Will these attacks, mainly rumors and innuendo, hurt Joe Biden?

[kentuck]

Although there is no evidence of any wrongdoing, just rumors and innuendo, Donald Trump has been on the attack against Joe Biden as "corrupt". Perhaps another example of projection?

There is no reason to believe that he will stop these attacks against Biden, just because he was discovered working with foreigners to dig up dirt on Biden.

It's hard to argue that Trump's attacks upon Hillary, her emails, Benghazi, her health, etc., did not have a negative impact on her support in the polls.

He is attempting the very same tactic against Joe Biden. Will Biden be able to parry and counterattack?

Negative character attacks take a toll on any candidate.

It will be interesting to see how the polls go in the next three to four weeks?

[beachbumbob]

1. I doubt much affect has this is a clear cut case of subterfuge at the highest level

what we need to monitor is other democratic candidates trying to use this an advantage over Biden. THAT can an effect. I haven; seen Warren or Sanders offer up much support to Joe with this trump strategy yet.

[Demsrule86]

2. No, it makes it clear that Trump is scared of Joe not EW.

[IronLionZion]

9. Trump has publicly claimed he wants to run against Joe many times

[onetexan]

10. and you believe his bluster? the pathological father of lies spews lies and BS on a daily basis.

[IronLionZion]

11. I believe he was planning on using the Ukraine scandal to defeat Biden

[Demsrule86]

17. And Trump lies...trying to get Biden out of the primary with these attacks...

He knows that with the other candidates,he is in pretty good shape in the rust belt...but with Biden, it is curtains for Trump.

[Butterflylady]

79. That's the truth

Biden scares him beyond belief. He knows the swing states will fall to Biden too.

[emmaverybo]

53. Of course! Said as he pursued a corrupt and persistent effort to destroy Biden out of sight of the

public. His public statements were a part of his covert strategy. That should be obvious.

[wysimdnwyg]

16. It makes it clear he's afraid of Joe. Period.

There is NOTHING in all of this that says anything about his outlook on facing Warren. Stop trying to tear Warren down in order to prop up your preferred candidate. It's perfectly acceptable for people to like BOTH Biden and Warren - and it's also perfectly reasonable to assume the over grown Oompa Loompa turd in the White House is afraid of both of them.

[Demsrule86]

18. It is not a tear down...I actually like Warren. I don't think she can win a general in the

rust belt...in a fairer system with direct elections,she would trounce Trump but alas we have the EC...and that she will not win in the rust belt. If she were the candidate, she would win the popular vote but not the EC...she has my vote of course...blue no matter who. However, my point is that Trump fears Biden above the others and chose to attack Biden...I have no doubt he could make up shit about any of our candidates and will if they are the nominee but Biden poses the most danger to him...this was my point...not tearing anyone down. Our country took a hard right the last few years and Warren is not the best candidate for the general. We also need a perceived moderate for the Senate and to retain the House.

[wysimdnwyg]

20. That's your opinion, and that's fine

I just think the "not EW" bit was unnecessary. There are a number of posters around here who are so convinced that only Biden can win that they are more than willing to very loudly proclaim their doubts about the other candidates as if their opinion is a scientific law. You may think Warren will be challenged in the general election due to the Electoral College, but that does not mean we all believe that. I, for one, believe very strongly that the difficulties Clinton had in 2016 were due more to the candidate than the system (some, but certainly not all, of which were self-inflicted), which means a better campaign by a candidate who has not been on the receiving end of 25 years of Republican lies stands a much better chance of winning, regardless of perceived EC hindrances.

As for why Trump singled out Biden, I suspect the reasons for that are largely because he heard a RW talking point about it and because Biden is currently the front runner. If Warren continues trending upward and takes the polling lead, I think it's clear he'll come after her next.


(I want to stress that I don't think your intention - in any way - was to throw shade at Warren. I'm trying to explain in this post that I'm a little defensive about some of the "Biden is our only hope" attitude around here, so I jumped to Warren's defense. Further, for those I may have offended by my statement above, I believe that yes, Clinton did hurt her campaign by taking certain Rust Belt states for granted in 2016, on top of many other issues that hurt her campaign, such as Russian interference and decades of GOP lies. I did and still believe Clinton would have made for a fantastic President, but we're not going to learn much from her defeat if we only look at the problems that were outside of her control.)

[Demsrule86]

43. I live in Ohio...where Biden looks to be able to beat Trump...we win Ohio and Trump is

toast. Sen. Warren will not win Ohio. I lived in PA, WI and MI as well...and she won't win in these blue wall states...I have looked at the EC map without those three states...PA,WI and MI...we will lose the EC and Trump remains...I do believe Biden is our only hope. Trump could win make no mistake and it not true that anyone can beat him...might be true if we had direct elections but we don't. Thus our best chance is with Biden and that involves winning back the blue wall.states.which Biden is eminently qualified to do...and Warren simply is not. It is about geography this year.

