Not really strange. Why would Putin make a move against his useful idiot? Neither Trump nor Biden are in charge of the world. One could just as easily say the world is not a safer better place since Congressional Republicans decided to waste money and time grandstanding, impeaching, refusing to honestly address issues, and basically doing everything they can to gum up the works.
I had no idea what you were talking about concerning Biden’s grandchild, so I looked it up. I assume you are talking about the little girl whose mother had sued Hunter for child support. Which she got. The fact that it took him until this year to publicly acknowledge her as his grandchild probably has more to do with the mother and the situation than with any lack of kindness or decency. You can believe what you want about Putin, but I do not believe he is scared of Trump. I believe he plays the long game, and Trump in office is better for Putin because of the internal strife, division and chaos it causes in America. A weakened, distracted America leaves the playing field wide open for Russian aggression. It is evident to me by the way many MAGA people are suddenly big Russia fans and of course, Tucker Carlson’s recent a$$ kissing interview, that they are playing right into Putin’s hands.
How is Eastern Ukraine “appeasement?” Putin lied for months about how he wasn’t going to invade and Biden called him out on it. And then immediately offered moral and material support to Ukraine. What else could he have done, attacked Moscow?
Putin cares far less about Syria or even Ukraine than he does about an American house divided against itself. Trump in power= Americans at each other’s throats= plenty of room for Russia to maneuver. He’s been aiming Trump at us for years, even before 2016. He’s happy to make Trump look good in order to keep him stirring the pot over here. His long game started the day the Soviet Union collapsed. His big miscalculations, and I’m glad to see them because they show he’s not invincible, were thinking he could crush Ukraine quickly and thinking America would fold. Thanks to Biden we didn’t, and instead NATO, the biggest burr under Putin’s saddle, is even bigger and stronger. Globally, Europe is our ally. Russia is our adversary. Europe looks at Trump and sees a turncoat. Europe looks at Biden and sees a friend. You need to take enough steps back to see the bigger picture.
I think it may be true what you say about their relative health and vigor, and also about the insane process by which we choose our leaders that leaves us with these two men out of the literally millions of people in this country. I know I’ll take Biden, the aging but decent man who surrounds himself with intelligent and capable advisors who still adhere to the basic tenets of our Constitution over the slightly younger but completely lousy human being Trump who surrounds himself with sycophants and has already broken the oath he swore to uphold the Constitution and promises to do it again. Viewed in that context, Biden doesn’t look like an evil at all.
Thank you, Will. Your informed opinion about this issue is invaluable.
Robert Reich, the former Labor Secretary under Clinton, addresses the concerns about the age of both pressumed presidential candidates in his newsletter today. Some of your readers might be interested.
That was interesting. I agree with him -- Biden stepping aside at the convention is a mistake. I think the many folks who like the idea are excited by it. What a spectacle! And I have never been a big fan of Joe Biden. He wasn't who I wanted as the Dem nominee. But he's done a good job. Anyone nominated by the Democrats will be attacked on multiple fronts by the Republicans. Candidates always look better before they're nominated. Biden has a strong record, a strong organization and the best chance at winning. Democrats must not lose their nerve.
I agree with you. As far as I am concerned, and as Ken reported in his column today, Biden saved us from a second Trump term. That makes him a hero for democracy. My hope was for him to mentor the next generation of leaders, like Ms. Pelosi did. Absent of that, we must support Mr. Biden this coming November.
Thank you! Aging and Alzheimer's; 2 subjects I think of often. My siblings and I are all in our 70's. We're aging and I have a family member with Alzheimer's. Your column nails it. I mix up words frequently, always have. A fellow colleague did as well. As teachers...it was sometimes embarrassing. Recognizing it and treating it with humor was our only recourse. Alzheimer's is no laughing matter. I appreciate your take on Biden and Trump. More importantly than focusing on their age, the bottom line is what each brings to the table.
