One year and three days ago, 81,282,916 Americans elected Joe Biden president of the United States. Yesterday, we learned the US added 531,000 jobs in October, unemployment fell to 4.6 percent, and hiring for August and September was revised upward by 235,000 jobs. And last night near midnight, by a vote of 228 to 206, the House finally passed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, which is—to use Biden’s well-known parlance—a big F-ing deal.
In the next several weeks, we will see if the promised Build Back Better social and climate bill will pass. (The lingering uncertainty was the reason six progressives voted no last night.) It also will take maximum exertion to pass voting rights legislation. And the jury is still out on the president’s Attorney General and the commitment of his Department of Justice to prosecute the full array of crimes committed on January 6.
But I think it’s worth pausing to ask—especially after Biden has faced both declining approval ratings and overheated Beltway criticism that his presidency is adrift and in danger: Can the fever break now? Will he be defined by successes like cutting child poverty in half and executing the most ambitious vaccination process in American history with 192 million Americans fully vaccinated to date? As the historic investment in bridges, roads and more is felt, will we witness growing optimism that better days are ahead and the recognition that Democrats—the only governing party—really can make good on their promises? Or will a media narrative bent on describing internecine warfare among the Democrats as evidence of Biden’s failure rule the day?
I look forward to your ideas and honest insights. As always, I ask that this community avoids personal attacks in the comments. This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other.
We should rejoice that Biden has undone a significant portion of Trumpublicans destruction of America. Destroying society was far too easy. It will take a generation to repair Trumpublicans wanton disregard for most of us. Yesterday’s passage of the infrastructure bill was like D-Day; there is a long road ahead
To the broadest extent I agree with what Steven says here. The one qualification is that nationally and on the state Democratic political levels, there is a great lot of work to do, and if Chairman Harrison is not up to the challenge portrayed in the recent off-year elections he should resign and move on. Questions need to be asked, analysis must drill deeply into media and voter dynamics and awareness, using newly uncovered state and national perceptions, expectations, and realities. It’s time for Democrats to move into the 21st century in ALL aspects of what gets voters to take interest, to inform themselves, and to come out and vote no matter what roadblocks the obstructionist GOP has put into place.
One thing we could do today is open a 24/7 war room to put out a clear and consistent message every day especially on weekends. Repetition and amplification is crucial. Repetition and amplification is crucial. Repetition and amplification is crucial…
I wouldn't bet against the media continuing the pro-plutocrat anti-Biden framing. BUT I suspect the facts on the ground are going to turn public sentiment back in his favor.
I am 100% with Biden. The AG and the USPS are a major concern, those seem like easy problems to solve so I don’t understand why they are allowed to linger. I thought after Trump the GOP would dry up and blow away, boy was I wrong. America if anything is now more sexist and racist than it has been in the last fifty years. You know what word they’re just dying to say when they say CRT…
If Biden wants to pick up unexpected support, getting rid of DeJoy and reversing the decline of the USPS should be a priority. It's a safe bet that many voters who don't closely follow the news assume that the postal service's growing problems are the president's fault. There has to be a way around the Postal Board of Governors retaining the corrupt, Trump-appointed DeJoy, who appears intent on destroying the postal service.
Crises, negativity, and depictions of chaos and "disarray" are what get attention, and what gets attention is what sells. Hyperbole rules. I rue the day the 24 hour news cycle was born (thank you Ted Turner) and the fairness doctrine bit the dust (permitting Fox entertainment to call itself "news"). Now, screeching passes for much of what is called news media, which is one of the chief reasons I subscribe to this blog, as well as Heather Cox Richardson's. I agree with Runfastandwin's comment below suggesting it is time to open up a 24/7 "war room" to hammer away on the real progress that is being made under the Biden Administration, progress that will actually benefit ordinary folks. The Democrats have GOT to move into the 21st century and start fighting fire with fire -- get the messages out there, over and over and over, and not just on MSNBC. It is time to start driving the narrative instead of always reacting to the lies being spewed by the Republicans.
