Senator Joe Manchin for president and Liz Cheney his VP. Both politicians understand the importance of cheap, abundant and reliable energy. I have come to admire these two; Cheney for standing up to Trump and Manchin for being pragmatic when the Dems were trying to to pass IRA.
It seems like your only argument is finding a candidate who has broad enough appeal to "send Trump packing".
But what about policies that benefit the average American? What is it about the Socialist/Progressive agenda that you think helps America? How is it better than Trump policies? You wanted a substantive discussion, but you failed to provide any substance. Honest Brokers should avoid politics and cross examine the issues for the greater good.
Yes, this post sends both Biden and Trump packing.
Others will disagree, and that’s good, but it is my view that they both need to go so that we can again refocus on policies and not just politics and personalities.
I am a fan of the Constitution’s separation of powers and therefore I am not too worried about normal politicians from either party, as passing effective policy is best from somewhere in the fat part of the bell curve.
That means I don’t get worked up about isms or ists — like fascism or socialists.
I agree with you about the importance of focusing on policy, which is why 99%+ of THB happens in that space 😎🤓🙏
I appreciate your response. I think a better discussion would be what gives rise to candidates like Trump, because we're seeing it in other countries. The media and his opponents try to paint a picture of white supremacy and nationalism, which is intellectually dishonest. I believe it's the broken "establishment"...a government and bureaucracy that has become so large and powerful in every facet of American life, and people no longer feel like they have representation. It's the feeling of having beliefs forced on people by the woke culture that has permeated our society. Beliefs that don't align with their values. Classical liberals of the past didn't want religious beliefs forced on them, just like classical liberals and free thinkers of today don't want woke beliefs forced on them. People should be free to believe what they want, but when policies rooted in critical race theory or gender theory are enacted, it's no different than the religious Zealots of the 1920s who were trying to use legislation to keep evolution out of the classroom. Forcing beliefs by law will never be popular by freedom loving people.
I think these are the main reasons why Trump is so popular. He speaks out against all the bull$@!* without fear, because if the average American spoke out against it, they would be fired or chastised for not being PC. The indictments and impeachments make him more popular for this reason. The left has weaponized PC and fake news, and Trump is the antidote.
I almost think it will take a Great Drepession to change the current system, for better or worse.
You didn't answer Mike's question. "What is it about the Socialist/Progressive agenda that you think helps America? " Your implicit assumption is that the Republican/Conservative side has nothing and no candidate to offer.
I don't really have a problem with your Progressive leanings but please explain why you believe that the decision is so clear.
Given the current state of affairs, what is worse endorsing Trump or endorsing Biden?
The only potential Blue Dog Democrat is John Fetterman, hoody and all. As far as Rockefeller Republicans, the Rockefeller family and their myriad foundations have gone all in on climate change and bogus environmentalism.
WOW. I think your nominees did not acquit themselves well in Covid, net zero or this gratuitous divisive DEI nonsense. Where was the scientific method?
Roger, many thanks for agreeing to be the keynote speaker at the JOLT energy conference in Montrose last week! I’m disappointed that you were unable to able to appear in person, but appreciate that you fought through your illness to give a Zoom presentation.
Have you re-affirmed any resolution to stay out of the purely political realm?
The situation with Biden reminds me of Reagan’s re-election campaign, when critics expressed concerned about his age and fitness for office.
My conservative Vietnam vet cousin David relentlessly repeated this Reagan campaign slogan:
THB should stop digging the hole deeper. There is a reason Harris dropped out of the 2020 Primary with less than 2% support AMONG DEMOCRATS. Wholly unqualified for every job she has ever held, she would be a disaster and a horrifically divisive President. And nothing about a Harris/“Moderate Republican” administration would offer “common sense”. It would instead offer continuing resolution budgets guaranteeing bankruptcy and continuation of government by unseen elites and unelected bureaucrats. Please THB, better analysis.
I was somewhat taken aback by over 300 comments and only 76 likes until I realized that most of the comments came from about a dozen people.
As far as your proposed new approach, maybe you should stick to the need for integrity in climate science.
Are you trying to encourage more of your subscribers to cancel by characterizing a Harris presidency as an "ideal world" with common sense prevailing and Trump being sent packing in November? Maybe you should check with Nate Silver to find out what the polls and his new super duper model say about Harris' electability.
