BREAKING: Joe Biden to launch campaign in Charlottesville, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia

[brooklynite]

Philadelphia Inquirer

Two sources familiar with Biden’s preliminary plans said the former vice president will announce his candidacy for president Wednesday in Charlottesville, Va., the site of a violent clash in August 2017 between white supremacists and counter-protesters that claimed one life.

Biden would then fly to Pittsburgh for a campaign rally in the afternoon and then on to Philadelphia, where he will hold a rally at the Museum of Art, though the sources stressed that the plans have been shifting in recent days, and could change again.

[Politicub]

1. I am eager to hear Biden's kick-off message

And the tone of his campaign.

[CTyankee]

12. I think it was telling that he had his campaign kickoff in Charlottesville, VA...

that tells me he is going to stress a theme of racial equality. I think he is going to stress that he's the candidate who can do this.

It's a good message and I know he will deliver it strongly.

Trump can go f*** himself...

[Indygram]

84. I wonder if he's been watching Beto

He was just there in Charlottesville a few days ago and he is stressing racial equality. I haven't ever heard another candidate address race inequality in such a bold and unapologetic way before, and so sincerely. Beto is saying the same exact things to mostly white audiences as he is to very diverse audiences. Biden is my number 2 as of right now, so I'm looking forward to hearing him.

[BlueWI]

92. Booker has been emphatic on racial justice

and Inslee has a good record in his Washington governorship.

Still, it's a positive sign to see more candidates who elevate racial justice to a more prominent place of visibility.

[Indygram]

96. I have listened to all three of them

And Beto is actually more bold on race in his stump than I have ever heard any candidate in my over 50 years. Since he doesn't do any poll testing at all and never tailors his message on race...he says the exact same thing to every audience, even if it's mostly white people. His answer to the question about kneeling NFL players to someone who was upset about it got him noticed nationally, but that wasn't even scraping the surface of it, honestly. Just a reminder of that speech...

[still_one]

2. Thanks.

[hlthe2b]

3. I love Joe...

but I'm conflicted.

I guess we shall see and I surely wish him well.

[DownriverDem]

24. All that matters

is who can beat trump. Biden can do that. Nothing in Biden's past compares with trump. Foreign leaders are begging him to run. He can beat trump. He won't take trump's crap. trump does not want to run against Biden. trump needs Pennsylvania. Biden can win Pennsylvania. He was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Biden has a close relationship with blue collar workers. They will support him because they know how much trump has screwed him. I would love to see Biden run with a strong progressive Dem woman (Harris?). She would then be positioned to become the first woman President! (remember we have not had a woman VP yet either)

[Honeycombe8]

43. I think he'd go for a woman V.P. Stacey Abrams? Hmmmmm.

Wouldn't that be interesting?

[MBS]

60. you summarized my feelings exactly. n/t

[LakeArenal]

4. Maybe he was waiting for Mueller...

Thank gosh... Yippee...

[Cha]

40. I read that he had

always wanted to be the last one to enter the race. Turns out that's what's happening.

Good point about it being after the extended Mueller report has been released!

[Honeycombe8]

44. Timing is important.

What a drag if he'd announced, then the Report was released, which would have drowned out any news about his candidacy.

[Cha]

45. Totally Agree!

[Bradshaw3]

5. Charlottesville would be brilliant

as a starting point. Complete contrast with the dickhead.

[aikoaiko]

6. Bring it on, Joe. Let's see what you got in the gas tank.

[awesomerwb1]

7. Joe for one term and then his young VP's turn....

[sandensea]

8. I think Joe's got this

He's not my first choice; but by golly he's got this.

Can't wait.

[INdemo]

9. I dont think he can win. We need a younger generation

and that's what voters want..Remember we have millions of young voters added to the voting rolls since last election and those young voters are looking for younger candidates. Its the next generations turn.

