We here at YSDA complain pretty much all the time about the “elite” wing of the Democratic Party. So, we were hurt to hear Pres. Joe Biden lump us in with all those NPR tote bag carriers when he attacked anybody who wants him to step aside after his disastrous debate performance as an “elite.”
It is true that pretty much the entire columnist corps of the New York Times called on Biden to quit the race within about 24 hours of the debate. I suppose if there is any definition of liberal elites it would have to be that group. And it didn’t help that yesterday George Clooney chimed in on that same editorial page to call for Biden to bow out. I like Clooney, but is he an elite? Hollywood millionaire. Yeah, I guess.
But it’s also true that rank-and-file Dems are split right down the middle on this question. A New York Times poll after the debate found that 48% of us wanted him to go while 47% wanted him to stay. And just yesterday, AARP released a poll showing that Biden was now down by 6% to Trump in Wisconsin, beyond that poll’s 4% margin of error. That compares to a Marquette poll that came out just before the debate showing Biden with a two point lead here.
So, while acknowledging that these are different pollsters with perhaps different methodologies, it’s not off base to suggest that Biden may have lost 8% or so because of his performance. In fact, Biden’s losses may have been steeper if it weren’t for poor ratings. AARP found that those who watched the debate favored Trump by a whopping 17%.
Biden is said to have a chip on his shoulder because he went to state schools and he’s surrounded by Ivy Leaguers. I get it. We’ve long argued around here that that there needs to be more diversity in the backgrounds of leaders, not only in Washington but in other realms. That should even include, dare we say it, people without college degrees (like Clooney, actually).
But this rings a little hollow when it comes to Biden. The guy’s been a fixture around Washington for half a century. I can understand a 30-year old up-and-comer in DC feeling shut out by the Ivy club, but a guy who’s been around the block as many times as Biden? And, anyway, he’s 81-years old. Isn’t there a point at which you drop these kinds of grudges?
In other circumstances I might be somewhat sympathetic to Biden’s claims, but in this case he looks desperate. No, Joe, it’s not just the movers and shakers who were convinced by your own performance that you aren’t up to the job. It’s about half the Democratic Party, the majority of voters in Wisconsin (a state you must win) and even obscure center-left bloggers and proud alums of state schools in the Midwest.
Yellow Stripes & Dead Armadillos 
I bet alot of people could get behind Clooney for president! Or what about John Stewart? If all Trump needed was fame to win the first time, that automatically qualifies Clooney and Stewart. Plus, they are younger, more handsome, smarter and don’t have the baggage some other potential candidates have. Now will one of them put their money where their mouths are?
Also, Biden makes a good point: why doesn’t someone who thinks they can beat him, toss their hat in the ring?! How irresponsible would it be for him to just quit with nobody in line? Maybe that’s what he’s waiting for.
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Am I they only one that finds Biden’s elite claims to be as solid as a loaf of bread? He is not doing fund raisers in Middle income folks. Yes, you go where the money is but don’t bit the hand that feeds you.
Plus you don’t become a major fixture in D.C. for as long as he has by getting your name pulled out of the hat.
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It’s now the bottom of the fifth inning and Biden’s team, the Burros, is down by eight runs. It’s no longer a question of if he’ll finish, it’s when he’ll get pulled for a reliever, and who will finish the seventh game of the World Series. Even casual fans can clearly see that Joe’s lost his fastball, his curve, his slider and his forkball. His stamina, too, has failed him and the wily veteran can no longer use his experience, which doesn’t get anyone out, anymore. He must be designated for assignment, and soon. The team will honor him at a later date, once the season is in the books. The Burro front office can even retire his number while he’s still alive. Maybe next year?
The good news is that the Elefantes’ opposing pitcher is wild, undisciplined, unathletic, prone to unforced errors and on the downslide of a long, undistinguished career. He’s bound to give up a few runs.
This game isn’t over but our starter must be sent to the showers, and the bullpen, which has some young, promising pitchers, needs to shut down the Red team.
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