March 4, 2020

"Biden sweeps the South, wiping out Sanders’s delegate lead"/"Joe Biden romps in Super Tuesday presidential contests."

Headlines for WaPo's main story on Super Tuesday.

You know the results. What can I add?

Yesterday morning, I said "But I think Bloomberg will get crushed today, and I anticipate laughing at him when that happens." I can add that he won one thing, American Samoa, and that's an exquisite detail. That's lovely humor, almost too beautiful to warrant a guffaw, but it is so absurd. I guffawed for 2 seconds, and then packaged Mike away as the ridiculous little rich man who tried to buy the presidency. We are all richer today, having seen that you can't do that — not that blatantly anyway.

The Bernie moment is over. He was really only on top for a couple weeks. Throughout the long campaign season, Biden dominated...



... and now he's back where it always looked like he was going to be. Before Sanders had his spike, Harris (the yellow line) spiked and got the attention that went with that and failed. The same thing happened to Warren (the brown line), and (less strongly) to Buttigieg (purple). Alternatives were tested and rejected. Sanders had his spike while delegates were being handed out, so that was quite a scare, but the Party scrambled and discipline prevailed, and the boring, obvious choice is now the choice we are stuck with. We rebelled, but all the alternatives failed, and now it will be Biden. Big surprise! Isn't it exciting? No, it's very boring.

Did the Democratic Party get what it wanted? Sort of, but not really. Is today a day of celebration or regret? I mean for Democrats. I know you Trumpsters are celebrating. Bernie would have been more fun, but the danger of Bernie possibly winning was too disturbing.

Anyway... how are you feeling this morning?

146 comments:

Clyde said...

Re: Bloomberg winning American Samoa, as I said last night, we thought that Bloomberg was Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, but he turned out to be Uncle Duke from Doonesbury.

Winnie said...

A little bit disappointed and equally surprised. I'm glad there is almost no chance for Bernie to win now but I like politics for the entertainment value. It will be a month or more before it gets exciting again.

Clyde said...

Big night for the Mensheviks last night.

Clyde said...

And too bad that the Democrats were too sexist and misogynist to vote for Elizabeth Warren.

Michael K said...

Biden heads into the meat grinder and his gaffes will doom him. Maybe he will do better for the down ballot races, which is what this has been about.

Trump will win big. The Democrats will now focus on the serious race, for Biden's VP.

stlcdr said...

Biden is still going to be the nominee, by hook or by crook.

wendybar said...

Sad that President Trump is going to walk all over a man who has a serious problem with his mind. That being said...who will really be running the country with Biden incapacitated? George Soros??, The Clintons??, Valerie Jarrett???

exhelodrvr1 said...

Can the Democrats cheat enough to pull Biden across the finish line first? I'm still concerned about that.

gilbar said...

little Mike spent, what? a quarter of a BILLION dollars?
steyer spent, what? a NOTHER quarter of a BILLION dollars?
and for What?

Man! I thought i was an egotist, spending a couple of thousand dollars on fly rods!

wendybar said...

Deep State want Joe...so Deep state will get Joe.

Chuck said...

Biden’s speech was almost unwatchable for me. But I may vote for him. The only pleasure to be found in Biden’s winning in November is that he will have beaten both Bernie and Trump.

But watch out for Michigan’s primary results next week. Early voting started almost a month ago via no-excuse absentee ballots. And Michigan has a crazed primary history. Jesse Jackson won s Michigan primary. George Wallace won a Michigan primary. John McCain beat Bush 43 in Michigan primary.

rhhardin said...

They're counting on a Biden loss to Trump but it maintains the current democrat people in charge of the party. Rather than Bernie staging a revolution within the party leadership. Rush's theory for why everybody except Biden was undermined by the party, when Biden is such a sure loser.

rhhardin said...

Althouse thinks the people are testing alternatives. The party leadership is choosing that result for you.

Lincolntf said...

I can't wait for Trump to grill Biden on Burisma during the debates.

Michael K said...

The takeaways from Tuesday in CTH.

Warren staying in hurt Bernie. He would have done better if she had quit.

Ditto, Buttplug and Klobuchar dropping out.

The DNC got the results it wanted.

Trump's numbers running unopposed were a preview of the coming landslide in November.

Meanwhile the voter turnout for an essentially uncontested President Trump was a very good sign. The turnout numbers for President Trump far exceed any former incumbent.

The untold story of the night is Republican turnout for an essentially uncontested incumbent president.

Look at Texas and North Carolina, for instance. Geez.

— Richard Baris (@Peoples_Pundit) March 4, 2020

It gets better…🔥 pic.twitter.com/xrLDMwyHwY

— Jellenne (@jellen805) March 4, 2020

We are seeing proof of the huge enthusiasm for @realDonaldTrump in several states:

In NC, POTUS has already blown past the # of votes he got in 2016.

In OK, POTUS is on pace to received 4 TIMES the # of votes of the last two incumbent presidents.


It's going to be fun.

gilbar said...

