Heidi Li FeldmanFor me, the question of whether Biden should stay in the race is purely instrumental: can he win? This rally is fine but can he appear in public and in private over and over, frequently, and demonstrate cogency and energy? Can he speak extemporaneously with vigor? I don’t know who can answer these questions. So, we are left with a need to see him, often and publicly, and not only in scripted, controlled settings. This has to happen now and quickly. It has been left to awfully late in the day. 1/
I also want to see Harris with Biden, both of them addressing the country. If this is going to be our ticket, the Biden campaign must accept that he is old enough and frail enough to make it imperative that we see and value what she would be like were she to ascend to the presidency because of his death or incapacitation. 2/
I’m not concerned about whether *I* will turn out to vote or whether *I* will vote Biden-Harris. And I’m not worried about the die-hard Biden fans. I’m worried about those who are willing to sit out an election when they are not pleased with either choice. I’m worried about the handful of swing states. 3/
I’m not so interested in whether pundits or editorial boards think Biden should be nominee: however, I am interested in whether Democratic governors, senators, and representatives think he should. These people have more information and more experience with which to assess Biden’s prospects. 4/
Stella C 🇨🇦@heidilifeldman Glad to see well articulated thought rather than reaction
Linking Dot@heidilifeldman Exactly. Well stated.
66gardeners
Lotus Blossom@heidilifeldman I know this is contentious, but IMO the Dem party needs better vetting for incumbents, including older candidates. Why were there no serious challengers to Biden?
As point of comparison, Keir Starmer, the incoming UK Prime Minister, is 61. You'd have to go all the way back to Margaret Thatcher to find an older incoming PM (~62 in 1987). Has less to do with age than the lackluster vetting process for incumbents.
As point of comparison, Keir Starmer, the incoming UK Prime Minister, is 61. You'd have to go all the way back to Margaret Thatcher to find an older incoming PM (~62 in 1987). Has less to do with age than the lackluster vetting process for incumbents.
Tom Bellin 
@underthestars @heidilifeldman The reason why is because this stuff about Biden being too old is bullsh*t. Biden had no serious challenger because he's too formidable.
Everyone who could have challenged him knows he's not diminished.
As long as Biden is in control of his faculties, he's the nominee, and no amount of sour grapes is going to budge him.
@tob @heidilifeldman People’s eyes and ears say otherwise. Regardless, strong competition and a vigorous primary can only help the candidate. Also feel that I’m not alone in the belief that allowing one guy - Biden - to decide is anti-democratic.
You can call it sour grapes, but most Americans were opposed to Biden running for a second term, which is not quite in line with the meaning of the phrase.
Stargeezer Smith@heidilifeldman
That I agree with.
That I agree with.
Martijn VosAbsolutely. I feel like Harris has been practically invisible. She should be out there campaigning, doing things, being visible, and showing that she's ready to take over if necessary.
Mike J👹🐀 🤘🏻@heidilifeldman JFK was also old enough to die in office. The qualification for any VP is being ready to step in if the president dies.