Can Joe Biden Prove the Naysayers Wrong? STEVEN BESCHLOSS JUL 13 You don’t need me to tell you we are in uncharted territory. There’s no question that there are plenty of panicking Democrats and out-for-blood media types determined to force President Joe Biden out of the race. But what if they are wrong? What if—despite current polling that finds most Americans say Biden is too old— the majority can be convinced of the value of an elderly president, even if there are difficult days that come along with it? Would it make a difference if those challenging days are counterbalanced by humane values, the capacity for wise decision-making resulting from deep experience, knowledge and enough fighting power to push back against a mad criminal hungry for retribution and fascism? What if that candidate has garnered enough affection from a grateful public that they are increasingly willing to overlook his shortcomings and latch onto his lingering strengths? Such questions occurred to me while watching Joe Biden’s remarkably spirited speech in Detroit yesterday evening. Clearly buoyed by a boisterous crowd, breaking into chants like “Don’t go Joe” and “We’ve got your back,” the president offered the most pointed and aggressive case against Donald Trump and for his own agenda since the campaign has started. “I’m the only Democrat or Republican who has beaten Donald Trump ever. And I’m going to beat him again,” he defiantly insisted. “I know him: Donald Trump is a loser.” Biden also called him a business fraud, a convicted criminal and, in light of the E. Jean Carroll case, a rapist. Promising “no more free passes” for Trump, Biden noted that Trump is the only president besides Herbert Hoover to lose jobs, that he stole classified documents, that he praised Putin as a genius after he invaded Ukraine. Biden also asserted that Project 2025 is Trump’s plan even if he’s trying to run away from it, that he’s all about revenge and retribution, and that America must oppose a man who wants to be a dictator. Biden also mocked Trump’s praise of the fictional cannibal Hannibal Lecter, his fear of sharks and his inability to succeed as a casino operator. “He inherited millions of dollars only to squander it. He’s filed for bankruptcy six times,” Biden said. “He even went bankrupt running a casino. I didn’t think that was even possible. Doesn’t the house always win in a casino?” Biden also looked forward, firing off a list of his top agenda items for a second term. These include restoring abortion rights, signing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, banning assault weapons, expanding Social Security and Medicare, protecting the Affordable Care Act and lowering the cost of prescription drugs, raising the taxes of billionaires and raising the federal minimum wage. “I see a future where we defend democracy, not diminish it,” he said at another Detroit event after this speech. “I see a future where we protect our freedoms, don’t take them away. I see a future where the middle class finally has a fair shot and the wealthy begin to pay their fair share in taxes so we can pay for childcare, eldercare, paid leave, and so much more…I see a future where we save the planet from a climate crisis and our country from gun violence.” As I noted in yesterday’s essay, “A Time of Anxiety,” no one can predict the future, especially when we are in such uncharted territory. I don’t argue that one fierce and invigorated speech in Detroit—complete with “Motown is Joetown” signs—means that Joe Biden will not stumble or that he will overcome the rising cries for him to exit the race. But, at least on this one day in Detroit, we could see a very American story of the guy who’s got his flaws, has been dismissed by all the people who think they know better, then comes out swinging and proves them wrong. "They’ve been hammering me because I sometimes confuse names," Biden told the crowd. "I say, 'That's Charlie,' instead of 'Bill.’" But, noting that 14 million voted for him in the primaries, the president said, “You made me the nominee, no one else. Not the press, not the pundits, not the insiders, not donors. You, the voters. You decided. No one else. And I’m not going anywhere.” So what do you think? Can Joe Biden prove the naysayers wrong? Is it possible that the question of his age and the stumbles that come with it will become more endearing if they are matched by a strong counterattack? Can he win as he promises to do? Or do you expect he will exit the race by the time Democrats meet for their convention in Chicago next month? As always, I look forward to reading your observations and for this community to hear from each other. Please do be respectful in your remarks. Trolling will not be tolerated.