Clyde said...
Big night for the Mensheviks last night.
And too bad that the Democrats were too sexist and misogynist to vote for Elizabeth Warren


Looks like, if the socialists had consolidated around Bernie (if lizzy's votes went to bernis)
Bernie would have easily won
texas (30%+11.6%) = 44.6%
minn (29.9%+15.4) = 45.3%
mass (26.6%+21.2%) = 47.8%
maine (33.1%+16%) = 49.1%

This race would have been OVER, if not for FauxCaHontas

DavidD said...

“No, it's very boring.

Did the Democratic Party get what it wanted?”

Did Althouse? Boring is better than nothing....

gilbar said...

Like Dr. K said; The DNC got the results it wanted.

The people they Needed to quit; QUIT
The person they NEEDED to stay; Stayed

Some Seppo said...

I'm not feeling well. I just this morning found out that an old girfriend's subdivision in Putnam County TN was in the path of the tornadoes. All I know at this point is that she's not on the "missing" list.

Nonapod said...

Up until a few weeks ago I was sure it was going to be Biden, then along with a lot of other people I fell for the Biden's doomed narrative. Serves me right for too easily buying into the media hype rather than my instincts.

I think Trump will still ultimatley beat Biden fairly handily, assuming voters don't decide to blame Trump for the coronavirus fallout if it gets much worse.

Mr. D said...

The donks always want to fall in love, but most years they have to fall in line. Obama is about the only exception in my lifetime.

Rusty said...

I'm good. Thanks for asking. And yourself?
Oh, yes, please. Go with Biden. Push the guy that is slowly sinking into demensia in front to the voters. That way the American public can see that Joe Biden and the democrat party have all lost their fucking minds. In wht universe does this game theory work?

rehajm said...

We are all richer today, having seen that you can't do that

What a surprise the whole Citizens United, money is buying elections whinging was BS (sarc). What a waste of government resources...

It was almost a pure experiment this time around. Gratifying to see one of the countless false narratives Democrats peddle to a gullible public fall to the wayside but some will still believe.

Malheureusement, Gell Mann still lives...

Francisco D said...

Did the Democratic Party get what it wanted?

The Obama and Clinton people run the party and they wanted Biden.

A fair number of them would lose their jobs if mini-Mike or Bernie got the nomination. Now they get to keep their jobs and will attempt to get rid of Trump (again) via impeachment.

Things are going to get really nasty.

rehajm said...

This morning I don't feel it's over. I don't feel no ways tired...

Amadeus 48 said...

The plan to sidetrack Donald Trump has gone very well, comrades. He only got 97% of the vote in his party primary. The walls are closing in. The Mueller cell has done its work well.

Comrade Comey deserves to be liquidated for breaking cover and endorsing Comrade Biden. He is a fool. Recall him to Chappaqua.

Bloomberg dislplays all the folly of the bourgeoisie, but he provided a useful diversion.

Comrade Sanders has played the role of a Trotskiest lickspittle well, but we'll have little use for him after Milwaukee.

Comrade Warren is so incompetent that I believe she has purposely acted to harm the Party. She'll get the usual treatment after she confesses.

So, Comrade Biden is in a good position to garner (heh) the Party nomination. At the right time, Biden's health will fail and his counter-revolutionary actions as a looter and wrecker will be revealed.

Then, I shall step forward.

Shouting Thomas said...

Finally, the electorate rises up to renounce stereotyping and discrimination against septuagenarian dementia sufferers.

stevew said...

I am no good at the political prediction thing. Thought Biden was toast, Bernie ascendant. Not terribly surprised at Warren's failure - actually pleased by that and that she lost MA to Biden.

Seems like a good time to declare it over but as I said I'm no good at predicting, so I wont. I'll look to our host and others (Yancey Ward, et al) for prognostications.

Marcus Bressler said...

"Trumpsters". The Hostess reveals herself.

THEOLDMAN

Put the president's vote totals, running unopposed, against all Dems and see what we Trumpsters are feeling.

gilbar said...

. He only got 97% of the vote in his party

THAT is WHY you have to say: Trump Republicans
on account of because the overwhelming minority of republicans are anti-Trump

it Turns Out, that; of that 3% of "republicans" that are anti-Trump
They will ALL vote for Biden; because He's a Democrat; and those anti-Trumpers have NEVER voted for anyone that wasn't a Democrat: Not Once, Not in their Entire LIVES
Just look at the Anti-Trump "republicans" here

MikeR said...

Incompetent. With 60 billion dollars, and 300 million Americans, he could just have offered each of us two hundred dollars. I'd have voted for him.

Anne in Rockwall, TX said...

gilbar,

Buy Temple Fork Outfitters fly rods. Much more reasonably priced, fantastic quality and a lifetime warranty that even covers them if you close the door on one and snap it in half.

Seriously, TFO rocks.

---I'm a TFO Ambassador and I approve this message.

Beasts of England said...

Bloomberg and Warren were humiliated, so that’s a fine way to kick off the morning! Bernie got played, but he doesn’t care. Biden got an extra serving of applesauce, so it’s a win-win.

Rusty said...

"Man! I thought i was an egotist, spending a couple of thousand dollars on fly rods"
I got two aged culmns of Tonkin cane and some planing irons Waddayawant?

Chris said...

I'm Joe Biden and I forgot this message.

Chuck said...

I never had so much as even an academic interest in Bernie Sanders, so I never paid any real attention to him.

