Biden likely to miss CNN debate deadline

[yuiyoshida]

[still_one]

1. If Biden misses the debate, then he shouldn't run for President.

[cantbeserious]

2. Biden Realizes That Establishment DLC Third Way Politics Is Dead And That Bernie Will Be The Nominee

eom

[EEO]

3. He's likely not to run.

[Old Crow]

4. Honestly, this is starting to seem just a bit odd.

I hesitate to comment at all out of respect for the death of Biden's son, Beau, in May.

But I don't really understand how one can serve as a vice president for seven years and not have already made a decision, one or two years ago, on one's political course after the second term. Then again, I suppose enormous grief could do this. One of the consequences of depression is that it can make it exceedingly difficult to make decisions.

I guess I, like everyone else, will just have to wait.

[Gloria]

6. I think he's jerking us around....

for some reason...maybe he dislikes Hillary...but Bill was very nice in his comments about Biden...
who knows what Biden is thinking???

His stances on women's right to choose certainly aren't enlightened, his Anita Hill thing was lousy, he gropes, ...maybe he's just
taunting in a not very nice way because she's a woman....?? He may being doing this entirely subconsciously...

[Old Crow]

7. Unfortunately, I know nothing of the nature of Biden and Clinton's regard for each other.

So perhaps there's something to what you say; I just don't know.

Since I've been mulling this over today, I'll share my thoughts.

I think it's at least a two-part system we're seeing here, comprised of the following:

1. Biden himself. I have no doubt that Biden is still grieving over his son Beau's death in May and that it's a major factor. I think a state of depression may be impeding his decision-making abilities. At the same time, clearly he isn't incapacitated. He's able to go on talk shows, for example, and talk about his son while maintaining his composure, something he wouldn't be able to do if he was overwhelmed.

2. The DNC. If this were an ordinary political scene, I don't think this would be happening. But with the Sanders campaign making stunning progress, and the Clinton campaign stalled and losing momentum, I think the DNC is content to wait as long as possible, for the latest polling data, before giving Biden their nod. Clearly, if Clinton can regain her footing, they want to see her get the nomination and don't want Biden in the race. On the other hand, if it becomes clear that Clinton's campaign is going the way of 2008 vis-a-vis Sanders, they want Biden in.

Naturally, Reason #2 is not going to be spoken about publicly because it would offend both the Clinton and Sanders camps and might do further damage to Clinton. So all that we see is Reason #1.

Whatever the dynamics at play here, I have to say it's starting to look odd. It doesn't inspire confidence in Biden; it's making him look indecisive. Should a national crisis occur, the president doesn't have the option of saying, "Wow. This is terrible news. Give me three or four months to figure out what to do."

[Geronimoe]

5. Biden likely, not running