The world becomes kinder the more you’re rich. What a scary thing to become true. America and rest of the world are so absorbed in being rich no matter the cost. Your worth in the society is measured in the most part by how much you can make, not by your personalities and values. What an era we’re living in!
@@TrulyBS-QJ As someone that is chronically anxious, acting on the idea that I am going to be less "worthy of patience" because of my obliterated self-esteem (confidence) is pretty much a self-fulfilling path to social isolation. I'm an ND transwoman and trying to be confident in the world we live in is precisely the reason I have no confidence. I don't see why I should put it on myself to feign confidence in hopes that people will respect me. It's okay to need reassurance. If someone refuses to respect me because I lack social confidence, I don't see a reason to care about their respect; they've demonstrated to me that it is shallow and lacking perspective. I'm taking your simple statement at face value, correct me if I am wrong. Maybe you didn't mean "confidence" in the way I've interpreted.
“He had no substantive political ideology” *_gross_* God the faux-rational vacuous hole of liberalism is so scary. No, you don’t have NO opinions. And if you’re pushed to anger, your real opinions will show themselves.
I understand abuse cycles fine. It’s cool he loved his family. Good for him. Horrific things should not happen to anyone. Never stopped any fascist before- experiencing trauma and loving their families. Never.
“I don’t think the USA would be weaker if it lost a British colony” yeah, me either Joe 😂 “Devil’s advocate” (Lucifer is the first to demand equal rights vocal stim)
Being a native Delawarean gives such an interesting relationship with Joe Biden and his family. They are forever looming over the state. People either really like him or really hate him. My father was an engineer for a building Biden frequented and met him several times, yet he still became a staunch Trump supporter. And Delaware is 2/3 farms and 1/3 white collar industries and it feels like Biden only speaks about that 1/3. I myself have met him when he was still a senator, and his family house is about 10 minutes away yet I still don’t see him in a very positive light
Don't you thing not criticizng Republicans/ neo conservatives is the problem, Republicans are the worst and any bad aspect of democrats is only because of its association to Republicans. Why not make a case on how republican presidents were the worst politicians.
I’m from Delaware too and have had the privilege of meeting him before and this video just really changed that whole view of him. I really don’t know what to think now. When I met him he was the sweetest old man that took his time to shake everyone’s hand and connect with them. It sucks when you learn bad things about people you like.
Can we get more biographies of presidents? This was amazing, really gave insight into a deeply complicated person whos basically been turned into a meme at this point. Its easy to forget how everyone has a deeply personal journey that explains why they are who they are, especially when you disagree with what they represent
@@winterzealot Especially since I don't trust the media or history books to be this raw and honest about our kings we're supposed to revere and aspire to. Speaking truth to power is often a thankless but needed job. I too echo I'd like to see more presidential retrospectives.
i agree wholeheartedly. i think it's one of the best kinds of videos you could make in a situation like this second to good old investigative journalism.
Jesus, Elliot, this one kicked the shit out of me. Thank you for this masterpiece. I truly believe that, at the end of the day, a president is nothing more than a pawn. Yes, if this individual man made different momentary choices, things would have been different. But the system wouldn’t have let him become the president if he were the type to make those choices, or if he did, it would have course-corrected for any change he did make. Blaming individuals doesn’t change anything. We have to change systems. And we have to understand how systems work on individuals, and on their individual psychologies and needs (which are fundamentally VERY similar to our own), to know how to make that change. This video did a really great job at demonstrating that in the last section. Much love for your incredible work on this ❤️
you should also keep in mind that the systems of power aligned behind these individuals are the real source of power. it's never about that person, it's just about propping them up long enough to see the collective interests of the ruling class be prioritized until the vessel is spent and they go on to mythologize another figurehead to act as a lightning rod for revolutionary sentiment. it's distraction, which is why humanizing these figures is so important - it's easier to ignore them when you recognize how dull they are and how similar to them you are. and when we can ignore distraction effectively, we have a lot more energy for coherent organization.
You just said the President is a pawn of the system-the most powerful office in the west-can’t change the system. How the hell do you exactly propose people “change” the system that won’t let them change it? Did you forget how they crippled Bernie’s campaigns? Or co-opted AOC? Fuck changing the system. Destroy it.
also, if this election has shown me anything its that *we all need to get offline. the answers and change is not online. stop watching videos and start meeting people and building things. its our only chance.*
@@aieliannaif it’s because you live in the middle of nowhere/don’t have a license/don’t have a car/are underage/all of the above then yeah, online community is important. If you have any friends who can help transport you then maybe make plans together and find community groups to do work with. If that’s not an option then simply trying to continue being engaged online and make plans for when you’ll have more access to things. Work within your means the best you can (also if this question was not personal and just general then I guess this goes to whoever needs it)
@@aielianna immediate locale work, immediate neighbors, reach out to or begin a local groups and establish community transport like a small van/truck/minibus or something that seats at least 6-10, establish regular vists and routes to help people get places, like older folks or families, meetings or clubs where people go to those who can least travel, local penpals and in-person mail to foster tangible relationships outside the internet and also for those who may not yet have access, community/local gardens; especially basic crops like potatoes or carrots or herbs are great too, flowers are super important and beautifiying aswell.
@@aielianna immediate locale work, immediate neighbors, reach out to or begin local community transport like a small van/truck/minibus or something that seats at least 6-10, establish regular vists and routes to help people get places, like older folks or families, meetings or clubs where people go to those whom can least travel, local penpals and in-person mail to foster tangible relationships outside the internet and also for those who may not yet have access, community/local gardens; especially basic crops like potatoes or carrots or herbs are great too, flowers are super important and beautifiying aswell.
@@aielianna immediate locale/neighbors work, reach out to or begin local community transport like a small van/truck/minibus or something that seats at least 6-10 and then establish regular vists and routes to help people get places, like older folks or families, plan meetings or clubs at the homes of those who can least travel, local penpals and in-person mail to foster tangible relationships outside the internet and also for those who may not yet have access, community/local gardens.
@@elliotsangestevez this is a problem of your narrative. You criticized Dems, but not republicans. Why don't you make it a clear that republicans are the problem. Dems are bad because of closeness to republicans. Dems are not the problem, but republicans are yet you succesfully villanized one party over the other.
@@elliotsangestevez No matter how bad Biden is, he was "OBJECTIVELY" Better then trump. I am not sayin this in a good way, but you do understand a double biden presidency would have been better then the current option. Lesser of 2 evil is the "Logically" and "OBJECTIVELY" the better choice to make, Now go on and present a case why "REPUBLICANS" are the worst, beause they are the problem
Biden.mp4 was such a good title that it got me to switch video essays immediately with the notification. I quickly watch unusual titles from my favorite creators every time.