Now, with the national imperative to beat Trump — and to make certain that Sanders is not the nominee — I am looking with curiosity at things like this...

The Trump-like gender gap among Democrats voting for or against Sanders:

https://mobile.twitter.com/JesseLehrich/status/1235029901658349569

Why is Sanders so popular with men and unpopular with women? And as with Trump, is there also a huge swing in Bernie support based on educational background? I’ll have to look that one up.

Chris said...

Elizabeth Warren has 1/1027 chance of becoming president!

Amadeus 48 said...

Althouse has always been clear that she doesn't like Trump. She says it over and over.

But remember--she voted against Ronald Reagan twice, which means she was one of the minority of Americans that voted for Walter Mondale. She voted for Jimmy Carter. She probably voted for McGovern. She voted for Bill Clinton twice, as well as Dukakis. She voted for Al Gore, and then George W. She voted for Obama, and then Mitt Womney. She voted for Hillary.

Friends, this isn't a voting record, it is a rap sheet.

Except for Bush 43 and Womney, she voted just like Larry Tribe.

I like Ann Althouse as much as anyone I have never met, but I wouldn't take her advice on POTUS votes.

Doug said...

So after a big Super Tuesday Biden win, we will hear zerobama give his wholehearted endorsement today?
Didn't think so.

Beasts of England said...

’I’ll have to look that one up.’

Please hurry, Chuckles - the suspense is killing me!!

Amadeus 48 said...

"I wouldn't take her advice on POTUS votes"

And to be fair, she wouldn't give it, either. As I understand Althouse, she thinks none of us should care much about how she votes. She thinks each of us should care about how WE vote, and understand why.

That seems like a healthy and proper way to look at it.

Rory said...

The fly in the ointment is that Biden is still Biden. Debate in 12 days, with no more than five people on the stage.

Big Mike said...

Bernie would have been more fun, but the danger of Bernie possibly winning was too disturbing.

If Joe wins the nomination and the General, we will see whether the 25th Amendment can be applied to Democrats.

tim maguire said...

I'm disappointed. Once again the Democrats successfully fought off their reform candidate, which means they are not yet ready to reform. Which means delaying their return to relevance by at least one more election cycle.

While I think Trump has been a surprisingly good president and I wish him continued success, I'm a fan of the two-party system. It brings me no joy that Democrats continue their disinterest in being that other party.

wendybar said...

I wonder where Bernie's new house on a lake will be located this time?? Maybe he can get a place next to the Obamas on Marthas Vineyard. They owe him!!

Bill, Republic of Texas said...

I'm feeling sick to my stomach.

I thought it was Super Thursday!

Tank said...

Tank is not really depressed, because generally life is good. But it is depressing to know that so much of America would vote for Bernie, a real communist, or Biden, a person obviously failing in mental health. Wow. Terrible. As a country, we've gone from Thomas Jefferson and James Madison to maybe Bernie or Joe. Oh boy.

Fernandinande said...

"Trumpsters". The Hostess reveals herself.

I quit reading after the feminist/socialist description of Bloomberg, which wasn't revealing because it was confirming. I figured the rest of the post would be a pseudo-analysis of the ridiculous little graph.

It was pretty funny the other day that some people seemed to be accusing AA of libertarian leanings, when she's exactly the opposite.

Laslo Spatula said...

Wonderful.

The Biden campaign will be a months-long political reenactment of "Weekend at Bernies" -- Biden propped up just long enough in hopes of getting the Deep State back in their White House positions.

Then he will be allowed to slip blissfully into a world of childlike wonder where he can play with Cornpop every day, in fields of tall grass that smell like young girls' hair.

I am Laslo.

Browndog said...

Exit polls showing democrats favor socialism by a pretty good margin.

So, I'm not feeling too good about my country. Then again, it doesn't square with voters choosing Biden over Bernie, unless you accurately note all democrats are socialists.

Anyway, Bernie isn't done, and his supporters will never be swayed.

AllenS said...

Once Super Thursday is here, I'm voting for Crazy Bernie.

Beasts of England said...

I forgot the best part from yesterday: Tulsi’s single delegate gets her back on the debate stage! #yogapants

AllenS said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tom T. said...

It would be interesting for a reporter to ask Buttigieg and Klobuchar whether they were promised anything for dropping out, and to ask Warren if she was promised anything for staying in.

rehajm said...

The final delegate counts won't be clear until next week so it remains to be seen how much of a lead Biden has. Bernie is expected to garner a fair share of the mail in votes.

Trump is busting Bloomie for wasting so much money and Liz for staying in the race and stealing votes from Bernie. Heh.

Browndog said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Phil 314 said...

I’m not convinced Warren is taking votes from Bernie. I believe her core voter is an educated middle aged or older woman (i.e. a pissed off Hillary voter.)

AllenS said...

Chris said...
I'm Joe Biden and I forgot this message.

Very good humor, but then I thought, what if he absolutely locks-up and is unable to respond to a question, after he get the nomination?

Amadeus 48 said...

The easiest thing in the world to do is to lie to a pollster. Also, most poll questions are open to interpretation.

At a polling place, I would always choose to say contradictory things just to mess up the survey, and I would lie about who I just voted for. Who knows who is listening?

Sydney said...