[Thekaspervote]

81. Good news! Ohio is key

[Demsrule86]

90. He is underwater here...he insulted the union at Lordstown and has not said anything positive about

the workers striking...looks like they are dug in...going to be a tough Christmas. Hubs will lose his job if this continues...his plant makes parts for GM.

[qazplm135]

34. lol there's been plenty of reporting

that Trump is starting to take EW serious as a threat and surprised that she overcame his "Pocahontas" slur.

so nice try but no.

[Demsrule86]

42. I still say she won't be the nominee...and if she is we will lose the blue wall states and the EC.

I would of course work my ass off and vote for her but she is not going to get the votes in the states we need. Trump must go. He is not afraid of her and knows his socialist stick already being used in some areas will work...true or not it will work.

[qazplm135]

45. Your concern

Is noted and disregarded

[Demsrule86]

49. Well I sincerely hope should Warren be the candidate that I am wrong and on a dismal Wednesday

in November of 20, we don't wake up to a second term trump presidency...many who think he will be easy to beat haven't looked at a recent EC map and engage in wishful thinking. Democrats alone don't win presidential elections, we have always needed a big tent...we have an EC not a direct election.

[qazplm135]

55. yes

I haven't looked at a recent EC map.
You're obstinate belief that you have absolute truth, that you've looked at the evidence and no one else has is beyond annoying and tiresome.

You have an OPINION. That's it.

[Demsrule86]

56. I have great political instincts...worked many elections...and the map is the map...

We live in a center left country at best...big tent we win.

[qazplm135]

57. lmao

so we now have impeachment polls showing over half want an inquiry and a plurality want him impeached...
But Elizabeth Warren is SOOOO SCARY that they will re-elect him?

Because "the map is the map" whatever that nonsense is supposed to mean?

I don't care how many "elections you worked," nonsense is still nonsense.

[Demsrule86]

60. Donald Trump won in the rust belt state with very poor polls numbers...and the election is more than

a year away. The idea that he is so weak,anyone is going to beat him is false.

[qazplm135]

63. Donald Trump BARELY won

a FEW "rust belt" states with foreign help and without folks knowing what he was really about and with a candidate that stoked particular hatred who didn't particularly run a great campaign.

But sure, 2020 won't be even a TINY bit different from 2016.

No wonder you USED to run campaigns.

[Demsrule86]

68. He won the electoral college quite handily. And he can do it again.

[qazplm135]

70. yeah

that was about the level of reply I expected from a guy who "used to run campaigns."

Sure, in theory, he could win. He almost assuredly won't, because you don't have a majority of voters ready to impeach you who then turn around a vote to re-elect you, but sure, in theory, he COULD win again.

Your logic is unassailable.

[Demsrule86]

77. We will see about impeachment . Trump only need win three states.

And i have to wonder why the rudeness?

[qazplm135]

92. that's not even a response

we will see what about impeachment? How does that respond to my point about the change in polling?
Trump doesn't "only need win three states." There are other states.
With your "expertise" name the last election that had all of the same states vote for the same President, or even the same party.

There is no analysis here. There's no attempt at engaging any points made. It's the same "only Biden can win these three states" "argument" made time and again. That's why I have zero respect for your argument. Because you have zero respect for any responses to that argument, and because it's not even an argument, it's just an assertion continuously repeated with no evidence to back it up.

[LanternWaste]

98. Quite unlike the unsupported allegation

"Your logic is unassailable...."

Quite unlike the unsupported allegation that there has "been plenty of reporting that Trump is starting to take EW serious as a threat..." used as the premise of an argument. Unassailable, indeed.

[qazplm135]

99. lol

https://www.thedailybeast.com/donald-trump-and-elizabeth-warren-trumpworld-anxiety-grows-over-the-massachusetts-democrat
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/15/donald-trump-elizabeth-warren-2020-election-1365816
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/25/trump-campaign-cites-top-threats-harris-biden-warren-1436577

I mean that took 20 seconds.

[Demsrule86]

74. I have worked many campaigns. Trump set out to win the EC which he

did. His polls were dismal. He needs three states MI,WI and PA. He is going for another EC win. This is not a popular vote election . we need a candidate who can win those three states. We have no path to the presidency without them and not just in 20 either.

[Thekaspervote]

83. You are correct..your inside take is appreciated...thx for posting

[Demsrule86]

91. That is very kind of you to say...I call them like I see them. Trump is not going to be easy to

beat IMHO. Republicans support the party more than we do...which is why they get policy and judges...imagine if more people on our side people had voted for Gore, Kerry and Clinton and supported Obama after his election instead of calling him names (our own side did this)...the number of judges we would have and the health care we would have...no candidate is perfect, but one with a 'D' next to his or her name is the best in all cases...no exceptions. And can we please realize that state and midterm elections are equal in importance to presidential elections? Vote blue and vote in every election.

