campaign scam to empty peoples' bank accounts.
multigraincracker
(32,811 posts)I thought it was high time for a woman, but what do I know. I think he is the best for the time and he will pave the way for Harris some day.
fwvinson
(488 posts)Cracklin Charlie
(12,904 posts)The opposition party have done everything in their power for decades to keep him from the top job. They knew about his grasp.
Must have really sucked for them to watch his campaign and election play out. They knew.
BobTheSubgenius
(11,590 posts)...asked if anyone here was not deeply impressed.
Botany
(70,714 posts)Joe is a complex man, a deep thinker, and enjoys the exchange of ideas including ideas that
that are not in line with his also he has suffered pain and loss that are almost unimaginable
but he is the sum of all of that and at his core he wants to help people. Joe has also surrounded
himself with what I think is the best minds with the best experiences I have ever seen in order to
help him and America reach his goals. Always remember that in his office is a big picture of FDR,
and busts of Rose Parks and Ceaser Chavez ... Joe is a liberal.
BTW he knows government too.
NNadir
(33,621 posts)secondwind
(16,903 posts)He was my first choice. He had the experience, the same vision as Obama, hes a good moderate Democrat who isnt afraid to tell it like it is.
backscatter712
(26,355 posts)Biden just showed the world how pandemic response is done, with the ramp-up of vaccine production. The numbers are incredible, and I got my first shot the other day!
If all the right-wing brainstems could be bothered to learn basic germ theory, we'd already be done with Trump Lung, but nooooo...
Dream Girl
(5,111 posts)Trump knew that. He was salivating at the chance of running against Warren or Bernie. Thankfiylly, cooler heads prevailed. Or maybe divine intervention.
Karadeniz
(22,638 posts)He could be the least distorted by Republicans.
BlueSky3
(522 posts)in some of Joes speeches? Like big, bold change? Structural change? I was a Warren supporter and have been so happy to hear her campaign ideas echoed in Bidens plans.
blm
(113,164 posts)Biden was smart to tap Warrens people.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/15/elizabeth-warren-aides-biden-administration-475653
Most influential voice: Warrens network spreads throughout Biden administration
The growing roster of Warren protégés in the government illustrates the leftward shift underway in the Democratic Party's approach to policymaking.
Biophilic
(3,773 posts)I'm usually the optimist, but after the last 4 years and how well Biden is doing this year I'm afraid of that old 'gotcha' thing. I think Biden is extraordinary in his knowledge and experience as well as the perfect personality for the moment. I'm going to stay confident that he will stay well and in charge, but damn, after the last 4 years I'm afraid I've become a bit jaded. Joe Biden is definitely the man for the moment and I pray we deserve him.
SYFROYH
(34,186 posts)But its early yet.
nvme
(860 posts)He is studying the weed= (I am going to see if the polls support that) and guns he will come along. He is looking to be united and will work within the party. Give a little time so he can use his political capital on his agenda.
StrictlyRockers
(3,861 posts)I'm a full on Marxist communist, and I like what I'm seeing from Biden.
Not gonna lie, I did not expect him to be this good.
My group loves to hate on him for whatever because that is what they do. And they're consistent. But I have consistently been pushing back. Their arguments seem thin. I keep saying, "You don't have to hate everything to be a leftist."
I like Joe.
peppertree
(21,827 posts)I urged my fellow Sanders/Warren backers (those that I know) to go all in for Joe, the day he won Super Tuesday.
One - because job one was getting Needy Amin out (with an earwig if need be!). It was hard to find someone more electable than Joe Biden (an advantage Hillary never had, sadly).
And two - because I was pretty sure his policies would be a lot closer to the progressives' than some progressives were giving him credit for.
And he's been delivering for progressives - and for America.
Celerity
(43,955 posts)Joinfortmill
(14,586 posts)LiberalLovinLug
(14,190 posts)I wonder sometimes if Obama would admit he was wrong headed, or maybe just overwhelmed by advice from the conservative members. His sudden pivot to the right, hit progressives in the gut. Appointing Wall Street insiders, right after they crashed the economy, to oversee the Treasury. His personally appointed CoS swearing about "liberals". Ignoring Sanders, Warren, and others on the left for basically his whole term. It was such a shocking turn and redefinition of direction from the language that came out of his campaign.
It ended up keeping disillusioned progressives, primed for the big hope and change, from backing him up in 2010, and he lost the House. Whether you are mad at them for that or not, that is the reality. Its a political reality that Biden is handling brilliantly.
It is only smart politically to recognize a huge segment in your party, and show them you are at least listening to them. Appointing Sanders Budget Committee chairman was huge. Not as big as Labor secretary would have been, but huge nonetheless.
Then, not going down the neo-liberal playbook of demanding AUSTERITY! Basically reacting, as they do every time coming out of a Republican spending spree on themselves through tax breaks and pork for their districts, that they now have to tighten belts, to recover and get the deficit under control To save America from Republican mistakes, as usual.