I’m feeling like Hillary! will be Biden’s VP. If they win, Biden will be removed on the basis of dementia and Hillary! Will be President.

Narayanan said...

.... I know you Trumpsters are celebrating
______&&&&&&&
Is that like Perot saying " you people "

gilbar said...

Rusty said...
I got two aged culmns of Tonkin cane and some planing irons Waddayawant?


Actually, my Two least expensive rods are both bamboo
7' Purist, by a Michigan guy named Mark Fitch; Which is now my Favorite Rod. Was less than $400
Then i have a 1920's HL Leonard Tournament, in great shape; it didn't cost me a dime
(just had to have a cousin die, and then have his daughter endow with it)

But those Damn graphite rods; those are expensive! On the other hand, i've broken my 4wt Helios FOUR times, in 10 years; Thank You Orvis for the Unconditional Warranty!

Annie C. What sort of Warranty's do your TSO's have? (and i hope your eye's better?)

Amadeus 48 said...

"Bernie is expected to garner a fair share of the mail in votes."

That word!

Temujin said...

First of all- it's not over yet. Biden will win. Democrats will do their best to fall in line blindly and support Joe because they suddenly realize that playing Socialist is not the same as actually having to be a Socialist. Even they are scared of Bernie and his Bros.

But Bernie can still win enough delegates to keep this thing alive going into Milwaukee. That's my hope anyway. A real display in Milwaukee.

Secondly- Joe was tanking because Joe comes with a ton of garbage, which the press has done it's best to not focus on, and to actually prevent a light from being shone on some of it. But...once he's the guy, this stuff will be lit up. On top of the fact that he's a crook, and has a history of groping women, making disparaging remarks about pretty much any ethnic group (which is allowed, just not a good feature for a diversity candidate), he's also very old and getting very dimwitted. He says things that are pure fabrication. Makes stuff up. Preens over things he's done, but never actually did. Joe was famous as a fabulist from years ago. It's only gotten more pronounced and more creative.

The Dems didn't like what they saw in Joe months ago. But their other choices scared the crap out of them. Joe may lose, but he could help them keep the House. Bernie? They'd lose everything. So Joe will be the guy. But he will lose.

gilbar said...


Annie C. What sort of Warranty's do your TFO's have? (and i hope your eye's better, than my typing :?)

Birches said...

Does anyone honestly believe Biden can win? I thought Bernie had a much better shot. I don't understand the rationale for Biden at all. Does the DNC think suburban white women hate Trump so much they'll vote for a guy with dementia who has ethics issues? Really?

Kevin said...

Blake: As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anybody wanna see second prize? Second prize is a set of steak knives. American Samoa? You’re fired.”

rehajm said...

I’m not convinced Warren is taking votes from Bernie. I believe her core voter is an educated middle aged or older woman (i.e. a pissed off Hillary voter.)

I like the that take, too. Take a look at her crowds. They're full of suffragettes.

Francisco D said...

The Biden campaign will be a months-long political reenactment of "Weekend at Bernies" -- Biden propped up just long enough in hopes of getting the Deep State back in their White House positions.

Laslo nails it!

Clyde said...

I read an interesting article about how the exit polls in the Super Tuesday primary states showed that the youth vote, which Sanders was counting on, was down by a few percent across the board as a percentage of the Democrat voters who showed up to vote, compared to 2016. Does this mean that the DNC's GOTV was targeted at older voters who they perceived as more likely to vote for the Establishment candidate Biden? Does it mean that younger voters today are slightly more apathetic than they were four years ago?

Anne in Rockwall, TX said...

Gil,

My eye has been seeing more color. All the way from yellow to blue on the color wheel. No reds yet, but hoping.

TFO rods are covered for any breakage or damage, no matter who did it. Send them the rod (or section) and 35 dollars, and you get a new one.

I stepped on the top piece of my favorite BVK and they replaced the whole rod. They had changed the color of the BVK between the time I got one and last summer when I broke it. So they replaced the rod for $35.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

The delayed win for the Bern in California will allow Joe to enjoy a delegate lead and Big Tuesday Win, and dominate the news cycle just like Democrats wanted. By the time we hear Bernie won enough delegates to take the lead the Media hope to make Joe-mentum a thing, so they can screw Bernie in the contested convention as per their original plans.

Then you have the walking-dead Hunter’s Dad stumbling bumbling gaffing and riffing his way to a 49-state wipeout. And the Democrat Party might be broken by this election cycle, and be replaced by a Green-Social Dem coalition.

rehajm said...

Does it mean that younger voters today are slightly more apathetic than they were four years ago?

They were slammed at work.

Michael K said...

Sydney said...
I’m feeling like Hillary! will be Biden’s VP. If they win, Biden will be removed on the basis of dementia and Hillary! Will be President.


The race now will be for VP. I wouldn't rule that out but POCs will be lining up.

Leland said...

I'm happy to hear Tulsi Gabbard will be given space on the billionaire stage.

MikeR said...

This isn't such good news for Republicans, I think. If Bernie had had the clear plurality and Biden (or just anyone) was chosen anyhow at a contested convention, that would have torn the Democratic Party down the middle, and whoever was chosen would have lost, having lost the Bernie Base. If they had gone with Bernie at a contested convention, a lot of moderate Democrats wouldn't have been able to support him, including some of the richest ones.
As it is they will be able to chose Biden at the convention without infuriating the Bernie Base.
I think the Democrats just missed a bullet.