[qazplm135]

93. wait

are you saying you have to win the EC to win the presidency?

Someone tell our eventual nominee!

I didn't say jack squat about the popular vote, so again, not remotely responsive.

He needs 270 EC votes not simply "three states."

There is nothing in the polling in those three states that shows Trump wins unless Biden runs.

Nothing.

Just admit it. You are a conservative Democrat who doesn't WANT a liberal candidate to win, so you are pushing that they CANT win.

[redstateblues]

108. Warren is weak in the rust belt. In WI she is tied with Trump.Joe is up 9

[qazplm135]

111. so you are another person

I can add to the list of doesn't understand how polls work because they are using a poll or polls from over a year out before the primary voting has even started to declare that's how it's going to be a year from now.

Admittedly, it's a list that's getting longer for sure.

[redstateblues]

114. Your condescension is not a good look. A poll is only a snapshot in time

But it also reveals a lot about a candidates strengths and weaknesses. The poll that shows EWs weakness in WI is only a month or two old. She is also very weak with POC but no EW fans don’t talk about that.

[qazplm135]

116. well you got one part right

that a poll is only a snapshot in time.

The rest, not so much.

A poll this far doesn't reveal much of anything. The idea that you think the polls show that somehow black folks won't come out and vote for her (or ANY Dem candidate) in great numbers against Trump just proves my point.

[redstateblues]

115. One thing that is sure is that your candidate is slowly sinking

[qazplm135]

117. and this is what it's about

as if somehow that's supposed to hurt me or be a burn.

childish.

[redstateblues]

118. Live by the sword

[qazplm135]

122. Lol

What sword? I'm not playing politics like it's a sports game with trash talk like you apparently are. Poop my candidate is doing better than yours, suck it. It's childish.

[ritapria]

103. That is a funny reply

You made my day

[at140]

58. Your concern is bookmarked!

Why the negative thoughts about Warren? Simply because she is honestly trying to compete in a hard fought primary fight?

[Demsrule86]

59. I like Warren...but don't believe she is the candidate to beat Trump and I can't

fathom him winning again...he doesn't have to be popular just win three blue wall rust belt states...MI, WI and PA. I don't see her winning those states. I would of course work my ass off for her, vote for her and pray everyday that I am wrong about this should she be the nominee.

[at140]

64. Even my barber or the town dog catcher will beat Trump in 2020!

Trump is so unpopular his chances of getting re-elected are close to zero,
especially if we nominate someone energetic and articulate speaker like Sen Warren.

[Demsrule86]

67. He wasn't popular in 16 either...lost the vote by millions but he won the EC and if he can

win Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania again, he gets another term. Wisconsin is going to be tough...I believe this belief that anyone can beat Trump is false.

[at140]

69. Trump was an UNknown quantity in 2016

Now all Americans know what a blowhard, egotistical, parsimonious, narcissistic, grandstanding, criminal Trump is.

We need a candidate who wont stumble and fumble during debates and is articulate and quick on his/her feet. Elizabeth Warren fits that requirement like a glove.

[Demsrule86]

75. Most Republucans will vote for him. They will fall in line. EW is a

great senator and i personally like her, but she won't win a general. She had my vote of cours but doesnt have support in the states we need. And she is not attracting AA support. She will win the popular vote but that doesn't help us. People think Trump is so awful he cant win, but he can because the GOP likes his policy and his judges. He won beforevand was well known in terms of being around for years. I believe we can win with a perceived moderate like Biden which is why I support him.

[Thekaspervote]

85. +1000

[Demsrule86]

88. Sorry about the typing...I was on a tablet...to lazy to fix it right now.

Thanks!

[Demsrule86]

76. Well I hope you are right. We live in a center left country at best and it seems

to haved moved further to the right lately. Polls show Biden trouncing Trump, the other candidates not so much. It seems to me we still win elections by appealing to voters in the middle.

[at140]

94. I am afraid Biden's poll numbers are on the way down

and as the Ukraine news gets more publicity, he may go down further.

[Thekaspervote]

84. That's the attitude that gave us trump! STOP

[Demsrule86]

89. Exactly. trump starts with over 40% ...I do not believe the GOP will abandon him...and it comes

down to three states...WI, MI and PA. Wisconsin is the most important. I believe while some elections were Florida, Florida, Florida (miss Tim Russert) or Ohio, Ohio Ohio...2020 will be Wisconsin, Wisconsin Wisconsin.

[Thekaspervote]

82. I agree .. latest poll avg from MI has Biden at 54% to trump 35% that is some awesome lead

[Gothmog]

120. trump is afraid of Joe Biden

Link to tweet

[emmaverybo]

104. I don't think they will use Trump's attack on Biden openly, just not wiggle a toe to defend him.

They are both afraid that to do so helps secure Trump’s belief that Biden is the one to beat. They are both in ducking mode which may help them, or not.

