Jon Stewart on Biden 2024: It Is What It Is? | The Weekly Show With Jon Stewart

After a lackluster debate performance, calls are mounting for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 race. Yet, he insists he is still running. Is this the right move? Joining us to explore our current conundrum, we’re joined by Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor, Founders of Crooked Media, hosts of Pod Save America and Authors of "Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps," as well as Bakari Sellers, CNN political commentator and Author of "The Moment." Together, they hash out the best path forward for Democrats to defeat Trump this election and save democracy.
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On Mondays, Jon Stewart hosts The Daily Show, but on Thursdays he hosts The Weekly Show - A podcast featuring in- depth conversations with special guests that explores the biggest threats to our democracy. Also hear from producers and friends of the show who discuss the latest headlines, what’s on their minds, and more!
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[@tdaniels151]

Just had to come back to this after Biden dropped out 😂😂

[@TheAlphaZulu]

Love how fucking wrong Bakari was

[@InfantOfAtocha]

This has aged great.

[@WanderlustWalkabout]

Well this aged well 😂😂😂

[@bethservetar6017]

Agree with the Pod-perspective that the inability to communicate a clear Dem platform and rebut Trump's lies & hideous potential policies is THE huge problem

[@msbrownsuga]

I would agree with them if not for the fact that they are insistent that the only person who can or needs to make the case for Biden is Biden himself. And as campaign and WH alumni, they both know that's not true. AND as both of them know, suggesting that replacing him without any conversation of the practical, political, and legal considerations at play is disingenuous. What will changing candidates right now mean *_energetically_* (who would we win over? who might be turned off by intra-party politics?), *_practically_* (how much effort/time/$$ would it take to replace Biden with Harris on ballots, on campaign materials, on events? Same question for if the convention wanted to choose someone *other than* Harris?), *_legally_* (I've read that we should expect there will be lawsuits if the presumptive nominee changes, but from whom? And which courts would handle them? And is there any concern that the political and legal winds will lead us to a conservative judge eager to disenfranchise voters?) If the concern is message/messaging: Biden isn't ideal but there are many people, with huge platforms, who can make the case on behalf of Biden-Harris; or on behalf of Democrats; or on behalf of defeating Trump. If the concern is governing today: _Say that._ But no one has actually said they are worried about or demanding Biden step down from the presidency right now, so I don't know what to make of that. If the concern is governing in the future: that's why we have Vice President Harris, Article II of the Constitution, and the 25th Amendment. And I'm not a Biden or bust type; I was resigned to voting for him in 2020 b/c the primaries showed that most Dems were only going to vote for the old white guy in the suit. So we did. And it would have been wise, and honorable, for this public conversation to happen a year ago or even during the primaries. But my biggest fear is that this push for the ideal candidate might put us at risk of the worst case scenario - and I haven't heard nearly enough conversation about that.

[@winterbird4447]

I love hearing Jon say that "it is what it is" is a statement of complacency. I have been thinking that for a while now.

[@darriusbethea2373]

Because Democrat establishment likes complacency & status quo. They lacked the spine to fight Trump administration effectively. They also want their people in positions of power. Biden ran a horrible campaign. He only won 2020 primary because them & guys like Bakari kept saying Biden only one who can beat him with high level of gaslighting. Polls indicated most of Democrat candidates would beat Trump or had a shot. Biden was leading 9+ & underperformed only by 4+ points in general election. Against probably worst candidate of all time. So many people tired of Trump & COVID really sealed the deal. If Biden doesn’t have Democrat elites anymore he has nothing. They built him without them he has nothing. He ran 3 times before 2020 & every time he failed miserably dropping out quickly. He was VP & struggled entire campaign. It took a media smear campaign & literally all the moderates dropping out last minute to get him nominated.

[@superfacch]

I wish Jon Stewart could be president. He speaks so well off the cuff and has great passion for equity and fairness. He would make a good press secretary too maybe

[@littlejerryseinfeld4168]

it is what it is is not a statement of complacency, its a statement of acceptance and acceptance is how you move on. If Biden is going to step down there needs to be an actual plan to replace him. 2016 showed (and 2000 even). that a chaotic convention is a terrible indicator. I gotta stop tuning into this stuff its killing me

[@gregggordon7798]

@@littlejerryseinfeld4168 And 1968 and 1972 showed that a chaotic convention is a catastrophe.

[@annestewart5741]

I refuse to say that phrase. Always have. 👍👍

[@taosterlord157]

This was infuriating, and perfectly encapsulates the disfunction of the Democratic party. Cynical institutionalists dismissing and ignoring how messy democracy is and missing chances to make the world a better place because "That's Not How Things Are Done."

[@prismpyre7653]

Amen. They want a coronation.

[@SuperSviki]

@@taosterlord157 Is that what you got from this? "No stop trying to score with your feet (in soccer), use your hands instead of saying that's not how things are done"

[@arthurdent9281]

​@@SuperSvikiGoing with a different candidate isn't breaking any rules. That's what's infuriating about this. There's no reason we can't do better, except that some people want to play by self-imposed rules that only restrict Dems.

[@hopejonas158]

100%

[@talk3194]

@@arthurdent9281produce a candidate that will win and tell them to run against Biden during the convention - like Pres Biden told you to do!

[@Xaphnir]

Bakari failed to really make any sort of cohesive argument for Biden staying on the ticket.

[@victorialeigh3005]

he's also on the "it is what it is" train. unfortunately.

[@Happysquared74]

He did numerous times. Hard to miss actually. He is saying that the conversation to replace Joe Biden is just that, a conversation. But it isnt even a productive conversation because he won't be forced out, and even if he chose to step down there is not one choice on the bench that polls better than he does. Hope that helps.

[@ArcaneSkin85]

Besides whatever he “believes in” 🙄

[@rizakatsudon]

@@Happysquared74 "your hypotheticals are inconsequential" is not reasoning why Biden should stay on. At no point did Bakari communicate to the other pod members why Biden is the best choice for president other than "don't rock the boat" and "history says it's better". Bakari cited no campaign promise that Biden has made for the next 4 years and no qualities of the current President Biden that would make him the best candidate against the increasingly dangerous and sharpened GOP, armed with Project 2025, a "one-day dictatorship", and all the other crazy things.

[@nickmhc]

I wonder if he’d rally for Michelle Obama I bet his mom who’s part of the black female bedrock of the Democratic voter base would.

[@karengillman7248]

"It is what it is" ?! Thank you, Jon, for calling him on that bullshit phrase.

[@blackout07blue]

Such a weird thing how Bakari acts like Black people care the most about beating Trump, therefore it’s logical to back the candidates who lose to Trump. It’s backwards logic.

[@user-ek8sh2fg6f]

People like Bakari is what got the democratic party in this situation.

[@belkyhernandez8281]

Yup

[@ERoss338]

Yeah he’s a disappointment

[@Koip2022]

His position is just insane to me. Did he not see what we all saw with our eyes??? It really makes me feel so lied to that the right has been calling Biden dementia Joe for a while now and we just had our head in the sand because we trusted the Democrats to have the country's best interest in mind.

[@christianleeperrr7641]

Yes. It’s crazy the split, the Democratic Party is now perhaps even MORE divided then the right is, which is a surprising turn of events, even the split in the media figures I watch, it’s like a 50/50. I can’t wrap my brain around Biden Loyalists, it’s also like a self fulfilling prophecy where they keep smacking down any notion of a new nominee, but they are the ones preventing it from freaking happening😂😂

[@lstarstra1730]

It’s blue maga

[@jamescluff9798]

Has Bakari forgotten about Lyndon Johnson. He declined to run for re-election because he concluded he could not win. He continued to the end of his term as President.

[@rainmanjr2007]

Biden would need to retire so that Kamala becomes President. If he doesn't then he remains the head of the Party and a lame duck.

