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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread: A Few Hours To Go – Biden Live

Open Thread: A Few Hours To Go – Biden Live

by TaMara|  January 19, 20211:57 pm| 79 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, Politics

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Been on the phone with a client, but I saw this coming up. Getting a late start, but jump to the beginning of Biden for a pretty emotional start.

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Reader Interactions

79Comments

  1. 1.

    A Ghost to Most

    January 19, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    22, 22 hours to go
    I wanna be sedated

  2. 2.

    West of the Rockies

    January 19, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    @A Ghost to Most:

    I just counted down to 22 hours… yes, I am a bit fixated.

  3. 3.

    Kent

    January 19, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    What is that background music? A little edgy for “No Malarkay” Biden I think.

  4. 4.

    TaMara (HFG)

    January 19, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    @Kent:

  5. 5.

    TaMara (HFG)

    January 19, 2021 at 2:15 pm

    …she made me strong in all the broken places.

    This entire speech is all the feelz

  6. 6.

    Kent

    January 19, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    @TaMara (HFG): They must be rotating through a playlist because that wasn’t what was playing when I clicked the link.  It was some Spanish rap sounding thing over a Latin beat.

  7. 7.

    Baud

    January 19, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    @TaMara (HFG):

    I just got to that part.  Sweet.

  8. 8.

    Baud

    January 19, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    It’s nice being to listen to a president who doesn’t make you want to “click.”

  9. 9.

    azelie

    January 19, 2021 at 2:18 pm

    This is my first day back to really concentrating on my research and feeling like I’m making progress in a long time.  My husband passed away a few months ago (non-COVID but sudden, and way too young).  I had been struggling even before with concentration and of course have been wrecked for the last few months.  It feels good to think about my work and to consider the possibility that I might actually complete a project and publish something on a topic I love.  I think that considering the possibility of better times ahead for the country, even amid my grief, might be what is helping me start up again.

     

    (I’m mostly a lurker but have really appreciated this community and wanted to share).

  10. 10.

    Baud

    January 19, 2021 at 2:19 pm

    The First State gets it due.

  11. 11.

    karen marie

    January 19, 2021 at 2:20 pm

    I’m getting Stevie Wonder’s “Dont’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing”!

  12. 12.

    WaterGirl

    January 19, 2021 at 2:21 pm

    That was nice, definitely worth a watch.

  13. 13.

    Lyrebird

    January 19, 2021 at 2:22 pm

    Wow, I didn’t expect the official remarks of a state governor to be so personal.

     

    @azelie: Rooting for you!  I am halfway through a poster I need to send to my coauthor, and I am taking some inspiration from what you said as well.  May 2021 bring very good things to you, including comfort.

  14. 14.

    Steeplejack

    January 19, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    @azelie:

    Condolences on the loss of your husband, and I’m glad yhou’re feeling better. And I hope you comment more.

  15. 15.

    Mary G

    January 19, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    @azelie: I’m sorry for your loss. May your husband’s memory be a blessing.

    I am feeling the same way; there is a giant backlog of projects I kept putting off, but I feel like a giant psychic weight is being lifted and I am ready, at least to the point that I made a list. Not much, but I’ll take it.

  16. 16.

    TaMara (HFG)

    January 19, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    @azelie: Sending you so many [[[hugs]]]

    Be kind to yourself and keep commenting, we’re glad to see you!

  17. 17.

    Mary G

    January 19, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    This is who deserves all the medals:

    This year my birthday wish is a call for kindness. We can’t just hope for a brighter day, we have to work for a brighter day. Love too often gets buried in a world of hurt and fear. So today, January 19th, let’s get to unearthing love ❤️ https://t.co/CTShxNkbRq pic.twitter.com/0UFiMCyM9D— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) January 19, 2021

  18. 18.

    Baud

    January 19, 2021 at 2:26 pm

    @azelie:

    My condolences.

  19. 19.

    TaMara (HFG)

    January 19, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    @Kent: Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing – by Stevie Wonder, but I don’t know who was covering it. Possibly Incognito

  20. 20.

    VeniceRiley

    January 19, 2021 at 2:31 pm

    @azelie: I’m so sorry for your loss. And for your future of explaining “No, not from Covid.” every time you talk about the past. I hope your project is a big success.

  21. 21.

    Dorothy A. Winsor

    January 19, 2021 at 2:33 pm

    @azelie: It’s amazing how comforting good work can be. Hope you continue to heal.