MountainMan said...

Biden is in the early stages of dementia. His memory lapses are the same as what I saw in my mother. If he were to be elected I predict he would be removed according to the 25th Amendment before he finishes his term.

Amexpat said...

Bloomberg celebrated his win in American Samoa by eating a Snickers bar - with a knife and fork. But he only ate half. He wanted to save some for his anticipated victory in the Northern Marianas.

Automatic_Wing said...

I have to give the DNC credit, their machinations were a lot more effective than I thought they would be.

Browndog said...

A lot of people are saying the youth vote is down, based on the 13% of all voters in the 18-29 demographic.

It seems to me that number falls in line with general population/registered voters demographic.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

Joe and the DNC are using Bill Clinton’s “comeback Kid” script from ‘92 primaries to claim frontrunner status based on this temporary statistical lead for Slow Joe. He telegraphed this last week, even using the same name for himself. Tells me Joe is huddling with Bill or Hill to strategize this.

TJM said...

The Dems are in terrible shape. A choice between corrupt, Senile Joe and Commie Bernie. Inga is probably having an orgasm over this

Birches said...

Tammy Baldwin for VP? It's going to have to be a woman...

Larry J said...

I read a good summary of yesterday's primary results. Bernie won the states that any Democrat will win. Biden won the states that no Democrat will win.

J. Farmer said...

Sanders may at least have had a chance of defeating Trump. If the DNC goes with Biden, they’ve sealed their fate.

Gusty Winds said...

As a Trumpster, I'm feeling fantastic. Warren is a snake a screwed Bernie. Best is, he's not going to drop out. The shit show will at least make it to the Wisconsin Primary.

How is Biden with his onset dementia going to make it till November? Hunter and the money laundering scheme will hang over his head. It's not fully "baked" in. Trump will pummel him in debates.

But...I still think there is a chance we don't see Biden or Bernie on the debate stage against Trump.

Kay said...

It looks like the only lesson the Democratic party took away from 2016 is that gaffes and age don’t matter to voters. This will be worse than McCain’s downfall.

Kevin said...

I think the Democrats just missed a bullet.

Sanders
Warren
Bloomberg
Biden

They’re playing Russian Roulette with a fully-loaded weapon.

Big Mike said...

Does the DNC think suburban white women hate Trump so much they'll vote for a guy with dementia who has ethics issues?

Judging by Althouse, I’d say they’re probably right. If Althouse can get herself past Hillary’s level of corruption then Biden’s corruption must seem penny ante. The dementia won’t matter, as long as he’s on the right side of abortion.

Mike (MJB Wolf) said...

Sorry other Mike, but Bernie will have the overwhelming lead in delegates at the D convention. By this Friday the delayed totals from CA will surge Bernie into the lead, unless the Democrat “vote harvesting” underway in Cal goes sideways to help Joe. It COULD happen I guess.

Known Unknown said...

Just as I had predicted when a lot of naysayers were throwing Biden out. He still sucks for the most part, but he's the most technically 'electable' of the Ds left.

Greg Hlatky said...

Just wondering how America's Politico is going to spin this.

MadisonMan said...

The OverLords who know better -- after all, they crafted the delightful Hillary!! nonsense, and look how well that turned out!! -- have spoken. Thou shalt not vote for anyone for Biden because we will clear the field for him, so his elderly person walker will not be impeded by bumps.

I'm struck that recent Democratic Presidents -- Obama, Clinton, Carter -- have come out of nowhere, essentially, to take the prize. Shiny New Objects. Now Democrats offer up the plodding Joe Biden, Mr. Corporate Establishment Democrat Himself. I don't think this will work well. Where is the enthusiasm for him?

MadisonMan said...

American Samoa is a lush and lovely place, although they're laboring under the looming closure of a main employer, a tuna cannery. If you go there, stay at the Tradewinds (it's mostly the only hotel on the island). The Tuesday special of Prime Rib in the restaurant is not to be missed.

daskol said...

I would resist the temptation to hand it to Joe. Was a somewhat refreshing surprise to see Biden take Texas, but Bernie took CA and the remaining map doesn't favor the Dem Establishment strength that helped Biden yesterday: turning out black voters. It's still Bernie's map, and he should wind up with more delegates than Biden come the convention.

Bob Boyd said...

Kevin said...
I think the Democrats just missed a bullet.

Sanders
Warren
Bloomberg
Biden

They’re playing Russian Roulette with a fully-loaded weapon.



Joe Biden
The next best thing to an empty chamber.

hawkeyedjb said...

I'm disappointed. I want Bernie, because I'd like to have it out once and for all. A commie vs. Trump, let's line up and take sides. And if Bernie somehow won it, well, you know that line about "good and hard."

Bob Boyd said...

What happened to Putin's magic powers? Wasn't he supposed to be helping Bernie? He dropped the ball, I guess. Or maybe he made a deal with Biden.

daskol said...

Biden is in the early stages of dementia. His memory lapses are the same as what I saw in my mother. If he were to be elected I predict he would be removed according to the 25th Amendment before he finishes his term.