[@arthurdent9281]

​@@rainmanjr2007If that gives Harris the best chance to win, then he should absolutely do that. This is just another RBG-esque ego moment that will ultimately bring great harm to the country all over again.

[@addisonsani1552]

​@arthurdent9281 if the DNC was going to run Harris, they'd have put her more public facing by Summer of 2022. The fact that they haven't indicates that she is actually on the outs in this administration.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Have you forgotten how things went for the Democrats after Johnson declined to run?

[@rainmanjr2007]

@@arthurdent9281 Kamala becomes POTUS at any moment that he can't fulfill his duties so there's no urgency of time. If he can fulfill those duties then I want him to continue doing them because he's good at it.

[@jspres86]

Applause to Stewart for creating an environment where people with differing opinions can come together and have a sound, civil discussion

[@barcelonachair6487]

Stewart has the right to feel this way, he has worked for many decades for America , not only the the Democrats, but for everybody's interests whether they realise it or not. He isn't just a pundit or a comedian he is an activist and has been platforming issues long before the social media generation. Don't dismiss his words as being an "elite."

[@user-pt3gi5ul2e]

Stewart has the right and I'm here to hear his opinions some more. I very much hope to be voting for President Biden! Was kind of hoping Jon was mostly taking comedic potshots. Favs and Lovett and Dan Pfeiffer haven't let up. Will find out Tommy's views here. First heard Bakari Sellers on Real Time with Bill Mahr. He seems to be a nice man who should keep talking.

[@gregggordon7798]

He's also a very rich man.

[@barcelonachair6487]

@@gregggordon7798 Not all rich people are insular with their time and wealth.

[@gregggordon7798]

@@barcelonachair6487 I didn't say they were. But they do have more options than the rest of us.

[@aaronudelhoven383]

Bakari saying debate is good while simultaneously shut said discussion down by insisting nothing can be done is just the most infuriating thing ever and perfectly encapsulates the problem with Democrats today. The amount of whataboutism, goal post moving, and elevating one man over the good of the nation like Bakari are engaging in is exactly the same thing they've been complaining about in the MAGA movement for years. Either we are the party of reality or we aren't. You can't tell people they aren't seeing what they are clearly seeing. If you do that, you make it easier for those in the middle to accuse both parties of being exactly the same. Right now, it is people like Bakari that are hurting our party.

[@melindabittan6231]

NONE of these you know American political history ? LBJ - white man - ceded power Come on dudes!!!

[@TheWipeout32]

@@melindabittan6231 The results? President Nixion and the decay of the American public's faith in government due to Watergate.

[@Happysquared74]

No choice polls any better period.

[@annestewart5741]

I think part of what he's getting at is that Biden is the candidate so do whatever possible to make him succeed in defeating tfg. I don't know him, but he's apparently (& thankfully!) a Never tRumper, but unfortunately isn't able to articulate his reasoning here in this setting. I'm not sure if it's ever really fleshed out about the practicalities of the situation: the limited time frame, the campaign $ constraints, getting the people & the delegates to choose someone else who's viable, whether it's possible to get someone else on the ballots in all 50 states & D.C., etc. It's a lot more complicated to replace the incumbent at this point than many realize. So I think he's trying to express those concerns & just trying to get Biden reelected if this is how things stay. But he & this whole show were incredibly frustrating, yes!!! I wish someone would've done a quick bullet point list of some things to help make it more clear for others & then they could flesh them out with more info & discuss it all.

[@jmhorange]

"It is what it is." Is the greatest insult from the Democratic party. I wanted someone else to run for 2024 over a year ago, but I was told, "You don't replace an incumbent, only Biden can beat Trump, we don't have enough time." when we had more than enough time! Now we have a sliver of time and they want to run out the clock to convention. Democrats made this issue!

[@sumSOTY]

I wanted a different nominee in 2020.. Ive been saying biden has been too old since the start of his presidency, and somehow everyone is so shocked to see what the debate ended up being

[@MogensDam]

Why doesn't every democrat listen to professor Allan Lichtman - check his website. His conclusion on US politics: Republicans have no principles, democrats have no spine. Now, stick with Biden/Harris. Biden has had a very busy schedule for a long time, and the 'fails' he made in debates are more due to stress than cognitive issues. He's more than normal for his age. Thats the conclusion from 2 danish MD's and specialists in cognition , aging and brain function, after watching the debate against Trump and the Nato press conference.

[@dontmindme633]

Most of us were voting against Trump, and not excited about Biden even then. And now it’s just ludicrous they think nobody else can beat Trump.

[@MogensDam]

@@dontmindme633 Please check the arguments from Allan Lichtman - IF you want the democrats to win the election.

[@leechowning2712]

​@@dontmindme633and, worse... about a quarter of those who were voting against Trump last time may sit this out. Turnout for the primaries this year, up and down ticket, has been very low... but the MAGA set? They are looking for a fight. We cannot hope that 10% of Maga stays home.

[@jmingocbus]

Spot on Jon. This isn’t an issue of record. It’s about where his mind is now. Ali, arguably the greatest boxer of all time, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1984. His disability did not negate his 61-5 record, but it did in fact mean that his days as a heavyweight boxer were over. It happens. We live. We work. We get old, and the body begins to shut down.

[@gregggordon7798]

So what has Biden -- undoubtedly one of the most medically monitored persons in the world -- been diagnosed with.

[@markwazny6361]

Well, Bakari’s stance here certainly aged like milk.

[@TullyQuinn]

Bakari doesn't want to discourage the discussion from happening, just wants to be able to ignore it and make sure it's meaningless

[@Napalmdog]

To be honest that's what the average Democrat has been doing for ages. Why so surprised?

[@TullyQuinn]

@@Napalmdog Nice KSU reference with your name

[@Videomorgue]

All while claiming he's the one trying to save democracy. It's insulting.

[@Napalmdog]

@@TullyQuinn unaware of that particular reference. The reference I get it from is a Hunter S Thompson letter.

[@TullyQuinn]

@@Napalmdog 'Napalming the dog' originates from an anti war protest at Kent State University, where the organizer threatened to do that exact thing to gather an outraged crowd, only to switch on them and ask where the outrage was for civilian deaths in Cambodia and Vietnam

[@statisticallysound]

I want to take Bakari seriously but it’s really tough when his only argument for Joe Biden is “don’t rock the boat”

[@jasonmain6398]

The argument is Biden can beat Trump, Kamala Harris cannot

[@beansnrice321]

Spoken like a person who has never been in a boat.

[@foomp]

While I agree, the opposition isn't exactly much better off. We preferably need someone else, to that I can agree. Who though? We don't have much time left. Remember we're dealing with politicians, specifically the Democrats. They drag their asses doing basic things. If we get another shitshow of names thrown into the roster like last time, the party basically killed itself harder than Biden staying in ever could. I have zero faith it will be handled the way it should, but I am most definitely willing to be wrong about that. So the party just needs to prove it. Promote a new candidate soon to run against Biden before he's officially chosen.

[@roystonmason9125]

@@beansnrice321 ricenbeans typical

[@mfoco1]

​@@foompDemocrats have caused this. If they are to be believed,.they went all-in on Biden with democracy itself. How insane was that?

[@ubergeeksteve]

Evil prevails when good men do nothing

[@hparskey1hal441]

Why should I ever take Bakari Sellers seriously after this performance

[@joebutler9850]

I watched this, and Bakari really just spent the whole time evading the question. He was arguing the whole time about whether Biden is better than Trump. But that's clearly not what everyone else was trying to discuss.

[@dannyslag]

Like all right wing libs he kept just saying "but Trump" oblivious to the fact that Trump is exactly why Biden needs to step down so we can get a candidate who can win. He's created this fake narrative that Biden is the only option and is going to white knuckle it until it's too late.

