Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) panned Democrats who are upping their criticisms of President Biden ahead of the November election, saying they might as well don a “MAGA hat.” Fetterman not…
He’s not entirely wrong. I’ve been critical of Biden myself, but it is because I am concerned about Biden’s ability to beat Trump. I want Biden to be a stronger candidate, and a stronger leader for that matter. Criticizing Biden is the best way I know to make him to better than he’s doing now. Poking holes in candidates is my love language.
But I’m a nobody. I don’t make headlines when I point out his flaws. Maybe somebody somewhere will read something I wrote, or at a minimum it becomes part of the rising din of concern, and Biden is forced to make an effort to speak to my concerns. That’s the best I can hope for.
I’m not backing an alternative candidate. I’m not calling for him to step aside or resign. I’m not suggesting we all throw our votes away on some long shot third party candidate. Anybody who is doing those things is helping Trump. And it’s hard not to think that they don’t know they are helping Trump, which makes it hard not to think that their intent is to help Trump.
So while I think Fetterman ought to be more specific with his criticism of critics, I don’t disagree that there are people who fit his accusation. I also think there are far more reasonable progressives and moderates who have voiced legitimate concerns that Biden should do well to hear. Hillary ignored many of those same criticisms, to the peril of all Americans. America would be a much better place if Democrats tried harder to be more than just the lesser bad option. “At least we’re not traitorous rapists” isn’t a campaign slogan that inspires confidence.
Always vote for whoever you want. That’s how voting works.
But know what you’re voting for. Know who you’re voting for. Our electoral system is inherently flawed.
Voting for some schmuck running against Biden in the primary might make you feel good about protesting one or more of Biden’s policies. His support of Israel, his approach to border policies, his inaction on any number of progressive issues, whatever the objection, who else are you going to vote for? I know there is the pro-Palestine contingent in Michigan promoting a “none of the above” campaign, which is effective at registering your complaint.
But in the general election, it’s time to put away such petty animus and defeat the orange monster that will destroy everything.
He’s not entirely wrong. I’ve been critical of Biden myself, but it is because I am concerned about Biden’s ability to beat Trump. I want Biden to be a stronger candidate, and a stronger leader for that matter. Criticizing Biden is the best way I know to make him to better than he’s doing now. Poking holes in candidates is my love language.
But I’m a nobody. I don’t make headlines when I point out his flaws. Maybe somebody somewhere will read something I wrote, or at a minimum it becomes part of the rising din of concern, and Biden is forced to make an effort to speak to my concerns. That’s the best I can hope for.
I’m not backing an alternative candidate. I’m not calling for him to step aside or resign. I’m not suggesting we all throw our votes away on some long shot third party candidate. Anybody who is doing those things is helping Trump. And it’s hard not to think that they don’t know they are helping Trump, which makes it hard not to think that their intent is to help Trump.
So while I think Fetterman ought to be more specific with his criticism of critics, I don’t disagree that there are people who fit his accusation. I also think there are far more reasonable progressives and moderates who have voiced legitimate concerns that Biden should do well to hear. Hillary ignored many of those same criticisms, to the peril of all Americans. America would be a much better place if Democrats tried harder to be more than just the lesser bad option. “At least we’re not traitorous rapists” isn’t a campaign slogan that inspires confidence.
It’s a primary. Vote for whoever you want.
I chose “none,” since I’ll be stuck voting for Joe in November anyway.
Always vote for whoever you want. That’s how voting works.
But know what you’re voting for. Know who you’re voting for. Our electoral system is inherently flawed.
Voting for some schmuck running against Biden in the primary might make you feel good about protesting one or more of Biden’s policies. His support of Israel, his approach to border policies, his inaction on any number of progressive issues, whatever the objection, who else are you going to vote for? I know there is the pro-Palestine contingent in Michigan promoting a “none of the above” campaign, which is effective at registering your complaint.
But in the general election, it’s time to put away such petty animus and defeat the orange monster that will destroy everything.