We will see what happens in Iowa

Why in the hell didn't Biden run in 2016..we would not be in this mess

[jalan48]

10. I agree about 2016. That was his chance.

[Irishxs]

16. +100%

[Still In Wisconsin]

19. Joe didn't run in '16 because he had just lost his son to brain cancer.

Can't fault him there.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

76. No, not at all.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[tinrobot]

21. Yes, a lot has changed since 2016

He would have been a great candidate 3-4 years ago. Not sure about now.

But that's why we have debates and primaries. Maybe he'll rise to the challenge. We'll see.

[DownriverDem]

25. I disagree

Age isn't everything. Biden/Harris would be a formidable ticket though. Folks have been begging him to run.

[janterry]

28. Yup

Time to move ahead with new voices and new energy.

[Skya Rhen]

64. I am convinced that he was told to stand down by the DNC as it was Hillary's turn - and as a

gentleman, he did.

Now he is being fiercely sought after to run and he will - just in time to rescue us from another four years of hell with Trump.

[Demsrule86]

65. Harris won't win a general.

[Andy823]

80. Why not? nt

[Demsrule86]

87. She won't carry Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. . These

are the states we need to win...to stop Trump.

[BlueWI]

93. Actually, she would be strong in Michigan.

She'll connect well with black urban voters. Lower turnout in this key constituency doomed us in 2016.

Would also help in Milwaukee and therefore in Wisconsin. It's not a given that the Reagan Democrats will deliver the win and black voters can be taken for granted in 2020.

[Demsrule86]

95. These were spoiled votes. There was Good turn out.

She won't win...Trump will win.

[treestar]

71. So many of them like Bernie

that I'm not sure that it accurate.

[Kahuna7]

74. Polling respondents know how old he is and appear to support his candidacy. nt

[Scurrilous]

11. K&R

[cwydro]

13. I'm still in Biden's corner, but Buttegieg is closing fast.

We’ve got a great field!

[DownriverDem]

26. Closing fast?

What does that mean?

[cwydro]

63. An expression. He's running a close second in my list.

[Demsrule86]

66. True and I like mayor Pete but he won't win a general.

[cwydro]

70. Who knows?

Keeping my mind open for the time being.

[Demsrule86]

73. Look at the electoral college map. He won't take the states we need.

[cwydro]

75. Because he's gay?

Curious.

[Demsrule86]

88. I don't know if his being gay will hurt him. This is still a homophobic country although

It is better. But my chief concern is Mayor Pete does not have good relationship with unions and could not win the rustbelt. My youngest daughter is gay by the way if you were insinuating that I am homophobic.

[cwydro]

90. I've been learning about him, but I'm ignorant about his

relationships with unions.

Biden probably has most of the candidates beat in that area. I think Biden can get some of the shitgibbon’s voters.

[Demsrule86]

91. Me too.

I think Biden can rebuild the Obama coalition.

[DCofVA]

14. Why Charlotteville?

It doesn't seem like the kind of town a Centrist would want to start in. We are very liberal/progressive here.

[Politicub]

23. Remember Heather Heyer. May 29, 1985 - Aug. 12, 2017

She was killed by a white supremacist when she put her body on the line to protest. Look in her eyes. Don’t avert your gaze.

Charlottesville is a flashpoint in the civil rights struggle. It matters. There is no where I can think of that would be more appropriate for Biden to launch his campaign. He is there precisely because of her sacrifice.

So how dare you ask, “Why Charlottesville?”

[DCofVA]

54. You don't have to remind me. I've been living in the Charlottesville area for 31 years.

Two summers ago, we were invaded by Nazis or, as Trump’s would say; “some fine people”. Something the news doesn’t talk much about is, how effective the people of the Charlottesville area were at warding off the attack. Many a Nazi had to change his lacey little panties before getting back on the busses to go back north, west, or wherever trolls come from.
Unlike the Nazis, Heather truly was a fine person. Her mother, Susan, is a beautiful human being, and still working for justice. The statues are still there, and the wounds are still raw.
I guess I’m a bit sensitive about out-of-staters using Charlottesville. I still think it would be better if Joe made his big announcement closer to home. He will be welcomed (by me) to come to Charlottesville when he’s campaigning.