Sadly I have similar experience with observing the ravages of age related dementia in a loved one, and this is absolutely true and obvious: Biden is at that stage where he can fool others using various compensatory techniques such as pretending not to hear, changing the subject, emphasizing outward displays of strong emotion (yelling, cheering, etc.). One-on-one he must be pretty far gone, which means his campaign is engaging in a conspiracy.

Etienne said...

There was a spike in 2008 when voter turnout was 58% of eligible voters. It stressed the system, and voter participation dipped to a low in 2012 of 54%.

Normally, just 55% actually participate.

These low numbers make it easy for Senators to run for President while still getting allocated $3.3 million each year to run their office.

Think of a track meet where some runners get a head start. It makes for a boring contest, and people stay home in droves.

exhelodrvr1 said...

"Very good humor, but then I thought, what if he absolutely locks-up and is unable to respond to a question, after he get the nomination?"

They'll just take a commercial break, and reboot him.

Howard said...

I feel great.

Well it's forty below
And I don't give a fuck
Got a heater in my truck
And I'm off to the rodeo

robother said...

What William Goldman said about the motion picture business seems equally applicable to Presidential politics: "Nobody knows anything."

The talking points on every news channel analyzing the Democrat primary were debate performance, ad buys, running out of money, enthusiasm gap, rally size, ground game. None of it seemed to matter. This should humble Trump supporters, too. Much of our certainty about Joe Biden's weakness is based on his lackluster debate and public performances. "Trump will slaughter him in the debates!" If Super Tuesday doesn't show you how irrelevant debate performance is to most voters, what will?

DarkHelmet said...

It's a good day for Democrats -- they rejected Warren, who is an appalling human being in every respect. They rejected Bloomberg, who richly deserved to be rejected. (Mike, why on earth did you try to run to the LEFT of Bernie Sanders on anything? I know you hate guns, but seriously.)

Southern Democrats mostly rejected Sanders. I chalk that up to the wisdom of black voters. They understand than Sanders is a walking horror show.

It is a very weak field, but Biden is the least disastrous alternative both for Democrats from an electoral standpoint, and for the nation should he actually win in November.

But it is also a very, very good day for Republicans. Biden is a better than even bet to win the nomination, and he is a lousy candidate who is going to get steadily worse with every passing day.

It's pretty funny, really. Democrats have never wanted anything in the world as much as they want Trump out. They are in the process of nominating a man who is very poorly equipped to do that.

Howard said...

They burned Sanders chicken wings by running Amy!&$#@?$#! and Major Pete as training wheels to help Slow Joe ride on his own, like a Big boy into Superb Tuesday.

DarkHelmet said...

" If Super Tuesday doesn't show you how irrelevant debate performance is to most voters, what will? "

I think Bloomberg's Super Tuesday performance was heavily influenced by his dreadful debate performances.

But in general, yes, debates are overblown.

Bob Boyd said...

Warren's performance lends further support to the controversial theory that people don't like the unlikable.

FIDO said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Howard said...

Heed the Dark Helmet. The Deep State prefers Trump over Sanders. Democrats only hope now is that Biden is just sandbagging us. I don't think that's likely because it's not in his nature.

Rusty said...

Gilbar @ 6:55
My brother's Fich cost him his Carmichael planing irons and ten culmns of bamboo. He has two Orvis from when they were cheap and a Leonard that he bought from the Leonard company in the 70s. I have a couple of Phillipsons bought just before they went under. Plus an old Heddon that was my grandfthers. All that bragging being over. bamboo is fun to fish with for awhile, but when you do Xgame quality fly fishing-dawn til dark-graphite is the only way. Plus it's more forgiving and easier to push a cast into the wind. I don't think I've used a cane rod in five years.

Gahrie said...

We rebelled, but all the alternatives failed, and now it will be Biden. Big surprise! Isn't it exciting? No, it's very boring.

This sounds like your announcement that you're going to vote for Biden.

Craig said...

It is scary how quickly the Democrat voters did as they were told, on such short notice, by The Party. China would be proud.

wildswan said...

By spending $500 million Bloomberg beat Tulsi in her home territory. Now the battling leaders of American Samoa face off on the debate stage - the two sharpest intellects up there. The last of the flower children meets the king of money.

Biden has to pick an African-American vp but then the party split in Milwaukee - socialists v. African-Americans - will become huge. This is a chance for a second African-American President and weedy little Bernie Bros better stand aside, but they won't. Then, after deftly handling that (or else not noticing anything) Biden takes on Trump. I'm only afraid that the Republicans will have so many goodies for ads that they will become careless and ignore down-to-earth issues about cheating.

rcocean said...

I'm very sad. The D's will be able to package Biden as a "Moderate" even though he's NOT. Biden sat on the stage and agreed with every crazy policy - except for Medicare for all. He's already offered Robert Francis O'Rourke a "Gun policy Czar" position. His VP will likely be a woman of color, probably Harris or Abrams. And lets not forget he's promised $500 Billion for climate change.

People claimed the Bernie Bros will revolt are completely wrong. They'll take their lead from Bernie, who will get a new house, and will endorse Biden and fully support him. It'd be nice if the Bernie bros had an ounce of fight, but they don't.

rcocean said...