  22. 22.

    raven

    January 19, 2021 at 2:34 pm

    We’ve Only Just Begun

  23. 23.

    rikyrah

    January 19, 2021 at 2:35 pm

    @azelie:

    Condolences for your loss. May everyday bring you more peace.

  24. 24.

    WaterGirl

    January 19, 2021 at 2:36 pm

    @azelie: I’m so sorry to hear about your loss but encouraged by the light you see ahead.

    Lurk less, comment more.

  25. 25.

    cain

    January 19, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    @azelie:

    My condolences on your husband’s passing. 2020 was a shit year and I’m glad that you’re facing 2021 even while feeling your grief that the other part of your life are looking up.

  26. 26.

    Chief Oshkosh

    January 19, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    @azelie: I am sorry for your loss. I lost a loved one, too, a few months back. It is hard. I hope your work provides some focus and that friends and family provide comfort.

  27. 27.

    cain

    January 19, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    I’m not sure we are any longer the leader of the free world. I think we’re going to have to fight Germany for it.

  28. 28.

    LuciaMia

    January 19, 2021 at 2:40 pm

    I missed it. Yesterday was National Winnie the Pooh Day!

  29. 29.

    The Lodger

    January 19, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    @TaMara (HFG): I’m pretty sure that was Stevie himself (recorded of course.)

  30. 30.

    gbbalyp

    January 19, 2021 at 2:45 pm

    @azelie: My condolences, and glad that you are feeing better

  31. 31.

    Mary G

    January 19, 2021 at 2:45 pm

    WaPo: Lawmakers who objected to election results have been cut off from 20 of their 30 biggest corporate PAC donors

    The 147 Republican lawmakers who opposed certification of the presidential election this month have lost the support of many of their largest corporate backers — but not all of them.

    The top two that are “still evaluating” are surprise, surprise, surprise – Koch Industries and Home Depot. This is my shocked face.

  32. 32.

    gbbalto

    January 19, 2021 at 2:46 pm

    (Got nym wrong)

    @azelie: My condolences, and glad that you are feeing better

  33. 33.

    cain

    January 19, 2021 at 2:49 pm

    I hope the security is good at this place. He didn’t have any bullet proof shield or anything. I feel like he needlessly put himself at risk without appropriate precautions.

  34. 34.

    Jim Appleton

    January 19, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2021/01/portland-researcher-finds-federal-agents-used-toxic-smoke-grenades-during-summer-protests.html

    OT

    This is unconscionable.

  35. 35.

    SiubhanDuinne

    January 19, 2021 at 2:51 pm

    @LuciaMia:

    I didn’t know that, but funnily enough I happened to re-read A. A. Milne’s only mystery novel yesterday (The Red House Mystery). It’s an old favourite that I revisit every couple of years. Delightful writing, and not a stuffed bear or bouncy tigger to be seen.

  36. 36.

    Kristine

    January 19, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    @azelie: Heartfelt sympathies. I’m glad you’re feeling some hope for the future.

    I watched Biden’s speech, and damn but it’s nice to want to listen to my president again. That said, the degree of disdain I’ve felt toward the last two Republican presidents–I know it shouldn’t be that way. It’s not good for the country but no, I don’t know how it gets better unless/until the GOP either shatters or retrenches.

  37. 37.

    Alison Rose

    January 19, 2021 at 2:56 pm

    Damn, it’s so nice to have a president again who has actual human emotions other than rage.

  38. 38.

    TaMara (HFG)

    January 19, 2021 at 2:59 pm

    And in case anyone was wondering, this was the song they played out to the end of the video:

  39. 39.

    stinger

    January 19, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    @azelie: azelie, thank you for sharing, and I wish you peace and comfort — and accomplishment — in the days to come.

  40. 40.

    Alison Rose

    January 19, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    @azelie: I’m so very sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing <3

  41. 41.

    TaMara (HFG)

    January 19, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    @The Lodger: You are right…I was thinking it was a remix. In my defense, I have the worst ear ache. LOL

  42. 42.

    MisterForkbeard

    January 19, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    I’m actually pretty frustrated that my work planned several “Can’t miss” planning events this afternoon and tomorrow, or I’d be taking both days off.

    As it is, I have plans to visit the local BevMo to buy myself a really good scotch tonight. Or whiskey, either one. If anyone has suggestions I’m open, but worst case is buying an 18 or 21 year old Jamesons. :)

  43. 43.

    MisterForkbeard

    January 19, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    @azelie: Oh no! It’s not quite the same, but about 15 years ago my Fiance passed suddenly and it wrecked me for months, and impacted me for years.