[Demsrule86]

67. My family has been in Albemarle County since the 1600's.

Love Virginia.

[Politicub]

72. I can understand that

I don’t think Biden means disrespect. Charlottesville is an important place.

[Indygram]

86. Beto was there a few days ago but he held his town hall at UVA

He had a huge crowd. Here is the video to show you the crowd...he ended up having to do the main town hall with the overflow crowd because it was bigger than the almost 300 people in the lecture hall, lol. I am sure Biden will get a warm welcome too.

https://www.facebook.com/betoorourke/videos/317558092266107/

[DownriverDem]

27. No time for division

We need someone who can beat trump. Biden can.

[BlueFlorida]

34. It is a perfect venue

It means Biden is laser-focused on Trump and he isn't worried about the primary noise.

Charlottesville was what defined Trump as a racist, white supremacist and a Nazi sympathizer.

Drawing sharp contrast with Trump is a great way to kickoff a campaign.

[nolabear]

48. Amen to that. I hope he emphatically declares there are NO good Nazis.

And that there are ways to preserve one's heritage that does not take pride in the destruction of others.

And he's going to drive Spanky out of what's left of his mind.

[Rstrstx]

35. It's the PERFECT town for symbolic reasons

Ronald Reagan officially launched his 1980 campaign in Philadelphia Mississippi under the auspices of "states' rights" (it was where several civil rights workers were murdered in the 1960s)

[MontanaMama]

55. To send the nazis a message.

That's why Charlottesville. Suck it nazis! Joe is in the house!!

[flamingdem]

15. Good news!

Go Joe

[murielm99]

17. Smart move!

[George II]

18. I've been looking forward to Biden getting in. Despite all the good candidates we have....

....he may be just the thing we need to pull us together.

Let's hope it's well received by ALL Democrats.

[The Liberal Lion]

20. I'm in the Harris camp

But I love Uncle Joe. I wish him luck.

[DownriverDem]

29. Me too

Biden/Harris would be great!

[BlueFlorida]

31. I love the Uncle Joe you're referring to

[Funtatlaguy]

33. You might just get both on the ticket

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

77. I'm fine with Uncle Joe enterin the race tho his moderate policies has him WAY down my primary list.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[Butterflylady]

22. Wa--hoo

I ain't much but my pocketbook is ready.

[BlueFlorida]

30. Joe Biden .. the next POTUS

[Funtatlaguy]

32. Can we all give Joe a plutonic hug 🤗

[Honeycombe8]

41. "Plutonic": relating to the underworld or the god Pluto.

Or "relating to or denoting igneous rock formed by solidification at considerable depth beneath the earth's surface."

Or did you mean, maybe...platonic?

LOL.

Not only am I gonna hug him, here's my platonic kiss, too!

[Funtatlaguy]

52. Yes, both.

[BlueStater]

36. I'm firmly against Biden in the primary.

He's just about dead last in my list of preferences.

I see nothing positive about him as a candidate at all. Sorry, but I want to be inspired by a person for reasons other than that they're not Trump.

[John Fante]

39. Would you vote for Biden if he wins the nomination?

[BlueStater]

42. Yes.

I might have to wear a clothespin on my nose though.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

78. Vote blue, no matter who.

Bernie & Elizabeth 2020!!!
Welcome to the revolution!!!

[nolabear]

49. But why Inslee? I mean he's a good man and governor but has one issue.

It's a great issue. Climate is vital. But a president has to do and be SO much more.

[BlueStater]

51. Climate change is more important than any other issue by far.

We're talking about the continued existence of the human race here. Jobs and the economy don't mean anything if everyone is dead.

However, if you want to see Jay's record on other things, see this thread:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/128767359

[nolabear]

53. I live in Washington State.

[BlueStater]

57. So you're aware of the good things he's done over the years.

And why he definitely deserves to be a contender for the nation's highest office.

[nolabear]

62. I am.And he does. But he won't get past the primary.

He's a serious candidate. I respect him. But I don't see him being president.

