Trump-Biden Debate

Why Dumping Biden is Unlikely

A key problem for the Biden team and for the Democratic Party is Kamala Harris. If Biden decides to not seek a second term, it is almost certain that Vice President Harris will be the shaky nominee.

Ten Observations About Where we go After the Debate

If Biden pulls out, qualms about age and decrepitude immediately turn, like Elmer Fudd’s shotgun, back onto Trump. He’s not aging well either.

Jumbler-in-Chief Versus the Demagogue

Biden recovered later in the debate, but not before viewers were given ample reason to worry about an 81-year incumbent.

Might Biden Dropping Out Be a Big Opportunity?

The Democrats should embrace this opportunity to produce a splendid, news-dominating American pageant. For once, horse race coverage will actually be more important than issues coverage. With the nominee unknown, Putin and Trump will have a hard time targeting or strategizing.

Wow that was Brutal

Overall, this whole exercise proved to be a vindication of what the so called "double haters" believe: this matchup is a disaster for the country. 

Go to the Transcript?

Compared to Trump he was a relative paragon of accuracy, truth, context, and detail.

Dean Phillips was Right

This “debate” was incredibly sad. Sad to watch Joe Biden, like a fighter well beyond his prime, taking blow after blow. Always on his heels. Always reactive.

Chinese Mock America over Embarrassing Debate

What rubs salt in the wound of American pride in its democratic system is the mockery from China: the fact that netizens of the one-party authoritarian state are laughing over the debacle.

Biden Even Fumbled his Foreign Policy Strengths

Biden’s gravely disappointing performance allowed Trump to avoid answering vital questions.

Time to Talk Tough with Joe

Polls showed that an unnamed Democrat could beat Trump, but they also consistently show that people don’t approve of Biden’s performance and think he’s too old to be President and is a weak leader. He had one chance Thursday to demonstrate all that was mistaken—and he utterly failed to do it.

The Worst Choice in American History? Sounds About Right

If Trump lied more egregiously than Biden, and he did, Biden piled up his share of political fibs.

Move Along, Nothing to See. Our Lies are Good Lies

"My lies are good lies. I lie to preserve democracy. Trump’s lies are bad lies."

Frail? Certainly. But Command of the Facts

I was pleasantly surprised (starting from very low expectations) how much he recalled and how cogently he recited it. The downside to all the prepping is too much detail and no zingers.

This is what Blowing it Looks Like

When the nation’s voters – many millions of them – tuned in to last night’s debate, what they first heard was the nation’s president, an aging white man struggling with a mouth full of cotton.

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Christmas in Three Acts: Part One — Joseph at the Center

Gospel (as opposed to Law) is different, strange, weird, and actually offensive. Gospel says that when it comes to saving souls and putting broken lives back together, God does the work.

Trump Outrages, Holiday Edition

I’m handing over this holiday Trump Outrage Watch to Washington Post/CNN foreign affairs analyst Fareed Zakaria, who I watch near-religiously every Sunday morning for the most illuminating commentary and interviews on all of US TV.

A New Book: Autism and a Fulfilling Life

In Togo for the first time, Peter O’Neil found comfort and confidence in social situations that had previously eluded him. Immersion in a totally different culture enabled him to bloom, a new and welcome experience.

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Trump Outrages, Holiday Edition

I’m handing over this holiday Trump Outrage Watch to Washington Post/CNN foreign affairs analyst Fareed Zakaria, who I watch near-religiously every Sunday morning for the most illuminating commentary and interviews on all of US TV.

A Remade Pacific Place: Mall for a Market that stayed Home

The future of Pacific Place seems less certain, and more tied to the fate of overbuilt retail. Might there be some other ways to rejuvenate the building? Empty Pacific Place might be the perfect place to ease Seattle’s transition into the post-pandemic age—and help to save downtown Seattle once again.

Christmas in Three Acts: Part One — Joseph at the Center

Gospel (as opposed to Law) is different, strange, weird, and actually offensive. Gospel says that when it comes to saving souls and putting broken lives back together, God does the work.

Outgoing Seattle Council President Sara Nelson: “I Governed to Fix Things”

On the City Council, Nelson has packed in more legislative battles, many won and some lost, in four years than most council members can claim over several terms.

Trump let Nvidia Sell Advanced Chips to China. Here’s How Chinese Citizens are Reacting

In his typical back and forth style, President Trump...

Reckoning with Northwest Flooding: We need to think about this Differently

As temperatures rise, winter precipitation will increasingly fall as rain instead of snow and will melt more of the snowpack. The snow usually holds some of that water and forces it into the ground, so the end result is less of a buffer to soak up atmospheric rivers.