As we have learned from recent elections that Democrats need to go forward with new ideas to attract votes for their agenda and leave trump behind, so, too, does the media, even that which is left, blue leaning. We are tired of seeing trump's face all over facebook, on the news, his every move and comment made , broadcast. We know so many of his followers are unable to think logically, so why give them the attention on which they thrive? Let's try to create brotherhood from sea to shining sea and feel God's grace once again.
I pray CNN and MSNBC cut President Biden some slack. We also elected a Democratic Governor in an off year with a Democratic President. That was not a loss!
My only gripe is why the main stream media is being so critical of the Biden administration? Why do Americans focus on the negative vs the positive? I try to be as positive as possible, it is why I follow blogs such as this and other writers and journalists that stick to the topic of what has been accomplished.
This to me is really quite simple, the Neoliberal Democrats are really old school republicans and they need to not only be made insignificant, but the leadership of the party needs to act substantially differently than in the past. They must realize the GQP is not in this to compromise, they are a fascist/nazi party representing oligarchy, intent on destroying the nation and democracy itself.
The dem's must now act in the following key fundamental ways, and without hesitation.
1. Remove every member of Congress & the Senate who acted to support the 1/6 assault on democracy. This will change the balance of power in the Senate and eliminate the blockages put up by the two Senators, Joe Mancin & Sinema, thus making them irrelevant.
2. Kill the filibuster!
3. Pass the 'For the people act' with requirements for hand marked paper ballots nationwide.
4. Pass the full and original build back better act and power it up with...
5. GND
6. M4All
7. Remove the AG if he won't do his job of indicting th6e former guy and all involved in his coup of 1/6.
8. Remove the director of the FBI and anyone else in the government acting on behalf of the previous regime.
9. The above includes DeJoy at USPS
10. Rebrand the Democratic Party as the party of working people and tax the billionaire class...
Failure to fight back in the next few months will only empower the fascist GQP. Not coming back at them in the 2022 elections with clear statements of accomplishments and talking points to counter the Faux/GQP fear tactics will doom the nation, democracy and life on earth.
Spot on Bruce. Unfortunately, I don't think the Dem's really want to 'fix' the nation. They are too beholden to the money interests. I've left the Party after being on the inside for decades, they are a hopeless cause as long as Wall Street, the Military & Pharma Industrial complexes are their primary interest. They don't yet realize they can win by fighting back hard and taking no prisoners. Bernie proved that in 2020 until the MSM and party hacks came out to destroy the NotMeUs movement. Now people see the game, both Dem's and GQP account for less that the 'do not state' voters. I joined PeoplesParty.org, suggest everyone consider that too if like minded. JMHO
Fascism (/ˈfæʃɪzəm/) is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy, which came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe.
ric... or whom ever you are... Every single thing I mentioned is fully constitution and in fact required by law or under the authority of a functioning democratic US government. When you get you head out of greenwald's back side, clear your sinuses somewhere else, it make take you some time, but we'll wait. While you are at it, check out what the Constitution requires of its members: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=%2Fprelim%40title18%2Fpart1%2Fchapter115&edition=prelim
Hi Wayne, Indeed I am Ric - you can find me here on Substack - if you dare open your mind. But that's your choice.
I will note, however, Mr. Beschloss asks the following from his readers/commenters:
I look forward to your ideas and honest insights. As always, I ask that this community avoids personal attacks in the comments. This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other.
I was banned before from this forum for asking is someone was "insane" or just an "infant."
Your ad hominem attack, not only on me, but on Mr. Greenwald seems on its face to violate that admonition. Somehow I suspect it won't get you banned. You are a "right-thinker."
I quote from your comments above:
" When you get you head out of greenwald's back side, clear your sinuses somewhere else, it make take you some time, but we'll wait. "
All that being said, it is fascinating to read all of yours and your cohorts massive group-think.