[@avocadoaficiando]

Like Biden, Bakari is pro-Israel. He'll want Biden to stay in office

[@neetpride5919]

Excuse me?! Did you just criticize a person of color?!

[@validatedclassified2564]

Majority of the Black base is loyal to Biden and that's the political calculus he has taken since the debate, it's not for the good of the country , it's just for his ego but someone he trusts will have to get through to him to stop this.

[@NevadaBoss]

If (and with Biden, it's WHEN) the Ds lose under Biden, history will not be kind to those who were too blind to see the iceberg they ran American democracy into. Disgusted with all those who live in this fantasy land where EVERY SINGLE poll shows Trump--a CONVICTED FELON--wins.

[@enderdragoon]

If we believe, based on the data, that Biden is likely to lose in Nov, and the stakes are this high, we should be willing to throw every book and norm and tradition out the window to come up with the solution that has the single best chance of defeating Trump. Either Biden needs to convince us he is that best option, by inspiring us, as a leader, or the Dem party need to find some balls before we lose everything.

[@alphabrainwave]

It's not even really throwing out a norm, historically speaking. Parties selected their candidates primarily through conventions until 1972. Before the McGovern-Fraser Commission, most candidates were chosen by party leaders. It is a norm to hold primaries, sure, but it's a relatively recent norm and an exception could easily be made by the Democratic party if a convention nominating process proves to be the more popular option.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

@@alphabrainwaveSome of our best POTUSs came from the parties nominating them internally. If we have learned anything from the last 50 years of primaries picking candidates- it’s that it sucks. This system gave us Regan and Trump who would have never been selected in the old system.

[@sandrab2884]

I’m looking for the balls.

[@KevinoftheHorde]

I disagree with Bakari but I really appreciate this being the first respectful debate where everyone acknowledges the importance of the discussion without dismissing each other.

[@justinr4201]

I'm tired of being told that I'm "creating chaos" for asking legitimate questions and acknowledging what I see with my own eyes. Shut tf up is what got us here! Fng fed up! Btw... John, we're going to need you to run in 28. It's what the country needs!

[@SigFigNewton]

It’s always worked for them in shaming people away from third party options

[@inazuma3gou]

If DNC was crewing Titanic Crew: Captain, there's an iceberg miles ahead. We have a chance to avoid catastrophe if we turn now. Captain: It is what it is. Continue the course

[@dannyslag]

And then turn around and blame everyone who warned him when the ship sinks.

[@michelleloewenstein4159]

Yikes, it's sad how much that really hits home. It's a really apt metaphor - obviously it would be better if there were no iceberg (which in this situation would either mean Biden stuck with his original statement that he would be a one-term bridge candidate, or he hadn't experienced the recent sharp decline that he seems to have had), but there is an iceberg. It would have been great if we had gotten even more notice so we could have avoided it smoothly and well in advance, but as it is, we were lucky enough to at least have the debate way earlier than they ever happen, before he's officially locked in as the nominee, and we still have juuuuust enough time to manuever out of the iceberg's path. Sure, changing course is chaotic and unorthodox given that he's already won the votes in the "primaries," but potentially avoiding a catastrophic outcome is worth the chaos and mess, especially when there's such a short window to take action or be locked in to our current course, with only the tiniest chance left of avoiding doom at that point. Ugh. What an absolute cluster.

[@lstarstra1730]

Captain: But what if there’s an iceberg over there!? We know this iceberg so we’ll white knuckle it and hope it doesn’t sink us.

[@user-vm8ov1go3k]

@@michelleloewenstein4159I’m still puzzled as to why Biden and his people agreed to the debate. I was stressed out about it when it was announced

[@michelleloewenstein4159]

@@user-vm8ov1go3k Agreed!! I was nervous about it when they announced it, but hoping that it would ultimately work like they wanted it to, and let people see Biden hold his own against Trump and finally tip the scales with undecideds. I don't know if no one realized the full scope of his situation when they agreed to it, and they really thought he'd be able to get a burst of energy and do it, or what. After seeing his performance, it's definitely baffling why they fought for it.

[@edwinrivera4735]

Jon is spot on about Democrats, complacent or responding with, "it is what it is." By the way, Trump attacked George Clooney for suggesting Biden drop out. Republicans see Biden refusing to step down as an election year gift.

[@user-vm8ov1go3k]

I don’t think that’s why trump attacked Clooney. I think he’s bitter that Clooney hosted a fundraiser for Biden. No one loves celebrities and celebrity more than trump so he just seethes with jealousy because he only has pseudo celebrity has been a and never wases like Scott baio and Antonio sabato jr on his side

[@harrisond8132]

Right on. Trump is terrified of Kamala or any other option .

[@Ahtaht227]

Exactly they love how Joe Biden is fumbling they aren’t even attacking him!

[@KC53557]

Let’s not forget Hillary is the reason we have Trump.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

@@harrisond8132Running Harris is basically handing Trump the oval office gift wrapped. She sucks. People don’t like her not because she is a woman (mostly) but because she has failed on the merits to be at all compelling.

[@Makoto-Hayashi]

Jon, you need to book Bakari Sellout on the WS Podcast again next month. And ask him w/ his smug expression + attitude, "Hmm ... I thought you said last time that swapping out Sloppy Joe wasn't realistic?" 😏

[@kayinoue2497]

To quote Tim Miller recently on The Bulwark's podcast interview with Ezra Klein, "This totally exploded my blood pressure."

[@hdswashere]

Ah, a fellow Bulwark watcher. Thank you for bringing this up. I think two of the other guys are from Pod Save America. I gave up on them because they constantly give highly intelligent advice that entirely misses the real world.

[@kayinoue2497]

@@hdswashere yeah it feels like the Crooked Media folks haven't spoken to a real person since working for Obama. I like them, and they're smart folks, but sometimes it leaves me frothing at the mouth. Not the gals from Hysteria though. They're great.

[@Seyeler]

What I will never understand is Bakari (and others) who don't see the incredible surge of hope if a different candidate were to step in. It almost doesn't matter who it is. How can you not understand the narrative of a person being able to give Americans an out. That is so unbelievably powerful in this climate, that I think there is no way it's not the stronger choice.

[@Beerdwolf]

I don't understand how they don't get that we can all see the guy try to speak every day. Having some media moron come on after and tell us hes the best option and Trump is just as senile = Trump wins with a landslide. Trump beat Hilary because people in general don't like being treated like garbage, so this strategy of treat everyone like trash idiots doesn't seem smart.

[@Code_Dee]

Kamala Harris is not my first choice, but imagine a black woman prosecutor against Trump, a racist criminal who wants to make abortion illegal. Plus she isn't a thousand years old. There's a plus.

[@doorsfan173]

Seeing as how this was the election with the candidates vast majorities did NOT want per polls before the primaries, you are 100% correct. I forget who it was, but I heard someone describe Trump and Biden as "the only people the other could lose to." If either or both party wanted to put up an alternative south of even 70 (preferably 60), I think they'd clean the clock of their alternative.

[@snaggiz]

A fresh face and a sharper mind would inspire people far more than a badly aging Biden. The goal should be to beat Trump yes, but also to inspire people. After that debate, I think people really rightfully doubt Bidens ability to do either.

[@01calvin02]

OK, what other candidate has a chance of being Trump? Please do tell

[@raylenedonaldson8896]

Watching my 3 young adult children react to this situation is completely out of alignment with Bakari’s comments. They are angry about the choices and because of that they are saying there is no point in participating because they voices are ignored and concerns are being dismissed. The impact of this attitude among our young voters is devastating to our democracy both now and in the decades to come.

[@user-vm8ov1go3k]

People like your kids are part of the problem

[@mattc-hn2cx]

There is an option for them. Kennedy has rapidly growing support, especially among young voters. This is a 3 way race.

