We’re going to do several posts from Day 3 of the DNC last night, because unlike the strange lull of Day 2, Day 3 was full of barn-burner speeches and it was amazing. First, Vice President Joe Biden came out and Ol’ Handsome Joe was in rare form. He was so great, in fact, that people were sort of wondering aloud if this election would have been a lot different if Biden had run this cycle. He said last year that he just couldn’t run again so soon after his son’s passing, and I respect his decision. But it was still bittersweet, because Biden lives to serve his country. Biden’s speech was sad, funny, optimistic and he threw in some old-fashioned “malarkey” just for good measure.
He fit a lot into a speech that was less than 20 minutes long. He made a passionate endorsement of Hillary Clinton and a particularly pointed takedown of Donald Trump. Biden actually delivered one of the most cogent assessments of Trump too:
“His cynicism is unbounded. His lack of empathy and compassion can be summed up in a phrase I suspect he’s most proud of having made famous: ‘You’re fired.’ I’m not joking; think about that… He is trying to tell us he cares about the middle class. Give me a break. That’s a bunch of malarkey!! I know I’m called middle-class Joe, and in Washington that’s not meant as a compliment. It means you’re not sophisticated. But I know why we’re strong. I know why we have held together. I know why we are united. It’s because we’ve always had a growing middle class. This guy doesn’t have a clue about the middle class — not a clue. He has no clue about what makes America great. Actually, he has no clue… No major-party nominee in the history of this nation has ever known less or has been less prepared to deal with our national security.”
On Morning Joe this morning, they talked about how Day 3 was “appeal to swing voters and disaffected Republicans” Day. Could be. After Biden spoke, Mike Bloomberg came out. Bloomberg used to be a Republican, then an Independent, and now I’m not even sure. He’s Independent-Dem. I usually think Bloomberg is a charisma vacuum, but I ended up enjoying the hell out of Bloomberg’s speech. It was a glance of how actual rich people view Donald Trump: they think he’s stupid, gauche and a terrible businessman. I don’t know who wrote this, but it was a surprisingly great speech.
Apparently, Bloomberg ad-libbed the line “let’s elect a SANE, competent person…” That was a huge applause line.
Photos courtesy of Getty.
Am I the only one who had to look up the word “Malarkey”?
Wonderful speech delivered by an equally wonderful man.
This man lost his son last and yet never stopped putting country first and served.
“Am I the only one who had to look up the word “Malarkey”?”
Yes. 🙂
It something you hear on old reruns from the 50s 😄I don’t think even my grandparents ever used that word
No, because I remember Joe Biden using the word when he crushed Paul Ryan during their debate 4 years ago.
He used it in a debate with Paul Ryan 4 years ago and has been a running joke since.
Great word. Not even surpassed by “baloney” as in “phony baloney.”
Come on over to my porch, young’un, and I’l tell you all about the good ole days.
Jeezum crow, I’m only in my 40s!
Just teasing you, child.
People no longer use words like “malarkey” anymore because now so many people openly swear. So these days, someone would say “That’s a load of BS!”.
But that wasn’t an option in the days of yore when there was this thing called etiquette that kept people’s language in check, so people said “Malarkey” or “Baloney”, etc.
Yes, and I wish those singular old-fashioned epithets would come back instead of the vulgarity of today (I am complicit though). Another of my favourites is ‘bushwa’.
@hmmm
I love my vulgarity. I have so little. Don’t deny me that.
Seriously, I think there’s room for both. I love any word that expresses the sentiment. Variety is the key.
I still say marlarkey but then I’m 47. That’s my softer version of “full of crap”. I go back and forth depending on the audience. Ha.
@ Tiny Martian:
Are you my mother? 🙂 I’m pretty sure I’ve heard this lecture repeatedly-especially when I accidentally dropped an f-bomb in front of her.
Gonna miss Joe so so much. He’s the epitome of class and perseverance through several bad hands dealt to him in regards to family. I’m also going to miss his bromance with Bo
he is a butcher. just cos he does not like Trump, does not make him wonderful. a lot of better people dislike that joke of a man with rat hair, but i will never have respect for this guy either.
With a thoughtful and well reasoned argument like that, who are we to disagree?
Bridget
I could go on and on about his foreign affairs, but i do not think there is enough space, not i want to remember all the things that he did at his prime. you do not know, but all i will say is this: i come from Serbian-Croatian marriage, former Yugoslavia. I like the States, there are many awesome people, opportunities, I am a citizen now, but i just cannot forget people who took away my childhood.