[blm]

3. They shouldn't if people read all the details for themselves. NewYorker

published a lengthy investigative piece on Hunter in early July and never came close to saying Joe Biden did anything illegal.

Will Hunter Biden Jeopardize His Father’s Campaign?
Joe Biden’s son is under scrutiny for his business dealings and tumultuous personal life.

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/07/08/will-hunter-biden-jeopardize-his-fathers-campaign

[DownriverDem]

4. Only for some folks

who support someone else. Biden is still our best candidate to win the Electoral College which is state by state.

[pnwest]

5. Only amongst those who would never

vote for him anyway...

[treestar]

8. +1

Deplorables will keep repeating it, hoping it will stick anyway.

[boomer_wv]

46. This.

It is absolutely tank his approval rating among people who believe in qanon.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. I suspect this has been going on for years

by seeding the press, Faux News mostly but also NY media, with information and ideology that moves Trump's radical right agenda forward. You'd hear some story in the news, and say to yourself - that CAN'T be right, but soon it would have a following, agenda, and official policy.

This is CROOKED! FIXED! And what a dirty mess.

[get the red out]

30. Exactly!

Then people lap it all up as the truth because CNN reported it after hearing it on Fox, who got it from Breitbart.........

[bucolic_frolic]

33. I'm thinking in particular

of some story floated in the last 3-4 years, that I heard on NY radio I believe, that it was time for the US to absorb its own pollution and dismantle environmental protection, because Russia is very polluted and we're not getting our fair share. I understand the logic, we use too many resources, no doubt about it, but maybe cleaning it up and polluting less is just as good a strategy?

Also there was this 1970s idea that we would become more like the USSR which would become more like the US. You had to know the fall of the Berlin Wall and the USSR would unleash a lot of pent up forces of some kind, but our leaders were asleep, trusting free markets perhaps whereas a little political vigilance would be warranted. Reagan and the Bushes!

[highplainsdem]

7. NO. Not if Democrats and their supporters have any sense and any loyalty to the party and unite

to fight this smear campaign.

OTOH, IF any Democrats OR their supporters decide to try to encourage the smear or take advantage of it, that hypocrisy and disloyalty to the party will be noticed and remembered.

And any rival candidates who try to take advantage of Trump's attack on Biden by NOT responding forcefully to it will almost certainly be hurting themselves, very badly.

[karynnj]

12. I think it helps Biden that all this is happening now

Until this blew up, the main source referenced was the far right former "member of Sarah Palin's posse" Peter Sweitzer, who wrote a new book that claimed to dredge up corruption by the Obama administration. When stories first came out, many flagrant "errors" (aka lies) were pointed out when facts were challenged. Even some far right sites made the corrections. However, the original stories are what continue to be out there on twitter and likely every other social media.

The Ukraine (and a similarly inaccurate China account) have since this story became dominant been debunked by several fact checks. Until it blew up, the media was dominated by the false accounts. There were a few longer articles on Hunter Biden, notably a long article in NY magazine. Had Trump's impeachable actions not happened and been exposed, I would guess that the Joe Biden helped Hunter make millions story would have bubbled in the right wing sewer - largely unrefuted.

If you consider that lies can be modeled in the same way that viruses are, the conclusion is that by next year, there would be a large pool of people who would be "infected" thinking this story - that they will have read from many sources - is true. While not all the people who believe Sweitzer will accept that they are wrong, getting this story out in the open and strongly refuted, could act to halt the spread of this lie.

Looking at this in a different way, consider that Biden's family backed him on running for President. If the lies were visible even in parts of the mainstream media that covered Sweitzer's book, summarizing this and other allegations, they HAD to know that Biden's character and integrity would be challenged. They also knew that Hunter, a clearly troubled man, would be the focus of a lot of negative attention. If anyone questioned how deeply Biden felt that he would be the best person to challenge Trump -- this shows the sacrifice that he was willing to make. He traded his position as the well loved, respected former VP for the vulnerable position of a candidate, who would be attacked on everything he ever did -- from the right or left.

At this point, we are in an almost surreal situation - far different than the norm dynamics 13 -14 months before an election. In the last few days, impeachment proceedings seem likely. If Trump is impeached and removed, Pence - if he is not himself is not impeached, would be the nominee. If Pence is involved, we don't know if - like with Agnew - he would be removed first and replaced. Imagine the confirmation process taking place in an election year! If Trump is impeached and not removed, given what we have already seen, I can't imagine he would not be weakened. (Even thinking of all scenarios makes my head spin.)

It will be weird to being having our primary happening simultaneously. Obviously, how well Biden deals with this will be one element in our party choosing its nominee.