    Getting busy on work really helped at the time, as did having a support group. I know you don’t comment here much, but you’re loved and we’re all here for you for venting or even if you just want to write about something you did for awhile. I found that weird, putting my thoughts in order around something I’d accomplished and telling people about it really helped my mood for a few days.

    Hugs.

  44. 44.

    jnfr

    January 19, 2021 at 3:12 pm

    @azelie:

    I’m glad your work is going better, but I’m so sorry for your loss.

  45. 45.

    MattF

    January 19, 2021 at 3:14 pm

    @MisterForkbeard: My ‘house’ good scotch is Glenfiddich Solera Reserve— not obscenely expensive and actually tastes good. It’s the 15 year, the 18 year is also good, but not as easy to drink.

  46. 46.

    West of the Rockies

    January 19, 2021 at 3:14 pm

    @azelie:

    I hope you continue to comment.  I wish you healing and success.

  47. 47.

    JMG

    January 19, 2021 at 3:15 pm

    @MisterForkbeard: With single malt Scotch, just buy the one in the store that’s hardest to pronounce and you can’t go wrong!

  48. 48.

    germy

    January 19, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    Hawley needs to go.

    Sen Hawley is blocking the quick consideration of Pres-elect Biden’s nominee for DHS Secretary, saying “Mayorkas has not adequately explained how he will enforce federal law and secure the southern border…

    “Schumer and Biden were hoping to confirm Mayorkas as soon as tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/0LuMmHned9

    — Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) January 19, 2021

  49. 49.

    waratah

    January 19, 2021 at 3:17 pm

    @azelie: my husband passed way quickly and way too young like yours. I can only tell you it will take time but it will get better.

  50. 50.

    TomatoQueen

    January 19, 2021 at 3:18 pm

    @azelie:  Hoping this doesn’t get eated by the 205 error, wishing you comfort in the memory of your husband and the best in this new year and new time.

  51. 51.

    MattF

    January 19, 2021 at 3:19 pm

    @germy: Remember that Hawley is a religious fanatic.

  52. 52.

    mali muso

    January 19, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    @MisterForkbeard: I have a bottle of Irish whisky that I bought in the Dublin airport last year that I think I will be dipping into.

  53. 53.

    TomatoQueen

    January 19, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    @MisterForkbeard: 205 errors abounding, but 18 to 21 year old Jamesons not to be sneezed at, except by plebes like me who buy Tullamore Dew in the little bottles and sigh after the stone crock.

     

    For the unpronounceable single malts, Laphroaig or Bruichladdich, the Laddie 10 sounds intriguing at 60 bux a pop.

  54. 54.

    germy

    January 19, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    @MattF:

    He looks like one.

  55. 55.

    Miss Bianca

    January 19, 2021 at 3:28 pm

    Huh. Tried to tune in but wasn’t getting any sound. Whatever, I’m glad to see that our new President is on his way to the White House!

  56. 56.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 19, 2021 at 3:28 pm

    @TomatoQueen: I love the unpronounceable names of the fancy single malts, not a great fan of the stuff in the bottle, which put me in a bit of a bind when my sister for reasons not clear to me violated our family’s no-gifts-for-the-adults rule and got me what I think is a fancy bottle of single malt (21 yr old Jura?) at Xmas. I must’ve mentioned my fondness for those Scots names and forgot to mention I don’t like Scotch.

  57. 57.

    geg6

    January 19, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    @azelie:

    I’m sending you good thoughts and light as you heal from your loss.  And don’t be such a lurker from here on.

  58. 58.

    Auntie Anne

    January 19, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    Ok, so the place Biden spoke was the National Guard HQ in New Castle.  No one unauthorized can get near it, and because of the landscape there, no sniper opportunities.  And our National Guard was there in force . . . No worries about his safety.

    This is Delaware.  Our population is about 900K – it’s like living in a small town.  We all have our Biden stories – mine include Dr. Jill shopping at my veggie stand, which is right down the street from Joe’s childhood home, and seeing Joe buy trash cans at Target.  And of course, seeing him and Carper at the train station.

    Our politicians mostly know each other, and have worked together for years.  The governor has known him since Carney started in politics.  And one of the people he greeted after his speech was Ruthann Minner, a former governor.

  59. 59.

    zhena gogolia

    January 19, 2021 at 3:30 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    I’ll come over and get it.

    (I can’t really drink it any more but I lurve it.)

  60. 60.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 19, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    For some reason youtube or Esquire broke this video up into tiny individual units, but here’s a series of Brian Cox teaching you how to pronounce your favorite single malts.