Thank you for commenting on the recent speculations about aging and brain disease. Fomenting insurrection is criminal, not a brain disease. Pretending to be a victim rather than the aggressor, is deliberate subterfuge, not a disease. Thank you also, for including us on your own experiences with Bella. You are helping us to understand the unpredictable events and the pleasant breakthrough moments, and the difficulties caregivers are faced with. In turn, you are helping us to be alert to our own journeys as we age. Hope you have a good day!
This is a terrific column and definitely not the first one of yours I've said that about, Will. I am my mother's caregiver and at 98 she has severe dementia. I recognize her in much of what you write about Bella. The story of you following her as she wandered was so sad and familiar, though Mom's wanderings are in time not place these days. Like you, I don't think Biden or Trump is impaired, certainly neither reminds me of Mom's issue. Ken says I might be able to talk you into doing a podcast discussion about care-taking. I hope that is true. i'm reachable at rosemary.armao@gmail.com
I think it is also important to note the Biden is dysfluent and has dealt with a stuttering diagnosis his entire life. A typical technique to avoid specific speech patterns is to search for replacement words that aren’t as difficult and of course stumbling over words is not age related but part of that particular disruption in speech. The Republicans like to chalk that up to old age, but much of his speech pattern is related to the dysfluency. Trump has none spurs and limited vocabulary. Neither related to the horrible things he says or how he says them.
My grandmother often ran through a series of names before she lighted on the name of the child she was talking to. When we laughed she would say, ‘a loved child has many names.’
It wasn’t a sign of the Alzheimer’s she suffered many years later.
I beg to differ. President Biden speaks slowly. He needs to compensate for his stuttering, but more importantly, he actually THINKS about what he wants to say. His answers to complex questions are appropriately nuanced and carefully constructed. If he refers to the President of Mexico instead of Egypt, it's a word error rather than a cognitive error. The President certainly knows the difference between Mexico and Egypt, and what's more, I'll be he could find both on the map!
Donald Trump, on the other hand, appears vigorous on a stage. He bellows and gestures. His speech is loud and repetitive, but his sentences lead nowhere. His thoughts are diffuse and disconnected. The ends of his sentences are often totally unrelated to their beginnings. Trump's speech is far more disordered than it was in 2016. As a doctor, I suspect that not only is he afflicted with a personality disorder (narcissism/sociopathy) but dementia as well.
While both are of an age at which health challenges are no surprise, President Biden is far more intact than Grifter Trump.
Thanks Will for a thoughtful column. I have a friend (my oldest friend) who also has Alzheimer’s. I cannot even fathom the care that her dear husband has lavished on her.
Yes, as usual Will, a very thoughtful column. The speaking styles of the two men just, to me, seem like a complete conclusion that one is....thoughtful...and the other is....floating. Is the floater doing that on purpose? I don't think so...his brain has to be full of an enormous number of contradictions amid his legal and political currently overwhelming problems. Does he have any idea what he really believes? I've attached no names to these "two" but how can anyone not see....the difference? At least you, Will, know exactly what a true problem with one's mind is....as you so frequently express so beautifully. Observation isn't worth a lot until you find yourself living in what you thought you were only observing.
Great article, Will. I have been simmering at the presumption of reporters and a certain federal investigator thinking they are somehow fit to evaluate mental acuity. To them I say, go man woman person camera yourself!
And to you I say, thank you again for the generous way you share your journey with us. I am in awe of your devotion and your beautiful love for Bella.
Thank you, Will, for your insights born out of personal experience.
Also, I would prefer to have as president an 81 year old person who believes in democracy, is loyal to the Constitution, and has over 40 years of experience in helping to shape the domestic and international policies of this nation, using the democratic process; rather than someone who is only four years younger and has a narcissistic personality disorder.
Not really strange. Why would Putin make a move against his useful idiot? Neither Trump nor Biden are in charge of the world. One could just as easily say the world is not a safer better place since Congressional Republicans decided to waste money and time grandstanding, impeaching, refusing to honestly address issues, and basically doing everything they can to gum up the works.