I was surprised when you identified Governor Whitmer as your pick to replace President Biden, but I'm not sure who I would have predicted would be your pick. I would not have chosen her, but I'm undecided at this point because so much is in question, Biden's mental state and Trump's legal challenges among them.
For years, I've been fascinated by the many reasons why people disagree. By the way, I have many friends and family that I love dearly, but still differ on any number of issues. I see disagreements as net positives. We progress in life by exploring where our knowledge is at odds and where our experiences and perspectives differ. I've enjoyed this dialog, seeing the thoughts of those who subscribe to THB.
I have my own website on WordPress (Reactions at DocStephens.org). Most of my followers are family and friends as well as a few former professional colleagues (I'm retired). I do not promote it and my readership is tiny, dozens. About five years ago, I wrote a post "Why Intelligent People Disagree." Here is the link if anyone is interested.
Biden should remain the nominee. There was an elaborate primary process (nonprocess) to “select” a nominee. To go against that is to reject the will of the people, which is the core or democracy. Now some say that process was cooked to nominate a dimentia patient with significant challenges walking stairs or speaking sentences. But Obama says keep him. Well, the people of the Democrat party have spoken. Let’s get on to the Presidential election!
Sorry but the ones discovering Biden’s dementia last week where have they been over the last few years? It is clear that Biden’s presidency has been de facto an illegal 3rd mandate for Barack Obama or are you under the impression Biden was taking decisions in the conditions he was in? Now we will get Michelle Obama so a 4th mandate.
I would add that the party elite will not allow any candidate unless s/he aligns with the warmongering, the financial bs that favors the big banks, and the general corruption in DC. So for instance, Tulsi and Bernie are out. I do not know if Whitmer has expressed any views on foreign policy, but I imagine she would be happy to support our foray towards WWIII if it would get her the nod. She appears to have few if any moral scruples (much like Trump and Biden).
Michelle Obama would have the best chance of winning. Not that I would vote for her. The Dems may be in a pickle: Joe will only withdraw if they can persuade Jill, and right now she appears to be adamant. If they invoke the 25th amendment then they are stuck with Kamala, who makes Biden seem cognitively superior. Anyone who thinks either party is your friend is either very rich, or deluded.
You seem to be a strong supporter of Donald Trump. Thank you! He had an excellent record on the points that you raise. His foreign policy indeed was excellent. He started no wars. He stood up with actions against the worst opponents of human rights and freedom: Russia, Iran and Communist China. He negotiated with five majority-Muslim countries that recognized Israel. He got the first tax reform passed in nearly 30 years, and it favors the average people: the top 1% of taxpayers paid 40% of the total federal income taxes in 2016, and paid 46% last year.
I'm a radical centrist. I have been voting third party recently, and probably will do so again in November. I do see both Trump and Biden as human beings. I do not believe we can solve our pressing problems so long as we remain polarized politically. Feel free to feel otherwise!
I just lost a lot of confidence in THB. Anyone who would endorse Whitmer— an authoritarian, someone with wholly irrational energy policies, and who is otherwise a fraud (remember when she vacationed in Florida while locking everyone else in Michigan?) has extremely poor judgment.
Quite a comment thread!
I appreciate the spirited but respectful exchanges.
Thank you!
TRUMP
Senator Joe Manchin for president and Liz Cheney his VP. Both politicians understand the importance of cheap, abundant and reliable energy. I have come to admire these two; Cheney for standing up to Trump and Manchin for being pragmatic when the Dems were trying to to pass IRA.
Roger, You left out Newsom, the Gov of CA. What is your rationale for that?
Thanks Ray
Lot's of folks left out here
My thinking is that the Ds need MI, PA, OH so focus on who can bring them along
There is also the issue that if Harris is on the ticket then another CA cannot
As the post-debate horserace polls start to come out, for Biden but also down ticket, watch this space
Roger,
It seems like your only argument is finding a candidate who has broad enough appeal to "send Trump packing".
But what about policies that benefit the average American? What is it about the Socialist/Progressive agenda that you think helps America? How is it better than Trump policies? You wanted a substantive discussion, but you failed to provide any substance. Honest Brokers should avoid politics and cross examine the issues for the greater good.