@@MattRandomnumber Because of partisan politics, I'm not convinced the 25th would ever be enacted. It would be political suicide for whatever party did that to their own President
Can't believe that the guy who bragged about having lunch with literal segregationists, using his power to fire the prosecutor going after his son, and yukked it up over putting a dead dog on his political adversary's doorstep had skeletons in his closet...
1:12:13 i've been calling this exact era of popular politics "ambien liberalism" because it's just like "shhhh shhh shh everything's going to be fine just go to sleep :)"
To be fair, you'd be lying if you said you wouldn't do that for your children when their crimes were nonviolent. Imagine your partner and the rest of your family knowing that you could've pardoned them and didn't.
@@loadishstone Still doesn't serve as an excuse. Whatever happened to accountability, especially when gloating for the whole time that he wasn't going to be pardoned. 🙄
2020 was my first time being able to participate in an election, I remember arguing with my new college roommate and having to defend Biden because I didn’t support trump. It was so frustrating and I hate that this is where we're at
You don't have to defend Biden because you're opposed to Trump. I don't think it undermines your argument to say you hate Biden because it's still true that Trump would be worse for almost everyone in the country.
@@silverandexact Oh absolutely, it just felt like a truly hollowing thing to admit openly, y'know? Like, no, I don’t even like this candidate, I’m swallowing charcoal to puke up poison, if that metaphor makes sense
Elliot, thank you for talking about this. We all know Biden is disappointing but I had no idea how deep and how far back his awful actions truly go. I hope this gets many more views.
I'll definitely be keeping this one in the back pocket to direct people to if they need convincing Dems aren't all that much better than the conservatives. I'm not proud to say it, but if we're being honest about our history I only hope Biden's future legacy will be honestly portrayed as a sh*tty one that did a lot of harm, and Biden himself not all that good of a dude. This vid, for better or for worse, did make it sink in for me that "lesser evil" really isn't much of a meaningful distinction between some of these people. It makes me wonder and question what skeletons Harris might have in her closet to climb to the position she's in, or any of the prospective future presidents since it truly can be any one of them being reprehensible souls the media won't highlight and history books won't yet admit.
@@gregvs.theworld451 as much as you mate despise the lesser of 2 evils, you have to accept it, Joe biden was objectively better then trump, its like saying biden was 90% evil and trump was 95%.My question to you if, wouldn't you have preferred biden over trump if given a choice between only these 2?
@@gregvs.theworld451 even if dems aren't better then conservatives, will you ever vote for republicans over democrats, if only a given a choice between the two
Want to know something funny? People who voted against Biden in 2020 were more than aware of his history. Your and others' inability to educate yourselves caused Biden to be elected, leading to 4 years of war, economic problems and tyranny. Even now, knowing how bad it was, you still won't admit that it was a mistake to vote for Biden.
This is such a well made video, I wanna send it to my Democratic Party fanatic mom now lol. She’s mad at people supporting Gaza for making Kamala lose and it’s like you have to stop viewing politics as your favorite sports team and recognize politicians as real people whose policies will impact the futures of people around the world.
Respectfully, throwing away a vote over Gaza but not abortion and general autonomy for women is just unwise for leftwing voters. Nevermind the many other things Project 2025 has planned
Im from the right wing but i feel y'all's pain, cable news has turned many of our booomer parents into drooling automata when it comes to politics, likely using flicker rate suggestibility manipulation, which as schizo as that sounds is something that the CIA has studied and found to be very effective….
Ugh nothing worse than a white woman than an Italian lmao Being you are here with us I’m glad but those two types are so harmful in America. Nasty nasty women Doing get mad you know it’s true
You know at a party's lowest point, that's the most power people the have over them because they're now at their level. We clearly don't need them anymore, they need us.
The Democrats will come back, albeit hopefully after major reform. My biggest worry is that they don't try to change at all and hope the Republicans screw up so bad they become the better option by default
@@thesenate1844 While I'm also hoping they do the former, there's been a depressing pattern of the Dems doing the latter. That was basically the strategy of both Biden and Harris, and already Dem political analysts are blaming wokeness for Harris' loss, as opposed to you know trying to court conservatives by being conservative light, actively not meaningfully addressing progressive issues like the ongoing genocide and trans rights, and advocating for extremely popular, bipartisan and working class policies like universal healthcare.
This was depressing af. Not because it's surprising because Biden has shown us who he is, just depressing that this is where we are. I appreciate you contextualizing his career without sacrificing his humanity. Recognizing that even though you've personally struggled and suffered unbearable loss you can still willfully do harm. Like so many politicians he likes money and power and he'll continue to prop up systems that maintain that for those in power. I think he also believes in white supremacy and patriarchy whether he's personally aware that he does. Too many people, especially as people get older, don't self reflect and examine their beliefs.
many senators have sob stories and do horrible things, we haven't unlearned the myth that pain teaches you good lessons, pain doesn't teaches you anything it just make you suffer and enter survival mode
This is a masterpiece and thank you for my trillionth reason for becoming a history teacher. I think that when we see historical figures for the flawed, idiotic, delusional idiots they really are can we finally, fucking finally see politics and history with clarity.
Doesn't matter if they're good or bad, the one commonality all these kinds of men share is something that happened to them when they were young that made their convictions so strong.
"Donald Trump is your drunk uncle racist, Joe Biden is the dean of your university racist" is such a perfect encapsulation. Definitely will be quoting this to neolibs in the near future
@@BKind-xu2ig It's not really calling him 'drunk', but I do see where you're coming from. It's more of an analogical comparison - Trump is more overtly racist, in the sense that he's like that trope of the one drunkard uncle almost everyone kind of avoids at parties since he's more or less quite bigoted and quite loud about it. In the same vein, Biden is implicitly racist, like one would see in the dean of a university - they don't want to be overtly racist like the uncle, since it would hurt their image, so they make their racism a little less 'out there'. Either way, it still hurts the people the racism (or other oppression) is directed towards. Not saying you don't understand this BKind-xu2ing, but it's an explanation for whoever needs it (includes me, it took me a minute to process that statement...). [edited for grammar and some other small things I forgot to add]
Well I guess we the disabled people should go out and make ourselves seen and heard. Ofc us visually and aurally impaired Americans will have a harder time doing those things, but we have to stand up for other disabled Americans who are stuck in wheelchairs. Put together, all of us disabled people have all the abilities. Oh yeah? What are we gonna lobby for btw? Isn’t the govt paying us for being disabled? They don’t even pay their favorite minority groups just for being minorities.
@@forsakenvoidz6828Real life begs to differ but I get why you’d think that since you never leave your room. Agoraphobia is no joke, I’m sorry you’re suffering this way.
@@chillyoil528 you have to admit his foreign policy was better than any other modern president. Which is saying so little that it might amount to nothing at all.
@@paulj.l.9696 “Congratulations! You cleared the bar by stepping over it, as it was 3 inches below the ground yet people keep tripping over it. Unfortunately, the bar is still located in Hell”
His rhetoric during his election was pretty clear I'm not sure why anyone without knowledge of his previous political escapades wouldn't assume he's pretty far left. It's like how people call trump right wing when he's about as right wing as bill Clinton.