[@Yourdeadmeat69]

Then telling your children dropping out is not an option is the game play.

[@m.g.3021]

They are young? Were they around to vote in 2016? I remember many people saying they would not vote for Hillary. They were going to teach her a lesson. We ended up with Trump. We ended up with 3 conservative justices. I disagree with Stewart. This is just not the right time. 6 months ago, yes. Now? No.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

@@mattc-hn2cxKennedy is a deeply unserious candidate

[@MrJackthelord]

As a european it's madness to think 6 months is nowhere near enough time to run a campaign. We get them done, start to finish, in 6 weeks 😂

[@annestewart5741]

"When was the last time a debate dictated who was gonna be president of the United States?" - Bakari Sellers - The answer: the JFK/Nixon debate before the 1960 presidential election. Nixon's sweaty upper lip & lack of makeup for TV & that debate performance cost him the election.

[@deb1229]

In the 2017 NZ elections Andrew Little saw the writing on the wall for himself and handed the reins to Jacinda Adern just 7 weeks before the election . He was polling at 24% and she was able to turn that around so Labour could win the election. It can be done.

[@HZ-fg9sf]

This. THIS. What is up with the it's too late attitude. Other countries have done it in less time.

[@quercusquercus532]

"But we're The United States of America!" Shitty upon a Hill.

[@TraceyJean]

It can certainly be done in that system. Remember each state has their own rules for getting on the ballot. Right now, the step down arguments don't have a consensus replacement, so where is the infrastructure to get new unidentified candidate on the ballot in every single state? Especially when the Ohio ballot deadline is before the Democratic convention?!

[@glenmorrison8080]

Kia ora. Didn't know this. Thanks for sharing. This is helpful for us yanks to know as a modern comparison.

[@jopainting1668]

Honestly I don't want to hear from anyone who is saying Biden, Trump or the couch are our only choices. I'm so sick of this attitude.

[@rain7991]

Well, ultimately, that is true. It’s the Democratic candidate, the Republican candidate, or the sofa. 🛋️ if Trump wins, they will implement project 2025. Within that book 140 of the authors were in Trump’s administration. I mean, this is a game of strategy, If it’s more strategic for a different candidate than Biden, then so be it. Ultimately the candidate is supposed to be what’s best for the country and the worst candidate for this country is Trump. I don’t think anyone wants to have the right to an abortion taken away, or have their children forced to join the military just to attend school if they can’t afford private school, lose Social Security, have zero acknowledgment of climate change and have it completely eradicated from the vocabulary, along with equal rights and gender equality from all books, or as a collective abide by Christian nationalist laws. But we don’t have all the time in the world to come to a cohesive decision and ultimately it is up to the president to decide to step down. But fast forward to whoever the Democratic candidate is would be the person to vote for. Keep in mind right now Biden has the most power than anyone has ever had in this country and he’s not abusing it. We’re trusting him with a lot right now thanks to the Supreme Court, and he’s just acting as a president. We have to stop project 2025 with all the power that we have. I don’t want America to go from a democracy to a regime.

[@Br0therSeamus]

The couch has done a lot more for me than both candidates

[@bunnyadvocate2999]

It drove me mad that he repeatedly said it's either Biden or Trump, and then denied he was presenting a binary choice. That's what a binary choice is!!!

[@foomp]

@@bunnyadvocate2999 Until another worthwhile candidate is presented, then that's literally what it is though lol. I would love a new name to be spread around here.

[@Malt454]

Problem is, a binary choice is the political reality. People who want to create another party/option need to do so far in advance of realizing that it doesn't exist a few months before the election. No combination of events is going to put RFK or a write-in candidate in the White House, and that's just the way it is, whether it's a self-fulfilling prophecy or not. Voters need more than just a new name; they need a political apparatus to support it. Real options aren't created out of thin air or mere "want".

[@BasicCitizen]

Makes you wonder what things could have looked like if Biden and his team were actually committed to handing off the torch after 1 term like he said he would. The amount of excitement and hope that could have been generated would be something to see.

[@EhNothing]

Fully agree. Biden should have bowed out a year+ ago, so the primary and debates could have found a better candidate. That was the time. Here we are though.

[@kindredanastasia]

Idk... it would have been a conventional race on a long time line, and that's exhausting. but perhaps they would have let VPHarris shine rather than minimizing and subtly knifing her as a potential rival.

[@SigFigNewton]

Instead they went with the incumbent. A sure fire way to lose an election following high inflation

[@KaritKtana]

So I didn't hallucinate Biden saying he would only serve one term??

[@TheHSIHP]

Hey Bakari. Our little discussion ended up not being a fairly tale. I think you owe us voters an apology.

[@user-cl9pg3ew9c]

70% of Americans do not like either choice. This has been known for a long time and neither party listened? The party that gives a better choice will win. The bar is so low it can still be done.

[@GothamClive]

Because Americans believe they only have three choices (like mentioned in the video without contradiction), Biden, Trump or the couch. There's a fourth option. A third party. This party won't get elected, but if a substantial part of the people vote for a party on the left of Democrats then they will swing to the left to get these votes in the next election. This would be the strongest vote, long term. Especially people who live in a state that the Republicans win anyway should chose the fourth option.

[@user-yp5yj2cz3i]

Did you REALLY ask EVERYBODY what they think, or are you just another talking head LYING through your teeth>? That was a trick question, duh!

[@scribblydoodle2924]

If the bar is low, then ANY Democrat should have been able to beat Trump and as an incumbent, had a shot at ANOTHER four years. This simply shows Democrats themselves (including Biden) believe we don't have a bench worth talking about.

[@BrandonDolezal]

This statistic is a great indicator of the fact that has been slapping us all in the face. Both parties have failed the American people. We need to look elsewhere. It's the only thing that will convince these parties to shape up and do better. The insistence to remain dedicated to the two party system is the only thing stopping our collective growth and progress.

[@burninghard]

You really thought Republicans would listen if independents and Dems don´t want Trump? As long as they think Trump owns the libs they are all in for him.

[@Pantherhandz]

My god, what a frustrating argument by Bakari. He could absolutely step aside in an instant! “It’s never happened..” is a terrible reason - we’ve never had such awful candidates!

[@RobTaylorTraining]

Bakari also suggests just throwing Kamala at the people, we want a choice and it's not Kamala, maybe Bernie, but probably even more progressive.

[@arthurdent9281]

​@@RobTaylorTrainingBernie is even older. That's not going to fly. Harris is the best short-notice choice, and already has the infrastructure and funding to run.

[@Pooh0Bear8]

💯💯💯

[@archologyzero]

@@RobTaylorTraining The "BERNIE CAN STILL WIN!!" crowd is so fucking pathetic its unbelievable. The dude cant even win a primary, and isnt even IN the democratic party.

[@MugRuith]

And it HAS happened. George Washington and LBJ for example. Every argument Bakari made got swept aside effortlessly. Never hire this guy as your lawyer.

[@loconeko42]

People like Bakari are the main reason why we can't have good things.

[@jamesmasters2386]

Love the way jon closes the show with his crew. Classy. Also the show was really good. I was pleasantly surprised that the Pod guys are holding their convictions from the night of the debate. No notes today, great show.

[@sluglife9785]

To give Bakari some credit, he was presumably invited here for a debate, because his views represent those of a demographic within the Democratic party. Without him here, it might be a more agreeable discussion, but it would also be an echo chamber.

[@Level1Hera]

Yes, my thoughts exactly.

[@farmpunk_dan]

But it’s an incoherent argument. Biden isn’t fit to drive, nevermind run a country.