Hi Mike,
Fair Q!
Yes, this post sends both Biden and Trump packing.
Others will disagree, and that’s good, but it is my view that they both need to go so that we can again refocus on policies and not just politics and personalities.
I am a fan of the Constitution’s separation of powers and therefore I am not too worried about normal politicians from either party, as passing effective policy is best from somewhere in the fat part of the bell curve.
That means I don’t get worked up about isms or ists — like fascism or socialists.
I agree with you about the importance of focusing on policy, which is why 99%+ of THB happens in that space 😎🤓🙏
I appreciate your response. I think a better discussion would be what gives rise to candidates like Trump, because we're seeing it in other countries. The media and his opponents try to paint a picture of white supremacy and nationalism, which is intellectually dishonest. I believe it's the broken "establishment"...a government and bureaucracy that has become so large and powerful in every facet of American life, and people no longer feel like they have representation. It's the feeling of having beliefs forced on people by the woke culture that has permeated our society. Beliefs that don't align with their values. Classical liberals of the past didn't want religious beliefs forced on them, just like classical liberals and free thinkers of today don't want woke beliefs forced on them. People should be free to believe what they want, but when policies rooted in critical race theory or gender theory are enacted, it's no different than the religious Zealots of the 1920s who were trying to use legislation to keep evolution out of the classroom. Forcing beliefs by law will never be popular by freedom loving people.
I think these are the main reasons why Trump is so popular. He speaks out against all the bull$@!* without fear, because if the average American spoke out against it, they would be fired or chastised for not being PC. The indictments and impeachments make him more popular for this reason. The left has weaponized PC and fake news, and Trump is the antidote.
I almost think it will take a Great Drepession to change the current system, for better or worse.
I've written a bit on this before here:
https://rogerpielkejr.substack.com/p/why-democrats-will-lose-the-house
And also the responsibilities of the so-called experts:
https://rogerpielkejr.substack.com/p/the-public-is-ok-its-us-scientists
You didn't answer Mike's question. "What is it about the Socialist/Progressive agenda that you think helps America? " Your implicit assumption is that the Republican/Conservative side has nothing and no candidate to offer.
I don't really have a problem with your Progressive leanings but please explain why you believe that the decision is so clear.
I did, when I said I’m not a fan of isms and ists
Happy to discuss policies
In the Twitter thread I linked I floated a “coalition” ticket with a moderate D & R
There is a lot of good sense from both parties & a lot of dreck also
The key is telling the difference, which I do not do based on party ID
👍🙏
Could you see R's like Mike Pompeo, Tom Cotton, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Dan Crenshaw, Mike Lee, Bill Barr as part of your coalition?
Yes, most probably
Though I'd expect all of them to endorse Trump if they haven't already
The Blue Dog Democrat and Rockefeller Republican are hard to spot in 2024!
Given the current state of affairs, what is worse endorsing Trump or endorsing Biden?
The only potential Blue Dog Democrat is John Fetterman, hoody and all. As far as Rockefeller Republicans, the Rockefeller family and their myriad foundations have gone all in on climate change and bogus environmentalism.
Busy rethinking my recent subscription. Get back to you later.
WOW. I think your nominees did not acquit themselves well in Covid, net zero or this gratuitous divisive DEI nonsense. Where was the scientific method?
Roger, many thanks for agreeing to be the keynote speaker at the JOLT energy conference in Montrose last week! I’m disappointed that you were unable to able to appear in person, but appreciate that you fought through your illness to give a Zoom presentation.
Have you re-affirmed any resolution to stay out of the purely political realm?
The situation with Biden reminds me of Reagan’s re-election campaign, when critics expressed concerned about his age and fitness for office.
My conservative Vietnam vet cousin David relentlessly repeated this Reagan campaign slogan:
“If he dies, stuff him and run him anyway!”
THB should stop digging the hole deeper. There is a reason Harris dropped out of the 2020 Primary with less than 2% support AMONG DEMOCRATS. Wholly unqualified for every job she has ever held, she would be a disaster and a horrifically divisive President. And nothing about a Harris/“Moderate Republican” administration would offer “common sense”. It would instead offer continuing resolution budgets guaranteeing bankruptcy and continuation of government by unseen elites and unelected bureaucrats. Please THB, better analysis.
