I have always liked Joe Biden. Even in 2020, he was the best of a bad bunch of Democratic Presidential candidates. It pains me to see him as a shell of his former self. It made me wonder if he was ever the man I remembered him as being.
Joe Biden has a long and well-documented public speaking history. With no particular methodology, I found clips of him throughout the years to see how he got to the mental state he is in now. Some clips are longer than others, and can be scanned through to get a general sense of the man at the time of their recording.
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A clip of JB from 1987 on the Larry King Show. Sharp as a tack. Almost too slick.
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Joe Biden on the Senate floor in 1995, describing the genocide of Bosnian Moslems. Inspiring and possessing an almost encyclopaedic knowledge, leaving aside his notes in an impassioned speech.
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Joe Biden in the 2008 Iowa Democratic Debate discussing health care. He has facts and figures at his command. There is a little hesitancy at one point, but this is a man who has mellowed his youthful swagger into a more natural confidence. Still, there seems to be just a bit less of a sharp edge.
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The 2012 Vice Presidential Debate against Paul Ryan. Still in possession of his faculties, but there are more fumbles and searches for words. There is a noticeable lessening of vigour from his younger self. He still manages to hold his own against a man half his age. There are times when there is a glint in his eye as he watches his opponent and he is eager to respond.
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In 2016, he gives a speech as he campaigns for Hillary Clinton. He is cogent, but there is some slur to his words. He looks like the granddad that he is, but Grandpa still has style and you can see he has the confidence that would let him nuzzle up to a motorcycle mama while her old man glowers. Grandpa can still spin a good yarn without needing notes.
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In the 2020 Democratic Debates, JB looks a bit tired, and he can muster facts and a good argument, but the passion is not there, or rather, the passion is forced. On a stage full of septuagenarians, he fits right in. His flubs are the worst of the bunch. The man who used to be the smartest man in the room just isn't the smartest man in the room anymore. You feel him going through the motions, but being annoyed at having to make the effort, almost apologetic for taking up your time.
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In his first Presidential Press Conference, he is confused and at times incoherent. He reminds me of my 89 year-old father-in-law. JB is tired and worn out. It is painful to watch him struggle even as he clings to his crib notes for help. Even with the softball questions, you want to tell the reporters to stop hectoring this confused old man. There are occasional flashes of the Joe Biden in his prime, but they are so fleeting and weak that they only highlight his helplessness.
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He has gone from a man of supreme confidence and razor-sharp wit to a stumbling and, at times, incoherent old man who looks older than his 78 years. He has changed from a man who you might, at turns, admire or detest, but must always respect; to a man who you cannot help but like; to a man who registers only pity in his audience. This last phase of Biden's public life saddens me, because it diminishes the legacy of a once great Senator.
I hope this survey might inspire others to make a more complete and better organized presentation and analysis.
hurl all the insults you want. i could care less . i don't know you. and honestly do not want to know you. As for my position on who that senile snake is. He has Always been a thief and a Liar. He has been caught so many times at it. So why should i grant merits to any words ever uttered from that snake? He has stolen others merits. To me anything he says is stolen valor. I do not believe he has ever believed in anything he has ever said. I hate that guy. Soo happy you love him. so fuck you.. fuck him. Am i a asshole.. I do not give a rats ass if you think i am. Because i think you are a total ass and are below me in the swamp with Biden
So you are either a shill, or a hateful goon.
I can understand that you despise Joe Biden. I can understand that you hate anyone that does not hate Joe Biden.
What saddens me is that in hating anyone who does not hate Joe Biden, you are a totalitarian. It is not enough for you to have your own beliefs, but it is your insistrnce that all those who do not hold to your beliefs are to be despised as well. You wish to dictate the thoughts of others.
You refuse to try to discuss or persuade where you have a difference with someone. You can only heap scorn on those you disagree with. Yours is a fundamentally undemocratic, anti-republican stance. You would prefer to live under benevolent dictatorship that you agree with, than under an imperfect pluralistic society.
If saying that judgement of me floats your boat. Enjoy.
Here's the Deal: C'mon, man! Have I been talking for too long?
I do not enjoy holding you in any poor regard. I would rather think of you as a patriot who got caught up in a moment of fervour, who can now appreciate a red-pill painted so blue it makes an American blush.
These videos clearly document a trajectory of mental fitness, going so far as to map not just his later decline but his earlier growth as an effective speaker and politician.
A Boomer for Biden reads a headline --
In 1995 Biden was inspiring. And he is even more inspiring NOW!
-- with all the links and commentary intact.
The cognitive dissonance will lead to headaches. Those headaches can only be cured by recognizing that Joe Biden has lost his marbles.
the guy is a thief. he stole other peoples speeches for himself. he has repeatedly pretended other peoples lives where his own. Why should i ever like the guy? And why should i ever say one more word to you? good day sir.