[@arrluk8154]

I just wish it sounded more like a discussion and not Bakari repeating the same talking points that had little to no sound reasoning behind them. I have one reason why I agree with Bakari’s side and I haven’t heard a single person on that side say it. That reason is, if we fight against Biden now and Biden ends up being the nominee, it will make it look like not even Democrats want Biden to win. But since Biden won’t give us a solid reason to get behind him now other than “I’m not Donald Trump”, I just want him to step aside and put someone else in his place. It doesn’t matter how other Democrats are currently polling against Trump, because they can work to win people over. Biden isn’t getting any younger and I don’t see him winning anyone new over.

[@scribblydoodle2924]

I would have liked to heard more from the founders of crooked media on how we cut through the pollster crap and see what Americans (especially the younger voters) are thinking.

[@John-cw4lz]

So you think we should have creationism taught in school? Do you also agree with platforming Nazis? Not calling dude a creationist nor a Nazi, but I am saying his views are just as easily dismissed for anyone outside of blue maga.

[@jamesschmames6416]

When people continually feel like their only choice is to "hold your nose" and vote, some people are going to opt to stay home. That is what happened in 2016 and that could lead Trump back to the whitehouse.

[@jaapots]

Agreed- if the choice is B or T- it’s gotta be B

[@Napalmdog]

That didn't matter. 2016 had a 59% turnout, which is actually slightly above average *and* Clinton won the popular vote by roughly 3 million people. We no longer live in a time of landslide victories.

[@ownyourgov]

No truer words have 'ere been spoken before a lamentable catastrophe...but bear in mind, with or without Mr. Trump and his disgusting cabinet of would-be nazis, all politics is still local and this is where the Democratic Party has had the worst affect on the poor people of this country, and will continue to do sok regardless of who loses this election or how.

[@snizami]

Infuriatingly, he acknowledges this at the very outset. He knows "the couch" is one of three options they've laid out for people and he's fine with it.

[@Sam-Cain]

​@@jaapotsThat's not what they're saying. They're saying blind loyalty to Biden is turning people away from voting *at all.*

[@ASaund-qb6wy]

Bakari keeps moving the goalposts each time his latest point is overthrown.

[@jonesy7425]

I just wanted to say, please keep doing these. I wake up every Thursday morning excited to listen to this.

[@kyleCorbeille]

Saying that you're ignoring Biden's accomplishments by discussing the concerns about the debate and his cognitive decline is changing the subject being discussed. To go to Jon's analogy about a job interview, that's like saying "we have to hire this guy because he has a great resume" even while the guy is wandering around the room asking where he is and how he got there. The resume get's you onto the stage, and Biden is on the stage. It's your performance on the stage that determines if you can/should stay there or if the next act should take the stage instead.

[@dragonfishxx]

They want to honor his accomplishments? Then we let him go early enough that he doesn't destroy the legacy he tried to create. And he will, if he loses to trump.

[@dannyslag]

It's even more than that. His resume is garbage too. What got him there was the DNC rigging the primary for their big money donors.

[@mina-ala]

The interview analogy is PERFECT.

[@megatrongodzilla]

But the only other candidate who applied is dressed as Hitler and rambling about Hannibal lector and toilets. It's fine to have a frank discussion that we could have a better candidate, but realistically I can't see Biden stepping aside so any discussion is a moot point and distract from the real issue. Why does half the county want to elect a convicted fellon, convicted rapist accused pedophile, with dictator tendencies.

[@paradoxmo]

Exactly, I’m getting so many people saying “just look at his record, it speaks for itself”. We’re not disputing that. We like Biden and he’s been a great president. The problem is, is he the effective communicator we need to counter Trump in 2024? It doesn’t look good.

[@davidhall7497]

“Have these discussions but fall in line” - DNC Logic

[@pipz420]

I will be voting RFK.

[@arthurdent9281]

​@@pipz420🙄

[@pipz420]

@@arthurdent9281 If you care about winning and it isnt just falling in line, he is the only chance we got.

[@Bertinator-nm9ld]

​@@pipz420 Y, tho? Aside from disliking vaccines, what does RFK actually stand for?

[@RestingJudge]

Every damn time. For three elections they've given us nothing to vote for (but the status quo) and only against Trump. That's not enough for many people.

[@mccsnackin]

Biden stepped down afterall.

[@JC_Cali]

Bakari really is an infuriating synchophant; did he admit he was wrong publicly yet?

[@frajoladellagato]

Nope. He continued the gaslighting by doing an immediate heel turn for Kamala and pretended he never said any of this.

[@sageabovethemoon21]

I think the fact that Trump tweeted at George Clooney to shut up, tells you everything you need to know about who Trump wants to run against

[@browneyedgirl6050]

For sure. Look into Tim Alberta article- it's long. 😅 It's an Inside look into Trump campaign. Has interviews with the two heads of thw campaign. I haven't read it, but I watched Katie Couric on her pod (who knew she had one) interview of Tim yesterday. He said exactly that. They have based their entire campaign on " old " Joe. Commercials ready to go of all of his flubs. If they change, they lose all of the focus and a lot of money. That's not saying that President Bidens campaign doesn't have Joe Commercials waiting, but I think those are easier to change because the message is the same than an entire new candidate for Trump.

[@treborkroy5280]

You mean how Hillary actively supported Trump's campaign because he was an easy pushover candidate to win against? Hah, hah ...hah

[@shetlandapache949]

9 minutes in and already fed up with the strawmen that bakari is promoting.

[@dilettanter]

Yes this interview really clarifies Biden shouldn’t stay in the race - not hearing anything really logical from the Biden side

[@Napalmdog]

The only problem with that analysis is the typical Democrat has been backing Joe Biden for the past, what is it including the primary? five years? And *now* everyone is changing their mind? This isn't simply a problem with Biden's age, this also includes a constituency that is quite schizophrenic most of the time. One debate and it crumbles under the anxiety it loves to hold onto.

[@TheHighlanderprime]

What straw men? His position is that he pragmatically took a stand. And he has a right to defend it. Don’t take an opposing stand because Jon supports it.

[@blaaksky]

@@Napalmdog I totally agree with you!

[@KyleChou-dw8jy]

@@Napalmdog Honestly, some Dems are still holding on to Jover. A portion of the Dem supporters are supporting Biden b/c of the opposition, Trump. OFC, after the debate anyone not in BlueAnon would realize that Biden have zero chance of winning. I mean, how do we get to the point of picking between a likely child rapist and a too old to retire to enjoy life candidate for the most important job in our would?

[@PlannersByKat]

This is the best conversation I've seen about this issue. THANK YOU! We can debate respectfully.

[@MrRuddaBagger]

Bakari's position on this is infuriating... Am I the only one that watched that the debate where an old man couldnt string a couple sentances together, then in a later interview just wen meh if we lose im ok with it? No I'm not! Why is this a discussion. Sit Biden down and say, you have done a good job, but you are not out 2024 canidate. This is absolute insanity that this is even a question to run with Biden.

[@redheadredemption1573]

Bakari repeatedly looks to history as a precedent, and he is repeatedly wrong. "How can someone serve as president and not campaign for reelection?" In addition to lame ducks, Coolidge and LBJ walked away. "When was the last time a debate decided who was president?" Debates pretty famously did Nixon in the first time around, and they all but elected Lincoln. It doesn't have to happen often, but it can happen. The stakes here make that prospect too terrifying to ignore. "In the history of mankind, no one has ever split 300k tickets in a state. " This has happened, often. Al Smith's unsuccessful first run for NY governor being but one famous example.

[@danruley499]

Great points, especially with the Nixon debate comparison. Nixon's main sin in that debate was that he was sick and looked pale with a five o'clock shadow compared to the charismatic and handsome JFK. Compare that to Biden who just croaked in a hoarse whisper and couldn't string together a coherent sentence. Trump just lied and bloviated and any decent politician with two functional neurons to rub together should have dismantled him.