16:41 Still at the beginning, but youve really done your research! I didn't know any of this stuff. Not surprised Biden registered as an independent at first. And as someone with ADHD, i was able to follow along with ease!
I wonder how many hours of research he put into this marathon video all because he wanted to make a "Biden time" pun. Glad to see someone still has principles.
Biden will probably go down in history as one of the most controversial Presidents. As this video perfectly highlighted Biden is an incredibly and unashamedly egotistical man. His run for President was a call to return to “normalcy” while living during a Presidency that was a call to completely reject the status quo. That was also his third time running and this time he had the shining veneer of being a) a white man and b) having been Obama’s VP. I am more than positive he knew that his nomination wasn’t going to excite anyone, but he also knew that he was the best chance they had of winning, and wanting to go down in history as President, for which he succeeded. And given the chance to dramatically change America after a once in a lifetime pandemic, to really aggressively push for the progressive policies Americans want. The venerated Senator, VP and political broker dithered or decried “stick to convention” when it came to any substantial piece of legislation that could’ve dramatically helped the working class that got him elected. He also very clearly hinted in 2020 that he would be a One-Term president, maybe not out loud but I am one who remembers it being clearly part of the 2020 campaign that he was a “bridge” candidate to the future of the party. But his pride won the day, and the darkness he oh so claimed he wanted to defeat is now going to get another 4 years at the helm and get even more sophisticated, and more established than ever before… He did some good things, Infrastructure Act, CHIPS, IRA, all good and you can’t deny those, but like any democrat all way too late and too little to remedy the challenges facing everyday Americans. He came in with the largest mandate of any single President in American history, at a pivotal turning point in American history and instead of securing his legacy will go down as someone who let pride triumph over preserving the soul of a nation he constantly said was his goal. Obviously the jury is still out, and time will tell, but when assessing the facts Biden had potential and he squandered it badly.
Yeah, I can agree with this. I wasn't enthusiastic about Biden but I was admittedly won over by Biden's domestic policy achievements. I knew very little about Biden's past, so I had nothing to go on other than the primary debates. His policies weren't revolutionary but they still felt like more than what other democratic presidents had accomplished in the last few decades. I still think that is true but that tells you the sorry state American politics has been in. When the government has either been at a stand still or actively making things worse for decades, incremental changes can suddenly feel like a big deal. Deep down I knew he was too old to run again but I was hoping he'd squeeze out the win because I wanted more of the same and I didn't trust anyone else as much to do it. To my knowledge, he was the only president to pass any significant legislation on Climate Change, so I was very happy when he managed to get the Inflation Reduction Act passed. The Infrastructure Act and the Chips Act positively effecting my own community and other things such as the student loan forgiveness further improved my views of him. I thought his response to the Israel-Hamas war would be a stain on an otherwise good presidents legacy. Much like how FDR is considered one of histories best presidents, yet he also authorized the atrocity that was Japanese Internment camps. But Biden running again was undeniably a choice that helped hand the presidency back to Trump. Not only did he simply delay a second Trump term, it will probably be worse than it would have been if Trump had won in 2020. Because now Trump is obsessed with revenge and retribution after losing the 2020 election and his sycophants have had 4 years to plan what their going to do differently this time. In his second term, Trump may erase all the good legislation Biden has passed, so it is questionable what the long lasting impact of his presidency will be. It's possible that if Biden had made the right choice and chosen to not run in 2024, Trump would have still won. But we will never know.
I liked this essay type video not because I wholeheartedly agree with every last point of this but because I think everyone could stand to listen to these points. Great work and I enjoyed taking the time to hear you out.
honestly, i get that he did that. he knows it's joever and he wants to at least protect his kid from what trump and his cronies might do to him. is it politically shitty? oh, yeah, of course. but do i get how he could do it and still look himself in the eye? i can.
@@giselle_kvm gosh, i have really bad news for you. as far as corruption in US politics goes, this is mild as hell. And as far as "how bad can it get" goes, this is literally nothing.
@@gabrielreyes2790It means he was ineffective as a public speaker, never believed in his own party unless it was shifting right, and someone not mentally fit to lead the country. He should've known better not to run but instead wanted to get the big promotion to stop those crazy young progressives!
I can't quite put into words just how much this video unexpectedly hit me, both as someone who generally supported Biden and as a meta commentary on how we should approach politics. At least with me, I feel you achieved the goal you set out on, as you stated at the end. The fact you could so scathingly critique on Biden, and yet emphasize his humanity, is so damn poignant and is what we should all strive to achieve in how we approach intellectual thought and debate with politics. Well done, thank you so much for making this vid.
Humanization of those we disagree with (even those we hate) is so important, because as you said, we have to remember that we're all capable of evil (and good).
As someone who has faced the cruelty of American anti immigration and disastrous foreign policies first hand, I see with my own two eyes the slowly impending future where me or my family are harmed by the fascistic policies America continues to dole it. This situation petrifies me in a fear so deep I am unable to find a way out. I know I must keep going, and I must continue to find a way to help those who are suffering now or will suffer later. But the worst part about fascism and fascistic leaders is how they obscure the way for people who want to help to find a way to help. It's impossible to know how to affect change in a meaningful way with the sheer amount of propaganda floating about. The evil perpetrated by individuals like Biden perpetuates and reverberates across generations and further obscures truth and justice.
Both parties are owned by corporate lobbyists in Congress and international/domestic oligarchs. The moment federal bribery became legalized was the moment the US government started answering to their donor's wishes, hence why the subtle dehumanization of and consistent gaslighting toward the working class. The White House serves to maintain the mere illusion of "democracy".
1:52:30 This. I actually paused this video multiple times, ruminating on this one point, and I’m so glad to hear it spoken on. I despise more than anything the way politics have become a religion. As is being said here, the “good v. evil” mindset, but additionally in the way that politics have become something to believe in. “This person objectively did xyz, but I don’t believe that,” “researchers studying government and society have said xyz, but my guy says otherwise, and I believe him over everything.” I hate the way that facts and reality have become something you can “opt out” of. Everything is lies and conspiracy, and that going for people on any side of the spectrum. It feels impossible to move forward from sometimes, because how can you try to educate anyone who already doesn’t believe a word you say
Maybe in another decade, people will finally realize that the modern environmentalist movement killed nuclear power. If it weren't for the anti science "environmentalists", we probably would have been carbon neutral by now in the USA. It's horrifically and tragically ironic that the Democrat party has gotten away with suppressing the greenest energy generation tech there is just because enough people on TV ignored the scientists (while proudly proclaiming themselves to be pro-science, of course). I grew up in Seattle with people telling me I was an evil schill for big oil Koch brothers (how has everyone forgotten about the Koch brothers) for pointing out how safe nuclear power is.