Have you no inkling what the results in Virginia and NJ portend for this nation? As one of my heroes. Mr. T so elegantly y put it: I pity the fool!
Hummm... just like GG, no acknowledgement of the fact the Constitution requires removal of seditions actors in congress... we're done here, just like I've been done with GG who fails constantly to response to facts. We may be more in line on many issues than you realize, but again, you are in too deep to see where you are going.
I made a comment, and another reader said this in response:
When you get you head out of greenwald's back side, clear your sinuses somewhere else, it make take you some time, but we'll wait.
Would you consider that a violation of this admonition:
I look forward to your ideas and honest insights. As always, I ask that this community avoids personal attacks in the comments. This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other.
Now I find myself skipping my news sites for a time to enjoy Nova's stars and water holes. A poet said, ",The world is too much with me late and soon." After decades watching and writing about humans, I find their mindless harping more and more unsettling, less in line with the natural world, more like a strange nether place, hard to make sense of. So when we tell ourselves we are ruining the world, I think not. The world will be just fine after we've destroyed ourselves. Then the rains may come again and the world will renew itself on a new form.
Could you please get the media on board? They seem to be ignoring the really good stuff Biden does and hang on the trivial. I’m starting to think that they all miss TFG for their ratings. They don’t even need him because the Republicans are doing all the dirty work for him. This country is not perfect; no country is, but America had a pretty good thing going with all of its faults. What this country is turning into is not that. On a final note, will anyone please poke the Justice Dept. and wake them up. How much time do they think we have? Midterms are coming.
Democrats are doing the hard work of governing a large and diverse country in a time of extraordinary challenges.
Republicans are not.
Unfortunately, Democrats have nothing comparable to the 24-7 right-wing media operation that feeds disinformation to the public and keeps many Americans perpetually angry, anxious and misinformed.
They do this with great skill, experience and resources. Democrats try to catch up with 30-second ads at elections, not realizing that many people's opinions of Democrats have been set long before by the daily deluge of right-wing media poison.
As long as Republicans are describing Democrats to voters at this mass level, Democrats will have an uphill climb.
The coordination of right-wing media and politicians is an extraordinary power. And it is vastly destructive.
Consider what happened in May 2020 with Covid, when the White House coordinated with right-wing media to contradict CDC guidance on COVID-19.
This coordinatiom arose from a view in WH that getting reelected was more important than defeating a deadly disease. They thus got media to carry a message countering CDC. They called it 'girding Trump's loins.' Really.
As long as these media operatives are girding loins of a reckless leader, the country is in serious trouble.
See articles like 'Trump allies line up doctors prescribing rapid reopening' from usa today, May 20, 2020.
We should rejoice that Biden has undone a significant portion of Trumpublicans destruction of America. Destroying society was far too easy. It will take a generation to repair Trumpublicans wanton disregard for most of us. Yesterday’s passage of the infrastructure bill was like D-Day; there is a long road ahead
To the broadest extent I agree with what Steven says here. The one qualification is that nationally and on the state Democratic political levels, there is a great lot of work to do, and if Chairman Harrison is not up to the challenge portrayed in the recent off-year elections he should resign and move on. Questions need to be asked, analysis must drill deeply into media and voter dynamics and awareness, using newly uncovered state and national perceptions, expectations, and realities. It’s time for Democrats to move into the 21st century in ALL aspects of what gets voters to take interest, to inform themselves, and to come out and vote no matter what roadblocks the obstructionist GOP has put into place.
One thing we could do today is open a 24/7 war room to put out a clear and consistent message every day especially on weekends. Repetition and amplification is crucial. Repetition and amplification is crucial. Repetition and amplification is crucial…
I wouldn't bet against the media continuing the pro-plutocrat anti-Biden framing. BUT I suspect the facts on the ground are going to turn public sentiment back in his favor.