[@Br0therSeamus]

A failure to answer this moment will cause a generation of voters to choose the couch for the rest of their lives. I genuinely don't know how you would convince someone to fight with their boss to get off work to wait 2 hours in the sun just to vote when both parties show nothing but contempt for you. This cycle has essentially been an exquisite propaganda campaign of give up.

[@cbpd89]

Half of Americans choose the couch every year. When we get 60% voter turn out it's considered a big deal. The kids are falling in line with what everyone else is already doing.

[@ethanstump]

@@cbpd89 this. people act like Gen Z is this new special thing, even though pound for pound they are expressing the same sentiments that Gen xr's portrayed at the same age of angst, apathy and depression at our system that keeps us powerless and tells us that's just 'how things are (notice that they can't ever mention the big changes like the american revolution, because that WASN'T "how things are"). and rather than actually addressing these sentiments by pivoting, they do exactly the same thing for zoomers as they did for gen x, which is dismissal/denial, DARVO and obfuscation/distraction. it's already been generations. it's already been decades, it's already been the same song and dance to the point where we can point out the response before they even give it.

[@cronotrigger6206]

this has aged nicely for some lol

[@TheHSIHP]

Bakari is so condescending. "Have your little discussion while I'm doing the real work".

[@michelleshava1477]

*THAT* part

[@JaimeCastro-m3i]

Biden bowing out would be the greatest gesture of democracy since George Washington decided to bow out.

[@Thestuffonmainstreet]

Dems would win in a landslide if we had such a selfless act.

[@Thestuffonmainstreet]

Dems would win in a landslide if Joe was able to be the statesman of the millennium.

[@RobTaylorTraining]

Not if they just force another single candidate on us

[@zenleeparadise]

Genuinely. This is so well-put.

[@prismpyre7653]

I think that's an exaggeration but I'm totally okay with people saying that in front of Biden if it helps...

[@TotallyNormalHumanMan]

The way Bakari is talking feels like joe Biden is in no way considering stepping aside. And I fear he is on the path to trashing his legacy, the same way RBG did.

[@TotallyNormalHumanMan]

To add, he says that in a few weeks we will have polls that are neck and neck. That's the problem here. This should not be neck and neck. That's why Biden is a bad candidate. There has to be a handful of people that will crush him in the polls

[@bobhoyng5915]

Yeah, I know people are mad at Bakari here but I think he's just convinced Biden won't budge. I hope he's wrong.

[@xfromashesx]

Biden's legacy is already being a terrible person. Genocide, Clarence Thomas, the '94 crime bill, etc.

[@alankoslowski9473]

Exactly. As Bill Maher said figuratively he's Ruth Bader Biden.

[@exist2rebel152]

Biden is NOT GOING TO BUDGE.

[@Swdgame]

16:16 "Never seen a white man ... cede power, not at least to a black person". Bro you so wrong. Biden is the goat.

[@The_Randumb_Channel]

Its honestly quite simple, a huge number of undecided/independent voters both dislike Donald Trump and think that Joe Biden is too old win this election. Replacing him on the ticket with a younger candidate will likely result in a vast number of them voting blue, and not one single Joe Biden diehard would opt out of voting for that candidate because Joe was "done dirty" or whatever. It is a move that clearly puts us at a better place then the polls currently suggest we are, the Dems need to pull their heads out of their asses and listen to the freaking voters!!!

[@mikenadanada7430]

Im Canadian and even I say Jon is a National Treasure.

[@obsoerver7272]

European here, I would say global or at least transatlantic treasure...

[@dustindude4995]

I know comedians are somewhere around the 3rd biggest export from Canada. Maybe Jon was smuggled across the border as an infant.

[@Weemadaggie]

For sure. If things go t*ts up down there we're smuggling him up here, deal?

[@ownyourgov]

Propose?

[@TheHighlanderprime]

I’m sorry, I disagree as it relates to this discussion. Jon is taking the rats abandoning the ship position after the boat got rocked. And there’s no loyalty in that.

[@DCM68W]

Bakari's insistence that democrats back kamala when she bombed out of the last competitive race she ran is insane to me.

[@mano_lamancha4716]

Agreed. Trump would likely beat Harris in a landslide. I'm absolutely not saying that he should, just being realistic. The Democrats might be out of touch enough to do it.

[@pressia07]

She couldn’t even win her own state

[@Soul-cry1]

It would be a bad look optically to overlook the current VP for someone else, I'm no fan of hers but she can't be worse than most.

[@alicullen]

I think Ratzinger is worth mentioning here. For the first time in hundreds of years a Pope quit. Why not Biden too?

[@sandrab2884]

I respected Bakari so much prior to this. A lot. But now I see someone absolutely no different than a Trump follower: his rigidity, stubbornness, and unwillingness to consider anything other than what he currently believes is no different than that of the cult members following Trump. I’m so disappointed. Clearly, the cult mentality is on both sides, which I find disheartening. We have got to undig our heels, and at least consider what others say, for at least a day - really consider it, before we make a determination. We must stop and think.

[@mikek1234]

This Bakari Sellers character is full of nothing burgers and platitudes. He is a perfect encapsulation of the contempt and ineptitude of the modern democratic party.

[@littlejerryseinfeld4168]

hes a CNN Democratic Party Rep ..... at this point i almost expect the worst takes from CNN - i realize you said this basically, but the elephant in the room is almost like a balloon that they blew up and keep inflating higher. 2016 should be a lesson to us .... Biden was fine up until the 27th , the catastrophizing makes us look so weak and it both infuriates and worries me that we have a literal enemy to unify against and people are publicallly airing their dirty laundry. Bakari happens to be right, play the tape of 2016. This needs to be a sober, less hysterical conversation, if its a conversation. The problems with the DNC will only be exacerbated by replacing Biden right now

[@sarsnic]

and AIPAC money

[@ravenbelote1801]

Nope. He doesn’t represent all of us.

[@HZ-fg9sf]

And this is why I don't watch CNN 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️

[@letstalkaboutgermany8288]

It is so funny to watch this at the end of July and imagine how Bakari is eating his words right now… hee hee….

[@420xerro]

bakari looks dumb now...

[@mssmartybricks4000]

If Democracy is in peril, the leaders need to give us better choices. Don’t get angry with voters who see the reality of Joe Biden’s deterioration.

[@chea7z913]

Starts with a leader who's willing to acknowledge we need better choices. When he/she comes, be prepared to vote them in asap!!

[@warriorworkouts5397]

Glad to see that everyone else here is just as able to see through Bakari’s BS.

[@Dench999or911]

I like Bakari, but he is talking nonsense here. He is so set in political tradition that he seems to think that the President should be trusted and backed to the end. Ignore the mess and the US will be punished with four more years of Trumpism

[@ayanaatthrivebewhole]

Thank you John, for calling out the complacency. It's complacency that led to the Nazi rise in Germany. I feel like we are word for word following what happened with a lot of dictatorships around the world.

[@espresso574]

I will vote for Biden over Trump even if the DNC has to do a "Weekend at Bernies" with his body in November. With that said, I will forever be resentful of the DNC for making this my only option. The DNC refusing to explore the possiblity of nominating anyone else and then also trying to tell everyone that Biden just had a cold during the debate is insulting and makes them look completely out of touch and/or incompetent. The opposing candidate in this election has the potential to end democracy and consolidate power to the executive branch and the DNC decided to put up its weakest candidate with cognitive decline and then tells us to just "deal with it". A good chunk of the population are only voting for Biden as a way to vote against Trump and the DNC is acting like they deserve our votes and that we should just suck it up and not "piss our pants" over some verbal stumbles. There is an appetite for big changes and shake ups in this country across the political spectrum and the DNC is actively ignoring that and clinging to the past with no plan for the future.