Maybe in another decade, people will finally realize that the modern environmentalist movement killed nuclear power. If it weren't for the anti science "environmentalists", we probably would have been carbon neutral by now in the USA. It's horrifically and tragically ironic that the Democrat party has gotten away with suppressing the greenest energy generation tech there is just because enough people on TV ignored the scientists (while proudly proclaiming themselves to be pro-science, of course).
I'm glad that you said that the term middle class has multiple definitions. I've met so many people on Twitter and irl who combative or mocking when I mention that the definition of middle class is someone who owns a sedan(older, but not old) and not a Benz and who has nice things but, they're nice things bought at Target.
As someone buying the "lesser evil" line voting for Biden in 2020, I feel like a jackass. Do we not have anyone in our political offices who isn't a total scumsucker?
@@kylezo It's not solely what I do, I'm trying to make an asserted push to be more involved in local politics. Still, voting isn't hard and on a local level can actually hold a chance of voting in people who I feel represent me and my communities, and on the federal level at least can buy us time to have better odds of abolishing the two party system by voting in the easier enemy and not ceding leadership to a outspoken and proud f@scist.
@@aceous99 Yeah, lately I've been realizing that too, but this video just really hit me with it like a ton of bricks. Like technically yes Biden is better than Trump but he doesn't represent me and god isn't he also a piece of s*it.
As someone with adhd and a non existent attention span, I sat through this entire video on normal speed without losing my train of thought once. This was an excellent video, and it truly changed my views on the concept of lesser of two evils and electoral politics overall. Keep up the good work!
I don’t comment on a lot of stuff, but this video was incredibly written and put together. Your way of delivering information in a very straightforward, but not demeaning way is very engaging. Also the way you give room between information and let it breathe is very refreshing
the empathy you show biden at the end is surprising and gratifying, our humanity is all we have and we shouldnt take it away from others. i didnt know much of these things and will probably need to rewatch a few times to fully digest it. thank you for all the hard work you put in! the ending was great.
This was a great thorough video essay, and even though I love Frontline documentaries, it's so interesting to see a real deep dive into Joe Biden's legacy as Elliot put together here, rather than the puff pieces Frontline worked on, the first one being "President Biden" released in January 2021 and then "Biden's Decision" released in August 2024. Frontline is usually unbiased, but when you watch Elliot's breakdown vs the Frontline docs, you'll see there is clear difference on what was included vs. what was left out. Kudos to Elliot for not sugar coating Biden's legacy.
Hey Elliot, just wanted to say this is an incredibly detailed video, well produced and thouroughly sourced. SUperb job from you as always ! Hope you're doing well
I believe it can. It's easy to have good intentions stay good alongside what means you use when you have little to no power. But when you do have power....well. It's easy to convince yourself (especially when others in power pressure you to do so as well) that a lot of those new means, even the bad ones, can be justified if the ends are "good". Nobody is exempt from this temptation.
@Off-HandedBarrel Sorry but that's not quite what I meant. Im saying ANYONE who ends up with power will feel the temptation, regardless of moral fiber. That's the potential corruption I'm talking about. I don't believe that anyone is exempted from feeling tempted, even if you're good. Sorry for not being clearer before.
Absolutely incredible work. Thorough research and well organized - something that’s becoming rarer in the absolute glut of video essays we find ourselves in these days. Real skill on display.
I still laugh every time I see that video of Biden introducing Zolensky as Putin. His timing between those words and the realization is like an old-school slapstick comedy. It's like he was a master comedian, so knowing that it's 100 percent real makes it even funnier. His wide eyes as he realizes... Too funny.
Dang it, Harris should’ve used that “Pokémon go to the polls” line
Hawk Tuah the polls
"we hope you'll be Among Us, on election day"
@@ctsamurai"Don't be a sussy baka who forgets to vote!"
@@MK_ULTRA420 No it's 2024, she would've been like
"Let's go skibidi gyatt rizzler ohio to the polls"
Walk tuah polling booth and vote on that thang
It truly is joever now
it was joever since the bidening 🎻
@@azliaheaventhis makes me want to cry but I don't know if it would be from sadness or amusement
Nah, I’d Win
here's how biden can still win:
Im giving it another year or so before its actually joever...
I think the JFK comparison is pretty accurate, in that he’s an Irish-Catholic who left office with an irreparably damaged brain
God-DAMN!
Shots fired! Oh wait... 😬
The world becomes kinder the more you’re rich. What a scary thing to become true. America and rest of the world are so absorbed in being rich no matter the cost. Your worth in the society is measured in the most part by how much you can make, not by your personalities and values. What an era we’re living in!
A 100 percent.
Your worthiness of respect and companionship and patience is measured by your confidence.
@@TrulyBS-QJ As someone that is chronically anxious, acting on the idea that I am going to be less "worthy of patience" because of my obliterated self-esteem (confidence) is pretty much a self-fulfilling path to social isolation. I'm an ND transwoman and trying to be confident in the world we live in is precisely the reason I have no confidence. I don't see why I should put it on myself to feign confidence in hopes that people will respect me. It's okay to need reassurance. If someone refuses to respect me because I lack social confidence, I don't see a reason to care about their respect; they've demonstrated to me that it is shallow and lacking perspective.
I'm taking your simple statement at face value, correct me if I am wrong. Maybe you didn't mean "confidence" in the way I've interpreted.
@@FaryaWolyo_ I agree with you.
no one asked
With deep sorrow and disgust, let’s fucking gooooo
@@Lucifersfursona so real of you
“He had no substantive political ideology” *_gross_*
God the faux-rational vacuous hole of liberalism is so scary. No, you don’t have NO opinions. And if you’re pushed to anger, your real opinions will show themselves.
I understand abuse cycles fine. It’s cool he loved his family. Good for him. Horrific things should not happen to anyone.
Never stopped any fascist before- experiencing trauma and loving their families. Never.
“I don’t think the USA would be weaker if it lost a British colony” yeah, me either Joe 😂
“Devil’s advocate” (Lucifer is the first to demand equal rights vocal stim)
Well said
Listen here Jack! I appreciate the opportunity to do a voice over and I’m watching now with leftovers
left hand path pfp 🤘
holy moly 2 hours of elliot
Ro in the wild!
it is incredible how every new talented youtuber i find has Ro in the comments
Too bad he’s up here selling us vape juice though, wtf 😢
Elliot, and Brandon.
as someone who downloads yt videos to watch, I thank you for ensuring that yt-dlp names the file "Biden.mp4.mp4"
You should get JDownloader2, it's much better - broader, has a queue, etc.
based
Biden.mp4.mp4.avi.stats.avi
Can you share that so that I can download Biden.mp4.mp4.mp4?
Being a native Delawarean gives such an interesting relationship with Joe Biden and his family. They are forever looming over the state. People either really like him or really hate him. My father was an engineer for a building Biden frequented and met him several times, yet he still became a staunch Trump supporter. And Delaware is 2/3 farms and 1/3 white collar industries and it feels like Biden only speaks about that 1/3.