I was not a fan of Bloomberg as our Republican mayor. BUT, he’s a self-made billionaire– the real deal… not a faux billionaire. Good for him for decrying Trump’s business acumen.
Kaine’s impression of Trump was great.
I know a lot of people didn’t like him as mayor in NYC but I actually appreciated him. Especially compared to Giuliani. Would have kept voting for him if he was allowed to run again.
He had some really good ideas but he is an elitist and has no real concern about poor or middle class people. His ideas about improving NY was basically to make it (even more) of an international city to cater to and attract as many upper class people as possible and push everyone else out further into the Burroughs.
I’m talking from a from a pragmatic standpoint. Koch was more of a Republican than Bloomberg.
Bloomberg turned Times Square into a Disney Park. He put in all the GD bike lanes in a walking/driving city. He put in all those GD pedestrian malls (some abutting actual parks–WHY?!), shutting down major avenues. He closed Park Avenue in the summer for cyclists— THAT’S WHAT CENTRAL PARK IS FOR! He let construction go rampant (crane & scaffolding disasters and traffic headaches). He allowed dozens of street fairs from April through November all over the city every Saturday and Sunday.
Traffic has NEVER been as bad as it is since he took office. It’s impossible to get around the city. All for the tourists and bridge&tunnel crowd– nothing for the people who live here. And, what did he care? He went to his Bermuda home every weekend. He didn’t have to take the train (subway) or bus to get around. Getting to work; getting anywhere has become a nightmare. And it’s just getting worse.
On many social matters, Bloomberg is a Democrat, Progressive…pro-choice, pro-LGBT rights, anti-gun, pro-immigration… I’m glad he got rid of smoking in public places. I love the restaurant grades posted in windows.
Actually Guilianni turned Times Square into Disney Park in the late 90s. But I agree with the rest of it.
I’ve had a soft spot for Joe Biden ever since I read “What It Takes” by Richard Ben Cramer — the book covers the 1988 election season, and Biden was one of the four Democrats profiled. (Excellent book, BTW.) This man has been through things that would break a lot of people, and yet he’s still so focused on others. I’m sorry he didn’t run too, but I sure can’t begrudge him some downtime at last.
I’m not unhappy that he didn’t run (I’m thrilled to have our first qualified female nominee). I am unhappy about the reason he didn’t run.
Yes, much love for Joe Biden.
His interview with Stephen Colbert when he talked about his grief for his son and not being able to summon the will to run was so heartbreaking.
Bloomberg said in the speech he’s been both a Dem. and Rep. in the past, but is an Independent now who has voted for people of both parties. I think his speech was excellent, and hopefully effective.
I only caught the end of Biden’s, but man, he was not messing around.
Pro tip! All the convention speeches are on the CSPAN channel on YouTube. Commercial and annoying commentator free!
Love Joe. Wish he would have run, but I understand his reasoning. Last night was a great night for Dems. I’m not a fan of Hillary, wanted Bernie, but last night made me feel better about voting for her.
Joe Biden was perfection. Brief, to the point, electrifying. I loved his final line – “Come on! We’re AMERICANS!”
He was not having any shenanigans.
I love Joe! He had me cheering at certain points and teary eyed at others.
Shenanigans and malarkey have made my day 🙂
I love Joe! That last throw away, “Come on, we’re Americans!” held so much frustration! He sounded like a dad that was exasperated at your math grade because he knows you could do it, you just weren’t trying. It came off as so real to me.
Yes! And the line about getting pleasure from firing people really seemed to break his heart. Usually I’m cynical, but that seemed genuine. Oh, Joe!
He used simple, common sense statements. How can anyone – no matter where they were raised – take repeated pride in saying ‘you’re fired’? That’s very true.
They’ve got to keep hammering on shady business, hidden tax returns and ZERO public office experience.
I have never commented.
I have enjoyed this site and its comments for awhile; like it says this site is truly an escape from a rather difficult life.
This political season has made me fully realize the potential we all have and the responsibility we all have to each other. The DNC convention this week and particularly last night has made decide that if there is even one person I know who thinks Trump is worthy to be President…I am going to invite out or over for a cup of coffee because we NEED TO TALK. Truly talk as the folks last night and all three days have talked to me. I have to try. Then I need to GOTV in whatever way I can. I have no idea in my life how that will work but my God I have to try. It comes with risks, big risks where I live but I am not afraid anymore.
You made me teary. Be safe and good luck!
