An excellent column, said this guy who will be eligible for Social Security at the end of the year but is not ready to retire yet. Personally, I went on a speedrun through the Kubler-Ross cycle from an initial reaction of OMG when I first heard the news to LFG a few hours later. I'm now looking forward to President Harris!
This is excellent advice! As I confront the inescapable truth that my loved ones are all aging, including my dog, my husband, my president, and myself, all I can do is ask what is the next right thing that I can do. Chocolate is always a good answer.
Thank you! You hit the nail on the head for me and validated my feelings. Well written and you have highlighted important people representing important issues.
Thank you, Martha. Once the public jubilation over having hounded out the old guy fades, your words might help me find a way to rejoin the fight. Right now, I have to hope that the young people who couldn’t bring themselves to fight for democracy alongside anyone old will step up.
I am with you. To my friends who were so convinced this is the right path forward, I want to say, Get busy. Walk your talk.
And I was confused all through this media cycle because we know young people were fond of Bernie Sanders. I don't think it's fair to say that young people couldn't imagine having an elder leader in power. The media, beginning with Afghanistan pullout, waged a loud campaign blaming Biden, an incomplete story, and then marveled when his approval ratings fell. It's been downhill since (with some criticism and pressure warranted), but really overall just didn't seem to line up with reality.
The thing about Bernie was that he railed against the boring "old" people (for a young person, "old" = over 40) who were doing the work of change. Bernie never grew up, His solid endorsement of Biden over the past few years made me think that maybe he saw what effective change-making looked like, finally. But of course this alienated his followers, who were furious about his defending Biden, especially wrt Israel.
Right now I think a lot of my grief is over having to face certain realities and let go of things I've clung to and striven for:
-Ageism is real and strong
-The human longing for an inspiring savior is strong
-People prefer inspiring fantasies to humdrum but well-functioning reality
-Most people do not want actual democracy. It's just too hard.
I think eventually I can learn not to cling to the wish that these things weren't true, and start accepting these as flaws of humanity, which are present in me as much as in everyone else.
Thank you for this empathetic column. Read Josh Marshall's pinpoint-accurate story of how the GRASSROOTS rose up to make sure that Vice President Harris got the nod, smoothly and quickly. Pundit fantasies of "Thunderdome" are DONE!
JOSH MARSHALL OFFERS THE BEST SUMMARY OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED:
Take 2 minutes to read this affirmation of what we rank-and-file on-the-ground folks have understood for a long time. THIS is why grassroots groups on the ground are SURGING in this new political landscape!
What a great commentary. I'm still not out of the woods with being crushed by the Biden decision. Sure, I will wholeheartedly be behind Harris, but it also scares me. And there was not another choice but her. Thanks for this piece. It gave me an opportunity to take a breath. Already had a nap today!
Lynn, nothing like a power nap. Yay, take another today or when you next feel your head about to explode. I hope we live to see the day when big money and big donors have to back off. Thank you for writing.
David’s comments were the first I noticed earlier this morning. And I felt as he described, to receive this beautifully expressed post is perfect for this moment. Thank you, Martha.
For now, I'm taking on the mantle of observer and even that, from a distance. I know time is short and it is good and necessary that things, and people are moving swiftly and in the right direction. Thank goodness. Though I'm just not there yet.
My heart is still heavy for the many clear as day (and disturbing) reasons that we know, and for all I still can't make sense of. So, in this moment, I feel the need to be with how it is for me now. A sabbatical of sorts.
I'm confident things will change, and my heart will regain the energy that's required of us all. For the reasons succinctly named here—those that brought us to this place, and those that will move us forward.
As for taking naps, it's an art that's foreign to me and I may need to learn its benefits. I imagine it may be worth the effort, to practice effortlessness and rest. That repose and breathing space are useful tools for the journey.
And about dark chocolate, a daily dose of this food for the soul makes a world of difference to my day.
Thank you, Martha, for your column. You captured a lot of how I feel following Biden's withdrawal from the campaign. I didn't realize when I voted for Biden for President the first time just how radical his agenda was. I just knew I couldn't stomach another 4 years of Donald Trump. But, having seen what Biden was able to accomplish in two years with a slim House majority and read a little of what his plans were for a second term were, I hope with all my heart that Kamala Harris, if elected, will continue on the path he laid out. But I probably should not have called Biden's agenda "radical" because, in so many ways, it feels as if we regained some of what we lost since the Reagan administration.
Exactly! I have loved the revival of unions. We have momentum now. Let's hope we can fuel some more meaningful reforms in health care and environmental protection, voting rights, free tuition to college, etc.
The ache for what could have been can help us stay the course.
Like others I traveled through a merry-go-round of emotions. I finally landed on RELIEF. I didn't realize the extent of my anxiety until the President withdrew. At last, much of the worry about the health and safety of our President putting himself at considerable risk began to dissipate. Now my hope is Pres Biden can bring his focus back the Presidency full-time and regain his health and his strength.
And I'm excited!! A value-driven, capable and talented woman of color IS representative of our party today and in the future. Coming from a very ethnically/racially diverse family myself, I'm so thrilled to work for the election of Kamala Harris and the strengthening of our democracy!!
