Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

In reply to the discussion: So, what just happened? [View all]

EarlG

(22,770 posts)
30. It feels like relief from fear
Tue Jul 23, 2024, 09:54 PM
Jul 2024

It’s been fear driving this whole thing, on all sides. My fear, and I think yours too, was that if Biden dropped out the consequences would be the loss of incumbency, an ugly fight over the nomination, and ultimately a disaster at the polls as we became the “chaos party.”

Others, meanwhile, were afraid that with Joe Biden at the head of the ticket, we would lose. Everyone was afraid.

And these were not small fears because the consequence of failure would be the first American dictatorship, headed by Donald Trump. It’s a terrifying thought.

In the end, big donors and party leaders decided for us. Enough pressure was applied to Biden — along with, as I understand it, his own realization that he was sinking in the polls — and he chose to drop out.

It turns out that my personal fears were unfounded. The party immediately pivoted to Harris. Joe Biden ended up looking like one of the greatest American statesmen of all time. And Trump is now solidly on the back foot. Ultimately, I don’t even feel resentful about my primary vote being negated, because in some ways it wasn’t. I voted for Biden/Harris, and I ended up with Harris. That’s okay with me.

Of course, we don’t know — and never will know — if this was the right choice. Either path was a gamble, and the election is not over yet.

But what HAS happened, I think, is that the real fear of a Trump presidency has been replaced by real hope that we can take Trump down. And after all this time living in fear, hope is a pretty refreshing sensation. It’s no wonder that so many people are basking in it right now.

So, what just happened? [View all] bigtree Jul 2024 OP
I sure hope so Bettie Jul 2024 #1
Well said. Seems so, I for one Electrolite Jul 2024 #2
we got half of the ticket bigtree Jul 2024 #16
Great post... However, Kamala Harris is 59. dchill Jul 2024 #3
I muffed that bigtree Jul 2024 #6
60 in October WarGamer Jul 2024 #7
Like I said - give her time. dchill Jul 2024 #10
TBH, I had no idea she was 59. WarGamer Jul 2024 #12
Exactly. dchill Jul 2024 #14
Surprised me as well True Dough Jul 2024 #26
She looks like she's in her late 30s Dem4life1234 Jul 2024 #36
Well said, old buddy. blm Jul 2024 #4
what happened was, the enthusiasm wasn't there Skittles Jul 2024 #5
It was there contained and waiting for the opportunity to break free. Big Blue Marble Jul 2024 #21
I remember thinking to myself last week Skittles Jul 2024 #32
Joe had vast experience to work with, but was hampered by Congressional Republicans bucolic_frolic Jul 2024 #8
My personal opinion duncang Jul 2024 #9
I can't disagree - I thought of that myself! dchill Jul 2024 #13
"...a weight has been lifted off of the party by the ascension of Kamala Harris...' J_William_Ryan Jul 2024 #11
What changed my heart choie Jul 2024 #15
Beautifully Rendered Beetwasher. Jul 2024 #17
Told ya. Goodheart Jul 2024 #18
On 60 Metaphorical Jul 2024 #19
at 63 bigtree Jul 2024 #20
1960 was a very good year SilasSouleII Jul 2024 #22
Definitely agree, I do think 50-70 is the sweet spot range Dem4life1234 Jul 2024 #37
Even to 75 for some Iris Jul 2024 #42
The demographic DownriverDem Jul 2024 #23
Deep malaise Jul 2024 #24
I'm with you bigtree.... bsiebs Jul 2024 #25
I'm starting to think his lasting legacy may just be his making the way for his chosen VP Iris Jul 2024 #43
Well said, expressed my process exactly....thanks elias7 Jul 2024 #27
Joe is like one of those Spartans that fought in teams. One guy out front that they swap out before he gets too tired. brewens Jul 2024 #28
K&R Docreed2003 Jul 2024 #29
It feels like relief from fear EarlG Jul 2024 #30
nice bookend bigtree Jul 2024 #33
worthy of its own thread Skittles Jul 2024 #40
Thank you for writing this, BigTree... slightlv Jul 2024 #31
I think Biden is going to shine brighter and brighter every day as the election approaches. hunter Jul 2024 #41
I suspected that Biden was going to drop, but I never suspected the move to Harris would be so quick Renew Deal Jul 2024 #34
A nice piece of writing, thank you. LastDemocratInSC Jul 2024 #35
Yes! summer_in_TX Jul 2024 #38
Yes! summer_in_TX Jul 2024 #39
Biden was the pandemic comfort food candidate JCMach1 Jul 2024 #44
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»So, what just happened?»Reply #30