Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, D.C. (March 16, 2024). President Biden’s address to the GRIDIRON CLUB. “The Gridiron Club is a renowned organization comprised of journalists and other media professionals that hosts a dinner every year featuring pundits and politicians delivering humorous observations of the state of the media and the nation. Among the regular participants is the President of the United States.”
At the same time Biden is speaking we have, the Grand Potentate of maralargeO making headlines with this threat, ‘Now if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole — that’s gonna be the least of it. It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it.’
Bidens speech was largely ignored and of course the Big OrangeLoudMouth got the headlines. Will it make a difference? Here are a few of the Presidents best quips:
“We know not everyone is feeling the progress we’re making. We’re committed to helping the little guy. Ron DeSantis, though, won’t take our calls.
"The big news this week is two candidates clinched their parties’ nomination for president. One candidate is too old and mentally unfit to be president. The other is me."
"Kamala and I and the members of the administration here tonight are proud — proud of our accomplishments on behalf of the American people: record job growth, wages rising, rigging the Super Bowl for Taylor Swift."
"Our big plan to cancel student debt doesn’t apply to everyone. Just yesterday, a defeated-looking man came up to me and said, 'I’m being crushed by debt. I’m completely wiped out.' I said, “Sorry, Donald, I can’t help you.'"
"I’m running against the same guy that I beat in 2020. But don’t tell him. He thinks he’s running against Barack Obama."
For the Presidents full remarks and the Daily Kos Back Story.
I am not entirely convinced that Trump cares about what is popular when it comes to violent acts or promising pardons. I think he only cares about what benefits him. A small but violent group devoted to him is really all he needs to create chaos. That's been the case so far.
He only cares about what benefits him -- and he's not big on long-term planning either. He'll say anything that will make the people right in front of him cheer and wave their flags (or walk down the street and invade the Capitol). And for decades, he's managed to avoid the consequences of his words or his actions.
Just listening to DJT in Ohio this weekend was enough to give anyone listening the perfect "split-screen" choice. He was violent, vulgar and threatening. Referring to migrants as "animals" and promising violence--this early explosion of crude strong-man behavior--requires that everyone take him at his word. He is not being "taken out of context." The press needs to let Trump be Trump--and really focus on the ugliness--in his own voice as much as possible. I also think that in our limited spaces we have a bit of time on our side. Each day Trump is getting worse, because even if we believe he has "smarter handlers" right now--what does that mean? Smart in what way? I see far fewer guardrails--no one holding the leash. Trump is rolling the dice toward full autocracy--because that is what serves him best personally and legally. He is going to keep making mistakes. Let's be ready.
Maybe having a play-date with Viktor Orban got Trump all juiced up?
It flummoxed me at first -- was it saying that the statement itself was 60% true? That couldn't be it, so it has to have something to do with what options were offered to those being polled -- I think?
Via the link Dan provided it says "For that reason, Navigator tests each event on a dual axis measuring which events are most concerning and which are most believable."
Your suggested approaches are right on. The big question is how do we get everyone not just Independents on the same page including Democratic voters who are young and those who are not in love with Biden. How do we get voters to take these threats as real not Trump being Trump.
One example of how serious these threats are is that Rep. Ilhan Omar(Dem-Minnesota) did not hesitate to come out and publicly say that she is supporting Joe Biden. She understands how existentially crucial it is for all of us to get people to vote for President Biden this November and to defeat Trump by as many points as possible.
I agree that this is a big challenge, and it goes even deeper than getting voters to take these threats seriously. Before we can convince voters -- and non-voters! -- that democracy is under attack, we have to convince them that "democracy" isn't just a word that gets trotted out in election years -- that it *can* be made more responsive and more inclusive. Hell, at least some of the time I'm not sure I believe it myself.
All I have to do is imagine the alternatives. We are working toward a "more perfect union" everyday. What would the Trump political culture be like? Imagine the consequences for living the lives we enjoy--gathering freely, speaking and thinking free ideas, liberal and creative arts, and always working tor expanded rights, liberties and diversity? And the climate? Violent, vulgar, delusional, and hot as hell. In Trump world, justice is a distant memory.
I get all that. I was among those who woke up to climate change around the time of Three Mile Island -- we're talking late '70s here. What I'm saying is that an awful lot of people thought "democracy" was doing reasonably OK until Trump got elected. As far as I can tell, most of these people were white, straight, and middle class and up. IMO "democracy" was going downhill from at least the beginning of the Reagan administration, but these people were doing OK so they thought some of us overreacting to, e.g., the Clinton administration's caving to the right on crime, welfare, etc. Also to the confirmation of Clarence Thomas to SCOTUS -- true, Thomas was appointed by Bush I, but the Senate Judiciary Committee was in Democratic hands. I've long since forgiven Joe Biden for being a man of his time, because unlike most men of that time he's demonstrated a capacity for growth.
I'm trying hard to be optimistic. I hope, I really hope, that all those people who finally realized that *politics mattered* when Trump was elected won't go home when Trump goes to jail and MAGA either implodes or disappears in a puff of smoke.
