17 Comments

I appreciate Mills’ analysis and keen sense of variables that many like or unlike myself would miss as I am not a political analyst. Wish I could wish away knowing about dark political $$$ side of dealings. Would not be politics we were talking about in that case. That’s the ick of politics. Goes with the territories. Not an intended pun. I’d never heard of these two cats running. Glad for information from a source I can and do trust. I know Mills’ parents. Integrity in the DNA.

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Does not mean I am in anyone’s lockstep. I remain an Independent.

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Have you found many Republicans you can support these days? Especially in NC the agenda is far right and restrictive of our rights.

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No, I have not found any. Although there are a couple of women I've considered and will not name. Yet the two Ihave in mind talk from both sides of their mouth, so no.

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Answer to first question is, "no." Regarding second statement--agreed. I'll add a thought: I see and hear many of whom--I am not certain of party inclination--deceiving themselves. Because it's easier "for some"--not saying you--to deny to themselves their own greed, their own sense of entitlement, their own racist, misogynistic, ardent protestant, and ethnicist tendencies and have hidden behind their artificial "politeness" for so long--they simply do not recognize or care to recognize truth(s) about our planet or who they are on this planet. I do not know what I said about which you take disagreement. But thank you for responding. If you are interested to know my leanings or unable to pick up on the cues, I'm happy to discuss. Always. I am a promoter of smart, open discussions and giving voice and space to thoughtful, reasoned, knowledgeable conversations about challenging topics.

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Sorry hit the turn button. I also believe that despite some missteps Kamala Harris has come a long way in her tenure as VP and should. she have to take the helm she is positioned to do so, certainly much better than any on the other side. Remaining in the limbo of neither Dem nor Rep at this time is dangerous to our country and our democracy. But this is my opinion, and you are entitled to yours

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This is where I disagree with you.

however, Dem. growth in their own values has been stunted by a Biden stubborn streak and an unwillingness to embrace some realities, the most obvious—the forthrightness of torch passing at the most momentous moment. Which he chose not to do.

I read many newsletters but often decide the same thing I hear from them, based on my own research, before they come out with their stance. I have a lot of respect for Robert Hubbell, Heather Cox Richardson, Simon Rosenberg, Lawrence O’Donnell, much less so for Ezra Klein and others. All the ones I follow disagree with your assessment of the Biden/Harris ticket. I have expressed on line that I see Biden as a CEO who has chosen wisely those he surrounds himself with, and he has shown flexibility to shift gears when necessary, as he seems to be doing on Israel position

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I only agree with a fresher Dem. ticket with Biden at top because it seems too late to do much else. I’m disappointed Biden lacked prompt willingness months back NOT TO SEE her moment to get behind someone other than himself. And promote that person. Anyone in positions of power, politics especially, could make NOW better with smart fresh blood. Matter of principle—give others a chance. I truly sized up Biden as someone who would have instincts on this. Obviously not. Does not make me “dislike” Biden. Makes me respect his professionalism less. Makes me respect politicians less when they do not pick up on the stage cue, exit stage right or left. Watching Feinstein, painful. Something smells selfish about not knowing ethics of torch passing. Either party. Same old, same old anything tends toward overlooking collective talent and making the most of the goods available.

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You have some points if course. Would you say the that Roosevelt should not have run for his 4th term despite his poor health? We have a succession in place. Most people are saying that the characterization of Biden as being addled intellectually is way off base. Could his age or the stresses of the job catch up with him physically and could he die while in office. The answer is yes, but people of all ages can die suddenly. My husband did at 44. There are no guarantees. We do know what we will get from Trump. We do know that overall Biden is respected by the international community. We do know that Biden knows a lot and surrounds himself with good people. According to people I respect it really is too late to change course now. Most of the politicians worth their salt know that too. Do any of us on the outside know better than them?

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I’d rather see these two lose to their challengers. People like Cotham in NC and Manchin in the Senate and other Dems who have recently sided with the Republicans continue to hurt us. We don’t need people to be in total lockstep, but we need more of a united front on most issues.

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A united front and Democrats sound(s) oxymoronic. As Dems. value the values of extra large tent. It seems, however, Dem. growth in their own values has been stunted by a Biden stubborn streak and an unwillingness to embrace some realities, the most obvious—the forthrightness of torch passing at the most momentous moment. Which he chose not to do.

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I hope their constituents teach both a lesson about loyalty. It can’t but strengthen the backbone of other wavering Democrats.

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