. I hadn't considered that angle. He absolutely always was known as the bloke who'd put his foot in it and whose comments would need to be excused and explained away by others. All American presidents get demonised to such an extent that their actual conduct (which is often itself cr@p) isn't even the focus.

Edited by BlueJay (28 Mar 2022 4.44pm)

Any such judgement is never a clear yes or no - there are always shades of grey just like in reviews of anyone's performance that I am sure we have all been subject to. However, given the situation he inherited here are some of the accomplishments that immediately come to my mind -

He has reached out and reassured America's allies and played an important - arguably leading - role in decisions on the world stage. For sure, there have been the occasional mistake like the submarine issue that so annoyed the French. However, he was quick to repair the relationship and provide reassurance. Net net, its a major contrast with the Trump times and his limited world view/knowledge. By contrast, Biden has spent his whole career in US politics/diplomacy and that background shows through time and again.

He very quickly, and continues to do so, grasped the Covid situation in the US. A vaccination programme was rolled out and there was no equivocation.

He quickly pulled together an administration of seasoned and experienced people. Appointments were swiftly made, he appears to listen to advice and the process of Government goes on without the constant drama of fall outs/sackings of the Trump era.

He has started to bring to account those responsible for the events associated with the Capitol riots. People will be held accountable for what happened and nearly broke the American democratic system.

The biggest failure, I think, relates to Afghanistan and the chaotic departure. I can understand he wanted the US to withdraw and that had been previously agreed anyway; however, there were so many better ways of doing it.

So, that's the kind of balance sheet as I see it. Actually, I think he may well again be the Democratic candidate in 2 years time. He has beaten Trump before and can certainly do it again.

It turned out that Cascarino was never eligible for Ireland, but nobody really minds.

Red and Blue Army!

Nail on head! Biden's most important characteristic is he isn't Trump, but a seasoned, experienced politician who has put together a team and been quietly efficient.

I only disagree with 2 things. I am not so sure that we yet know everything about how and why the Afghanistan mess occurred. It seemed so bizarre that there must be something we don't know. I very much doubt that Biden was the decision maker. He just carried the can.

I don't think he will run again. It's time for a fresh face who can lead and heal. Someone without any baggage from the past few years. Biden will have done his job and can go and enjoy his last years without having the stress on him. He stepped up to the plate and removed the worst POTUS in my lifetime. For that alone, he deserves all our thanks.

Who it will be is another matter. The right are already dumping all over VP Harris in a co-ordinated campaign of hatred, which is gleefully spread in their social media. So they must be sh*t-scared of her. We'll see.

For the avoidance of doubt any comments in response to a previous post are directed to its ideas and not at any, or all, posters personally.

Biden approval rating in NBC poll rated at 40 percent.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

On balance, agree with this too. Power is something of an aphrodisiac and it's hard to walk away from the temptation of a second term but not pursuing one might just be another part of Biden's legacy and that may persuade him not to; his ability to take the long-view rather than the short-term one. If he doesn't run and the Democrats nevertheless win again, he'll become a legend; the selfless poster boy of Democratic politics for a very long time indeed.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.