I had no idea what you were talking about concerning Biden’s grandchild, so I looked it up. I assume you are talking about the little girl whose mother had sued Hunter for child support. Which she got. The fact that it took him until this year to publicly acknowledge her as his grandchild probably has more to do with the mother and the situation than with any lack of kindness or decency. You can believe what you want about Putin, but I do not believe he is scared of Trump. I believe he plays the long game, and Trump in office is better for Putin because of the internal strife, division and chaos it causes in America. A weakened, distracted America leaves the playing field wide open for Russian aggression. It is evident to me by the way many MAGA people are suddenly big Russia fans and of course, Tucker Carlson’s recent a$$ kissing interview, that they are playing right into Putin’s hands.
How is Eastern Ukraine “appeasement?” Putin lied for months about how he wasn’t going to invade and Biden called him out on it. And then immediately offered moral and material support to Ukraine. What else could he have done, attacked Moscow?
Putin cares far less about Syria or even Ukraine than he does about an American house divided against itself. Trump in power= Americans at each other’s throats= plenty of room for Russia to maneuver. He’s been aiming Trump at us for years, even before 2016. He’s happy to make Trump look good in order to keep him stirring the pot over here. His long game started the day the Soviet Union collapsed. His big miscalculations, and I’m glad to see them because they show he’s not invincible, were thinking he could crush Ukraine quickly and thinking America would fold. Thanks to Biden we didn’t, and instead NATO, the biggest burr under Putin’s saddle, is even bigger and stronger. Globally, Europe is our ally. Russia is our adversary. Europe looks at Trump and sees a turncoat. Europe looks at Biden and sees a friend. You need to take enough steps back to see the bigger picture.
Great response…and great ltr to the editor in today’s Post Star, Tanya!
Thank you!
What Trump is “holding” is Putin’s Playbook…
with a diminished grasp on sanity…
and persistent “hold” on his pre-adolescent personality which never evolved beyond narcissism.
I think it may be true what you say about their relative health and vigor, and also about the insane process by which we choose our leaders that leaves us with these two men out of the literally millions of people in this country. I know I’ll take Biden, the aging but decent man who surrounds himself with intelligent and capable advisors who still adhere to the basic tenets of our Constitution over the slightly younger but completely lousy human being Trump who surrounds himself with sycophants and has already broken the oath he swore to uphold the Constitution and promises to do it again. Viewed in that context, Biden doesn’t look like an evil at all.
Thank you, Will. Your informed opinion about this issue is invaluable.
Robert Reich, the former Labor Secretary under Clinton, addresses the concerns about the age of both pressumed presidential candidates in his newsletter today. Some of your readers might be interested.
https://robertreich.substack.com/p/my-surprise-at-yesterdays-substack?utm_campaign=email-post&r=17be1t&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
That was interesting. I agree with him -- Biden stepping aside at the convention is a mistake. I think the many folks who like the idea are excited by it. What a spectacle! And I have never been a big fan of Joe Biden. He wasn't who I wanted as the Dem nominee. But he's done a good job. Anyone nominated by the Democrats will be attacked on multiple fronts by the Republicans. Candidates always look better before they're nominated. Biden has a strong record, a strong organization and the best chance at winning. Democrats must not lose their nerve.
I agree with you. As far as I am concerned, and as Ken reported in his column today, Biden saved us from a second Trump term. That makes him a hero for democracy. My hope was for him to mentor the next generation of leaders, like Ms. Pelosi did. Absent of that, we must support Mr. Biden this coming November.
Thank you! Aging and Alzheimer's; 2 subjects I think of often. My siblings and I are all in our 70's. We're aging and I have a family member with Alzheimer's. Your column nails it. I mix up words frequently, always have. A fellow colleague did as well. As teachers...it was sometimes embarrassing. Recognizing it and treating it with humor was our only recourse. Alzheimer's is no laughing matter. I appreciate your take on Biden and Trump. More importantly than focusing on their age, the bottom line is what each brings to the table.
