Well, guys, if you watched that debate, I’m going to guess you’re still reeling, and if you didn’t, I mean, +10 mental health points to you.

I’m writing this on Sunday. It’ll be posted Monday during the removal of my last wisdom tooth (!), so while you read it I’ll be enjoying an hour of not thinking about the election!!!

"Calgon, take me away!" GIF
How I assume anesthesia works

Tl;dr

Friday morning I called my reps (all Democrats) to ask them to urge (1) President Biden to remove himself from the ticket and (2) the DNC to undertake a thoughtful process to replace him. If you felt the way I did about that debate, I invite you to do the same.

We can just do that?!

It turns out, yes! More on how below, but first, my reasons (in brief):

  1. The debate and other recent performances have demonstrated that he’s no longer an excellent communicator/persuader—major tasks for both presidential candidates and presidents.
  2. It is all So Dispiriting. (I just sat motionless for a minute, trying to craft a follow-up sentence. We don’t need one.)
  3. We have protocols and procedures for this sort of replacement. Only recently did we start nominating a single candidate so far in advance of the general election.
  4. We ALL KNOW something has to change—something big. Replacing Biden on the ticket could shake loose other big changes, bring momentum. For better or worse, America loves momentum.
  5. I’d rather take a big swing and lose than keep plodding this course of despair and lose.
  6. Maybe Gretchen!!!
  7. He’s done good work. Let’s encourage him to rest.
  8. DEMOCRACY REALLY IS IN THE BALANCE. COME ON, LET’S GO.

There are ways for the DNC to do this. For several months, writer/podcaster Ezra Klein has been calling for an open convention to choose a new candidate. This weekend he’s been joined by other high-visibility media figures—but they’re not enough. I’m still (!) researching the most effective ways to contact our reps, but one fact that’s stuck out in my work so far: representatives act when they receive “a flood” of calls, and “a flood” can = around 400 in a day. For something so consequential, that…doesn’t seem like a lot.

a nice creek flowing nicely
400 calls in a day seems v reasonable, like this creek

Here’s what I said, more or less, when I called:

“I’m a constituent and registered Democrat calling from Pittsburgh to ask Senator X to urge President Biden to step off the presidential ticket, and to urge the Democratic Party to undertake a thoughtful process to replace him. I think President Biden’s administration has been mostly excellent, and I deeply respect him, but the debate last night made plain that he’s no longer fit to run for or hold office. I watched with my 14- and 16-year-olds, who were dismayed and who are in danger of deep cynicism about the democratic process. Because this election is critical to the future of American democracy, we need to see the Democratic Party take bold, courageous leadership and do what’s necessary to defeat T in the election. I want my kids to see someone—in this case Democrats—take clear action to solve an obvious, existential problem.”

If you’re already on this page (like one of my kindest friends, who texted on Thursday night, “I haven’t used the f word this much in my entire life”) and you have Democratic reps, perhaps go forth and call them.

  • PA Senator John Fetterman: 412-803-3501 (left a message)
  • PA Senator Bob Casey: 412-803-7370 (left a message)
  • Pittsburgh House Rep Summer Lee: 412-214-5000 (talked to a staffer)
  • President Biden (?!?): 202-456-1111
  • If you’re not in Pittsburgh/PA: find your rep (type in your zip code; scroll down to the federal section)

If you’re not convinced…

If you’re not already on this page and would like some more info, here are the most helpful things I’ve listened to since Thursday:

Additionally, here’s Ezra Klein’s initial audio essay about replacing President Biden—which did honestly make me excited—and his nerdy follow-up about how an open convention could work.

But if we want this, we need a groundswell; if only media bigwigs call for his replacement, it won’t happen. So: call your (Democratic) reps. And/or…contact the DNC. Write a letter to the President? Other ideas? I DON'T KNOW YOU GUYS, but we are the committee! This is the United States of Freaking America!! We are not without options!!!

Possum screaming, maybe?

What do you think: would you support replacing President Biden on the ticket? Will you call? Whom should we contact if not our reps? If you need to sound off about that debate, DO IT. I’d love to hear your thoughts below!