Don't Panic!

I’ve decided I overreacted yesterday. We’re not in great shape, but we’re not doomed either. At least, not yet.

One point I made on Shitter was that Biden's disabilities in the debate have tended to overshadow the many absolutely batshit things Trump was saying. As people turn those over a bit, the outlook could improve. Another source of consolation comes from reading a transcript of the debate, in which Biden comes off much better. Of course, few will read it, but it does provide voluminous source material for Democratic attack ads.

Just in the first 15 minutes, we learned that illegal immigrants are getting Social Security. (Totally not happening.) That immigrants were running riot in cities everywhere. (Ditto) That a reelected Trump would magically end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza (no doubt by giving Putin and Netanyahu carte blanche). That Trump never said what his own national security appointee, a Marine general, says he said.

Would we be in better shape if Biden stepped aside? Possibly, but it’s not up to anybody but about five people (his wife, Obama, Pelosi, Schumer, Jeffries), and mainly up to Biden himself. Not replacing Biden with Harris would set off another shit-storm, and in 2020 Harris proved she is no ball of fire as a candidate. Back then I wrote a piece on her platform, which was essentially neoliberal pablum. I think she’s an empty suit, but she has an animated, strategically crucial following for the Democratic Party — black women. We’re stuck with her indefinitely.

Next debate is September 10th, after the conventions. If we get a repeat of the other night, it might not make much difference. By now expectations for our side have diminished as much as possible. Down-ballot, Democrats are doing better than Biden, and Trump is not getting any younger either.

Keep calm and carry on. Best I can do.