I myself have met him when he was still a senator, and his family house is about 10 minutes away yet I still don’t see him in a very positive light
Don't you thing not criticizng Republicans/ neo conservatives is the problem, Republicans are the worst and any bad aspect of democrats is only because of its association to Republicans. Why not make a case on how republican presidents were the worst politicians.
I’m from Delaware too and have had the privilege of meeting him before and this video just really changed that whole view of him. I really don’t know what to think now. When I met him he was the sweetest old man that took his time to shake everyone’s hand and connect with them. It sucks when you learn bad things about people you like.
I think Delaware is the floating plié of trash.
He was supposed to act with America's best interest in mind. He is a disgrace to America.
@emerington people aren't a monolith a person is filled with contradictions
Can we get more biographies of presidents? This was amazing, really gave insight into a deeply complicated person whos basically been turned into a meme at this point. Its easy to forget how everyone has a deeply personal journey that explains why they are who they are, especially when you disagree with what they represent
Yes, seconded, I'd love to see more videos like this from Elliot! The insight is so interesting to learn and so useful for considering the future.
@@winterzealot Especially since I don't trust the media or history books to be this raw and honest about our kings we're supposed to revere and aspire to. Speaking truth to power is often a thankless but needed job. I too echo I'd like to see more presidential retrospectives.
i agree wholeheartedly. i think it's one of the best kinds of videos you could make in a situation like this second to good old investigative journalism.
Can we get more biographies of presidents, as I am A Child That Was Left Behind
I agree!!!
Jesus, Elliot, this one kicked the shit out of me. Thank you for this masterpiece.
I truly believe that, at the end of the day, a president is nothing more than a pawn. Yes, if this individual man made different momentary choices, things would have been different. But the system wouldn’t have let him become the president if he were the type to make those choices, or if he did, it would have course-corrected for any change he did make.
Blaming individuals doesn’t change anything. We have to change systems. And we have to understand how systems work on individuals, and on their individual psychologies and needs (which are fundamentally VERY similar to our own), to know how to make that change. This video did a really great job at demonstrating that in the last section. Much love for your incredible work on this ❤️
you should also keep in mind that the systems of power aligned behind these individuals are the real source of power. it's never about that person, it's just about propping them up long enough to see the collective interests of the ruling class be prioritized until the vessel is spent and they go on to mythologize another figurehead to act as a lightning rod for revolutionary sentiment. it's distraction, which is why humanizing these figures is so important - it's easier to ignore them when you recognize how dull they are and how similar to them you are. and when we can ignore distraction effectively, we have a lot more energy for coherent organization.
He still chose to do what it took to be chosen and frankly he doesn't seem to have struggled much to do these things.
You only believe this because you supported the parry of wealthy elite corporatists. Every one of their candidates is a pawn
You just said the President is a pawn of the system-the most powerful office in the west-can’t change the system.
How the hell do you exactly propose people “change” the system that won’t let them change it? Did you forget how they crippled Bernie’s campaigns? Or co-opted AOC?
Fuck changing the system. Destroy it.
@@marie-laure.You don’t know his struggle.
Here from FD Signifier's endorsement
UPDATE: Biden really capped off this disgraceful career with a pardon for Hunter Biden. As if he wasn't damned enough
Yikes! Broken clock, I guess.
same!
FD endorsed dude well I'm outta here
@@Kryptiq144 good choice
also, if this election has shown me anything its that *we all need to get offline. the answers and change is not online. stop watching videos and start meeting people and building things. its our only chance.*
do you have any advice for people with no transportation?
@@aieliannaif it’s because you live in the middle of nowhere/don’t have a license/don’t have a car/are underage/all of the above then yeah, online community is important. If you have any friends who can help transport you then maybe make plans together and find community groups to do work with. If that’s not an option then simply trying to continue being engaged online and make plans for when you’ll have more access to things. Work within your means the best you can (also if this question was not personal and just general then I guess this goes to whoever needs it)
@@aielianna immediate locale work, immediate neighbors, reach out to or begin a local groups and establish community transport like a small van/truck/minibus or something that seats at least 6-10, establish regular vists and routes to help people get places, like older folks or families, meetings or clubs where people go to those who can least travel, local penpals and in-person mail to foster tangible relationships outside the internet and also for those who may not yet have access, community/local gardens; especially basic crops like potatoes or carrots or herbs are great too, flowers are super important and beautifiying aswell.
@@aielianna immediate locale work, immediate neighbors, reach out to or begin local community transport like a small van/truck/minibus or something that seats at least 6-10, establish regular vists and routes to help people get places, like older folks or families, meetings or clubs where people go to those whom can least travel, local penpals and in-person mail to foster tangible relationships outside the internet and also for those who may not yet have access, community/local gardens; especially basic crops like potatoes or carrots or herbs are great too, flowers are super important and beautifiying aswell.
@@aielianna immediate locale/neighbors work,
reach out to or begin local community transport like a small van/truck/minibus or something that seats at least 6-10 and then establish regular vists and routes to help people get places, like older folks or families,
plan meetings or clubs at the homes of those who can least travel,
local penpals and in-person mail to foster tangible relationships outside the internet and also for those who may not yet have access,
community/local gardens.
sitting down for this feature length film 🍿
p.s. thanks for letting me act in this masterpiece ❤
thanks for being a part of it :)
@@elliotsangestevez this is a problem of your narrative. You criticized Dems, but not republicans. Why don't you make it a clear that republicans are the problem. Dems are bad because of closeness to republicans. Dems are not the problem, but republicans are yet you succesfully villanized one party over the other.
@@elliotsangestevez No matter how bad Biden is, he was "OBJECTIVELY" Better then trump. I am not sayin this in a good way, but you do understand a double biden presidency would have been better then the current option. Lesser of 2 evil is the "Logically" and "OBJECTIVELY" the better choice to make, Now go on and present a case why "REPUBLICANS" are the worst, beause they are the problem
The way the title of the video feels like an important file in a movie about a whistleblower and an apathetic investigative journalist.
What was the OG title?
Biden.mp4 was such a good title that it got me to switch video essays immediately with the notification. I quickly watch unusual titles from my favorite creators every time.
Get on it Adam McKay!
What was the original?
it's still Biden.mp4 what are y'all talking about
I appreciate how much research you out into this video among the other ones you produce
Their history of tea video seems to me like an unparalleled level of research.
The fact that he wasn't immediately 25th amendment'ed after that debate is proof that there is no justice in the world.
@@MattRandomnumber Because of partisan politics, I'm not convinced the 25th would ever be enacted. It would be political suicide for whatever party did that to their own President
His own cabinet who liked him, didn’t turn on him?