Welp things have flipped once again and it’s time for mainstream media to cover the heck out of Trump so everyone can see what he’s about. Believe it or not lots of people are not yet paying attention.
You are so right. But even then--as we encounter people who "want to be left alone"--or who "can't stand to hear it" anymore--whatever it is.....we need to patiently share what Trump is saying and promising. Meanwhile--I am reading the 2025 MANDATE FOR LEADERSHIP by the Heritage Foundation. All I can say is that we must not lose in November.
I would think the Maga verse would also be upset if they found that they have lost Social Security and Medicare. I don’t think they are really aware of what it all means. They may have big regrets afterwards and realize what fools they were.
Excellent column. I think you should include the talking points up top--get right to it and then go into the explanation. But they're very helpful / insightful as always.
I think Dan is saying we have a big role to play in that consequence. BUT--we need to vote. The first objective is to be sure he loses this next election. Waiting for the Avengers to show up and fix DJT for us is unhealthy.
We have to turn out to vote in the greatest numbers EVER. We also have to be prepared for more of tRump's big lie when he loses. Being prepared is NOT the same as being afraid. We have to stand up to tRump and his pathetic cult members. Appeasement will NEVER work.
Clearly we agree on many things, I've read your posts and we've bounced likes back and forth.
I'm so titanically frustrated, please forgive a pure rant:
-We have nothing to do with any prosecution. There are civicli employed professionals we already pay for whose job is to levy criminal prosecutions - and that's not me.
So far those professionals have failed. Fat Donny has lost nothing. I see criminal conduct with zero consequence; everything gets pushed.
-Our first job, the one we are tasked with, is to fix this fucking mess. You are so correct, the Avengers are just comic book characters for kids and we need to move on our own.
The thing is, I don't see movement, only talk.
Talk
Talk
Talk
In my mind, all the smoke and mirrors are gone. Democrats make noise but they do jack shit.
There's no magic anywhere behind the curtain, it's just old fuckers coveting money.
Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, D.C. (March 16, 2024). President Biden’s address to the GRIDIRON CLUB. “The Gridiron Club is a renowned organization comprised of journalists and other media professionals that hosts a dinner every year featuring pundits and politicians delivering humorous observations of the state of the media and the nation. Among the regular participants is the President of the United States.”
At the same time Biden is speaking we have, the Grand Potentate of maralargeO making headlines with this threat, ‘Now if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole — that’s gonna be the least of it. It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it.’
Bidens speech was largely ignored and of course the Big OrangeLoudMouth got the headlines. Will it make a difference? Here are a few of the Presidents best quips:
“We know not everyone is feeling the progress we’re making. We’re committed to helping the little guy. Ron DeSantis, though, won’t take our calls.
"The big news this week is two candidates clinched their parties’ nomination for president. One candidate is too old and mentally unfit to be president. The other is me."
"Kamala and I and the members of the administration here tonight are proud — proud of our accomplishments on behalf of the American people: record job growth, wages rising, rigging the Super Bowl for Taylor Swift."
"Our big plan to cancel student debt doesn’t apply to everyone. Just yesterday, a defeated-looking man came up to me and said, 'I’m being crushed by debt. I’m completely wiped out.' I said, “Sorry, Donald, I can’t help you.'"
"I’m running against the same guy that I beat in 2020. But don’t tell him. He thinks he’s running against Barack Obama."
For the Presidents full remarks and the Daily Kos Back Story.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/03/17/remarks-by-president-biden-at-the-gridiron-club-and-foundation-dinner-march-16-2024/
https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2024/3/17/2229983/-Biden-HYSTERICALLY-ROASTS-Mentally-Unfit-Trump-and-Honors-the-Free-Press-at-Annual-Gridiron-Dinner?utm_campaign=trending#comment_88262412
I am not entirely convinced that Trump cares about what is popular when it comes to violent acts or promising pardons. I think he only cares about what benefits him. A small but violent group devoted to him is really all he needs to create chaos. That's been the case so far.
He only cares about what benefits him -- and he's not big on long-term planning either. He'll say anything that will make the people right in front of him cheer and wave their flags (or walk down the street and invade the Capitol). And for decades, he's managed to avoid the consequences of his words or his actions.
Doesn't promising to pardon insurrectionists constitute "aid and comfort?" Just curious.
Just listening to DJT in Ohio this weekend was enough to give anyone listening the perfect "split-screen" choice. He was violent, vulgar and threatening. Referring to migrants as "animals" and promising violence--this early explosion of crude strong-man behavior--requires that everyone take him at his word. He is not being "taken out of context." The press needs to let Trump be Trump--and really focus on the ugliness--in his own voice as much as possible. I also think that in our limited spaces we have a bit of time on our side. Each day Trump is getting worse, because even if we believe he has "smarter handlers" right now--what does that mean? Smart in what way? I see far fewer guardrails--no one holding the leash. Trump is rolling the dice toward full autocracy--because that is what serves him best personally and legally. He is going to keep making mistakes. Let's be ready.
Maybe having a play-date with Viktor Orban got Trump all juiced up?
Is anyone else confused by the parenthetical comments (e.g., 60% true, 75% concerning)? I'm not sure what that means.
