My First Thought When I Heard Joe Biden's News -- Thomas Friedman

[ancianita]

https://archive.ph/prYQ5

"... what I told my family and friends when they asked me what Biden said when he called was this:
Joe Biden — even at his most inarticulate and even with his voice weakened by age — has more gut commitment to and understanding of what America at its best means to the world, and who our real friends are and must always be, than every member of the Trump administration combined.

We will miss his gut when it’s gone. So, Mr. President, I am wishing you a speedy recovery. No matter how soft your voice or unstable your gait or weak your heart, you have the gut instincts of a healthy 20-year-old when it comes to articulating what America’s mission in the world must always be.
We need to hear that — the world needs to hear that — now more than ever."

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/19/opinion/joe-biden-cancer-diagnosis.html

[Staph]

1. My first thought was "oh, no, not Joe!"

My second thought was "dear God, let him survive until January 21, 2029. Don't let Trump be the president in charge of Joe's funeral."

[Marie Marie]

4. Hadn't thought of that but agree. Pres Biden, Sir, please outlive TSF's term AND his life.

[ancianita]

6. Fortunately for the nation, the felon won't be in charge.

The current U.S. President announces the death of a former president and directs the Department of Defense to conduct the state funeral. That's IT.

The U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) commander then designates Joint Task Force National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) (which includes the Army's Military District of Washington) as the combatant commander responsible for organizing and carrying out the ceremonies.

The JTF-NCR commander is ultimately in charge of coordinating the funeral.

My only last hope is that Hegseth will also have nothing to do with this funeral.

Ultimately, if the Biden family wants a private funeral, I'd understand. Though the nation would be deprived of showing its honor and love to a great president and commander-in-chief. All NATO leaders, previous presidents, and all Biden's former national defense team and administration would attend.

[ShazzieB]

9. That was my first thought, too!

I posted about it in another thread about the diagnosis, that if he died while Schlump was in office, the Orange Hellbeast would probably try to screw his funeral up somehow.

Fortunately, it sounds like his condition is highly treatable, and there's a good chance he'll be around for a while yet. Fingers crossed! 🤞

[calimary]

11. Very likely. He'd want AND expect it somehow to be about him.

I can just hear it: “Just the bare minimum, only. Because Joe’s dead and he won’t care. More ME, America!”

That trump beast simply MUST monopolize every big event. It’s just GOTTA center on him, even those events that are NOT about him. And he’ll sit in the church, having demanded and received a seat up front where it’s impossible not to notice him, and he’ll fidget and sulk, ANYTHING to keep on hogging the spotlight.

How long do we have to suffer this bastard?

[ShazzieB]

15. I keep remembering how he complained about having to take his oath of office with the flags at half-staff

Remember how he got bent out of shape because his inauguration was going to occur during the period when the flags were still going to be at half-staff in honor of Jimmy Carter?

He didn't have any personal animus toward Carter and was just pouting because he thought the flags would detract from "his" day, but he's got a HUGE grudge against Biden for beating him in 2020. I shudder to think how he'd behave if he's in office when Joe dies!

[calimary]

16. Whichever way he "behaves", you can always win by betting on "CRAVING more attention"!

If it’s “DESPERATELY craving more attention”, I think you win double!

[Ruby Zee]

2. Our best president!

Love you Joe!

[Mtnmama]

3. Biden at his worst

Always was and always will be far better than trump at his best.

[young_at_heart]

5. Joe, you are missed! A lot!!

The creature that has taken your place has made those of us who are normal human beings double-down on just how great you were as president. Anyone who is president is loaded with stress but having him constantly attack you with lies really piled it on. Now you have the stress of cancer to deal with. My husband has it too and I know what that kind of stress is like.....something akin to hell! You will handle it well and please know there are millions of us sending you our prayers and our love.

[BurnDoubt]

7. Joe, you represent the Soul Of America. The best we have to offer.

THANK YOU!!!!!

[lastlib]

8. Dear God, if you exist, PLEASE! I pray to you.....

Let him OUTLIVE the CORRUPT INSURRECTIONIST TRAITOR/RAPIST/FELON/TYRANTwannabe Crime Minister you so wickedly installed as his successor. I do NOT want that evil slug-bastard to EVER have one word to say about President Joe Biden's departure from this life. In fact, God, if you have to take one, PLEASE take the evil one.

[LisaM]

10. Since when does Biden have a "weak heart"?

I suppose Friedman means well, but he is so tiresome.

[ancianita]

12. What's your point?

Is he really saying that? Why not put it in the context of the whole sentence beginning with "No matter..."

But even if he is, he has reason, going back to 2019.

Reports indicate that Biden's heart is functioning normally, despite a diagnosis of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. While he has been treated for this condition since 2003, doctors have stated that he is "healthy and vigorous" and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency," according to ABC News and CBS News. The doctor's reports also state that Biden is being treated with medications, including a blood thinner, to manage his condition.
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/doctors-report-calls-77-year-old-biden-healthy-vigorous/

[Irish_Dem]

13. Lisa I agree. Friedman is being an ass.

[LisaM]

14. What's my point? What's yours?

I have a heart murmur, but it's benign and I basically forget I have it. It caused me zero problems and my blood pressure is very healthy. I don't think I have a "weak heart" and I have never heard that said about Biden.