In retrospect, there was a "Never Bernie" vote and it got split up between various people before enough of them settled for Biden. That was my question throughout, who was the 2nd choice of the Klochblob, Buttigig, Steyer, Harris, Booker, etc. voters?

And now we know it wasn't Bernie.

rcocean said...

America Samoa should hang its head in shame.

Churchy LaFemme: said...

America Samoa should hang its head in shame.

But then there's this: During the 1918 flu pandemic, Governor John Martin Poyer quarantined the territory, and because of his actions, American Samoa was one of the few places in the world where no flu-related deaths occurred.

Bruce Hayden said...

Here’s an interesting thought that I am sure some Dems have thought of. What happens if Biden wins the nomination and then the general election? His senility, whatever the cause, is very likely progressive. That means that at some point, the 25th Amdt will very likely have to be invoked. An argument could probably be made that it could be invoked on Inauguration Day. The minute that the new President finishes his oath of office, he becomes President, with his predecessor’s Cabinet. Trump’s Cabinet, who would collectively control execution of the 25th Amdt, until fired by either the new President, or the new VP as Acting President. (They have to be either fired, or resign to have successors nominated and confirmed - we saw that with former SDNY USA Preet Baharra, who refused to resign). And we saw last week with a court case, that there are significant limitations on who can be Acting head of a Department (and thus able to vote during operation of the 25th Amdt).

My belief is that the Republicans wouldn’t screw around this way, but I think that the Democrats, with the way that they attacked Trump might if they were faced with this issue.

The next hurdle is getting the new VP confirmed. Until then, the next in line of the succession is the Speaker, then the President Pro Tem of the Senate (my understanding, the senior member of the majority party). You can be pretty sure that the current House Dems probably wouldn’t confirm any Republican to be VP, with Speaker Palsi next in line. Indeed, historically, the Senate typically confirms new VPs almost unanimously, but the House vote in recent years has not been nearly as lopsided, with only maybe half the House Dems voting to confirm. If the Republicans control both Houses, this is the place where they could prevent Crooked Hillary from being slipped in.

This very possibly could become interesting.

Another possible scenario. It is possible that Biden could win nomination, but have to be removed before the election. Whether they could effect that across the country would be interesting. Likely not everywhere, with strong Republican states rejecting late substitutions. But Soros may have bought enough state Secretaries of State across the country to pull it off. But I don’t think that matters long term, because what you are really voting for, in Presidential elections is slates of electors, and the name you put on a state’s slate probably doesn’t matter.

DarkHelmet said...

And Bloomie is OUT. Endorses Biden. Not much of a surprise. Two man race now.

DarkHelmet said...

Two man race, and both are old and in questionable health. If COVID-19 really ramps up -- with Sanders and Biden running around in crowds, kissing babies, shaking hands and sniffing hair . . . well, things could still get very interesting.

Clyde said...

Bloomberg suspends campaign, endorses Biden. Will he set his money on fire for someone else?

bbear said...

Tank said...

As a country, we've gone from Thomas Jefferson and James Madison to maybe Bernie or Joe.


Updating the great Mort Sahl's version, once we were a nation of 4 million people and produced Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Today, with a population of 330 million, we have Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. What do we learn from this? Darwin was wrong!...

Left Bank of the Charles said...

Another big Biden Bounce in the stock market this morning. Not as big as Monday's Biden Bounce. Trump has never gotten a one-day bounce as big as these.

Wa St Blogger said...

Althouse.

You said you WANT boring. It is your primary motivation for who you vote for. At least ath is how I read it.

Or are you just trolling us?

Biden IS your ideal candidate type provided...
1. You think his mental state is not compromised.
2. You have walked back from the cliff RE: his Video: fine people on both sides

I'm not trying to box you in. I respect your approach though I disagree with some of your positions, especially in your general trust of government. But of all the things that you claim motivates you, boring competence seems to reign supreme. Biden is boring, but is he competent?

DarkHelmet said...

Left bank said:

"Another big Biden Bounce in the stock market this morning. Not as big as Monday's Biden Bounce. Trump has never gotten a one-day bounce as big as these."

You don't understand. This is not a "Biden" bounce. This is a "Not-Sanders" bounce. The "Trump crushed Biden" bounce still lies ahead.

Iman said...

Damn it feels good to be a Republican!

sinz52 said...

Bruce Hayden asks: "Here’s an interesting thought that I am sure some Dems have thought of. What happens if Biden wins the nomination and then the general election? His senility, whatever the cause, is very likely progressive. That means that at some point, the 25th Amdt will very likely have to be invoked. "

Reagan had Alzheimer's in his second term, but he got to finish out the term without invoking the 25th Amendment.

Tom T. said...

Bruce, one scenario is that the price Biden paid for the DNC clearing the moderate lane will be to name HRC as his running mate and then to accept a graceful exit via the 25th Am.

Martin said...

I think this could be VERY exciting. It is pretty obvious that Biden is in early stage Alzheimer's and it is progressing.

Iman said...

A “Biden Bounce” is where he stumbles and bounces his hair-plug laden head off the concrete...

Bootstrap said...