[@DancingSk3L3tons]

So literally "anyone but trump" 🙄 you're part of the problem

[@espresso574]

@@DancingSk3L3tons I would vote for Trump if there was someone that was worse. The bare minimum is trusting that someone will step down at the end of their term. I cannot trust Trump to do that based on how the last election went and how the SCOTUS has ruled on presidential immunity. That's kind of where the bar is at, it's incredibly low. What else should someone do to not be "part of the problem", specifically? I am totally open to new candidates, open to debates, open to change my vote based on the right circumstances and policies, but at the moment I cannot trust Trump enough to change my vote from Biden.

[@DancingSk3L3tons]

@@espresso574 you realize they said the exact same shhh last time he was in office right??? End of democracy as we know, he'll be a dictator, he'll take away everyone's rights, he'll never step down, on and on and on, AND NONE OF IT HAPPENED!!! he got on stage during his acceptance with a giant rainbow flag behind him. Pardoned black prisoners, kissed the wall at the Jewish sites, came out publicly denouncing white supremacists MULTIPLE TIMES,if he's a totalitarian or a racist he's the WORST one I've ever seen, he did everything BUT what the democrats said he would be doing.

[@NPgirl56]

I can’t thank Jon Stewart enough for what he’s done for comedy, democracy, and social justice. He, Colbert and Kimmel help make depressing political news easier to digest and always remind us, through comedy, what important values we should get behind and what is at stakes.

[@exteelgolem]

"and always remind us [...] what important values we should get behind" Or you could take in information from multiple sources, analyze it for correlations and contradictions, and then form your own opinions. To each their own I guess.

[@user-xu6bv7yh2j]

3 men - America is 51% women and Trump is more of a threat to us than to the men

[@michelleloewenstein4159]

I recommend Seth, too!

[@glenmorrison8080]

Agreed. I would love to see him pull a Zelensky.

[@FulcanMal]

God the amount of hot air. "I've never said the choices are binary. I'm saying the choices are Trump, Biden, or the couch." Sir you are so full of it.

[@ArthurTurner-bm1fn]

Oh the "tomorrow" timing was off by a factor of 10.

[@macaronsncheese9835]

The thing that scares me, more than anything, is that the attitude around Biden that it HAS to be him and we HAVE to just white-knuckle and get in line reminds me in a way of the attitude around Clinton in 2016. I'm not sure how to articulate it, but it does feel familiar and I think part of that attitude is what hurt Clinton back then. I grinned and dealt with it and voted for Biden in 2020. I was prepared to do the same for Clinton in 2016 (was out of state and never got my absentee ballot, so couldn't vote that year sadly), and I plan to be voting blue again this year as well. But man it feels like I'm in a mine and just realized I haven't heard the canaries in a minute.

[@HZ-fg9sf]

It's because the current Dem party operates on "who's supposed turn it is" rather than who is really chosen by the people or the strongest candidate. Not very democratic if you ask me. 🙄

[@dannyslag]

The DNC cares more about stopping progressives and leftists than stopping Trump.

[@macaronsncheese9835]

@@HZ-fg9sf yeah I've noticed that, it frustrates me to no end. In fairness that's how the Republicans often operate themselves, I remember back in 2015 everyone was expecting Jeb Bush to be the nominee

[@jongyon7192p]

ooh, i wonder why the absentee ballot didn't come it??? You have the basic right to vote for a president, and someone took it away from you.

[@Sam-Cain]

​@@macaronsncheese9835That's the problem. Both the Democrats and their die hard supporters are trying to be more like the Republicans, a party who do not like democracy and have taken every step possible to undermine it. Neither party in the US wants democracy, they just want their guy in power. We're fucked.

[@mikeywiththecamera]

Bakari really lost me at calling it a "pressure campaign" when it's literally people having a reaction and pointing out the obvious. I'm sick of this type of gaslighting.

[@todddowning5820]

No shit. Or talking about the missteps of Obama? Wtf are you talking about?

[@melindabittan6231]

NONE of these you know American political history ? LBJ - white man - ceded power Come on dudes!!!

[@lindagriffith9558]

Thank you Jon S., beautiful producers, Tom, Jon Favs, Tommy V., and my oh my Bakari S. for Respectful Debate and Brilliant Consensus by the end, Humor and Grace and Connection allowed to resonate out into the "mediasphere" I found it calming, informative and best of all, funny! 🙏 ✌ 💓 🥰 🖖

[@LesSand75]

I’m extremely uncompelled by Bakari’s arguments.

[@scottnimke1349]

I'm 27 and my friends range in age from 23 to 30 years old. Almost all of them that I've spoken to about the election, even before the debate, were just defeated by the fact that we were having to choose between bad and evil. I think this debate felt like the Democratic party was spitting in our faces. It showed many young people that the Democrats don't really care to put forward a good candidate, that they don't really care about the problems that are important to the younger generations. Instead we're told to shut up and be team players for a party we don't even like; a party that told us that the economy is great while we struggle to afford food and rent, a party that told us this election decides the fate of democracy, while putting forth a candidate that seemed most coherent when comparing golf scores. While most of my friends, including myself, still plan to vote for whomever the Democratic nominee ends up being, there's this underlying feeling that we're having to pick the lesser of two evils, so I wouldn't be surprised if many young people decide not to choose at all.

[@catmouse2882]

How is a Trump presidency any better for young people ??? I'm glad you and your friends will be voting BLUE no matter...please understand the absolute threat Trump poses to your well-being. If you think you struggling NOW...Just wait until Trump and Project 2025 takes over the economy. Economists has said inflation will become WORSE under another Trump presidency. Biden is our choice. You don't have be happy about. Just understand the threat of Trump and vote accordingly.

[@rebeccao8895]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m 51 and don’t have much exposure to young folks.

[@Teeveepicksures]

Who'd you vote for in 2016?

[@cbpd89]

I can't remember an election where people weren't saying we were choosing from the lesser of two evils, but I do think this one is uniquely irritating. We've been here before and we didn't like it in 2020. As frustrating as it is, I don't show up to vote for president, I show up to vote for the rest of the ballot. My presidential vote is irrelevant because my state isn't a swing state, but who I choose in state and federal legislature matters way more. We fight maga at the ballot box by voting all of them out, not just trump. I 100% agree with the frustration you and your friends feel. What gets me through it is choosing a better congressman or governor or even school board who won't be beholden to trump in or out of office.

[@annhatton1981]

Evil? Ridiculous....too much CNN on the brain

[@Joe-uw6rk]

Bakari doesn't want to silence the debate... he just wants to ignore it

[@Sig509]

dude lives in la la land, thinks that if he closes his eyes, covers ears and start singing then problems disappear

[@SuperSviki]

@@Sig509 As opposed to all the others who think replacing the incumbent this late into the race is magically going to sway voters.

[@melindabittan6231]

Do NONE of these guys know American political history ? LBJ - white man - ceded power Come on dudes!!!

[@SuperSviki]

@@melindabittan6231 LOL at you telling others they don't know the history. Do you even know who won due to him seceding? Thanks for reinforcing Bakkari's point btw.

[@alexanderkesterson6338]

I agree we have three options but the third isnt the couch its RFK Jr.

[@nonames5573]

Bakari, as expected, holds his position which is two weeks into the future and holds the entire conversation back. Jon should have moved past the point earlier and missed a chance for what would have been a fascinating discussion about the candidate.

[@treychristopheryoung9983]

I respect Bakari--but watching this made me DEEPLY question his judgement. His position here is maddening

[@MikeNmurdoc]

Those cnn checks got the man basking in pure delusion

[@kimsinthe80s]

Absolutely! I personally feel extremely frustrated with him. As a life long politician, I would think that he would be humble enough to step down and realize that he's not the best candidate for the Democratic party. The stakes here are higher than ever! It really makes me criticize the people around him and his administration. As Michael Moore said about Biden after the debate "What if that was your parent/grandparent?"