Thank you for commenting on the recent speculations about aging and brain disease. Fomenting insurrection is criminal, not a brain disease. Pretending to be a victim rather than the aggressor, is deliberate subterfuge, not a disease. Thank you also, for including us on your own experiences with Bella. You are helping us to understand the unpredictable events and the pleasant breakthrough moments, and the difficulties caregivers are faced with. In turn, you are helping us to be alert to our own journeys as we age. Hope you have a good day!
Amen, Will. Thank you for this.
This is a terrific column and definitely not the first one of yours I've said that about, Will. I am my mother's caregiver and at 98 she has severe dementia. I recognize her in much of what you write about Bella. The story of you following her as she wandered was so sad and familiar, though Mom's wanderings are in time not place these days. Like you, I don't think Biden or Trump is impaired, certainly neither reminds me of Mom's issue. Ken says I might be able to talk you into doing a podcast discussion about care-taking. I hope that is true. i'm reachable at rosemary.armao@gmail.com
I think it is also important to note the Biden is dysfluent and has dealt with a stuttering diagnosis his entire life. A typical technique to avoid specific speech patterns is to search for replacement words that aren’t as difficult and of course stumbling over words is not age related but part of that particular disruption in speech. The Republicans like to chalk that up to old age, but much of his speech pattern is related to the dysfluency. Trump has none spurs and limited vocabulary. Neither related to the horrible things he says or how he says them.
On the nose, as usual, Will. Thanks.
I look forward to every single article! Lawrence Casey
My grandmother often ran through a series of names before she lighted on the name of the child she was talking to. When we laughed she would say, ‘a loved child has many names.’
It wasn’t a sign of the Alzheimer’s she suffered many years later.
I beg to differ. President Biden speaks slowly. He needs to compensate for his stuttering, but more importantly, he actually THINKS about what he wants to say. His answers to complex questions are appropriately nuanced and carefully constructed. If he refers to the President of Mexico instead of Egypt, it's a word error rather than a cognitive error. The President certainly knows the difference between Mexico and Egypt, and what's more, I'll be he could find both on the map!
Donald Trump, on the other hand, appears vigorous on a stage. He bellows and gestures. His speech is loud and repetitive, but his sentences lead nowhere. His thoughts are diffuse and disconnected. The ends of his sentences are often totally unrelated to their beginnings. Trump's speech is far more disordered than it was in 2016. As a doctor, I suspect that not only is he afflicted with a personality disorder (narcissism/sociopathy) but dementia as well.
While both are of an age at which health challenges are no surprise, President Biden is far more intact than Grifter Trump.
Thanks Will for a thoughtful column. I have a friend (my oldest friend) who also has Alzheimer’s. I cannot even fathom the care that her dear husband has lavished on her.
Yes, as usual Will, a very thoughtful column. The speaking styles of the two men just, to me, seem like a complete conclusion that one is....thoughtful...and the other is....floating. Is the floater doing that on purpose? I don't think so...his brain has to be full of an enormous number of contradictions amid his legal and political currently overwhelming problems. Does he have any idea what he really believes? I've attached no names to these "two" but how can anyone not see....the difference? At least you, Will, know exactly what a true problem with one's mind is....as you so frequently express so beautifully. Observation isn't worth a lot until you find yourself living in what you thought you were only observing.
Great article, Will. I have been simmering at the presumption of reporters and a certain federal investigator thinking they are somehow fit to evaluate mental acuity. To them I say, go man woman person camera yourself!
And to you I say, thank you again for the generous way you share your journey with us. I am in awe of your devotion and your beautiful love for Bella.
Thank you, Will, for your insights born out of personal experience.
Also, I would prefer to have as president an 81 year old person who believes in democracy, is loyal to the Constitution, and has over 40 years of experience in helping to shape the domestic and international policies of this nation, using the democratic process; rather than someone who is only four years younger and has a narcissistic personality disorder.