A straight up fight of capitalism vs. socialism might have been interesting and educational. But with all the unpredictability of any election, I'm happy to see Bernie rejected early. Socialism is just too dangerous and evil to take the chance to let it get in the game. Murder it at the first opportunity.

Biden's VP choice will be critical. If they just pander to PC identity politics, the Dems aren't serious. They need someone that can step in and govern. None of the ridiculous DC crowd. Find a credible governor. Not the NY or CA posers, a serious one from the midwest perhaps. If by some miracle Biden wins, pretty good chance he doesn't finish the term. No way in the world is he a two termer. I'd rather have Trump and the economy he's enabled, but a boring Democrat is survivable. Please replace Schumer with Amy and Nancy with Tulsi.

Roger Sweeny said...

I voted for Tulsi yesterday and I'm supporting her all the way. (Her getting the nomination is at least as likely as Tom Brady going to the San Francisco 49ers and Jimmy Garoppolo going to the Patriots.)

DarkHelmet said...

Bootstrap:

"Biden's VP choice will be critical. If they just pander to PC identity politics, the Dems aren't serious. They need someone that can step in and govern. None of the ridiculous DC crowd. Find a credible governor."

It will be identity politics. Biden has no chance without a strong black turnout. Look for Deval Patrick or someone similar.

Sebastian said...

"I know you Trumpsters are celebrating."

You don't know us as well as you think.

walter said...

Birches said...Tammy Baldwin for VP? It's going to have to be a woman...
--
Jay Weber (who despises Baldwin) has been thinking that might be shrewd.
Dunno..really hard to imagine the perennial back bencher stepping in should Biden check out.

Yancey Ward said...

I am happy this morning- I consider Biden the weakest Democrat in the field because the onset of dementia is obvious to anyone actually paying attention to the man's campaign events, which are actually very, very few. For all her faults, Clinton was a much stronger candidate than Biden is, and she still lost in 2016.

My fear, though, is that Warren pulls out and endorses Sanders, which will mean this race for the nomination is not over. Sanders lost the same 14 states to Clinton by a much larger margin in 2016 (and Sanders may still have won the most delegates last night, though the odds are against it now). Also, the dynamic of the underdog vs overdog has now switched back to Sanders' favor- it is better going forward to be the underdog in a close race- it allows people who are loosely attached to give "Fuck you votes", which were the majority of Sanders' votes in 2016.

lgv said...

It's sad that it be much harder to show the true Biden vs. the true Sanders. The MSM will not report Biden's lies. Three college degrees, full scholarship, top of his class. Instead we have a guy who graduated near the bottom of his class at Syracuse, 55 years later with dementia.

How about Gabbard? Time to unite behind Tulsi.

Birches said...

Most voters aren't paying close attention right now. I imagine that Biden will lose a bit of voter enthusiasm when the reality of his age sets in.

Inga said...

A debate between Biden and Trump would be a sad affair. Both would be taking turns to ask the moderators to repeat their questions or speak louder. If Trump with his own obvious cognitive deficits can be President so can Biden.

Bruce Hayden said...

“Bruce, one scenario is that the price Biden paid for the DNC clearing the moderate lane will be to name HRC as his running mate and then to accept a graceful exit via the 25th Am”

I commented in another thread something similar, that if she gets the VP nod, we will really know that the fix was in.

Jim at said...

How am I feeling this morning? Wonderful. The D Establishment just lit Milwaukee on fire.

RobinGoodfellow said...

“ Blogger Tom T. said...
It would be interesting for a reporter to ask Buttigieg and Klobuchar whether they were promised anything for dropping out, and to ask Warren if she was promised anything for staying in.”

Yes! My question exactly.

In particular with reference to Pete and Klobuchar. Why drop out 48 hours before Super Tuesday? Neither one had to do anything for 48 hours. Just wait and see if they got a Biden-like bump, may enough to stay in the race.

It’s obvious the fix is in.

RobinGoodfellow said...

“Blogger Kevin said...
Blake: ‘As you all know, first prize is a Cadillac Eldorado. Anybody wanna see second prize? Second prize is a set of steak knives. American Samoa? You’re fired.’ “

Also Blake: “Coffee is for closers!”

RobinGoodfellow said...

“Blogger Inga said...
A debate between Biden and Trump would be a sad affair. Both would be taking turns to ask the moderators to repeat their questions or speak louder. If Trump with his own obvious cognitive deficits can be President so can Biden.”

I’m particularly glad that these lovely children were here today to hear Inga Johnson’s speech. Not only was it authentic frontier gibberish, it expressed a courage little seen in this day and age.

TJM said...

Inga,

You are totally bonkers. If you watched even one Trump rally you would see the man's energy, sense of humor, intellect, common sense, and passion for making America great for all of its citizens. But not possessing these traits yourself, it might be difficult for you to recognize these traits in others. Your intellectual dishonesty is beyond the pale. Anyone looking at Plugs ought to be concerned that he may be in a memory care unit before November. He's in worse shape than Hillary was in 2016

DeepRunner said...

While it's likely that Sleepy Joe/Sloppy Joe will now move toward the nomination, Biden did well in the South, which is rich with core Dem constituencies, and is less than enamored of Comrade Bernie. Let's see how the rest plays out.