Congress, Politics

Biden Tells Democratic Voters to “Stop Whining” and “Buck Up”

We previously discussed the disconnect between Democratic leaders and liberal voters in the increasing complaints of leaders like Vice President Biden over Democratic “lethargy.” Democrats in Washington once again seemed shocked that voters are not eager to fight for their retention. Now, Biden has added the helpful advice to Democratic voters to “stop whining” about things that they did not get in Washington and to “buck up.”

The “buck up” comment was meant as an improvement over the “whining” comment. It turned out that “whining” was not greeted by voters as an improvement over “lethargy.”

Here is the latest statement:

“And so those who don’t get — didn’t get everything they wanted, it’s time to just buck up here, understand that we can make things better, continue to move forward and — but not yield the playing field to those folks who are against everything that we stand for in terms of the initiatives we put forward.”

By “everything [we] wanted,” I assume Biden is including the fulfillment of our treaty obligations to investigate and prosecute war crimes such as torture — which the Administration blocked.

I assume it includes removing the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which the Administration is trying to preserve by asking a court not to impose a national injunction freezing the policy.

I assume it includes allowing dozens of privacy lawsuits to go forward against companies, which the Administration blocked despite evidence of unlawful surveillance by the Bush Administration.

I assume it includes allowing torture victims to seek review in federal court, which the Administration has successfully blocked.

I assume it includes protecting pristine areas along the East Coast from drilling, which the Administration has fought to open up for development even after the BP accident.

I assume it includes reducing the faith-based programs of the Bush Administration which raised concerns over the separation of church and state, which Obama expanded.

Well, it includes a lot of things that democratic and independent voters wanted. What they got was a Democratic majority saw power as the end to itself rather than the means to fight for principle. For civil libertarians, “those folks who are against everything that we stand” include the Obama Administration which has been a perfect nightmare in the adoption and expansion of Bush policies.

Yet, Biden wants civil libertarians, environmentalists, and liberals to stop whining and buck up. The Administration made a cynical calculation that liberals and civil libertarians and environmentalists have no where to go and that they have to support the Democrats regardless of these obnoxious policies. Now, they are simply shocked that voters are not enthusiastic about their continuing in power.

The Democratic leadership has conveyed that the only principle that they are committed to is their retention of power. All other principles — torture, the environment, privacy, free speech — are immaterial to that one overriding goal. They just do not understand why everyone does not see it that way.

Well, I am one of those whining, lethargic voters and I cannot get myself to buck up to support leaders who turned their back on such core values. Perhaps if enough Democrats are replaced, the party may rediscover the benefit of being principled and standing for something other than their own insular interests. They need to actually represent something other than “we are not as bad as those guys.” The problem for voters is that, by retaining these leaders, we reaffirm that they cynical calculation by the White House was correct. There is no reason why Democrats should fulfill their commitments in these areas if voters do not hold them accountable. I know some on this blog may disagree, but I personally think I will stick with the whining for now.

Source: Real Clear Politics

1,014 thoughts on “Biden Tells Democratic Voters to “Stop Whining” and “Buck Up””

  1. ” I’ll take whatever works” (Maxene)

    May I suggest St. Anthony. I am not Catholic, probably not even a Christian, but St. Anthony really worked for me. (Healer of the sick and worker of miracles)

    In Time of Sickness
    St. Anthony, physician of soul and body, consolation of the sick who ask thy prayers, turn thy compassionate eyes upon thy foster child, who afflicted with infirmities, sends up sighs and prayers for relief from these sufferings, and for comfort for all who love him. Through thy rich merits and thy powerful mediation the sick are made sound and whole. Therefore, I earnestly beg thee to have mercy upon him, guide the skilled hand of all who are in attendance upon him and bear my sighs and petitions that may free him from his infirmities and make him whole again.

  2. Maxene Mike’s wife,

    Like the others, all my positive thoughts are for you, Mike and the family and for good measure I’m going buy some extra positive when I’m out running errands today.

  3. Mike’s wife – Maxene: Only good, positive thoughts for you, Mike and your family…

  4. Mrs. Spindell:

    “I ask please, for no negativity, as funny as that may seem to you.”

    No not at all, when my daughter was born she was very sick and almost died. I had to beg the surgeon to try again and once she was stabilized I watched the people taking care of her like a hawk. One nurse told me to take a picture of her to remember her by, I told the head doctor to get rid of her immediately because I only wanted positive energy around her. And I prayed and thought only positive thoughts and made sure she was taken care of by nurses that thought she would make it.