Welcome, Leona!
What an inspiring comment. Closed doors don’t get us anywhere; I hope you do have that cup of coffee. Glad you’re on our team.
I have a good friend who is republican and very anti-Hillary. She notes Benghazi (specifically says “you should go see the movie 13 hours”) and says she needs to be in jail bc of the emails.
My blood boils every time we have a conversation like this. (I also ask her about BLM and other race-related issues. Her response to BLM is “well there’s more black on black crime. Focus on that.”) but I am determined to make her think harder about her perceptions and what she believes about people, even if she is nearly 70 years old.
FYI-she also swears she doesn’t see color. She loves all races.
Another FYI-I’m black and live in the south, just to add context to the story.
@Lama Beam – I also have a friend that’s a republican. She’s married to man (he and family) are democrats and Union people, She has voted democrat because of this. Our difference in politics have never come between our friendship, but it got a little bumpy a few months ago. She has come to dislike Hillary because of Benghzi. No matter what I say to her she believes Hillary is to be blamed and a liar. I asked her a few months ago how a smart, intelligent and classy woman like herself could vote for Trump – she didn’t take to kindly me asking her that and it put some tension between us. I met her a few days ago and again she started in on Hillary, but then I gave it right back about Trump the bully and the real liar.
The whole Benghazi thing has been used to hammer at Hillary when it was the Republicans who cut funds to provide protection for our embassies. Also, there were 20 attacks on embassies during George W., (Texans call him Shrub). The estimates of deaths range from a low of 60 to 88. There has never been a single committee to study those events. Golly, I guess the Republicans didn’t care about those deaths.
Welcome aboard! This is a time for activism. One of my favourite parts of Obama’s speech was his saying that we should elect Clinton but then hold her to her promises. So get involved for the election and beyond. Sanders showed that politicians have to listen!
Biden was incredible. I have been working from home this week (I’m Australian) and have absolutely loved watching the convention. It’s been such an eye opener and I’ve become so passionate about your election. I’ve been inspired by so many that have spoken.
We are completely bamboozeled at how someone like Trump could be running for president, let alone actually have supporters willing to vote for him.
Although we don’t get to vote and we don’t reside in the US, this election really does impact the rest of the world. I’m nervous.
Anyone that watches these speeches must surely realise how important this election is.
I’m with Hillary (but sadly can’t vote)!
I am the exact same, I am from Ireland and I have become somewhat obsessed in this presedential race, I find the whole thing fascinating, I am wathching the convention on CNN, everynight, as I did last week with the republican one, what a contrast, it was so depressing last week, compared to this week so much more optimism, and the speeches are amazing every night. It is very hard to understand how anyone could vote for such a horrible person as Trump, I just dont get it, but I am hoping people will come around and realise the consequences not only for the US but the whole world. If I could vote, I would vote Hillary all the way, I just hope America does in the end.
It’s amazing isn’t it? I’m more engrossed in this election than our recently held one here in Aus. Mind you, we do not have such extremes in our politics. The divide between left and right is far smaller.
This US election will have a far greater impact on all of us. But I also find the passion from those speaking wonderful. It’s beautiful to witness! Let’s hope it’s enough to get Hilary over the line.
The line I’ve loved to hear during this time, is ‘Love trumps hate’! Perfect.
I teared up when he talked about Beau. Joe Biden has dealt with so much sadness in his life and yet he’s never bitter.
I don’t know how he’s done it. And there you have DT, having had everything handed to him, having strangely loyal (or legally silenced) ex-wives, supportive (bratty) kids … he has no sense of how much has been handed to him or capacity to use all he has for good.
I know. He is such a good man. I’m glad he found Jill. I know his heart must break every day thinking about his son. It hasn’t been that long really. To outlive your child is something no parent wants.
Biden has outlived 2 kids. He lost a daughter as well.
Biden’s life has held so much tragedy, so much sadness, but as a person, he always seems so full of joy at being alive and grateful for the gifts he has received in this life aside from all the grief. The way he lives his life is a testament to his great faith from which he draws so much strength and support.
I remember when he used malarkey a few years ago and to my surprise a lot of people had never heard of it. My grandfather, who incidentally is also named Joe, used that word as well around me so I grew up thinking it was commonplace. So whenever I hear it, I think of my dear grandpa (he passed in 2006) but I think he would have loved Biden had he lived to see him run.
Don’t make me bring Joe Biden to the party! You wouldn’t like Joe Biden when he’s angry!
