Biden takes a risk

Well, if Russian society collapses into chaos, it won't be the first time we sent troops in. Very unlikely of course. I hope.

 

I hope so, too.

But look how the Warsaw Pact countries reacted to the dissolution of the USSR. And then look at the Baltics, Moldova, Ukraine, and all the rest (except Belarus). They've strived to remain free. Russian most certainly has not.

 

The population likes it that way because as you’ve described it is all they really know. Also, democracy is very fragile. For example, prior to Trump’s attempted coup I didn’t believe even Trump would would try because I thought he wouldn’t be able to get any help. I was wrong. Then the huge support Trump continues to get demonstrates further how fragile democracy is.

 

I do not particularly care about democracy in russia. I care about its ability to hurt neighbors (and the world order, incidentally).

 

I get that but the best guarantee of peace and stability is a free and democratic Russia. If such a thing is even possible...

 

That was the hope in 1991, yet here we are.
NATO is the best guarantee of peace and stability. That, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

 

Yes. But best not to quit trying.

 

Not a priority. Also, I do not see political will and, frankly, ability to go full Denazification on russia. With Marshall Plan, that was step 1. Otherwise, you'd have ressentiment - right away with putin-like regime, a little later with "democracy", Yeltsin-style. Remember, it didn't even start with putin; they are like this for at least 400 years.

Being effective Progressor presupposes that "Ballistic Defence Towers" (reference to propaganda - Lerner gets this Soviet-era reference) are destroyed. The country that could really benefit from help being a democracy is Ukraine, actually. We got the lesson on peaceful transfer of power and fair elections, but there are still many, many technical and wetware glitches we'd need adult supervision on. Both the incumbent and the most likely opponent (previous President) are well meaning and pro-Western, but, unfortunately, also successful post-Soviet businessmen (which implies, among other things, that they are conditioned to see day to day corruption as a problem-solving instrument). A lot of the population have the same thought patterns, too; for example, I don't think enough people really appreciate the importance of competent political opposition. But we're willing to learn. The most progress Ukraine ever made was when Poroshenko government was closely supervised by Obama admin and it's point man on Ukraine - Joe Biden. Incidentally, Poroshenko didn't control Parliament at the moment and had to rely on a coalition. So I have a feeling that for Ukraine, Democrats in Washington are almost as important as they are for Americans. Joe/Kamala 2024.

 

Well, de Nazification was SUPPOSED to be the first step but for the most part a couple dozen sentences of higher level government officials was all there was. So, no, not really.

 

Khuylo was an officer in [STRIKE]Gestapo[/STRIKE] KGB and became President. In any future russia, the ruling elite will be littered by people on record singing praises to "special military operation". I find it hard to care how "democratic" that place will be. NATO and Ukraine Armed Forces.

 

I haven't commented on this thread, and usually wouldn't. But I note with great interest it is titled Biden Takes a Risk! I wonder if any here know President Biden? Some years back. I served as a staffer for a member of Congress. I interacted with then Senator Biden from time to time, and even then, wondered if the elevator reached the top floor! If you have watched at all, you understand this man takes a risk getting out of bed, walking up the steps to AF1, and most everything else! We've got concerns beyond Russia becoming a Democratic state (ain't happening!) and most everything else. I just pray we can get through until the next election! Now, I understand that some have different opinions. We have a saying down South that pretty much covers that, Bless Your Hearts!

 

I have a different opinion. Biden's handling of Ukraine is consistently top-notch, within the constraints of what is possible in the political system as it is. Much gratitude.

(also, he seems to be a surprisingly effective President. Within constraints etc. Very much hoping and looking forward for his reelection.)

 

There's not much chance that Biden won’t be the nominee in 2024. He will probably defeat Trump again in the general election so you'll likely have to hold on there, wmcdonald.

 

Right. He's been a statesman on the national stage since he was 28. But hey, let's not pay any attention to that! We have an opinion and unverifiable anecdote to go with instead, huh?

 

High probability but there is the age thing that is a concern to democrats.
"Any Democrat jumping into the race now would be at a significant disadvantage.
The filing deadlines are quickly coming to pass and the earliest hard deadline is coming up on 16 October, when the state of Nevada will cease accepting major-party entrants for the 2024 caucuses. Other states have deadlines throughout November. As it stands, only two Dems are campaigning against Mr Biden for the Democratic nomination — author Marianne Williamson and Robert F Kennedy Jr. President Biden is the wide favorite to win every Democratic primary and caucus in 2024 as it stands.
(DNC), has scheduled no debates for the 2024 cycle.
Currently most polling of the 2024 race shows Pr Biden neck-and-neck with Donald Trump."

 

The "age thing" is an issue. Even so, the stark differences between Biden and Trump only became sharper following the 2020 election. Trump's Base is passionate but it's not enough by itself. At least, I don't think so.

 

RFK Jr is pretty obviously a Republican campaigning as a Democrat, as they've been doing recently. Kinda gross, IMO. I know nothing of Williamson.