Let's talk politics
...our Monday Zoom guest is Laura Belin
My Monday Zoom guest is Laura Belin, one of the smartest people I know, with an encyclopedic understanding of politics, especially in Iowa. I will ask her what she thinks of my latest theory (below). You can ask her questions, too. Here’s an example of her breadth of coverage: Belin Substack Column.
Your link to our Zoom call today, September 13, starting at noon central time.
Julie’s Theory
It would be irresponsible for President Joe Biden to signal he was not running for re-election. He would then be considered a lame-duck president; the Democratic party would be thrown into chaos; the economy would become shakey because of uncertainty; world leaders would freak out, and oh-by-the-way, the GOP lead House is careening us into a government shutdown, and the fringe there would gladly ride this country into oblivion, all the way down, because it’s good for digital fundraising, doncha know.
So, David Axelrod - my otherwise political pundit crush who speculated Biden’s age is a problem - STFU.
If you want something to discuss, last week's election results contain much fodder. Here’s a story: A proud ‘woke’ candidate for mayor in Boone, Iowa, won his race. Maybe it’s time for the GOP to understand folks are figuring out the meaning of ‘woke’ isn’t evil; it’s the opposite of ‘asleep.’ Read this column by Iowa Writers’ Collaborative columnist Cheryl Tevis, who lives in Boone County.
And, one more thing.
Polls are a snapshot in time, and as the saying goes, 24 hours is a long time in politics, let alone a year. The presidential election will be held on November 5, 2024. TODAY is November 13, 2023.
Biden has lost his share of elections, and if there are two things age has given him, it’s experience and perspective. He wants his poll numbers inching up the third week of October 2024, not today. Or tomorrow.
That said, if I were thinking about running for president (I’m looking at you, Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan), I’d be secretly getting everyone I can think of to run for a party delegate spot in case there is a contest over who the party nominee will be when the Democratic National Convention is held starting August 19, in Chicago’s United Center. It could be a way to hang with friends on your 53rd birthday, August 23, Governor Whitmer. Pete, you, too. Gavin? Kamala, delegates, anyone?
Trump probably won’t win Iowa. There, I said it. The endorsement dominos are starting to fall. I can picture the breathless pundits who have been saying Trump is the presumptive nominee— when the entire narrative will change after Iowa and New Hampshire actually ask voters who they want as their candidate.
No amount of ‘Fuck Joe Biden’ stickers on Ford F-150s will matter then.
You know damned well Reynolds et al. are looking at polls (and reality) and understanding that only Democratic strategists and Marjorie Taylor Greene want Trump leading the GOP ticket. Reynolds endorsed Ron DeSantis. I’m just speculating here). So much for the sisterhood, but Nikki Haley surely wouldn’t pick Reynolds as her running mate, and who else is there?
What do I know, though? I never thought Trump would be elected in the first place.
If you are new around here and want to read other stories by Iowa commentators, check out the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, now 40 members, who write for readers who share an interest in the state. If you subscribe to the Collaborative, you’ll receive a roundup of posts from the week before, and you can choose who you want to support individually.
Save the date: The Okoboji Writers’ Retreat will be held September 22-25, 2024.
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SAVE THE DATE: THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7; PAID SUBSCRIBERS ARE INVITED TO A HOLIDAY PARTY AT THE WITMER HOUSE, 2900 GRAND (former governor’s mansion). Let us know if you would like to attend:
I think you are right on with your statement. Help the guy or get out of the way. A great president.
Go to www.iowaatwork.com to see the hundreds of ways the Biden administration is improving life for Iowans.