I know some of y’all are fans of historian Heather Cox Richardson, author of “Letters from an American,” a Substack page that doesn’t feature whiny-ass contrarian content. She said Biden’s people reached out to see if she wanted to interview the president recently (smart!), and she did so on February 25:
Biden threw a little shade at Manchin at around the 10-minute mark — just a one-liner about how people don’t understand what’s in BBB “mainly because one senator from West Virginia talks about how it’s all social spending…” (PawPaw Blacklung is probably meeping about this hate crime to Axios right now.)
Other tidbits: Biden’s brother and John Meacham decorated the Oval Office and chose to hang a portrait of FDR because they said no other president had ever taken office as far behind the eight-ball on the economy except FDR, and they included a painting of Lincoln because no other president had come into office with the population more divided.
Biden says American democracy will survive because most Americans are fundamentally “decent and honorable” and “phony populism” is transitory. He still believes it’s possible to unite this country, and he acknowledged that current levels of wealth inequality are incompatible with democracy but thinks it’s possible to address this in a bipartisan way.
We’ll see!
One quality Biden has that’s really powerful, maybe even his superpower: He doesn’t look down on voters. That comes through toward the end.
I think almost every previous president at least pretended to have that quality, except maybe TFG, but for Biden, it seems genuine. I do not share that trait, but I see the value of it.
Open thread.
Bill Arnold
“PawPaw Blacklung” – that’s all yours. How the F do you do it? :-)
zhena gogolia
Thanks. I get her newsletter and it’s really good although I hardly ever manage to read it carefully too much bj time. Aaron rupars newsletter is also really good
zhena gogolia
@Bill Arnold: It’s genius
trollhattan
Heh, relatable.
Spanky
I think you speak for a lot of us on this.
Betty Cracker
@Bill Arnold: I nicked that moniker off someone else — not sure who or where! But thanks just the same. ?
Baud
Isn’t that against the terms of service?
debbie
Whether he says it out loud or not, I hope Joe’s moved past his dream of a kumbaya moment with the GOP Congress.
zhena gogolia
@debbie: he has no illusions it’s for the rubes
Jim, Foolish Literalist
Yup. Whenever I hear trumpists feel looked down upon, I know for a fact it’s true, and will be at least as long as there’s breath in my body. And they’re not the only ones whose pates I see most of the time.
debbie
@zhena gogolia:
When did the rubes start caring? ??♀️
Kathleen
@zhena gogolia: For whatever worth my opinion is I highly recommend taking the time to read it. I read it first thing in the morning and her words and tone are like a soothing cup of cocoa. She spends a lot of time curating the 3-5 most important stories of the day and provides historical context and links. She’s brilliant and authentic. I would characterize her as fact and values based
ETA: And the conversation with President Biden is very uplifting and worthwhile.
Alison Rose ???
I’ve just started watching it. Is that noise the wood crackling in the fireplace or is someone playing pool somewhere behind the camera?
Ohio Mom
I have tried to adopt an optimistic posture but that’s all I can manage. I think Biden’s sincerely felt optimism is related to his deep religious faith, something else I am incapable of summoning.
Betty Cracker
Do y’all remember when Marilynne Robinson interviewed PBO? This conversation reminds me of that. The Robinson-Obama convo was more philosophical and erudite. But there’s a similar vibe — a POTUS who’s thoughtful but relaxed because he’s not talking to a shill who’s trying to flush out click-bait.
zhena gogolia
Btw I was on zoom all day at a conference and Adam schiff never showed up.
Villago Delenda Est
Manchin and his family are all parasites. They deserve every bit of shade they get.
debbie
@Betty Cracker:
She’s one of my favorite authors.
?BillinGlendaleCA
@zhena gogolia: Dude shows up ’round these parts all the time.
Almost Retired
@zhena gogolia: That’s unacceptable! He can consider himself dis-invited from our next book club.
Spanky
@Alison Rose ???:
Yes! Biden installed pool tables in the Oval Office so he could shoot a few rounds or frames or whatever those bad kids call it. And of course Fox News is LIVID over it.
Trouble!
Right here in River City!
Betty Cracker
@debbie: Very worthwhile!
phdesmond
Biden seemed in good form during the interview.
this, lifted from Digby, is cheering:
germy
Miss Bianca
@zhena gogolia: LOL!
Seriously, I have thought of petitioning WaterGirl to reach out to Adam S and his staff and saying, “Hey, I know you’re busy, but…could you possibly come back and shoot the shit with us about the current state of WW III and saaayyy is Ukraine going to come up again in the Jan 6 hearings and oh by the way how your dad is doing?”