I was somewhat taken aback by over 300 comments and only 76 likes until I realized that most of the comments came from about a dozen people.
As far as your proposed new approach, maybe you should stick to the need for integrity in climate science.
Are you trying to encourage more of your subscribers to cancel by characterizing a Harris presidency as an "ideal world" with common sense prevailing and Trump being sent packing in November? Maybe you should check with Nate Silver to find out what the polls and his new super duper model say about Harris' electability.
Thanks in part to the vigorous discussion on this post I’ve proposed a new approach over at X
If you are there, check it out:
https://x.com/rogerpielkejr/status/1807427362344341604?s=46&t=WMSRPCBBWz_Ojw7zB5V3AA
I was surprised when you identified Governor Whitmer as your pick to replace President Biden, but I'm not sure who I would have predicted would be your pick. I would not have chosen her, but I'm undecided at this point because so much is in question, Biden's mental state and Trump's legal challenges among them.
For years, I've been fascinated by the many reasons why people disagree. By the way, I have many friends and family that I love dearly, but still differ on any number of issues. I see disagreements as net positives. We progress in life by exploring where our knowledge is at odds and where our experiences and perspectives differ. I've enjoyed this dialog, seeing the thoughts of those who subscribe to THB.
I have my own website on WordPress (Reactions at DocStephens.org). Most of my followers are family and friends as well as a few former professional colleagues (I'm retired). I do not promote it and my readership is tiny, dozens. About five years ago, I wrote a post "Why Intelligent People Disagree." Here is the link if anyone is interested.
https://docstephens.org/2019/05/14/why-intelligent-people-disagree/
Biden should remain the nominee. There was an elaborate primary process (nonprocess) to “select” a nominee. To go against that is to reject the will of the people, which is the core or democracy. Now some say that process was cooked to nominate a dimentia patient with significant challenges walking stairs or speaking sentences. But Obama says keep him. Well, the people of the Democrat party have spoken. Let’s get on to the Presidential election!
Sorry but the ones discovering Biden’s dementia last week where have they been over the last few years? It is clear that Biden’s presidency has been de facto an illegal 3rd mandate for Barack Obama or are you under the impression Biden was taking decisions in the conditions he was in? Now we will get Michelle Obama so a 4th mandate.
One of our best investigative journalists, Lee Fang, an independent who knows allegiance to no group, has posted an article suggesting that the superdelegates will choose the next candidate: https://www.leefang.com/p/how-lobbyists-could-select-the-democratic
I would add that the party elite will not allow any candidate unless s/he aligns with the warmongering, the financial bs that favors the big banks, and the general corruption in DC. So for instance, Tulsi and Bernie are out. I do not know if Whitmer has expressed any views on foreign policy, but I imagine she would be happy to support our foray towards WWIII if it would get her the nod. She appears to have few if any moral scruples (much like Trump and Biden).
Michelle Obama would have the best chance of winning. Not that I would vote for her. The Dems may be in a pickle: Joe will only withdraw if they can persuade Jill, and right now she appears to be adamant. If they invoke the 25th amendment then they are stuck with Kamala, who makes Biden seem cognitively superior. Anyone who thinks either party is your friend is either very rich, or deluded.
You seem to be a strong supporter of Donald Trump. Thank you! He had an excellent record on the points that you raise. His foreign policy indeed was excellent. He started no wars. He stood up with actions against the worst opponents of human rights and freedom: Russia, Iran and Communist China. He negotiated with five majority-Muslim countries that recognized Israel. He got the first tax reform passed in nearly 30 years, and it favors the average people: the top 1% of taxpayers paid 40% of the total federal income taxes in 2016, and paid 46% last year.
I'm a radical centrist. I have been voting third party recently, and probably will do so again in November. I do see both Trump and Biden as human beings. I do not believe we can solve our pressing problems so long as we remain polarized politically. Feel free to feel otherwise!
I just lost a lot of confidence in THB. Anyone who would endorse Whitmer— an authoritarian, someone with wholly irrational energy policies, and who is otherwise a fraud (remember when she vacationed in Florida while locking everyone else in Michigan?) has extremely poor judgment.
In all fairness to Roger, he did mention he is taking cold medication.