[@TJIRISH44]

Agree and Bakari speculating a possible reason Biden won't drop out is because he doesn't want to give all that power to a black woman is infuriating.

[@mdr216]

@@treychristopheryoung9983 he doesn’t deserve anyone’s respect. This is how he operates, he has a history of gaslighting people and bullshitting his way through defending the status quo, propagandists like Bakari are the reason the Democratic Party is so terrible at meeting the moment and meeting the needs of people.

[@dansmith925]

@@treychristopheryoung9983 Bakari is the only one who didn’t sound like an imbecilic moron.

[@tanja0411]

Thank you Jon for speaking for so many of us. I don’t understand the Democratic Party and it’s cathartic to have emotionally intelligent, authentic and strategic people having an honest discussion. Seriously thank you and to the PSA team as well. You all are keeping me sane (as possible).

[@shetouchthesky]

Yeah so... Not to be petty but how does it taste to be wrong af Bakari?😂

[@josephinebrevig8748]

Who do they advocate for running IF he steps down? Ask them….who????

[@davidmccoy1378]

It's not about "debate performance." It's about seeing Joe Biden in that state of being. We have not been told the truth about where he is on his life journey.

[@paneko1]

Yesterday performance was pretty good.

[@Sig509]

​@@paneko1 no it was not. Softball scripted selected question, and he still flopped numerous times, like VP Trump, or Putin as the President of Ukraine, corrected only because his staff started screaming into his earpiece (as during the press conference). His speech? Joe "Telepromter" Biden, he can read I guess and take pauses when coaching on the earpiece tells him too. If that is your criteria for a good President, then I have no further questions. THAT WAS ALSO HIS FIST PRESS CONFERENCE IN 8 MONTHS. Do you even imagine how sheltered this dude is? There was a huge criticism of Trump during his presidency, that he gave less press conferences than Obama. Biden gives much less, but suddenly it is not a subject.

[@CRWeaventure]

@@Sig509Nobody is making the argument that he’s a “good president” as in its who they prefer out of everyone else. He’s simply a better president than trump, has beaten trump already, and is running against trump again. Biden can make all the gaffs in the world but him and his administration are STILL a better option than trump and whatever plans he has. Simple as

[@michaeldietz4190]

Exactly. They're using "bad debate performance" just like they use the term "age" to deflect from the actual concern with Biden... His mental acuity. People aren't specifically worried about Biden being in his 80s or having a bad debate, they're worried because his brain is gone and he shows it so regularly that it's undeniable. Nobody who currently feels Biden isn't up to the job due to his mental state is going to change their mind.

[@airborneinfantry82]

You would have seen it long ago if you watched anything other than msnbc and cnn.

[@chasebemis1976]

Bakari: "I don't want to discourage the discussion and have no pushback to your substance within that discussion..." Also Bakari: "People having the discussion are being hysterical..." So ad hom disguised as decorum then. Shocker.

[@fleurosea]

Bakari: “it’s a choice between Biden, trump or the couch” Also Bakari: “ I never said the choices are binary”

[@ethanstump]

@@fleurosea while technically correct that's three options, most people understand that last one to be a non-option to the establishment. and while i'm antiestablisment, most commentators who focus on these things tend to actually want an establishment they can sorta deal with. i'm team couch, and have been since joe manchin took an axe to climate provisions in BBB, then went on fox news and agreed that was the right thing to do. that's when i recognized that fossil fuel capture wasn't just happening in the republican party. follow that with sam bankmanfried giving money to the democratic party and bob menendez....... there's only so much you can take, without being aware that your being played for a fool. this is who they hang out with, and who their buddies are.

[@facistdic]

It's so much more fun watching this from the future

[@Traceymc937]

Watching on 7/26/24. Bakari, this did not age well.

[@dilettanter]

Bakari doesn’t realize the last 3 1/2 years are not indicative of the next four. When mental degeneration starts to set in , it only gets worse with time

[@dilettanter]

It seems like bakari doesn’t acknowledge that Biden is having mental difficulties that could be getting worse

[@dilettanter]

And it also seems like he doesn’t acknowledge anyone saw that performance

[@wendymontie5660]

I’d like to know what medications Biden is taking. Is there an Aricept or similar, that’s a crucial med to maintain a level of cognitive function…for folks with dementia. (I’d also want to see the meds the magat leader is on)

[@user-el5oz2gs3v]

Ahhh,, his dementia has been going for over 3 and a half years! It doesn’t happen over night! Any 5 year old with functioning eyes could see that !

[@Weaponator18]

Nothing against Bakari personally, I just think he's 'not budging' on his stance because of what he sees from the DNC. If the DNC would rather keep the precedent of never primarying a sitting president than trying to actively stop their opponent from winning, then they deserve to lose.

[@Indiestv]

What no one seems to be talking about is it is not about the Democrats, they will all fall in line. Independent voters are going to decide the election. We need a candidate that they will be ready to consider voting for and if they watched the debate Biden doesn't have a chance.

[@chea7z913]

It's decided, too many people choosing the couch. The writing is on the wall and we can all look forward to Trump's second term. This is really going to be a wake up call for dems, I hope they can regather and do what it takes to make sure this doesn't happen A THIRD TIME

[@mattlittlej]

Bakari sure is towing the CNN line, isn’t he?

[@jessicab2409]

Love me some Jon Favs! I am glad that the boys held their ground as well.

[@marmalar]

My father went through cognitive decline so quickly during the pandemic and social isolation. I kept myself away because I was afraid of getting him sick but kept hearing how well he was doing in phone calls. When I finally saw him in 2022 for dinner, he was a shell of what I remembered him being. Decline happens quickly and mercilessly, and I am feeling the same way about Joe Biden that I felt about my dad. My mother is uneducated and prays and is 7 years younger than my dad, so she has been taking care of him, but always says "he is getting better!" and it makes me so made! She is effectively the DNC, shielding me from the truth of the decline and trying to move the goalpost. There is no cure, this will only get worse...

[@kevinstfort]

Sorry about your dad. Unfortunately, you’re spot on with this comment.

[@FlowerNerdxoxo]

Anybody else feeling that not a single one of Bakari’s points are remotely convincing at all? I like him and he’s got great charisma but thats not enough to overcome that every argument made here for keeping Biden in is a flat, empty platitude. It all feels very representative of the discussion as a whole: the pro-status quo dominating the airtime with empty assurances that anyone with half a brain can see right through, while common sense feels like shouting into nothing

[@js46644]

Had to comment +1 because a thumbs up wasn't enough. Well said.

[@zacharymyers6392]

He was pointlessly obtuse throughout. The question being asked across the country is "do Americans still have control of their country, or is the game playing itself?" Anyone saying "fall in line" right now is a defeatist, enabling, tone-deaf loser.

[@humanbeing2420]

Yep. Not even remotely convincing. Utterly delusional.

[@Ben-Rogue]

@@zacharymyers6392 It's because he's a Biden campaign employee, who isn't having an honest discussion. They don't care about what the voters want, they care about what the "party" wants. And what the Democratic party wants is to achieve the goals of their big dollar donors. They rigged the primaries against Bernie TWICE, because they feared his progressive policies

[@BigCatOO91]

Don’t bring bakar on ever again. He was so wrong that this is a disqualifer

[@frajoladellagato]

Only in politics can someone be so woefully wrong and keep their job.

[@christopherbabick2099]

From Political Polls - July 11, 2024 Harris 46% Trump 43% Not an endorsement. Just something I think is interesting.

[@beansnrice321]

Elections are not won at the national level but are won at the State level with the electoral college. Harris loses in Pa and Mi, two states the Democrats cannot lose. She does slightly better than Biden in Nevada but only barely. Most of her gains are in Blue states the Democrats have already won. Stop thinking about yourself and your own pet grievances. Try to think about how independents vote. Hint: it's not like how you vote.