Can't believe that the guy who bragged about having lunch with literal segregationists, using his power to fire the prosecutor going after his son, and yukked it up over putting a dead dog on his political adversary's doorstep had skeletons in his closet...
What!!! That's the good parts about Biden!
1:12:13
i've been calling this exact era of popular politics "ambien liberalism" because it's just like "shhhh shhh shh everything's going to be fine just go to sleep :)"
Even with this dissertation of a video (which was masterfully done), Biden will really only be remembered for one thing: Handing power back to Trump.
that if he doesn't have a stroke or forgets about it on January
On a silver platter
I'd say he's memorable for 3 things.
Destroying the country
Starting new wars
Being so incompetent that he helped elect his opposition.
And the Genocide of Gaza.
@@oscott9233that will be Trump’s legacy
This is how I find out I share a birthday with biden
Belated happy birthday
Happy Belated Bidenday :) Maybe you can perform a Biden Blast?
@@toadbat7 thank you!
@@Ultravenom1 I would be consumed by the overwhelming power of the biden blast
Happy belated birthday!
"Keepen them pregnant untill they have a lil girl"?!
God that's just a creepy line
Agreed, it made my skin crawl.
lol... were you surprised though? 😅😅😅
@archanegene not in the slightest
He’s creepy joe.
fr..
right after this he pardons hunter biden.
He's disgustingly corrupt
To be fair, you'd be lying if you said you wouldn't do that for your children when their crimes were nonviolent. Imagine your partner and the rest of your family knowing that you could've pardoned them and didn't.
As he should
@@spaghettimkay5795 What president after Jimmy Carter wasn't?
@@loadishstone Still doesn't serve as an excuse. Whatever happened to accountability, especially when gloating for the whole time that he wasn't going to be pardoned. 🙄
i'm about 3/4ths into the video and what an amazing essay. like you've outdone yourself
Agreed! But holy shit I gave up on the democratic party but I didn't know Joe Biden racism and controversy's went this deep
Aaaaand Biden pardoned his son
2020 was my first time being able to participate in an election, I remember arguing with my new college roommate and having to defend Biden because I didn’t support trump. It was so frustrating and I hate that this is where we're at
You don't have to defend Biden because you're opposed to Trump. I don't think it undermines your argument to say you hate Biden because it's still true that Trump would be worse for almost everyone in the country.
And this is why we need more then two parties and ranked choice voting.
@@silverandexact
Oh absolutely, it just felt like a truly hollowing thing to admit openly, y'know? Like, no, I don’t even like this candidate, I’m swallowing charcoal to puke up poison, if that metaphor makes sense
You got your border crisis. Are you happy now?
Your decision to allow yourself to be brainwashed caused 4 years of war, tyranny and economic crisis.
All because you didn't like orange man?
What has been his purpose in life other than to maintain power?
What has Daddy Trump done
Ego and “legacy”
@@gabrielreyes2790 A lot worse, and Biden just helped him get reelected. What does that tell you?
@@gabrielreyes2790did you watch the video before you left this comment
Blue MAGA strikes again.
Know you're not a serious person @@gabrielreyes2790.
young biden kinda looks like saul goodman
He really does holy shit. Of course now he looks more like Chuck McGill
He is an embodiment of Saul Goodman.
@@freshnewcungaderoOr fucked up howard.
@@breadeater5187 His hairline has been clinging on for dear life since the 1970s
@@thesenate1844he’s had many hair transplants over the years. It’s an artificial hairline
1:36 Little precision Macron and Mitterrand are two French presidents not prime ministers.
Elliot, thank you for talking about this. We all know Biden is disappointing but I had no idea how deep and how far back his awful actions truly go. I hope this gets many more views.
I'll definitely be keeping this one in the back pocket to direct people to if they need convincing Dems aren't all that much better than the conservatives. I'm not proud to say it, but if we're being honest about our history I only hope Biden's future legacy will be honestly portrayed as a sh*tty one that did a lot of harm, and Biden himself not all that good of a dude. This vid, for better or for worse, did make it sink in for me that "lesser evil" really isn't much of a meaningful distinction between some of these people. It makes me wonder and question what skeletons Harris might have in her closet to climb to the position she's in, or any of the prospective future presidents since it truly can be any one of them being reprehensible souls the media won't highlight and history books won't yet admit.
@@gregvs.theworld451 as much as you mate despise the lesser of 2 evils, you have to accept it, Joe biden was objectively better then trump, its like saying biden was 90% evil and trump was 95%.My question to you if, wouldn't you have preferred biden over trump if given a choice between only these 2?
@@gregvs.theworld451 even if dems aren't better then conservatives, will you ever vote for republicans over democrats, if only a given a choice between the two
@@gregvs.theworld451 Wouldn't it be better if democrats won all the time, then republicans, or if another liberal party replaced republicans
Want to know something funny? People who voted against Biden in 2020 were more than aware of his history.
Your and others' inability to educate yourselves caused Biden to be elected, leading to 4 years of war, economic problems and tyranny.
Even now, knowing how bad it was, you still won't admit that it was a mistake to vote for Biden.
This is such a well made video, I wanna send it to my Democratic Party fanatic mom now lol. She’s mad at people supporting Gaza for making Kamala lose and it’s like you have to stop viewing politics as your favorite sports team and recognize politicians as real people whose policies will impact the futures of people around the world.
Respectfully, throwing away a vote over Gaza but not abortion and general autonomy for women is just unwise for leftwing voters. Nevermind the many other things Project 2025 has planned
Too many of our moms watch MSNBC...
Im from the right wing but i feel y'all's pain, cable news has turned many of our booomer parents into drooling automata when it comes to politics, likely using flicker rate suggestibility manipulation, which as schizo as that sounds is something that the CIA has studied and found to be very effective….
@ Mine used to but quit after the Morning Joe hosts met Trump at Mar-A-Lago. She reads Ground News now, nature is healing
subtle_foreshadowing.mp4
Lol.
"Foreshadowing is a literary device in whi-"
I can’t believe these people get away with everything. It’s disgusting. 🤮
The politicians aren't going to save us, guys. We've got to start putting together strategies to look after each other.
Your wrong and are promoting right wing agenda to make people not vote😅
Unironically what republicans want lmao 😂
@rakkhat195
I mean, "strategies" includes unionizing. . . .
@@rakkhat195 republicans are corporate sponsored puppets - are you naive to think republicans are on the side of workers?
@@eyesofthecervino3366that would require you lot to actually talk to the working class
Me (an Italian woman) watching a 2 hour video on Joe Biden 😂.
Ugh nothing worse than a white woman than an Italian lmao
Being you are here with us I’m glad but those two types are so harmful in America.
Nasty nasty women
Doing get mad you know it’s true
You should try to get Elliot to do a video like this on Silvio Berlusconi. That would be a wild ride
Me (an Indian man) doing the same
Me (an Indian man) doing the same
Me a man in the UK watching this
You know at a party's lowest point, that's the most power people the have over them because they're now at their level. We clearly don't need them anymore, they need us.