[Demsrule86]

68. I'm firmly agaInst Sanders. I see nothing positive.

And he will lose a general. I will of course vote for him in a general. Inslee seems ok but he also won't win a general . I would vote for him in a general also.

[iamthebandfanman]

37. ....

God help us.

[Honeycombe8]

38. I hope this wasn't a secret and his team is leaking. In any case, hot damn...we're off to the races!

That should just about conclude our starring lineup.

Charlottesville is an excellent kickoff choice!

[LakeArenal]

46. Be ready to donate to Joe.

Since that’s the yard stick the media seems to think matters most.

Edited to add: My $27 goes to Joe.

[nolabear]

50. Mine too. Couple of times.

[Kahuna7]

61. I'm ready!!!

[BigOleDummy]

47. Count me in the corner

Of …… Why? Mr. Biden is very capable , yes. Qualified , yes. Honorable , again yes. But, we already have MORE than enough capable, qualified and honorable candidates imo. Another old, white man ….. is that all we as a Nation can elect? I reject that thought myself. I like Mr. Biden quite a bit both as a politician and as a person but ……. what does he bring to the table that Mr. Buttigieg , Mr. Booker , Ms. Harris or Ms. Warren does not? IN MY OPINION I think that most if not all "old school" Democrats will be voting for our candidate no matter who it is. What we NEED to do, again in my opinion, is to find a way to capture the younger voters and their enthusiasm and desire for change. I'm just not convinced that more of the same old same old will cut it with these voters.

[emmaverybo]

83. He brings warmth and compassion borne of tragedy

I was just looking at his autobiographical book Promise Me Dad and I am struck again by Biden’s capacity to convey warmth, wisdom, compassion. He makes an emotional connection with his audience, in this book as I see from reviews, and, over the years, in his public speaking appearances. That ability cab be unifying, not only of the person and audience, but of members of the audience to each other
Yes, his hands on warmth has gotten him in some trouble, and no, warmth alone or the ability to communicate it, won’t win an election. Still, this gift sets him apart.
It might carry the day. Might not. I do think he should get a shot. The primaries will present a litmus test of sorts for all the candidates and I can’t say how he will weather them. Still, what an be called baggage seasoned politicians drag along can also be viewed as gifts that come from a tested life.

[Farmer-Rick]

56. Anyone But Trump.....

[underthematrix]

58. Thank you Jesus

[SergeStorms]

59. Finally.

Too late Joe. You're an afterthought already. I don't want to see another old, white man in the White House. Full disclosure; I'm an old, white man, and no matter how "sharp" anyone says Joe and Bernie are, you can't help the creeping diminished abilities of old age. It happens to everyone, every sex, every race, everybody. I'd prefer a young, vibrant, highly intelligent nominee who can calculate the variabilities and vulnerabilities of any situation within a short period of time. Old, white men haven't exactly taken our country to the pinnacle of success in the past. Just my two cents. Your mileage may vary.

[Skya Rhen]

69. So you go ahead and vote for your young fella while millions of us vote for "the old, white man"

and may the best man win.

Much to your dismay, this is how democracy works. You are only entitled to one vote and you have no control over anyone else's...

[Demit]

81. ? I think DUers, especially those of us with some age on us, know how democracy works.

Maybe ease up on the condescension there.

[SergeStorms]

82. I believe...

I stated that in my post. "Just my two cents. Your mileage may vary"? I'm quite aware how democracy works, thank you.

[True Dough]

79. Joe's endorsement would be valuable

but I agree with you on his candidacy.

[BlueStater]

89. Why anyone is excited over him is completely beyond me.

People realize he voted for the Iraq War and wrote what was essentially the Patriot Act, right? Or do those travesties just not matter anymore?

See, I have reasons to oppose him beyond the fact that he's almost 80.

[Cha]

85. No it hasn't.. I want someone

will beat trump.

[R B Garr]

94. There's an old white man in the WH now. The GOP has plenty

more where he came from. And they get crazier and crazier with all the power we keep handing them with ridiculous purity standards.

[treestar]

97. Come up with something better

than that. Your reason is based purely on his race and age.