[TwilightZone]

13. Probably the opposite this time.

In 2016, some people - including some on the left - were still willing to give Trump the benefit of the doubt. Those people are no longer undecided, and the only people who believe anything he says are in his base.

Same thing with the media. They were a bit complacent in 2016. Not only are they no longer complacent, many are taking an active role in exposing Trump.

Trump also had the benefit of the right bashing Clinton for the past 25 years. That doesn't apply to Biden.

That won't stop Trump from attacking the character of our nominee, regardless of whom it is. The arguments you make regarding Biden will apply to the rest, just in different forms.

[HeartlandProgressive]

14. usually an uninvolved third party benefits slightly

that's the case in office politics

[BlueMississippi]

15. It will help Biden

It will immunize him against any further infections by the Trump virus.

[Gothmog]

121. "I'm not going anywhere"

Link to tweet

[Demsrule86]

19. This post is really joining Trump in smearing Biden. Honestly, I like EW, but much more of this

and I won't. I will vote blue no matter who of course. But we need to stick together. I find this just plain wrong. And if this works,you can bet Trump will do it against any nominee...including yours.

[milestogo]

21. Hillary Clinton's emails were mostly innuendo.

Most people never look past the headline.

[Celerity]

22. not for anyone who would have voted for him before, it is all bullshit, 100000% tosh

[highplainsdem]

23. Democratic handwringing with concern over how our candidates are "hurt" by RW smears just encourages

and enables more RW smears.

Which will likely be aimed at all our candidates, and especially any candidate who's the current front-runner doing best in the polls against Trump.

It's best not to help RWers with their games.

[JuJuYoshida]

24. hate to say it

Biden isn't in a good position at the moment.
Trump’s constant gaslighting and mentioning The Biden’s at the same time is having a negative effect. Biden will sink along with trump.
Whether he deserves to or not.

He’s tied to trump in a negative way in most people’s minds. It’s that stupid association that people not keen on politics draw. They hear the two names together and then psychologically draw the association that both are bad.

Warren is in a good place. As is Yang. Sanders has a good following. Buttigieg is very sound in his answers.

Harris, Yang and Buttigieg will work as VPs. It’s not their time yet for President.

I think Warren is the choice at this point. Everyone else is easy to attack by nationalistic loose canon like trump.

There is no bottom with Trump. He will attack Yang for being of Asian descent. Harris for being a woman and Black. Buttigieg for being gay. Bernie got his crazy scientist hair.
Pocahontas? He has already used it. He has nothing else on her.

[Cha]

39. Then don't "say it" 'cause you're wrong.

[oasis]

96. Biden is "tied to Trump in a negative way in most people's minds". ?????

Is that your take from recent polls or just your gut feeling?

[rogue emissary]

25. No, he's a white man and looking at the excuses give for his verbal gaff's.

He has nothing to worry about these fabricated smears.

[Mike Nelson]

26. I think...

... not. He has been going down steadily, as I expected. It might, actually, help.

[underthematrix]

27. No. I WILL support him in the primary and whoever the nominee is in the general.

My goal is to get that sick muthaphucker out of our White House.

[Freethinker65]

28. Nope. Sounds like Hunter was cleared long ago. Biden can deflect all questions to Trumps power abuse

[Gothmog]

29. The press has investigated this story and found that trumps claims are bogus

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

Link to tweet

[Gothmog]

31. Former Ukraine prosecutor says Hunter Biden "did not violate anything"

Link to tweet

A former top Ukrainian prosecutor, whose allegations were at the heart of the dirt-digging effort by Rudolph W. Giuliani, said Thursday he believed that Hunter Biden did not run afoul of any laws in Ukraine.

“From the perspective of Ukrainian legislation, he did not violate anything,” former Ukrainian prosecutor general Yuri Lutsenko told The Washington Post in his first interview since the disclosure of a whistleblower complaint alleging pressure by President Trump on Ukraine’s president, Volodymr Zelensky.

Lutsenko’s comments about Hunter Biden — which echo what he told Bloomberg News in May — were significant, because Trump and his personal attorney Giuliani have sought to stir up suspicions about both Hunter and former vice president Joe Biden’s conduct in Ukraine in recent weeks. Joe Biden is leading Trump in many opinion polls ahead of the 2020 election.

Hunter Biden has denied any wrongdoing, and there is no evidence he was involved in any lawbreaking in his work in Ukraine with the country’s largest private gas company.

[Hoyt]

32. trump is guilty no matter what Biden or his son did, which doesn't sound like much if

anything.

But, I do think it will hurt Biden to some extent, mostly because GOPers will claim, with no real evidence, that Biden attempted to stop any investigation of his son by threatening Ukraine assistance.

More importantly, I think there is a good chance trump will be forced to not run in 2020, assuming he’s not removed from office by Senate. That will prompt some other GOPers to run, like Haley or Romney.

That will significantly change the shape of Democratic Primary because it will no longer be who has best chance to beat trump.