But we all know what happens. Democrats clean house, get the ship in order, and Republicans come in and spend spend spend, on the military and tax breaks. And the debt is not a concern at all. Then Democrats get back in, and the debt is the #1 threat to the country.
Its been like that, rinse and repeat for the last three changeovers.
If America is going to spend, at least spend it on the people, and infrastructure and those jobs. That is how you reinvigorate an economy!
DFW
(54,609 posts)He not only recognizes the urgency for action, he is actually DOING it.
My first choice back in 2019 was Jay Inslee, way before Biden even declared. I was completely against any Senator who publicly urged Al Franken to resign, so, for me, that eliminated Gillibrand, Warren, Booker, Harris and Sanders. At least I got my wish there.
But the one vibe I got from Joe Biden from our brief encounters at the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver was a personal warmth, and a hint at a broad capacity for empathy. This is only an asset in a president if coupled with a steel will to act when it is called for, and if there was ever a time it was called for, that's now. He has shown ample capacity for both, and THAT is what leads me to bow to the better judgment of the primary voters. Who knew? I didn't--not at first. Even when I was predicting his win (after he entered the race), I didn't know. I was just going on logic and my 12 year old hunch. In addition to that, his decades in the Senate have rendered him immune for McTurtle's posturings. Joe Biden has seen them all for years, and sees all of them coming.
What a time for intuition to be spot on!
Hortensis
(58,785 posts)at best, and perniciously destroyed at worst, and how the real person is revealed by his own, genuine actions -- when they're fairly clearly seen and understood in context, as now.
I wish everyone happily surprised would remember being told he was a corrupt corporatist and so far right that he was really no better than the Republicans -- and take a good look at the lying liars who pushed those deceits. This is an opportunity to kick out the mind-fuckers they let into their heads. For good.
Ka-Dinh Oy
(11,686 posts)Buttigiege was my first pick then Warren if Biden did not run.
I was chomping at the bit when he was trying to decide if he was going to run or not.
I jumped up and down when he officially announced his run.
He is everything I expected.
spooky3
(34,570 posts)1) teamwork - he has assembled fabulously competent teams that are also diverse. They are showing the world how to get good things done AND how there is no trade off between diversity and performancein fact performance is enhanced when you dont artificially exclude great people because they arent old white men. This is my idea of strong leadership not authoritarian, narcissistic bullying.
2) brilliant perspective on unity - focus on doing the things that Americans support, not on trying to convince Republicans who are determined to obstruct, to compromise with you.
housecat
(3,121 posts)Etherealoc1
(256 posts)surprised. He's very resolved. Been there done that and he's not falling for the Republicans' old playbook.
Almost nothing to lose approach, it's
either now or never.
Random Boomer
(4,173 posts)Now I feel that he's exactly the right person for the job. I love surprises like this one.
Funtatlaguy
(10,910 posts)samnsara
(17,679 posts)..he just calms me..
Larissa
(792 posts)Since day one, Joe Biden has put his nose to the grindstone. I really love it that he doesn't knee jerk react to every bit of nonsense that the Trumpers and Cruz Controls, Mitch et. al., aim at him. He gets the job done. I am truly grateful for his empathy. It is what was truly needed for a country in great sorrow and unimaginable loss. (To think that Trump uttered not one word of recognition for the thousands of Americans whose lives were lost and impacted by Covid-19. It was the very first thing that Biden did.) There have been more than a few moments of pure joy at the actions Biden has taken, such as dismantling the Trump wrecking ball plans of the environment and the National Parks that Trump launched. (I truly feared that Trump was going to sell parcels of the NP's to the highest bidder.) Other kudos: Health care; LGBTQ rights. Repairing the relationships with our allies. Restoring funding to global organizations. I'm certain that I haven't listed all that he's done.
Upthevibe
(8,131 posts)So far, he's listened to pretty much everyone under the big tent holds those of us who are Democrats.
I voted for him in the primary (in 2020) here in California since ours had been moved up, and for the first time I felt the candidate hadn't already been selected.
I felt that Biden was the safest choice. I have friends who voted for Elizabeth, Bernie, and even one who voted for Bloomberg!
But three of us felt that Biden was the best shot so that's how we went.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)but I was really afraid that his age would get in the way of change and many more progressive ideas. I am pleased to say that I was WRONG. Go, Joe!!!
markie
(22,759 posts)supported him only, as soon as he announced...
UGADawg
(501 posts)*
speak easy
(9,368 posts)panfluteman
(2,087 posts)Will cut through the Republican spin machine. So he's out to do just that. It's too bad that so many Americans seem to be too dumb to figure out by now that the Republicans are full of crap and don't have their best interests at heart.
The emerging Biden doctrine seems to be this: Only Democratic good government, and plenty of it, can be the sovereign remedy for the political disease of Trumpism.