They clearly don’t want us. They want whoever the hell is swayed by a Dick Cheney endorsement.
it really doesnt matter who wins... we always lose.
@@aceous99 I have to believe we can create new systems that allow us to have leaders who represent us, otherwise what's the point?
The Democrats will come back, albeit hopefully after major reform. My biggest worry is that they don't try to change at all and hope the Republicans screw up so bad they become the better option by default
@@thesenate1844 While I'm also hoping they do the former, there's been a depressing pattern of the Dems doing the latter. That was basically the strategy of both Biden and Harris, and already Dem political analysts are blaming wokeness for Harris' loss, as opposed to you know trying to court conservatives by being conservative light, actively not meaningfully addressing progressive issues like the ongoing genocide and trans rights, and advocating for extremely popular, bipartisan and working class policies like universal healthcare.
The quote at 1:09:25 is literally spine-chilling. What moral person sees all of these things as a vision of a more hopeful future? Demonic energy.
for me ..its one of the best political documentaries i have seen till now ....amazing insights..loved the epilogue specially !! :)
This was depressing af. Not because it's surprising because Biden has shown us who he is, just depressing that this is where we are.
I appreciate you contextualizing his career without sacrificing his humanity. Recognizing that even though you've personally struggled and suffered unbearable loss you can still willfully do harm. Like so many politicians he likes money and power and he'll continue to prop up systems that maintain that for those in power.
I think he also believes in white supremacy and patriarchy whether he's personally aware that he does. Too many people, especially as people get older, don't self reflect and examine their beliefs.
many senators have sob stories and do horrible things, we haven't unlearned the myth that pain teaches you good lessons, pain doesn't teaches you anything it just make you suffer and enter survival mode
You think he believes in white supremacy and the patriarchy? That's quite the accusation...
@@MK_ULTRA420 hes propping up Israel which is a white supremacist ethnostate that is actively committing genocide so yes he believes that
@@MK_ULTRA420 I don't know what's going on in his brain (if anything) I know what he's done. He supports both very clearly.
@@MK_ULTRA420Not really
This is a masterpiece and thank you for my trillionth reason for becoming a history teacher. I think that when we see historical figures for the flawed, idiotic, delusional idiots they really are can we finally, fucking finally see politics and history with clarity.
Doesn't matter if they're good or bad, the one commonality all these kinds of men share is something that happened to them when they were young that made their convictions so strong.
"Donald Trump is your drunk uncle racist, Joe Biden is the dean of your university racist" is such a perfect encapsulation. Definitely will be quoting this to neolibs in the near future
Calling Trump "drunk" would be wrong since he does not drink alcohol.
@@BKind-xu2ig It's not really calling him 'drunk', but I do see where you're coming from. It's more of an analogical comparison - Trump is more overtly racist, in the sense that he's like that trope of the one drunkard uncle almost everyone kind of avoids at parties since he's more or less quite bigoted and quite loud about it. In the same vein, Biden is implicitly racist, like one would see in the dean of a university - they don't want to be overtly racist like the uncle, since it would hurt their image, so they make their racism a little less 'out there'. Either way, it still hurts the people the racism (or other oppression) is directed towards.
Not saying you don't understand this BKind-xu2ing, but it's an explanation for whoever needs it (includes me, it took me a minute to process that statement...).
[edited for grammar and some other small things I forgot to add]
Thank you for actually mentioning disabled people as a marginalized group. So many folks forget us even in their activism
Well I guess we the disabled people should go out and make ourselves seen and heard. Ofc us visually and aurally impaired Americans will have a harder time doing those things, but we have to stand up for other disabled Americans who are stuck in wheelchairs. Put together, all of us disabled people have all the abilities. Oh yeah? What are we gonna lobby for btw? Isn’t the govt paying us for being disabled? They don’t even pay their favorite minority groups just for being minorities.
@@forsakenvoidz6828bro doesn’t believe in disabilities 😭😭
You're not much of anything @@forsakenvoidz6828.
"Void" is an apt description of your personality.
@@forsakenvoidz6828Get a damn grip.
@@forsakenvoidz6828Real life begs to differ but I get why you’d think that since you never leave your room. Agoraphobia is no joke, I’m sorry you’re suffering this way.
I truly respect Jimmy Carter, for being one of the only presidents willing to say no to Israel
He still assisted the murderous Suharto regime in Indonesia and in general didn't fully push the brakes on American imperialism
@@chillyoil528 you have to admit his foreign policy was better than any other modern president. Which is saying so little that it might amount to nothing at all.
@@paulj.l.9696William Henry Harrison was the best President by far. He wasn't in office long enough to do anything
@@paulj.l.9696
“Congratulations! You cleared the bar by stepping over it, as it was 3 inches below the ground yet people keep tripping over it.
Unfortunately, the bar is still located in Hell”
Lmao he's why Iran is in such a state right now but okay
This video is exactly why I find it hilarious when right wingers call Biden a “socialist” or “communist”
don't expect much knowledge from right wingers. they are dumb as a rock.
His rhetoric during his election was pretty clear I'm not sure why anyone without knowledge of his previous political escapades wouldn't assume he's pretty far left.
It's like how people call trump right wing when he's about as right wing as bill Clinton.
True but he definitely is just as corrupt as one
16:41 Still at the beginning, but youve really done your research! I didn't know any of this stuff. Not surprised Biden registered as an independent at first. And as someone with ADHD, i was able to follow along with ease!
TWO HOURS.
I wonder how many hours of research he put into this marathon video all because he wanted to make a "Biden time" pun. Glad to see someone still has principles.
I thought this was a Biden mixtape 😭😭
Biden will probably go down in history as one of the most controversial Presidents. As this video perfectly highlighted Biden is an incredibly and unashamedly egotistical man. His run for President was a call to return to “normalcy” while living during a Presidency that was a call to completely reject the status quo.
That was also his third time running and this time he had the shining veneer of being a) a white man and b) having been Obama’s VP. I am more than positive he knew that his nomination wasn’t going to excite anyone, but he also knew that he was the best chance they had of winning, and wanting to go down in history as President, for which he succeeded. And given the chance to dramatically change America after a once in a lifetime pandemic, to really aggressively push for the progressive policies Americans want. The venerated Senator, VP and political broker dithered or decried “stick to convention” when it came to any substantial piece of legislation that could’ve dramatically helped the working class that got him elected.
He also very clearly hinted in 2020 that he would be a One-Term president, maybe not out loud but I am one who remembers it being clearly part of the 2020 campaign that he was a “bridge” candidate to the future of the party. But his pride won the day, and the darkness he oh so claimed he wanted to defeat is now going to get another 4 years at the helm and get even more sophisticated, and more established than ever before…
He did some good things, Infrastructure Act, CHIPS, IRA, all good and you can’t deny those, but like any democrat all way too late and too little to remedy the challenges facing everyday Americans. He came in with the largest mandate of any single President in American history, at a pivotal turning point in American history and instead of securing his legacy will go down as someone who let pride triumph over preserving the soul of a nation he constantly said was his goal. Obviously the jury is still out, and time will tell, but when assessing the facts Biden had potential and he squandered it badly.