[qazplm135]

35. yes and no

on the one hand, I kinda tend to think an impeachment investigation is going to be a little more prevalent in people's minds than whatever Biden and his son were (wrongly) accused of doing.

On the other hand, I do think a few low info voters will buy into it. I am talking to one right now who has bought into it. I'm attempting to get them right, but it's happening.

[redstatebluegirl]

36. NO!

[customerserviceguy]

37. One thing has changed for sure for Joe Biden

The main thrust of his campaign was that the best way to be rid of Trump is to nominate him, and even without "plans", the country will be better off. Now, the Democratic House has said that they are the mechanism to dump Trump, so Joe Biden needs to pivot to policy. Sen. Warren has long said that getting rid of Trump is not enough, that we need progressive policies to not only undo the damage that Trump has done, but to satisfy the working class so that another Trump doesn't happen again.

Coupled with Biden's slip in the polls before Ukrainegate, this means that he and his staff have a lot of work to do, even if the MSM ignores the Hunter Biden/Ukraine rumors.

[Hekate]

38. If they do, you are of course aware that Elizabeth Warren is next in line for smears & lies...

Make no mistake about it: an attack on one is an attack on all.

[Cha]

40. ".. mainly.. "? It sounds like you're trying to do it

right now.

[emmaverybo]

54. You did a good catch there. An insidious question this. "Mainly...." All false; all Trumped up!

[Thekaspervote]

86. This! Seems many don't get it...

[RhodeIslandOne]

41. No one beleives anything Trump says at this point

Maybe some asshole like Tulsi or Delaney will bring it up though.

[GulfCoast66]

44. Helps him tremendously.

Trump will survive impeachment.

But any attempt to attack Biden on Ukraine will hurt trump as much as help because every time he brings it up Americans will remember he tried to Bribe the Ukraine PM to manufacture dirt on Joe.

He was counting on this as his ace in his sleeve. His way to ‘Hillary’ Joe. But now, it hurts him more than it helps.

I don’t know who advised him to release that ‘sanitized’ version of the call. But clearly they were not good politicians. Word is Pompeo was adamant against it. And that SOB is a born politician. But supposedly Barr pushed for it. Now Barr is a theocratic fixer with no political morals. But having him in the room when deciding a political response is just stupid. But hey, he’s loyal.

The Greek playwrights would understand the idea of Barr being the end of trump.

[loyalsister]

47. Probably not

when it comes to die hard supporters, I expect them to dig in.
Potential voters who aren't yet paying attention to primaries may be vulnerable to what aboutisms. That would be troubling for the GE because we really need to have a candidate who will motivate voters who sat out or voted for alternate party candidates.

[Thekaspervote]

87. You are not seeing the bigger picture here which is any front runner candidate will be smeared

[loyalsister]

97. Not everyone has something connecting them

to what is getting Trump impeached. To those who only pay attention to presidential elections, there is a candidate who can now be painted as equally corrupt. We are foolish to not take it into account because cynicism suppresses voter turnout. And low turnout is how we lost in 2016.

[Thekaspervote]

128. give them time, no candidate is immune. Don't kid yourself

[NCLefty]

48. Absent legal or congressional action, I doubt it.

And I don't see either occurring. But there IS a congressional impeachment against this murderous criminal. And who know, maybe Barr will find a crime so egregious he doesn't ignore it?

"Where have all the lawmen gone?"

[Hortensis]

50. With some no doubt. But they're also showcasing Biden's integrity.

And that's a VERY good thing.

The media usually push themes of that discourage confidence in our politicians. Good people are so smeared along with bad ("politicans," "congress," etcetera) that many assume good politicians don't even exist. So in this case, that many normally "if it bleeds it leads" journals and programs are going out of their way to point out that these allegations are believed completely untrue, and clarifying Biden's record, is unusual in a good way.

Our younger generations are growing up battle-hardened against vicious internet targetings of people they know, and researchers say they're much harder to fool than their gullible elders. But with every big attack, older generations are becoming more aware also.

This ugly, ruthless, despicable tactic took out Al Franken, but he was hardly among the first victims, so that major national event was also a badly needed national lesson. The subsequent attempt to take out the 3 top, newly elected Democrats in Virginia to overset the will of the people and "return" control of the state executive's office to Republicans failed, in large part as a result. AND it backfired by shining yet another spotlight on what they're doing.

You should be glad of this, Kentuck, even though you don't want Biden to be the nominee. Without gullible ignorance of just how good some of our people are, the Republicans couldn't win anything.

[BlueMississippi]

51. Your "concern" for Joe is so moving.. it touched my soul

[peggysue2]

62. LOL!!

[Kahuna7]

65. LOL! nt

[DrFunkenstein]

66. How Do You Use "Quotes" Without Quotations?

Don't think the OP said anything about being "concerned," but was instead voicing the thought that all of us are having - namely, what effect will the impeachment inquiry have on the race.