It flummoxed me at first -- was it saying that the statement itself was 60% true? That couldn't be it, so it has to have something to do with what options were offered to those being polled -- I think?
I think you've got it, Susanna...thanks!
Via the link Dan provided it says "For that reason, Navigator tests each event on a dual axis measuring which events are most concerning and which are most believable."
Thanks -- that helps!
Your suggested approaches are right on. The big question is how do we get everyone not just Independents on the same page including Democratic voters who are young and those who are not in love with Biden. How do we get voters to take these threats as real not Trump being Trump.
One example of how serious these threats are is that Rep. Ilhan Omar(Dem-Minnesota) did not hesitate to come out and publicly say that she is supporting Joe Biden. She understands how existentially crucial it is for all of us to get people to vote for President Biden this November and to defeat Trump by as many points as possible.
I agree that this is a big challenge, and it goes even deeper than getting voters to take these threats seriously. Before we can convince voters -- and non-voters! -- that democracy is under attack, we have to convince them that "democracy" isn't just a word that gets trotted out in election years -- that it *can* be made more responsive and more inclusive. Hell, at least some of the time I'm not sure I believe it myself.
All I have to do is imagine the alternatives. We are working toward a "more perfect union" everyday. What would the Trump political culture be like? Imagine the consequences for living the lives we enjoy--gathering freely, speaking and thinking free ideas, liberal and creative arts, and always working tor expanded rights, liberties and diversity? And the climate? Violent, vulgar, delusional, and hot as hell. In Trump world, justice is a distant memory.
I get all that. I was among those who woke up to climate change around the time of Three Mile Island -- we're talking late '70s here. What I'm saying is that an awful lot of people thought "democracy" was doing reasonably OK until Trump got elected. As far as I can tell, most of these people were white, straight, and middle class and up. IMO "democracy" was going downhill from at least the beginning of the Reagan administration, but these people were doing OK so they thought some of us overreacting to, e.g., the Clinton administration's caving to the right on crime, welfare, etc. Also to the confirmation of Clarence Thomas to SCOTUS -- true, Thomas was appointed by Bush I, but the Senate Judiciary Committee was in Democratic hands. I've long since forgiven Joe Biden for being a man of his time, because unlike most men of that time he's demonstrated a capacity for growth.
I'm trying hard to be optimistic. I hope, I really hope, that all those people who finally realized that *politics mattered* when Trump was elected won't go home when Trump goes to jail and MAGA either implodes or disappears in a puff of smoke.
Shout Trump's rhetoric from the rooftops to all Dems and Independents and let its context be interpreted by the listener.
Better yet, post video of his statements so undecided voters can hear it "right from the horse's mouth."
Welp things have flipped once again and it’s time for mainstream media to cover the heck out of Trump so everyone can see what he’s about. Believe it or not lots of people are not yet paying attention.
You are so right. But even then--as we encounter people who "want to be left alone"--or who "can't stand to hear it" anymore--whatever it is.....we need to patiently share what Trump is saying and promising. Meanwhile--I am reading the 2025 MANDATE FOR LEADERSHIP by the Heritage Foundation. All I can say is that we must not lose in November.
I would think the Maga verse would also be upset if they found that they have lost Social Security and Medicare. I don’t think they are really aware of what it all means. They may have big regrets afterwards and realize what fools they were.
Gotta be!
Excellent column. I think you should include the talking points up top--get right to it and then go into the explanation. But they're very helpful / insightful as always.
Someone please wake me when Fat Donny is actually facing a consequence.
Until then, it is a day ending in a 'Y'.
Standard Independent cry:
Money
Convention
August
Make K Street Cry 2024
I think Dan is saying we have a big role to play in that consequence. BUT--we need to vote. The first objective is to be sure he loses this next election. Waiting for the Avengers to show up and fix DJT for us is unhealthy.
We have to turn out to vote in the greatest numbers EVER. We also have to be prepared for more of tRump's big lie when he loses. Being prepared is NOT the same as being afraid. We have to stand up to tRump and his pathetic cult members. Appeasement will NEVER work.
Yes!
But we can't allow the necessity of victory to overrun our basic humanity.
We have to demand professionalism from our officials AS we proceed.
Trump has already announced how it must work--either he wins, or we lose. You are so right.
Ok.
Clearly we agree on many things, I've read your posts and we've bounced likes back and forth.
I'm so titanically frustrated, please forgive a pure rant:
-We have nothing to do with any prosecution. There are civicli employed professionals we already pay for whose job is to levy criminal prosecutions - and that's not me.
So far those professionals have failed. Fat Donny has lost nothing. I see criminal conduct with zero consequence; everything gets pushed.
-Our first job, the one we are tasked with, is to fix this fucking mess. You are so correct, the Avengers are just comic book characters for kids and we need to move on our own.
The thing is, I don't see movement, only talk.
Talk
Talk
Talk
In my mind, all the smoke and mirrors are gone. Democrats make noise but they do jack shit.
There's no magic anywhere behind the curtain, it's just old fuckers coveting money.
I'm sick of it.