I am 100% with Biden. The AG and the USPS are a major concern, those seem like easy problems to solve so I don’t understand why they are allowed to linger. I thought after Trump the GOP would dry up and blow away, boy was I wrong. America if anything is now more sexist and racist than it has been in the last fifty years. You know what word they’re just dying to say when they say CRT…
If Biden wants to pick up unexpected support, getting rid of DeJoy and reversing the decline of the USPS should be a priority. It's a safe bet that many voters who don't closely follow the news assume that the postal service's growing problems are the president's fault. There has to be a way around the Postal Board of Governors retaining the corrupt, Trump-appointed DeJoy, who appears intent on destroying the postal service.
He should just fire him. No one cares about a cockamamie Board. Fire the Board too, while he’s at it. Let them sue if they don’t like it.
Crises, negativity, and depictions of chaos and "disarray" are what get attention, and what gets attention is what sells. Hyperbole rules. I rue the day the 24 hour news cycle was born (thank you Ted Turner) and the fairness doctrine bit the dust (permitting Fox entertainment to call itself "news"). Now, screeching passes for much of what is called news media, which is one of the chief reasons I subscribe to this blog, as well as Heather Cox Richardson's. I agree with Runfastandwin's comment below suggesting it is time to open up a 24/7 "war room" to hammer away on the real progress that is being made under the Biden Administration, progress that will actually benefit ordinary folks. The Democrats have GOT to move into the 21st century and start fighting fire with fire -- get the messages out there, over and over and over, and not just on MSNBC. It is time to start driving the narrative instead of always reacting to the lies being spewed by the Republicans.
As we have learned from recent elections that Democrats need to go forward with new ideas to attract votes for their agenda and leave trump behind, so, too, does the media, even that which is left, blue leaning. We are tired of seeing trump's face all over facebook, on the news, his every move and comment made , broadcast. We know so many of his followers are unable to think logically, so why give them the attention on which they thrive? Let's try to create brotherhood from sea to shining sea and feel God's grace once again.
I pray CNN and MSNBC cut President Biden some slack. We also elected a Democratic Governor in an off year with a Democratic President. That was not a loss!
what? like they don't already? any other news you don't want to know about?
My only gripe is why the main stream media is being so critical of the Biden administration? Why do Americans focus on the negative vs the positive? I try to be as positive as possible, it is why I follow blogs such as this and other writers and journalists that stick to the topic of what has been accomplished.
Another measure coming up very soon: Louis DeJoy
This to me is really quite simple, the Neoliberal Democrats are really old school republicans and they need to not only be made insignificant, but the leadership of the party needs to act substantially differently than in the past. They must realize the GQP is not in this to compromise, they are a fascist/nazi party representing oligarchy, intent on destroying the nation and democracy itself.
The dem's must now act in the following key fundamental ways, and without hesitation.
1. Remove every member of Congress & the Senate who acted to support the 1/6 assault on democracy. This will change the balance of power in the Senate and eliminate the blockages put up by the two Senators, Joe Mancin & Sinema, thus making them irrelevant.
2. Kill the filibuster!
3. Pass the 'For the people act' with requirements for hand marked paper ballots nationwide.
4. Pass the full and original build back better act and power it up with...
5. GND
6. M4All
7. Remove the AG if he won't do his job of indicting th6e former guy and all involved in his coup of 1/6.
8. Remove the director of the FBI and anyone else in the government acting on behalf of the previous regime.
9. The above includes DeJoy at USPS
10. Rebrand the Democratic Party as the party of working people and tax the billionaire class...
Failure to fight back in the next few months will only empower the fascist GQP. Not coming back at them in the 2022 elections with clear statements of accomplishments and talking points to counter the Faux/GQP fear tactics will doom the nation, democracy and life on earth.
That is my straight forward reality check.
#1 is #1, without that, the rest fail. I believe a resolution of the House and Senate would be sufficient to trigger section 3 of the 14th amendment.
