The Ivy League pundit class is underestimating Biden. Older people who are a reliable voting bloc are going to feel like the media is bullying an older man, and they will resent that. Joe has empathy and humanity where Trump has none. All of these Ivy League dorks with low emotional intelligence who think State School Joe should drop out, so they can cobble together some emergency candidate three and a half months from the election are nuts. Biden has a strong coalition he's built up for decades. The mainstream media wants to drum up their subscription numbers.
I will confess that I do not understand this mindset. Not the older people voting bloc--I can see that--but the notion that the media is not supposed to cover, vigorously, a President and current candidate who had an obvious cognitive issue in front of the entire world, while he's running for four more years, a little bit crazy. I'm a State School kid! And of COURSE they should cover it. What could be a bigger public issue that the cognitive ability of an elderly President? (Along with, you know, the criminality of his opponent and, uh, that someone just tried to shoot him.)
It's a crazy time, is what I'm saying. But the idea that the media--the "Ivy League" media, which, I have to say, does not comport with my experience in media AT ALL--is somehow drumming all this up makes little sense to me. If you don't cover this, what DO you cover?
Your presidential voting batting average is better than you give credit. You voted for the guy with the most popular votes in 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020. That is 6 out of 7 elections you voted for the candidate with the most votes. I get that Electoral College thing, but your theme is optimism, right?
My final point is that the fact Trump isn't running away in the race proves how despicable he is.
I know you’re going to hang in there because I’ve been reading your stuff for what feels like decades at this point and you do, in fact, hang in there.
I agree with you. Optimism is a choice. I have no clue what will happen in this election and I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would vote for Trump. Just read Project 2025 and it should scare the hell out of you. If the Dems have their way and Biden steps aside, there is no person but Kamala Harris in the wings. I’d be fine with that but she is not the favored choice. And that’s the rub. Now, personally, I will vote for anyone the Dems run..anyone. My daughter suggested they pick a charismatic, good looking person who is loved by Dems and Republicans alike. and by young people. Her choice, George Clooney. He proved he was articulate and knowledgeable in his op-ed. She figures he could win easily. She may be right. He’s not a politician and that seems to be what people want. Zelensky was a comedian. He has turned out to be smart, heroic and a role model for bravery. But one thing for sure, if we don’t soon turn our focus on the existential enemy, Donald Trump, we will lose much more than one election. But for today, I choose optimism and hope. Time for a walk with my dog.
Thanks for posting as always - Editor's Note aside I wouldn't blame you for writing again on...all of this. On a happier note though, I didn't know you used to live in Cobble Hill! I'm moving there right by Cobble Hill Park, any bar or restaurant recs for a (slightly terrified) 31 year old new to NYC?
Oh, I've been gone 11 years now, I wouldn't trust my judgment on any place. But my old favorite haunt Floyd is still there. Many, many nights spent there. https://www.floydny.com/
I think the issue is that Biden is a very different candidate that he was four years ago. Though, again, I think what happened last night changes all this in many, many ways.
Thanks for posting the Dexateens song!
It's really good!
I'm going to check them out!
This year I can watch the Knicks in two different LA arenas!
The Ivy League pundit class is underestimating Biden. Older people who are a reliable voting bloc are going to feel like the media is bullying an older man, and they will resent that. Joe has empathy and humanity where Trump has none. All of these Ivy League dorks with low emotional intelligence who think State School Joe should drop out, so they can cobble together some emergency candidate three and a half months from the election are nuts. Biden has a strong coalition he's built up for decades. The mainstream media wants to drum up their subscription numbers.
I will confess that I do not understand this mindset. Not the older people voting bloc--I can see that--but the notion that the media is not supposed to cover, vigorously, a President and current candidate who had an obvious cognitive issue in front of the entire world, while he's running for four more years, a little bit crazy. I'm a State School kid! And of COURSE they should cover it. What could be a bigger public issue that the cognitive ability of an elderly President? (Along with, you know, the criminality of his opponent and, uh, that someone just tried to shoot him.)