This time we can not be surprised or distracted by the tired hate and crazy accusations that will quickly morph from Obama's questionable citizenship and Hilary's emails to the crap that will be flung at Kamala. I will fling that crap right back to laugh about the old, orange rapist with obvious brain rot and his Project 2025-loving woman-hating running mate. This time we will better anticipate and work toward neutralizing the backlash that comes with frightening haters with marching toward the future they dread. LFG!!
You said it, Susan. There is an element of relief as the doubt and uncertainty recede. We do have to be ready for accusations, more doubt, more crap. Finale N says she's done with going high when they go low. We can go toe toe with the crap slingers and keep praising and promoting the capable next president.
The power of a good title! I will toast you with my next piece of chocolate (probably Dove with almonds, though I also have some chocolate covered almonds from Bixby's in Maine to indulge in too.
How 🙌 🙏 IN THE PRESENCE OF WHOM RESOLVED word's definitions in our purpose in grace's purpose for humanity purpose in our freewill to chose truth over PETULANCE CONTROLING OUR PUSSIES LOUDLY AND PROUDLY under OATHS FEIGNED LIPS 💋 DISCREPANCIES DISAPPEARS AS MWE CONSTITUENTS VOICES REJECT ALL PETULANCE ISIS TACTICS I SAW 👀 TODAY PEACE ✌️ UNIVERSALLY ARTICULATED I WAS PRICKED WITH TRUTH WHILE BREATHING FREELY ON OUR EARTH'S ROTATION EXQUISITE LITERALLY SIMPLEST DEFINITIONS WILL NEVER FEAR TRUTH while Breathing freely leader's sacred OATHS REQUIRES REFLECTIONS TO KNOW HOW I know where I can be seen AS a besieged city of righteousness unto the king’s of our constitution flooring I never doubted YOUR PURPOSE TO SHARE WITH TRUTH WHILE BREATHING FREELY ON EARTH 🌎 STOTASTIC ADVERTISERS ESTABLISHMENTS CORPORATE WELFARE WHORES GAME'S EPSTEIN'S RAPES OF OUR BABIES WILL CEASE TO BREATH.
An excellent column, said this guy who will be eligible for Social Security at the end of the year but is not ready to retire yet. Personally, I went on a speedrun through the Kubler-Ross cycle from an initial reaction of OMG when I first heard the news to LFG a few hours later. I'm now looking forward to President Harris!
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your reflections about this moment.
And thanks also for the best "messaging" I've ever seen for Democrats:
Democratic leadership is better for the planet, reproductive health, freedom of expression.
This is excellent advice! As I confront the inescapable truth that my loved ones are all aging, including my dog, my husband, my president, and myself, all I can do is ask what is the next right thing that I can do. Chocolate is always a good answer.
Thank you! You hit the nail on the head for me and validated my feelings. Well written and you have highlighted important people representing important issues.
Thank you, Martha. Once the public jubilation over having hounded out the old guy fades, your words might help me find a way to rejoin the fight. Right now, I have to hope that the young people who couldn’t bring themselves to fight for democracy alongside anyone old will step up.
I am with you. To my friends who were so convinced this is the right path forward, I want to say, Get busy. Walk your talk.
And I was confused all through this media cycle because we know young people were fond of Bernie Sanders. I don't think it's fair to say that young people couldn't imagine having an elder leader in power. The media, beginning with Afghanistan pullout, waged a loud campaign blaming Biden, an incomplete story, and then marveled when his approval ratings fell. It's been downhill since (with some criticism and pressure warranted), but really overall just didn't seem to line up with reality.
The thing about Bernie was that he railed against the boring "old" people (for a young person, "old" = over 40) who were doing the work of change. Bernie never grew up, His solid endorsement of Biden over the past few years made me think that maybe he saw what effective change-making looked like, finally. But of course this alienated his followers, who were furious about his defending Biden, especially wrt Israel.
Right now I think a lot of my grief is over having to face certain realities and let go of things I've clung to and striven for:
-Ageism is real and strong
-The human longing for an inspiring savior is strong
-People prefer inspiring fantasies to humdrum but well-functioning reality
-Most people do not want actual democracy. It's just too hard.
I think eventually I can learn not to cling to the wish that these things weren't true, and start accepting these as flaws of humanity, which are present in me as much as in everyone else.
All of this so true:
-Ageism is real and strong
-The human longing for an inspiring savior is strong
-People prefer inspiring fantasies to humdrum but well-functioning reality
This makes me pause.
-Most people do not want actual democracy. It's just too hard.
Is it hard on top of surviving in a capitalist society? Is it hard because corportations and monied interests throw up so many barriers?
Thinking about this today.
Thank you for this empathetic column. Read Josh Marshall's pinpoint-accurate story of how the GRASSROOTS rose up to make sure that Vice President Harris got the nod, smoothly and quickly. Pundit fantasies of "Thunderdome" are DONE!
JOSH MARSHALL OFFERS THE BEST SUMMARY OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED:
Take 2 minutes to read this affirmation of what we rank-and-file on-the-ground folks have understood for a long time. THIS is why grassroots groups on the ground are SURGING in this new political landscape!