Spot on Bruce. Unfortunately, I don't think the Dem's really want to 'fix' the nation. They are too beholden to the money interests. I've left the Party after being on the inside for decades, they are a hopeless cause as long as Wall Street, the Military & Pharma Industrial complexes are their primary interest. They don't yet realize they can win by fighting back hard and taking no prisoners. Bernie proved that in 2020 until the MSM and party hacks came out to destroy the NotMeUs movement. Now people see the game, both Dem's and GQP account for less that the 'do not state' voters. I joined PeoplesParty.org, suggest everyone consider that too if like minded. JMHO
wow, every single thing you suggested is patently unconstitutional. any you label others fascist?
please read the definition below, and reflect on who the tru fascist is.
Ric
you can rad me at riclexel.substack.com
Fascism (/ˈfæʃɪzəm/) is a form of far-right, authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society and of the economy, which came to prominence in early 20th-century Europe.
ric... or whom ever you are... Every single thing I mentioned is fully constitution and in fact required by law or under the authority of a functioning democratic US government. When you get you head out of greenwald's back side, clear your sinuses somewhere else, it make take you some time, but we'll wait. While you are at it, check out what the Constitution requires of its members: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=%2Fprelim%40title18%2Fpart1%2Fchapter115&edition=prelim
Hi Wayne, Indeed I am Ric - you can find me here on Substack - if you dare open your mind. But that's your choice.
I will note, however, Mr. Beschloss asks the following from his readers/commenters:
I look forward to your ideas and honest insights. As always, I ask that this community avoids personal attacks in the comments. This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other.
I was banned before from this forum for asking is someone was "insane" or just an "infant."
Your ad hominem attack, not only on me, but on Mr. Greenwald seems on its face to violate that admonition. Somehow I suspect it won't get you banned. You are a "right-thinker."
I quote from your comments above:
" When you get you head out of greenwald's back side, clear your sinuses somewhere else, it make take you some time, but we'll wait. "
All that being said, it is fascinating to read all of yours and your cohorts massive group-think.
Have you no inkling what the results in Virginia and NJ portend for this nation? As one of my heroes. Mr. T so elegantly y put it: I pity the fool!
Thanks for engaging,
Ric
Hummm... just like GG, no acknowledgement of the fact the Constitution requires removal of seditions actors in congress... we're done here, just like I've been done with GG who fails constantly to response to facts. We may be more in line on many issues than you realize, but again, you are in too deep to see where you are going.
Thanks Wayne, great engaging with you - some folks of your opinion just think anyone like me is evil, so it is something.
You mentioned sedition - can you point to one of the 600 or so that has been charged with that crime? Or treason? Or insurrection?
since you seem to think poorly of Greenwald- why who knows? he hates Trump right up there with you.
How about Matt Taibbi? You know total Trump -lover? Oh yea, not.
https://taibbi.substack.com/p/tracking-a-journalistic-cliche-the
https://taibbi.substack.com/p/activism-uncensored-undercover-agent
the last piece explains how an undercover agent was "arrested" while participating in the "riot"
Let me guess - Taibbi is a ***&&^^%% whatever racist right?
How about Sullivan
https://andrewsullivan.substack.com/p/the-betrayal-of-our-gay-inheritance
Tracey? https://mtracey.substack.com/p/dc-guantanamo-bay-attorney-alleges
and these are just here on Substack. anyways - check out my stuff if you like
My next post is about Beet Smoothies...
Ric
https://riclexel.substack.com/
Mr. Beschloss,
I made a comment, and another reader said this in response:
When you get you head out of greenwald's back side, clear your sinuses somewhere else, it make take you some time, but we'll wait.
Would you consider that a violation of this admonition:
I look forward to your ideas and honest insights. As always, I ask that this community avoids personal attacks in the comments. This is an opportunity for us to learn from each other.
