Listened to a friend rant about Biden and Anita Hill last night

[Auggie]

The "statute of limitations" has run out on this, right? That was my response. And Joe has publicly recognized he was wrong. But the dude won't let it go.

How might I respond in the future?

"So you're okay with four more years of Trump?"

Any other thoughts?

[LakeArenal]

1. That's crazy talk.

Joe Biden remains the most qualified both nationally and globally. The world loves him more than the US but so far a majority of primary voters agree.

Dr Hill has every right to harbor resentment. That’s very unhealthy for her.
But Dr Biden and I agree that Joe has done as much as he can to reach out to her. To move forward because there is no where else to move.

[underthematrix]

2. Ask him who he voted for in 2008 and 2012 because

I don't recall Anita Hill being an issue in those two elections.

And I'm sure Anita Hill will be voting for Biden or whoever the Dem nominee is in 2020.

[emmaverybo]

3. My response to another Anita Hill question at DU

https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1287&pid=113898

[LakeArenal]

4. Beauty!

[PatSeg]

9. Well said

Maybe you should become a speech writer for Joe. He hasn't explained the whole thing as well as you have.

[emmaverybo]

10. He's damned if he does offer an honest explanation and damned because he doesn't

He does not want to appear to cast blame on other players, undermine Hill, or racialize the case. But racial politics were played on and played out (by conservatives and Thomas). It’s hard to address that fact without opening a can of worms.
I wish a good political writer would do an editorial that reflects the context of the time.
Unfortunately, the hearing’s deconstruction, in light of current issues, has taken such a hold that it is near impossible to take a nuanced and more complex look at the matter.

[PatSeg]

13. Yes, I can see what you mean

No matter what he says, he will be attacked. There was a HBO movie about the Clarence Thomas hearings and I thought their portrayal of Biden's part was very reasonable and fair, but meanwhile, we keep hearing the same old criticisms from his political enemies.

[EveHammond13]

5. I respond with this: trump raped his own wife.

[still_one]

6. Obviously for one reason or another they don't want to accept Joe's apology. It is very

unlikely that you will convince them otherwise. It doesn’t matter that Biden voted against the confirmation, admitted he handled the hearing badly, and accepts responsibility for that, or his positive voting record on women’s rights, it is doubtful you will change their view

What would be an interesting question is who they would vote for if Joe becomes the Democratic nominee.

[peggysue2]

7. Hummmm . . .

What would be an interesting question is who they would vote for if Joe becomes the Democratic nominee.


The the answer would be telling, would it not? Because these shots at Biden can easily fit into a right-wing attack under the cover of supporting women or just as easily fit into the far-left strategy of pushing against any candidate other than . . . the one we're all familiar with. Wouldn't be surprised if these memes are being pushed on facebook and twitter where trolls of all stripes and nationalities can join the chorus.

As for Anita Hill? She's entitled to her anger and whatever her feelings are. She was the one pilloried and humiliated by Clarence Thomas and a gleeful Republican hit squad. She wants to take it out on Joe Biden? I think he's strong enough to weather it, decent enough to understand it.

As for the voices who keep bringing this up as 'concern' OP's? Color me suspicious. Little too obvious, methinks.

[still_one]

8. Exacatly

[emmaverybo]

11. Excellent post. I also suspect politics at work. You put the case eloquently! nt

[Auggie]

12. My friend is a loyal progressive ...

so there's no politics at work. The Hill episode clearly bugs him. But Holy Jumpin' Catfish, it was ages ago.

----------------------

Thanks for responding everyone.

[samnsara]

14. thats exactly what i would have said.. turn it back on them..ask them WHY are they supporting trump?