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/thunderdomisms-last-stand/sharetoken/7819d328-21cf-4f4f-8165-448774cc155c
What a great commentary. I'm still not out of the woods with being crushed by the Biden decision. Sure, I will wholeheartedly be behind Harris, but it also scares me. And there was not another choice but her. Thanks for this piece. It gave me an opportunity to take a breath. Already had a nap today!
Lynn, nothing like a power nap. Yay, take another today or when you next feel your head about to explode. I hope we live to see the day when big money and big donors have to back off. Thank you for writing.
David’s comments were the first I noticed earlier this morning. And I felt as he described, to receive this beautifully expressed post is perfect for this moment. Thank you, Martha.
For now, I'm taking on the mantle of observer and even that, from a distance. I know time is short and it is good and necessary that things, and people are moving swiftly and in the right direction. Thank goodness. Though I'm just not there yet.
My heart is still heavy for the many clear as day (and disturbing) reasons that we know, and for all I still can't make sense of. So, in this moment, I feel the need to be with how it is for me now. A sabbatical of sorts.
I'm confident things will change, and my heart will regain the energy that's required of us all. For the reasons succinctly named here—those that brought us to this place, and those that will move us forward.
As for taking naps, it's an art that's foreign to me and I may need to learn its benefits. I imagine it may be worth the effort, to practice effortlessness and rest. That repose and breathing space are useful tools for the journey.
And about dark chocolate, a daily dose of this food for the soul makes a world of difference to my day.
Thank you, Martha, for your column. You captured a lot of how I feel following Biden's withdrawal from the campaign. I didn't realize when I voted for Biden for President the first time just how radical his agenda was. I just knew I couldn't stomach another 4 years of Donald Trump. But, having seen what Biden was able to accomplish in two years with a slim House majority and read a little of what his plans were for a second term were, I hope with all my heart that Kamala Harris, if elected, will continue on the path he laid out. But I probably should not have called Biden's agenda "radical" because, in so many ways, it feels as if we regained some of what we lost since the Reagan administration.
Exactly! I have loved the revival of unions. We have momentum now. Let's hope we can fuel some more meaningful reforms in health care and environmental protection, voting rights, free tuition to college, etc.
The ache for what could have been can help us stay the course.
Like others I traveled through a merry-go-round of emotions. I finally landed on RELIEF. I didn't realize the extent of my anxiety until the President withdrew. At last, much of the worry about the health and safety of our President putting himself at considerable risk began to dissipate. Now my hope is Pres Biden can bring his focus back the Presidency full-time and regain his health and his strength.
And I'm excited!! A value-driven, capable and talented woman of color IS representative of our party today and in the future. Coming from a very ethnically/racially diverse family myself, I'm so thrilled to work for the election of Kamala Harris and the strengthening of our democracy!!
This time we can not be surprised or distracted by the tired hate and crazy accusations that will quickly morph from Obama's questionable citizenship and Hilary's emails to the crap that will be flung at Kamala. I will fling that crap right back to laugh about the old, orange rapist with obvious brain rot and his Project 2025-loving woman-hating running mate. This time we will better anticipate and work toward neutralizing the backlash that comes with frightening haters with marching toward the future they dread. LFG!!
You said it, Susan. There is an element of relief as the doubt and uncertainty recede. We do have to be ready for accusations, more doubt, more crap. Finale N says she's done with going high when they go low. We can go toe toe with the crap slingers and keep praising and promoting the capable next president.
P.S. I haven't had time to read any of my substacks for two weeks. But how could I ignore a headline like "Eat Chocolate in the Aftermath"?
The power of a good title! I will toast you with my next piece of chocolate (probably Dove with almonds, though I also have some chocolate covered almonds from Bixby's in Maine to indulge in too.
How 🙌 🙏 IN THE PRESENCE OF WHOM RESOLVED word's definitions in our purpose in grace's purpose for humanity purpose in our freewill to chose truth over PETULANCE CONTROLING OUR PUSSIES LOUDLY AND PROUDLY under OATHS FEIGNED LIPS 💋 DISCREPANCIES DISAPPEARS AS MWE CONSTITUENTS VOICES REJECT ALL PETULANCE ISIS TACTICS I SAW 👀 TODAY PEACE ✌️ UNIVERSALLY ARTICULATED I WAS PRICKED WITH TRUTH WHILE BREATHING FREELY ON OUR EARTH'S ROTATION EXQUISITE LITERALLY SIMPLEST DEFINITIONS WILL NEVER FEAR TRUTH while Breathing freely leader's sacred OATHS REQUIRES REFLECTIONS TO KNOW HOW I know where I can be seen AS a besieged city of righteousness unto the king’s of our constitution flooring I never doubted YOUR PURPOSE TO SHARE WITH TRUTH WHILE BREATHING FREELY ON EARTH 🌎 STOTASTIC ADVERTISERS ESTABLISHMENTS CORPORATE WELFARE WHORES GAME'S EPSTEIN'S RAPES OF OUR BABIES WILL CEASE TO BREATH.
Wise advice!