WaterGirl
@zhena gogolia: hahaha
WaterGirl
@Almost Retired: You take that back! :-)
?BillinGlendaleCA
@WaterGirl: Dude sends me shit in the mail all the time, sure you want that?
Kay
I laughed when he was talking about the transfer of power between 11 AM and 1 PM on 1/20 and said “…the other president didn’t even come to the inaugeration”
Starfish
The theme of dignity of being able to afford the medicine for your child’s chronic condition is one Biden has hit on repeatedly. I guess it is a more uplifting framing than “We, one of the richest countries in the world, should not let your kid die because some rich people in government have forgotten that people who are not rich and not just pharmaceutical companies make up their constituents.”
Miss Bianca
@germy: You know, I haven’t thought of Montel Williams in years, always thought his show was kind of silly, but dayum…those are some righteous burns. I had no idea about his previous background.
Jim Appleton
@Betty Cracker: Also, I’m sadly struck by the probability that few, if any, nominal R voters will see this conversation, much less appreciate it honestly. If they even catch wind, in any context, of what he says here, thoughtfully and compassionately, about their own self interest they’ll reflexively dismiss ol Sl**py Joe as senile.
Contrast with just about any interview with their hero, TFG, whom they revere despite his obvious incompetence and failures laid bare.
Off topic but related, I took a detour from the last thread to check out Wikipedia’s trove of megayacht pages. There are a lot of them. There is even a category of megayacht tenders, many of which are larger than a lot of megayachts, and exist solely to provide space for stores and supplies, maintenance and recreational services and equipment, and housing for non-crew service employees.
A very different world from the one I live in.
Not unlike the goober lament above.
germy
Baud
@germy:
Occupy Democrats?
germy
@Baud:
I’ve never heard of them.
KSinMA
@debbie: Mine too.
dmsilev
@germy: Poor Ben Shapiro. (not)
trollhattan
@Jim Appleton:
Here’s how Fox will do it: frame-grab Joe blinking, run it with chyron “Biden sleeps through entire interview.”
Starfish
@germy: How are we supposed to hate on manic progressives if you have never even heard of them?
Dan B
Mike Pence will announce that there is mo room in the GOP for people who praise Putin.
Wonder how well that will be received.
Miss Bianca
@Dan B: I’m somehow not seeing Mike Pence as a GOP social influencer. But we do live in the strangest timeline now, so anything’s possible, I guess.
ETA: I mean, if a Trumpian fall coincides with a Pencian rise, I will really feel like we are through the map and off the looking-glass, as Adam likes to say…
David ? ☘The Establishment☘? Koch
Dems always get pestered about “unity” while the wingnuts get a free pass
Dan B
@germy: Quite the difference.
Also Occupy Democrats!?! I vaguely recall them. Time to Google.
satby
@Betty Cracker: bet it was Trae Crowder
yep: https://youtu.be/Hr4F0eJoumg?list=PL45Mc1cDgnsB-u1iLPBYNF1fk-y1cVzTJ
WaterGirl
@Dan B: Is that a personal prediction, or news you saw somewhere?
Ken
@Miss Bianca: It could be part of a Republican “We have always been at war with
EastasiaEurasia” rectification. If so I would expect a parallel push to claim that Democrats have been supporting Putin for the last twenty years.trollhattan
I’m having a good laugh over Sterny McSternface saying, “Mo room.”
debbie
@Dan B:
About as well as his recent statement saying Trump was wrong about The Big Steal.”
dnfree
@Kathleen: every day I read Heather Cox Richardson and electoral-vote.com for insights I don’t get anywhere else. Both involve historians.
Jim Appleton
@trollhattan: My own guess is they’d also butcher-edit the couple of times he admits he can’t remember (viz. how many 2016 incumbent House R districts he campaigned in, as a small part of a successful swing to a D House majority).
Dan B
@Miss Bianca: Will Pence and Mother be appearing on Dancing With the Stars in solidarity with Zelensky next?
Dan B
@WaterGirl: It was in a post at JoeMyGod. He cited CNN.
Spanky
@Dan B: No, Mother will dance with some hot young stud, and force Mike to watch.
Starfish
@Dan B: Sadly, there is a show called The Masked Singer where all the Republican grifter clowns seem to go.
Dan B
@trollhattan: Darn mobile keyboard. Although…. there’s been much speculation that Pence is a closet case, so Mo power to Mike!
Villago Delenda Est
@Miss Bianca: Pence is a puppet of Charles Koch. As bad as being Putin’s puppet.
Dan B
@Spanky: You mean!
Come sit by me.
smith
Aren’t you thinking of the Falwells? Or is it a new Republican tradition?