    So it is not funny at all. She is now 19 and attending college. I may be wrong but I attribute her survival to good care, good technology and positive thinking and maybe a little help from “nature” however you wish to interpret that.

  5. Maxene Mike’s wife,

    You’re a brave woman and my sincere thoughts and prayers are with all … no apologies are necessary as I have been there … my granddaughter’s surgery was a complete success and I know your family will experience the same … but it was the hardest 14 hours I have ever endured. You are allowed to say and do any damn thing you want!

  6. BTW. I have not heard any word at this point. I am sitting here alone in a hotel room that is on the hospital campus. It is specifically for families of transplant recipients and their families. Much like Ronald McDonald house.

    Yes I am stressed, yes I am frightened. Mike was obviosly more frightened than myself. I didn’t get to say a proper goodbye to him, as they whisked him away so suddenly. I am sitting here doing my writing / meditating / praying,,, I’ll take whatever works,,, just for him to pull through this. However, I ask please, for no negativity, as funny as that may seem to you.

  7. BLouise:

    I like to think of it as polygamy of affections …

    **************

    Me, too. Just call me the blog’s Brigham Young.

  8. @bdaman  
    “I’m sure Mike’s wife is like mine. Despises him on the computer especially in his condition.”

    Mikes wife is not like yours  She does not despise him on the computer or off the computer,  in this condition or any other condition. Don’t assume.  
    @Blousie yes, perhaps stress , a gut reaction. Either way, I apologize… no problem. Just keep your hands to yourself 😉

    I appreciate the kind words. The others I could do without. I DO read the blog although I leave the comments to my guy. He does have a way with words.  
    Thanks.  
      

    iPhone
    Maxene

  9. What follows is a rather stunning Coleen Rowley/Bogdan Dzakovic OpEd from the LA Times on Oct. 15:

    http://articles.latimes.com/2010/oct/15/opinion/la-oe-rowley-wikileaks-20101015/2

    WikiLeaks and 9/11: What if? Frustrated investigators might have chosen to leak information that their superiors bottled up, perhaps averting the terrorism attacks. By Coleen Rowley and Bogdan Dzakovic

    Some of the information isn’t new…

    A Wikileaks tweet from a few months ago was something like “The Washington Post story is just the beginning. By year’s end, lights on, rats out.” Let’s hope. Too many rats, from my perspective.

  11. @Slartibartfast: I have considered having my ass tattooed, “All organs are donated AS-IS without any warranty, including any implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose.”

    Might give a medical student a laugh.

  13. Buddha Is Laughing
    1, October 17, 2010 at 12:17 pm
    I feel so jilted. lol Inconceivable! Never bet with a Sicilian when a lady’s affection are on the line! Damn you and your natty Cicero avatar, mespo!

    (Buddha woke up feeling extra silly.)

    ========================================================

    I like to think of it as polygamy of affections …

    😳 x/o :mrgreen:

  14. Bdaman
    1, October 17, 2010 at 12:11 pm
    Blouise can you teach my wife politeness and servitude?

    ===========================================================

    Oh brother, if she reads that I’m in so much trouble …

  15. Bdaman,

    I recognized the stress immediately having experienced not only my own during my granddaughter’s 14 hour open heart surgery, but also my husband’s, daughter’s and son-in-law’s. At the age of 65 I have experienced the usual tragedies and losses life brings us but that surgery was the hardest 14 hours I have ever spent, bar none.

    “I’m sure Mike’s wife is like mine. Despises him on the computer especially in his condition.”

    Chuckle, my husband doesn’t understand it at all and I’m in good health! Though he does occasionally read and comment to me on different subjects under discussion.

    Thanks buddy …

  17. Slarti:

    “This is manifestly different that the climate change debate where I have not personally considered the scientific evidence,. . . ”

    Someone is about to take a good deal of ribbing for that statement. 🙂

    I can hear it now. Get ready.

  19. I guess the second was the first FOOL sa lage and the third is you Fool sa Lage. Oh the Humanity.

  20. Tony C,

    You should also extend your gratitude to everyone who signs up as an organ donor – Mike S is also benefiting by someone’s choice to make their last act one of generosity and compassion.

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