NEW: Biden is in the final stages of deciding about '20, told one ally over Xmas he's skeptical other potential Dem candidates can beat Trump & is meeting this week w Dem officials in DC
And he's facing pressure to decide this month
w @alexburnsNYT >https://t.co/7L6pDXEI6N
— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) January 6, 2019
The pro-Biden argument from his allies is three-fold: he's the most prepared, he has the best chance to win bc of voters he can win back and in a "national emergency" election he'd offer a reassuring hand
The anti-Biden argument is…longer: age, ideology, record, approach…
— Jonathan Martin (@jmartNYT) January 7, 2019
Bless the man for a happy warrior in the best way, but let’s be honest: If he couldn’t win the nomination when ‘affable working-class white guy’ was the standard for potential candidates, he’s not gonna win now that it’s dropped so far out of fashion among the group of Democratic voters currently paying attention to the 2020 race.
Biden’s last best chance is probably repeating his stint under Obama, as The Experienced Older Guy Supporting A Charismatic Young Star. But even if Kamala Harris or Beto O’Rourke were to make him an offer, why would he want to go through that whole circus tour again? Is the “Presidential” spotlight really that addictive?
Or are the Media Village Idiots just that desperate for a candidate they can ‘recognize’?
Also Biden saying that he doesn’t want to run but is considering it because only he can beat Trump is hardly the best endorsement for him to be president … I think Dems might want someone who actually wants the job
— Michael Cohen (@speechboy71) January 6, 2019
Weird thing about Biden speculation IMO is that he’s the only possible challenger who Trump can twist into pretzels over the recession and the Iraq War. Never discussed. The argument is basically: “union guys love ol Joe.” https://t.co/oeMjclsgYC
— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) January 6, 2019
There’s a class of Democrats who saw the party sweep the gov/Senate races in MI/PA/WI and now think “no one but Biden can possibly beat Trump in these states.” https://t.co/jNIbpxVWKx
— Dave Weigel (@daveweigel) January 6, 2019
Hustings 2020 Open Thread: Go Home, Joe, You’re High on Your Own SupplyPost + Comments (155)