MerryHolidays
(7,715 posts)Other than BHO and Bill Clinton, neither of whom could run again, it was so clearly obvious that Joe Biden was the ONLY perfect candidate who could defeat that repugnant infector in chief who cannot be named.
Generally, the US picks an outsider to be President, with George H. W. Bush being the last exception in decades. It was clear to me that any normal-thinking US voter wanted a return to normalcy after the insanity of 2017-2021.
2020 was not a year to make rapid progressive gains. It was a chance to get back to normal. And thank the good lord we took that chance. Progressive gains will come in time. And Joe and Kamala are the perfect bridge to take us there, incrementally.
Joe is the PERFECT candidate for now. President Biden: I really love you. Thank you and VP Harris for all you have done in such a short time to make America great again....and more importantly to help us heal from so many wounds.
Kahuna
(27,313 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(146,264 posts)My kids actually admitted that our country is lucky to have Joe as POTUS. All three of my kids were Warren supporters and gave me grief. I got to meet Joe in person twice. At one of the fundraisers, I ran into the parents of my middle child's best friend. We both told our children that we had run into each other and my middle child and her best friend spent the night texting to each other that their parents were shits.
MerryHolidays
(7,715 posts)2020 was not their year. Even before the pandemic, it was, at least IMHO, patently obvious that Joe was the only one that could beat the monster whose name is not utterable. Why else did the monster himself risk impeachment to destroy Joe?
Even the monstrous infector-in-chief knew that he couldn't beat Joe. Like Nixon, he did everything he could in his (and Vlad's) power to get anyone else but Joe. BUT IT DIDN'T WORK!
Russia: if you're listening, you messed up badly. At least Vlad is the sexiest Russian around based on your fake polling, so his pictures should keep you warm during the cold nights ahead.
BWHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!
speak easy
(9,368 posts)He sure did. I was supporting Warren, but it was obvious Joe was the one he really feared.
hwmnbn
(4,279 posts)This guy has exceeded my expectations... and he's just getting started!
Blue Owl
(50,706 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(146,264 posts)I got to meet Joe twice in person at fundraisers in 2019 back when he needed the money. Joe is amazing
Link to tweet
mia
(8,363 posts)Deeply impressed, but yearning for a powerful delivery.
shrike3
(3,955 posts)I reluctantly came on board after Super Tuesday. To say he has exceeded my expectations is putting it mildly.
GoodRaisin
(8,944 posts)His core decency, his toughness, and his humility have impressed me always and my feeling about him as a candidate was those traits would guide him as our countrys leader and our partys leader. He hasnt disappointed.
lark
(23,245 posts)He is proving to be exactly who I thought and hoped he would be and is exceeding my expectations almost daily.
betsuni
(25,913 posts)He's got this.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)I always believed he was MILES ahead of all-comers.
I am a democrat...I was not for Joe in beginning...wanted Warren...but turns out Joe is the man ! I am very impressed! Now if he would fire the two rump holdover who are holding up stimulus checks for those of us on social security...I would be grateful! And get rid of DeJoy also....
PatrickforB
(14,618 posts)moving toward being a transformational president. I especially loved it when he kept stressing that union jobs are good jobs, and when he called out Amazon.
I'm hoping Biden can get the Senate to modify the filibuster so they can pass some of the other legislation, like the new voting rights act, and maybe immigration. Why, I wonder, is that so very 'controversial' for Democrats - the immigration one, I mean.
But yeah, Biden is great.
Happy Hoosier
(7,524 posts)I do think he needs to talk with Joe Manchin, though..... and maybe he has.
Ask Sen. Manchin what it is he expects to happen. Does he think Republicans will actually help accomplish anything? Based on what evidence? I do wonder what dream-world Manchin is living in.
Bu...bu...bu....but he had notes. Shades of emails and tan suits and missing flag pins. I love him too.......and Kamala.
IbogaProject
(2,876 posts)I was voting blue no matter what, but I was especially angry when he proposed just a small age drop for medicare and his slight hostility to single payer health insurance, which is the only workable solution to our health needs.
While I still don't like the incrementalism on this issue, everything he has done since he was elected and especially after inauguration has surprised me in a good way.
I genuinely hope he continues his progressive shift and that he continues his strong break from the centrist pro corporate style that has dominated the last 40-50 years.
Ever since he changed the trans issue for the military as one his first acts I have been impressed at his progressive policies.
He was at the bottom of my list, but given that he did the most important thing--get elected--and also given that he scared Trump so much. I'm lovin' him.
zaj
(3,433 posts)He's uniquely genuine, and it establishes a lot of widespread trust. I hate to say it, but it helps that he's a while Christian man.
That's the historic power center. And with that he's able to bring about social change in a way that most people will have confidence in. Much like LBJ, who was helped by being a good-old-boy from Texas.
That matters, and is helping us make social progress without losing political power.
CaptainTruth
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