  61. 61.

    Mai Naem mobile

    January 19, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    I think I’ve cried more at Biden’s speeches than any other politician. Actually I think the only other political speeches I’ve ever cried at were a couple of Obama ones post some tragedy(usually senseless shooting.)

  62. 62.

    WaterGirl

    January 19, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    @TomatoQueen: I don’t know what a 205 error is, but if you are getting 502 errors, please let me know ASAP.

  63. 63.

    Gin & Tonic

    January 19, 2021 at 3:37 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: Ooh, that’s a nice whisky. I’ll get one of the FP’ers to send you my mailing address.

  64. 64.

    MJS

    January 19, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    @azelie: I’m sorry for your loss. I was in your shoes 8 years ago – sudden loss of a spouse, way too young. As trite as it sounds, I can tell you that it does get better. It takes a long time, and the improvement is not steady (at least that was my experience), but it will get better.

  65. 65.

    WaterGirl

    January 19, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: They advertise Jura Whiskey on some of the Pod Save America podcasts.  21-year-old Jura would be some good stuff.

  66. 66.

    Gin & Tonic

    January 19, 2021 at 3:45 pm

    @WaterGirl:  https://httpstatuses.com/205

  67. 67.

    TomatoQueen

    January 19, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    @WaterGirl: No idea of what a 205 error is either, but I’m guessing it has to do with the older version of Explorer on the work machine, which is increasingly incompatible with a lot of things (WaPo for one). When the proprietary software we must use is updated for Edge, then all these problems will evaporate. I will have retired the day before that release.

  68. 68.

    Gin & Tonic

    January 19, 2021 at 3:47 pm

    @WaterGirl: Since it’s pedant day, it’s “whisky,” no “e” if it’s Scotch. Bourbon or rye are “whiskey.”

  69. 69.

    Kristine

    January 19, 2021 at 3:50 pm

    @mali muso: Friends of mine have enjoyed Writers’ Tears. I need to track it down here in NE Illinois.

  70. 70.

    Kristine

    January 19, 2021 at 3:51 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: That’s good to know as I’ve always used them interchangeably.

  71. 71.

    WaterGirl

    January 19, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Yeah, I thought about that as I typed it, because on the podcast they spell it out and point out that there is no E in Jura Whisky.

    I was too lazy to care, but I’m glad you pointed it out.

  72. 72.

    Mike in NC

    January 19, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    We visited the Orkney Islands in 2019 and after we got home I bought a bottle of Scapa whisky, which is very nice. But tomorrow night we’ll be drinking Champagne.

  73. 73.

    satby

    January 19, 2021 at 5:07 pm

    @azelie: Deepest condolences on the loss of your husband.

  74. 74.

    MisterForkbeard

    January 19, 2021 at 5:11 pm

    I bought a bottle of 18-year Highland Park, as well as a Glenfiddich ‘gift set’ of 3 small bottles of their 12, 15 and 18 year.

    I think I’m set for tomorrow.

  75. 75.

    Bluegirlfromwyo

    January 19, 2021 at 5:24 pm

    That’s the send off? Holy Moly, am I going to be a blubbering mess tomorrow. Tears of joy and sheer relief.

  76. 76.

    Ruckus

    January 19, 2021 at 6:18 pm

    @azelie:

    Sorry for the loss of your husband. It does take time to heal from a wound this deep, but you can heal.

    And yes, I’d bet most of us have been putting off projects, chores that don’t have to get done, I know that I have been. And in less than 18 hrs about the biggest load will be lifted.

  77. 77.

    Origuy

    January 19, 2021 at 7:14 pm

    @MisterForkbeard: It’s probably too late for you, but the Costco in San Jose, and probably elsewhere, has been selling the Kilchoman Machir Bay for around $48.  It’s an Islay single malt; blended from several years, I believe. Matured in bourbon casks and finished in sherry casks. Not as peaty as some Islay whiskies.

  78. 78.

    Mary Ellen Sandahl

    January 19, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    @azelie: You’re brave and generous for sharing. I’ve never married, but coming from a family full of solid marriages I can imagine just a bit of the sorrow you’re living with. I admire your resilience, and hope this next year will be increasingly kind, and that your work will keep on helping you. I’m a lurker myself — but like you, I get all sorts of benefit just about every day from the BJ community

  79. 79.

    Kayla Rudbek

    January 19, 2021 at 11:06 pm

    @azelie: I’m very sorry for your loss.

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