Kathleen
@Betty Cracker: Very refreshing and uplifting.
Miss Bianca
@Dan B: LOL! but then: Ewwwww…!
MomSense
I’m glad you shared this. I subscribe to her newsletter and she is a friend of my cousins. I hope I’ll get to see her this summer.
Kathleen
@phdesmond: “It’s an unusual bounce. We’ll make sure we and our media partners get it back down to what he deserves.”
Kathleen
@MomSense: I subscribe to her newsletter also and it’s the best investment in “media” I’ve made. I admire her so much. Not just her brilliant analysis and writing about historical and current events, but the authentic values she brings to her work.
phdesmond
@Kathleen: !!!!
Brachiator
@Jim Appleton:
Funny thing. I just bought a bargain yacht on Craigslist from a Russian oligarch. Too much trouble to operate. I will probably sell it on EBay.
When I taught a tax class, I would try to have fun with current events and try to make numbers relatable.
And so, I would note that the difference between a millionaire and a billionaire was that the millionaire superstar athletes could go party on a yacht, but only billionaires could own and operate them.
So, for example, a tiny 180 ft yacht might cost $40 million. And then, it costs a minimum of $4.5 million per year to operate and maintain.
Kathleen
@dnfree: Isn’t she amazing? It’s like having a mini Master Class in American history every morning. Her piece about Abraham Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address was brilliant and uplifting.
Kathleen
@phdesmond: It was slow curve ball snark. I had to take a swing.
Gin & Tonic
zhena gogolia
@Gin & Tonic: I assume that’s Gruziia.
MomSense
@Kathleen:
She’s great! I often read her email first thing when I wake up. It’s funny that on the days she takes a break and posts a photo, I’m always so glad to have a photo. Sometimes she shares local photographers and I’ve enjoyed seeing the work of people I know.
The other Maine Historian I like is Colin Woodard. He’s actually taken a new job – sort of setting up a center to study and promote democracy. Prior to this new post he was a journalist with the Portland Press Herald. Last summer my dad took my youngest to hear him give a talk in Camden. My son was really impressed.
Other MJS
@Jim Appleton:
A zillion times this. I wish we could force every voter to watch this. HRC is a national treasure.
phdesmond
@Kathleen:
i sent one of her daily essays, about the birth of the Republican party in the days of abolition, to a half-dozen people i know in Maine. it was gripping!
Mike in NC
@Gin & Tonic: Greene is looking for a pro-Putin rally. Maybe Trump is working on that.
geg6
@germy:
Wow, you go Montel! I knew he was in the Navy but did not know the kind of work he did while serving. Interesting.
debbie
@zhena gogolia:
Might be fun to watch her try to find it.
AWOL
@dmsilev: I was playing a Jazz mix on YouTube yesterday and poor, pathetic, castrato schmuck Ben Shapiro “bought” long commercial breaks on YouTube to spread anti-Biden propaganda.
It’s hard to shut-up fascist trollops. They’re sneaky, like roaches.
Ken
@Gin & Tonic: In fairness, I’m confused too. Which Georgia is having the rally?
different-church-lady
@Miss Bianca: I’ll bet Montel Williams could break Tucker Carlson’s nose just by staring at him.
NotMax
@Mike in NC
Ice probably not thick enough for a convoy of Ladas to descend on D.C. via Alaska.
//
germy
Gin & Tonic
@zhena gogolia: Yes. https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew/status/1499832712995168257 (sorry, only video I can find is on Twitter.)
Also in Prague.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1499816010404220940
Alison Rose ???
@germy: Well, at least she’s legal. Step up for Matty
germy
Geminid
@Jim Appleton: I think you are right to say that few Republicans will hear this interview. But even if the audience is Democrats only, it’s always good to rally the faithful. Some get depressed and need the encouragement.
Omnes Omnibus
@Ohio Mom:
I lack Biden’s deep religious faith, but I share his optimism. I think that the American people are capable of more than we frequently give them credit for. I think Biden does too.
trollhattan
@germy: One hopes said standing is on a thin wood plank over a pool of molten lava.
zhena gogolia
@Ken: The country. See #81.
NotMax
@germy
Gazpacho caucus.
Crackers included gratis.
//
trollhattan
@NotMax: Is Lada? Is swimmink!
Geminid
Pennsylvania Congressman Conor Lamb picked up another endorsement for Senate this week, from the National Organization of Women’s Political Action Commitee. The primary will be May 18, a little more than 10 weeks from now.
Sure Lurkalot
Will watch after dinner. I think HCR is one of the best voices out there.