Biden's not my first, second, or even third choice, but I only want one of two things: 1) That he retires with dignity, or 2) He becomes a fantastic President. My issues with him have to do with policy, not the man.

My only personal concern at this point comes as a father. This is probably not going to be pretty for Hunter, who has had his share of hard times already but probably made things much more uncomfortable for his father than need be. As a father myself, I'd hate to be in the emotional position that Biden is facing now.

At a political level, my guess is that it probably helps to elevate him as Trump's rival, but there's always an off chance that the American people tire of the whole ordeal and want a clean slate or something like that. I, like everyone else, honestly don't know.

Seems like the OP is coming from a similar position from what I read, rather than offering some sort of condescending faux "concern." And it does the quality of our discussions no good to suggest as much.

[BlueMississippi]

71. Two previous posters who replied to my post got the joke. nt

[Thekaspervote]

129. Oh me too!! NOT

[tblue37]

52. Dems need to get the truth out in simple phrasing, and it needs to be endlessly harped on in their

public statements. Repubs know how to do that, but Dems don't do well with talking points.

[DrFunkenstein]

61. CNN and The Rest Gave Trump a Platform For Anti-Clinton Smears

It seems like they've been pretty clear about the lack of wrongdoing by Biden so far. Hunter Biden may not come out smelling very nicely in terms of ethics, but his father clearly did nothing illegal.

Hopefully, the mainstream media have learned their lesson and won't turn this into a repeat of the "he said/she said" thing from 2016.

I would think this only helps Biden. Almost all the other candidates would love to be elevated to Trump's rival.

[PDittie]

72. Yes

[Gothmog]

73. Media: WE TOLD YOU SO. Now go write a story about how Biden is STILL in the lead.

Link to tweet

[Thekaspervote]

130. And so he is.. Great new polls out today showing him with a double digit lead

[lapfog_1]

78. no matter we nominate

Trump will lie and smear them... Elizabeth. Bernie. Pete, Kamala, Joe

[yellowwoodII]

80. Maybe a Little

I don't doubt that Hunter Biden profited from his father's influence when he looked for a job.

That doesn't mean that Joe intervened. He didn't have to

It's the way of the world.

It just muddies the waters a bit.

[DrFunkenstein]

95. Chris Heinz Fell Out With Hunter Biden Over Burisma

John Kerry's stepson had been business partners with Joe Biden's son at investment firm Rosemont Seneca until Hunter Biden joined Burisma Holdings.

“The lack of judgment in this matter was a major catalyst for Mr. Heinz ending his business relationships with Mr. Archer and Mr. Biden,” said Heinz's spokesperson. Devon Archer also had accepted an invitation to the board.

It was apparently over the appearances, rather than any actual wrongdoing. It looks like there was nothing actually illegal done, and certainly nothing at all from Joe Biden's end.

[Gothmog]

100. Trump's Ukraine scandal may have just thrown Joe Biden a lifeline

Link to tweet

If Biden is the nominee, you can expect a lot of focus on his gaffes and fabrications—which is one reason Biden really needs to tone that down. If it’s Bernie Sanders, this election will be about the rise of socialism. If it’s Elizabeth Warren, “Pocahontas” will be invoked as mockery—and as a substantive critique on Warren’s honesty and authenticity. Make no mistake, this will move the numbers. Remember, Michael Dukakis was polling at 55 percent of the vote as late as July of 1988. That was before George H.W. Bush’s team went to work on him. Dukakis dropped 10 points by election time.

The question is, who can endure these predictable attacks. The answer is Biden. By virtue of being a universally known commodity, he is the least susceptible to attrition. It’s also true that he plays best in the states that will likely matter most in 2020—which is my next point. ....

Based on this premise, Biden is the clearly the best positioned to win the presidency, because he hails from Pennsylvania, because of his unmatched experience, and because of the folksy image as a moderate. But even if you disagree with these educated assumptions—even if you think the key isn’t working-class whites in the Rust Belt, but rather, increasing African-American turnout—does anyone believe that Sanders or Warren would have a better shot at doing that than Barack Obama’s vice president—especially if he were to pick an exciting running mate?

There are plenty of reasons to think the smart money is still on Trump to be re-elected—especially if he can stave off a recession. Democrats do have a shot at defeating him, but the danger for Democrats is overconfidence. If they think any candidate would easily destroy Trump, they might make the mistake of nominating… any candidate. ...

Joe Biden is far from perfect. But in 2020, it is very clear that no Democrat has a better chance of winning the presidency than him. If Democrats are smart, they will bet big on the best horse they’ve got. Biden is—by far—the best Democrat for this job.