It's a crazy time, is what I'm saying. But the idea that the media--the "Ivy League" media, which, I have to say, does not comport with my experience in media AT ALL--is somehow drumming all this up makes little sense to me. If you don't cover this, what DO you cover?
Is it any comfort that Joe Biden is just eight months older than Mick Jagger?
Jagger looked great when I saw them! Keith, not so much.
It is absolutely amazing that Keith is still vertical. He’s been through a lot, much of it self-inflicted. So glad we swept the Cubbies yesterday!
Your presidential voting batting average is better than you give credit. You voted for the guy with the most popular votes in 1996, 2000, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020. That is 6 out of 7 elections you voted for the candidate with the most votes. I get that Electoral College thing, but your theme is optimism, right?
My final point is that the fact Trump isn't running away in the race proves how despicable he is.
This is a good point!
I’ve been reading Brad Sulberg this week, primarily his book “Master of Change.” He talks a bit about Frankl and his concept of tragic optimism. Seems very apropos: https://thegrowtheq.com/tragic-optimism-and-non-dual-thinking/
I know you’re going to hang in there because I’ve been reading your stuff for what feels like decades at this point and you do, in fact, hang in there.
It got a little harder after I sent this!
I agree with you. Optimism is a choice. I have no clue what will happen in this election and I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would vote for Trump. Just read Project 2025 and it should scare the hell out of you. If the Dems have their way and Biden steps aside, there is no person but Kamala Harris in the wings. I’d be fine with that but she is not the favored choice. And that’s the rub. Now, personally, I will vote for anyone the Dems run..anyone. My daughter suggested they pick a charismatic, good looking person who is loved by Dems and Republicans alike. and by young people. Her choice, George Clooney. He proved he was articulate and knowledgeable in his op-ed. She figures he could win easily. She may be right. He’s not a politician and that seems to be what people want. Zelensky was a comedian. He has turned out to be smart, heroic and a role model for bravery. But one thing for sure, if we don’t soon turn our focus on the existential enemy, Donald Trump, we will lose much more than one election. But for today, I choose optimism and hope. Time for a walk with my dog.
It was a great night to be at a baseball doubleheader, I will say that.
I hope you’re wearing sunscreen.
You get tough and smart out here in California and walk early before the sidewalk sizzles
Don’t know that I’m tough and smart, but here in Michigan I walk before the sun comes up.
Thanks for posting as always - Editor's Note aside I wouldn't blame you for writing again on...all of this. On a happier note though, I didn't know you used to live in Cobble Hill! I'm moving there right by Cobble Hill Park, any bar or restaurant recs for a (slightly terrified) 31 year old new to NYC?
Oh, I've been gone 11 years now, I wouldn't trust my judgment on any place. But my old favorite haunt Floyd is still there. Many, many nights spent there. https://www.floydny.com/
Looks amazing...I didn't know I wanted indoor bocce in my life until I clicked that link! Drinks on me if you end up back in the area!
Who exactly has a better chance than Biden of beating 45? Biden already proved he can do it. I still cannot believe that people vote for 45.
I think the issue is that Biden is a very different candidate that he was four years ago. Though, again, I think what happened last night changes all this in many, many ways.
*proven
I always thought “somebody” would be the grown-up and do “something” but now I see we see all just screwed.
Going to assume the extended "piano falling on my head" section was a direct reference to Paul Reiser in One Night at McCool's.
Will, please have faith and continue your choice to be optimistic. Things will be okay.
I hope so. Last night didn't help.
Excellent piece as usual, Will. I think optimism vs realism can also be framed as resilience vs rigidity. Stubborn pride is nothing to be proud of
Kids can’t get enough of those flat brimmed hats. Nothing makes me feel older than not understanding that trend.
I knew it was getting bad when the way I have always worn hats suddenly became "dad hats."