I wish like some of you that Joe would call out the Republicans for the traitorous obstructionists they are and the media for the disingenuous lazy assholes they are but if wishes were horses…
He’s much more politic than I could ever dream to be and despite the incredible hardships in his life, he seems to give the benefit of doubt when there should be none. Sometimes it’s infuriating and sometimes I’m humbled by his grace.
Baud
@Omnes Omnibus:
Even me?
japa21
@Baud: So many things came to my mind, but I’ll let Omnes respond.
Miss Bianca
@MomSense: Colin Woodard – the author of American Nations? I loved that book! He lives in Maine?
Omnes Omnibus
@Baud: I didn’t say more of what, so, yes, even you.
Gin & Tonic
Same thing I’ve been saying over and over.
Brachiator
Biden’s decency is genuine. Trump and the Republicans could never effectively counter it, even though they tried hard.
Most voters got the message and voted for the guy who was genuine and decent. I think some people who usually vote Republican also got the message. But the GOP has to expend a great deal of time and effort in trying to push lies about Biden and the Democrats. They don’t have much else.
Gin & Tonic
Last thing for now. Friend of my son’s, no connection to Ukraine, writes a newsletter. Here’s his post from today on the subject.
https://www.readtangle.com/otherposts/russia-ukraine-dont-lose-the-plot/
Jim Appleton
@Geminid: Agreed.
And it’s so, so deeply gratifying to hear his humility and gift of service.
TFG by contrast made everything about himself. Biden observes and catalyzes.
If a small fraction of nominal R voters are persuadable and successfully reached, we ought to keep the all-important House in November.
Kathleen
@MomSense: Yup. I’m up at 3 am and that’s the first thing I read when I open my emails. She’s so soothing and calming. It’s so cool that you get to enjoy the company of these talented people. My dad was a History major in college so I learned a lot from him and the books he bought. One of this things I miss most is asking him about his perspective on current events vs other periods in history. Dr. Richardson fills that gap to some degree.
Kathleen
@phdesmond: Was that a more recent one? I’ve only been subscribing for about 6 months at most but that sounds vaguely familiar. I will check my email archives.
Kathleen
@Omnes Omnibus: Optimism historically has not been one of my qualities but I figure I don’t have the luxury of despair or cynicism in these perilous times so I’m always focusing on the need to be optimistic (while also grounded in reality). That’s one of the reasons I treasured that conversation. Joe Biden lifts my spirits.
Skepticat
I’m very impressed by both of them and never miss her Letter from an American. They’re both wicked smaht. And I too love the photos, especially Peter’s. Of course, they’re fellow Mainiacs, after all, so we’d expect nothing less.
Kay
Good article about the collection of grifters and crooks collecting money for the “Freedom Convoy”
Skepticat
Let’s both dream on. I fear the percentage is vanishly small.
Ken
I just read today’s xkcd. I see Randall Munroe is familiar with Apple power adapters…
schrodingers_cat
@zhena gogolia: He was on the Snooze Hour yesterday. And he was sitting in front of that desk. I think it is his Zoom backdrop.
phdesmond
@Kathleen:
try searching her site? i haven’t. or i have a copy. if you get my e-mail address from administration, i can send it to you.
it’s beautiful and patriotic. the writing is exceptionally good.
Benw
I stumbled across the recent Stereogum write up of All Hail West Texas today: https://www.stereogum.com/2176877/mountain-goats-all-hail-west-texas-turns-20/reviews/the-anniversary/
It’s been awhile since I’ve listened but it’s a fantastic album. The first song is amazing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRNT69NN1Yc
MomSense
@Miss Bianca:
Yes, but he’s is now a visiting scholar at Salve Regina’s Pell Center.
Villago Delenda Est
@Gin & Tonic: “MTG is confused” is evergreen.
Villago Delenda Est
@Kay: Always grifting. That’s what these assholes are all about.
MomSense
@Skepticat: ?
StringOnAStick
@Gin & Tonic: Thanks for that link, that’s an excellent read.
Heidi Mom
@Brachiator: In one of the books about the 2008 election (can’t recall which), it was mentioned, in a discussion of the selection process for Obama’s VP, that Biden “had no meanness in him.”
Another Scott
ICYMI, …
Cheers,
Scott.
Cmoescnm
@Kathleen:
I agree wholeheartedly.
Another Scott
Meanwhile, …
Cheers,
Scott.
Ella in New Mexico
@germy: I have ONE heat seeking missile to launch up the ass of a single human being on the planet and so many choices…help me decide lol
Morzer
@Baud: That depends on how much credit you think you get!
j/k
WaterGirl
@Gin & Tonic: That was good.
Kathleen
@phdesmond: Thank you so much.
zoritoler imol
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!