[Thekaspervote]

102. Awhhh once again, the voice of sanity... thx!!

[Gothmog]

124. From Nate

Link to tweet

[DrFunkenstein]

106. Pocahontas? Trump Made $413 MILLION By Being "Swedish"

He continued his father's lie for decades to scam Holocaust survivors and their families in Brooklyn and Queens who understandably didn't want to rent from a German.

Trump even lied about it in The Art of The Deal.

You can't overstate just how much of Fred Trump's empire - of which Donald took at least $413 MILLION - was built upon renting to Jews (keep in mind this is the guy arrested at a KKK rally who was so racist that Woody Guthrie wrote TWO songs name-dropping him for refusing to rent to African-Americans).

Don't sweat "Pocahontas" - it's already a lame joke that even Trump World privately admits makes Warren look stronger for surviving the attacks.

[guillaumeb]

101. My view:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1287295506

It worked to a degree in 2016.

[Joe941]

105. The key is dont let attacks go unanswered.

If you dont respond then you run a risk.

[Jirel]

107. Good lord yes. How is this a question?

It hurt Hillary tremendously. It trashed Kerry. This. Is. How. The. GOP. Wins. Elections.

[LakeArenal]

109. I've heard it so often, now all I hear is..

Blah de blah Biden. Biden blah blab blah.
Bluh bluh hurt Biden? Blah hump.

[itsrobert]

110. nope

nope

[Gothmog]

112. Biden, in fiery remarks, tells Trump: "I'm not going anywhere"

Link to tweet

Biden, who spent four decades in the Senate, has sought to separate Trump and his base from the Republican Party that contains his friends and peers. But in his remarks, Biden intends to slam the GOP.

“He is repeatedly smearing me and my family. His party fans out to carry the smear,” Biden will say, according to excerpts of Biden’s prepared remarks in Reno, Nev.

“Let me make something clear to Trump and his hatchet men and the special interests funding his attacks against me — I’m not going anywhere,” Biden will say. “You’re not going to destroy me. And you’re not going to destroy my family. I don’t care how much money you spend or how dirty the attacks get.”

Democrats have begun to worry that Trump’s relentless attacks on Biden will weigh on the campaign, even if they’re baseless. If Biden is the Democratic nominee there is fear that Trump could succeed in sowing doubt in voters’ minds.

[Eko]

113. You could just take a stand and dismiss them

instead of trying to drum them up. Just saying man.

[Thekaspervote]

131. +1000

[Gothmog]

119. Joe Biden is ratcheting up the attacks on a "desperate and defensive" President Trump

Link to tweet

“He’s afraid of just how badly I would beat him next November,” Biden said Wednesday in Reno, Nevada.
Story Continued Below

Biden’s comments — intended to both refute Trump’s attacks on him and make the case that he’s the best Democrat to face the president — capped a wild day in which Trump called the impeachment probe “BULLSHIT,” lashed out at reporters seeking to clarify his intentions with Ukraine and repeatedly attacked the House Intelligence Committee’s chairman, Adam Schiff.

"Desperate and defensive, Trump sends one crazed tweet after another — insinuating that the whistleblower should be executed, threatening to prosecute the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, warning direly of civil war,” Biden said.

Biden also called Trump a “bully” and praises the “courageous” whistleblower who first brought the matter to light but whose identity, for now, remains unknown.

[Gothmog]

123. Here is some fun polling

Link to tweet

[Gothmog]

125. trump's attacks on Hunter Biden aren't hurting the Democratic frontrunner with the party's voters.

Link to tweet

[Farmer-Rick]

126. Actually for me, the more Traitor Trump trashes Biden

The more I'm liking Biden. Especially when Biden fires back at the orange mass of blubber.

[Thekaspervote]

132. The integrity of the man shows when he's under fire

[samnsara]

127. only if we allow it to..and if the media doesnt go all buttery males on us..

..but i think they are watching themselves so they dont make the same mistake. I'm increasing my donations to Joe. I'm not supporting him any LESS but I do silently support Liz a little more and would do fine with her IF she is the nom. Hell I'll vote for a loaf of bread if its the Dem nom. and I don't see where any of the fine candidates we have could do worse than trump.

[Gothmog]

133. 'There's nothing discernible to show Biden's been punched in the nose'

Link to tweet

Joe Biden has been under sustained assault from President Trump for more than two weeks.

But there’s little evidence that Biden has been significantly bloodied, according to a raft of new polls.
Story Continued Below

In more than a dozen state and national Democratic primary polls since Trump launched his near-daily fusillade of attacks accusing Biden and his son, Hunter, of corrupt business dealings in Ukraine, Biden’s standing has remained largely static.

“There’s nothing discernable to show Biden’s been punched in the nose over Ukraine,” said Tim Malloy, pollster with Quinnipiac University, which released a survey Tuesday showing Biden has lost no support from Democratic voters since its last poll released Sept. 25.

[Gothmog]

134. According to Nate, this story has NOT hurt Joe

Link to tweet