Thanks for investing
Ric
Now I find myself skipping my news sites for a time to enjoy Nova's stars and water holes. A poet said, ",The world is too much with me late and soon." After decades watching and writing about humans, I find their mindless harping more and more unsettling, less in line with the natural world, more like a strange nether place, hard to make sense of. So when we tell ourselves we are ruining the world, I think not. The world will be just fine after we've destroyed ourselves. Then the rains may come again and the world will renew itself on a new form.
Could you please get the media on board? They seem to be ignoring the really good stuff Biden does and hang on the trivial. I’m starting to think that they all miss TFG for their ratings. They don’t even need him because the Republicans are doing all the dirty work for him. This country is not perfect; no country is, but America had a pretty good thing going with all of its faults. What this country is turning into is not that. On a final note, will anyone please poke the Justice Dept. and wake them up. How much time do they think we have? Midterms are coming.
Democrats are doing the hard work of governing a large and diverse country in a time of extraordinary challenges.
Republicans are not.
Unfortunately, Democrats have nothing comparable to the 24-7 right-wing media operation that feeds disinformation to the public and keeps many Americans perpetually angry, anxious and misinformed.
They do this with great skill, experience and resources. Democrats try to catch up with 30-second ads at elections, not realizing that many people's opinions of Democrats have been set long before by the daily deluge of right-wing media poison.
As long as Republicans are describing Democrats to voters at this mass level, Democrats will have an uphill climb.
truly unbelievable. the wealth of legitimate facts and reporting - here on substack for heavens sake
I beg you try reading these three platforms
https://greenwald.substack.com/
https://mtracey.substack.com/
https://taibbi.substack.com/
and if you so desire check out my platform
https://riclexel.substack.com/
thanks
Ric
The coordination of right-wing media and politicians is an extraordinary power. And it is vastly destructive.
Consider what happened in May 2020 with Covid, when the White House coordinated with right-wing media to contradict CDC guidance on COVID-19.
This coordinatiom arose from a view in WH that getting reelected was more important than defeating a deadly disease. They thus got media to carry a message countering CDC. They called it 'girding Trump's loins.' Really.
As long as these media operatives are girding loins of a reckless leader, the country is in serious trouble.
See articles like 'Trump allies line up doctors prescribing rapid reopening' from usa today, May 20, 2020.
uhm, did you notice the media's obsession with Russiagate? And it is all falling about right now?
https://greenwald.substack.com/
https://mtracey.substack.com/
https://taibbi.substack.com/
and if you so desire check out my platform
https://riclexel.substack.com/
Steven, one question about your fellow Substack writers, please.
Are you aware that Durham just indicted another Clinton operative? It is right here? https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/indictment-of-igor-danchenko/4800ccea-3eaf-4638-8d68-2577b4c02104/
Are you aware of the number of FBI informants in the midst of the event on Jan 6? it is right here
https://systemupdate.substack.com/p/video-transcript-why-arent-democrats
Are you aware of racist comments about black people being spread on MSNBC? See it here
https://thegrio.com/2021/11/05/dyson-sears-election-black-face-behalf-white-supremacist-legacy/
How some Matt Taibbi? Steven - do you consider Taibbi, Greenwald and Tracey to be MAGA red-hatters?
https://taibbi.substack.com/p/tracking-a-journalistic-cliche-the
https://taibbi.substack.com/p/rachel-maddows-shocking-new-low-4a6
Steven - what is your response to the indictment of igor danchenko
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/steele-dossier-arrest-danchenko-trump-durham/2021/11/04/7e76b9ae-3d77-11ec-8ee9-4f14a26749d1_story.html
From the Trump loving Washington Post no less. how could they?
Steven - please, I beg of you, for your readers, let them know that maybe somehow you got all mixed up in this right?
It's not to late to read other points of view and open your mind
I won't hold my breath but I will keep reading and paying you for a subscription
would you be so considerate?
riclexel.substack.com
please subscribe
thanks
Ric