Did you just see that press briefing? The same one I did, where Joe Biden babbled nearly nonsensically for several minutes denying that he babbled nearly nonsensically for several minutes to the special counsel who was investigating his retention of classified records?
Today has been a banner day for renewed speculation (now carried with a newfound eagerness by the mainstream media) that Biden might be pressured to step down. It’s easy to dismiss the prospect as a gaseous beltway fantasy . . . that is, until one sees Joe Biden conflate the leaders of Mexico and Egypt in a set of remarks designed to demonstrate to the public just how sharp and “with it” he is. Then you start to believe.
Many friends whom I seriously respect have told me that it is simply impossible — as a political matter, as a risk in November — to force Joe Biden to step back from running for reelection in such a rush. As a practical matter of dealing with coalition politics, that seems like a persuasive argument. (Who becomes the nominee? Assuming it isn’t Harris, that candidate is going to do very well against Trump. But how do you step over her?) After tonight, however, expect a boomlet of pleas for Biden — here, at the very last hour — to pull an LBJ.
It’s going to be so damn funny when he says no.