But seriously that man was AMAZING. I’ve always felt the man had an amazing charm (and some handsomeness, don’t judge me) but when he started really going and his eyes were twinkling everyone in my family was on our feet yelling “Yeah!”
It is SO much better to hear from people who do actually SEE the progress we have made as a country. Of course things aren’t perfect, of course things need improvement but we are supposed to work together to bring that change. The amount of hate that came out this election cycle was disheartening but hearing from people who’ve been at the helm and fighting to improve things made me heart soar.
Donald Trump is such a fatalistic orange sh*t, he just wants people buying into his doomsday view of the world so they’re too scared to ask him questions.
I think we forget we are still the greatest country in the world. We have problems and cracks in our systems, but this is still the best place in the world to live and be free. Joe’s speech – I haven’t felt that patriotic since 911.
This is why I don’t understand the idea some people have that criticizing America is being anti-American. You criticize it because you love it and because you want it to the fulfill the potential it has to be an amazing country for all of its citizens.
Joe Biden was electrifying! Love him!
I cried. I wanted to hug Joe Biden. I dont think there was a more “real”, heartfelt speech. I lived in the States for almost 20 years (now back in Russia; side note – not evil), and listening to the speeches of the last 2 days at the convention, but especially Tim Kaine and Joe from last night, made me want to be an American VISCERALLY. More than in 2008, even. I’ve never been more proud of my second homeland. Growing up in the end-of-USSR/post-USSR Russia in the late 80s and early 90s, THIS is the country that was the ideal of everything that is great in the world.
Thanks for sharing Anna. They both were amazing!
@Anna, what a beautiful post. I was so moved by Joe Biden’s speech also, and feel Senator Kaine is a tremendous asset to Hillary..
AMAZING!! His comments were based on fact, optimism and love of his country.
and worded simply w/out all the hyperbole. Love his whole persona.
Malarkey!
My facebook page filled up with people posting that within minutes of him saying it.
Joe has given such great service to our country. I’m sure he isn’t done. I’m also sure that if Hillary wins, there will be a place for him in her administration.
That’s what I’m hoping for, but I hear he wants to retire. Please not yet Middle Class Joe. We still need you!
Bloomberg’s business POV was unique among politicians who spoke and powerfully effective. I loved his clean, precise and excoriating skewering of the crazy orange one. What a mind! And he’s could outbillionaire the orange “billionaire” any day of the week! Crushed him totally.
I agree, I thought his speech was really clear and precise on what Donald Trump is.
The ‘we’re Americans’ message mirrors a post my usually rabid Republican neighbor wrote.
He posted a very thoughtful personal observation about feeling kind of grumpy about the near-record heat as he walked into work. He encountered a very pleasant truck driver (a black gentleman) who walked and chatted with him. He realized the man was far from home, just trying to make a living, and was from an area with far hotter temperatures than we have. The driver’s uniform had a small flag on the sleeve. The neighbor said that he realized at that moment, we are all Americans, not separate subsets.
Seeing the neighbor’s post (which was out of character with the drivel he usually parrots) was reassuring. Maybe there is hope that people will ignore divisiveness and fear, and recognize what matters.
Loved his line regarding Trump “….someone who confuses bluster with strength.” Pure gold!
Some of my favorite quotes last night:
“That’s a bunch of malarkey” – That’s not speech writers, that’s Uncle Joe.
Michael Bloomberg:
“I’m from NY, I know a con man when I see one. ” – Clinton’s team should use this!
“He’s going to run America like his businesses? God, help us!” – And to think this comes from one of the most successful businessmen in our country!
Tim Kaine was surprisingly good too. I like how he inserted Spanish into his speech, “Hillary Clinton is lista!” Great night!
It was a wonderful night. I felt so inspired and hopeful and so proud to be a Democrat. We have had an embarrassment of riches at the Democratic convention this year and showing the heart and soul and intelligence of our party’s leaders and so many other inspiring speeches by members of the Democratic Party.
Then there was the gloom-and-doom RNC. They had Chachi and the ex-underwear male model and Cruz all anti-Trump, and Governor Christie and Melania with her plagiarized speech. Bawahahahahahahahahahaha. They couldn’t get anybody to show up in support of Trump.
I really don’t like sharing my political views because someone will bash and I’m trying to cut down on the number of times I tell someone to eff off, but I do have to state I would’ve voted for Biden in a heartbeat!! I’m still on the fence with Hillary… but I sure as hell will NOT vote for that maniac Trump! no effin’ way!!!!!