Yeah, I can agree with this. I wasn't enthusiastic about Biden but I was admittedly won over by Biden's domestic policy achievements. I knew very little about Biden's past, so I had nothing to go on other than the primary debates. His policies weren't revolutionary but they still felt like more than what other democratic presidents had accomplished in the last few decades. I still think that is true but that tells you the sorry state American politics has been in. When the government has either been at a stand still or actively making things worse for decades, incremental changes can suddenly feel like a big deal. Deep down I knew he was too old to run again but I was hoping he'd squeeze out the win because I wanted more of the same and I didn't trust anyone else as much to do it. To my knowledge, he was the only president to pass any significant legislation on Climate Change, so I was very happy when he managed to get the Inflation Reduction Act passed. The Infrastructure Act and the Chips Act positively effecting my own community and other things such as the student loan forgiveness further improved my views of him. I thought his response to the Israel-Hamas war would be a stain on an otherwise good presidents legacy. Much like how FDR is considered one of histories best presidents, yet he also authorized the atrocity that was Japanese Internment camps.
But Biden running again was undeniably a choice that helped hand the presidency back to Trump. Not only did he simply delay a second Trump term, it will probably be worse than it would have been if Trump had won in 2020. Because now Trump is obsessed with revenge and retribution after losing the 2020 election and his sycophants have had 4 years to plan what their going to do differently this time. In his second term, Trump may erase all the good legislation Biden has passed, so it is questionable what the long lasting impact of his presidency will be. It's possible that if Biden had made the right choice and chosen to not run in 2024, Trump would have still won. But we will never know.
1:32 Calling Macron prime minister while you speak about Biden's misspeaks is powerful
I don't know if he did it on purpose but I did pause at that too😭
No one cares
yeah that's my bad. sincerest apologies to mes amis français
Not that powerful, minor speech error.
I liked this essay type video not because I wholeheartedly agree with every last point of this but because I think everyone could stand to listen to these points. Great work and I enjoyed taking the time to hear you out.
and people wondered why i was against biden for years. this is why. this video literally covers all my issues with him.
I finished watching this and then saw that he pardoned his son on Reddit
Maybe he should have held off on this video, there's still time for more corruption.
honestly, i get that he did that. he knows it's joever and he wants to at least protect his kid from what trump and his cronies might do to him. is it politically shitty? oh, yeah, of course. but do i get how he could do it and still look himself in the eye? i can.
@@pantalaemon It's corruption 😒
@@pantalaemonexactly. We are beyond right and wrong at this point. This is about survival. Have to pick a side now.
@@giselle_kvm gosh, i have really bad news for you. as far as corruption in US politics goes, this is mild as hell. And as far as "how bad can it get" goes, this is literally nothing.
This explains so much about Kamala Harris' campaign lmao
It's going to be an interesting realization for some, not many, and a hard life of denial for most. I don't like being in the "cool zone"
“We finally beat medicare”
-Joe Biden
May his legacy never be rehabilitated
What does this mean
@@gabrielreyes2790It means he was ineffective as a public speaker, never believed in his own party unless it was shifting right, and someone not mentally fit to lead the country. He should've known better not to run but instead wanted to get the big promotion to stop those crazy young progressives!
@@gabrielreyes2790It means he was a terrible person, senator, president, and is going to hell.
God doesn't like two-faced power hungry hypocrites.
History will vindicate him
You're not capable of understanding @gabrielreyes2790 .
You'd need a braincell count greater than 2.
I can't quite put into words just how much this video unexpectedly hit me, both as someone who generally supported Biden and as a meta commentary on how we should approach politics. At least with me, I feel you achieved the goal you set out on, as you stated at the end. The fact you could so scathingly critique on Biden, and yet emphasize his humanity, is so damn poignant and is what we should all strive to achieve in how we approach intellectual thought and debate with politics.
Well done, thank you so much for making this vid.
Humanization of those we disagree with (even those we hate) is so important, because as you said, we have to remember that we're all capable of evil (and good).
I stopped everything and ran here immediately for this
As someone who has faced the cruelty of American anti immigration and disastrous foreign policies first hand, I see with my own two eyes the slowly impending future where me or my family are harmed by the fascistic policies America continues to dole it. This situation petrifies me in a fear so deep I am unable to find a way out. I know I must keep going, and I must continue to find a way to help those who are suffering now or will suffer later. But the worst part about fascism and fascistic leaders is how they obscure the way for people who want to help to find a way to help. It's impossible to know how to affect change in a meaningful way with the sheer amount of propaganda floating about. The evil perpetrated by individuals like Biden perpetuates and reverberates across generations and further obscures truth and justice.
2:38 I would hardly call the Democrats "left of center" anymore.
Never were
They virtue signal ALL the way to the left, while keeping one foot on the middle and the other kinda tapping off to the right.
Gore Vidal already said - many years ago - that the US has one party with two right wings.
Both parties are owned by corporate lobbyists in Congress and international/domestic oligarchs. The moment federal bribery became legalized was the moment the US government started answering to their donor's wishes, hence why the subtle dehumanization of and consistent gaslighting toward the working class. The White House serves to maintain the mere illusion of "democracy".
I would argue that they have never been left of center. Center at best, but I have never seen them favor more social ideas than capital ideas.
1:52:30 This. I actually paused this video multiple times, ruminating on this one point, and I’m so glad to hear it spoken on. I despise more than anything the way politics have become a religion. As is being said here, the “good v. evil” mindset, but additionally in the way that politics have become something to believe in. “This person objectively did xyz, but I don’t believe that,” “researchers studying government and society have said xyz, but my guy says otherwise, and I believe him over everything.” I hate the way that facts and reality have become something you can “opt out” of. Everything is lies and conspiracy, and that going for people on any side of the spectrum. It feels impossible to move forward from sometimes, because how can you try to educate anyone who already doesn’t believe a word you say
Maybe in another decade, people will finally realize that the modern environmentalist movement killed nuclear power. If it weren't for the anti science "environmentalists", we probably would have been carbon neutral by now in the USA. It's horrifically and tragically ironic that the Democrat party has gotten away with suppressing the greenest energy generation tech there is just because enough people on TV ignored the scientists (while proudly proclaiming themselves to be pro-science, of course). I grew up in Seattle with people telling me I was an evil schill for big oil Koch brothers (how has everyone forgotten about the Koch brothers) for pointing out how safe nuclear power is.
Maybe in another decade, people will finally realize that the modern environmentalist movement killed nuclear power. If it weren't for the anti science "environmentalists", we probably would have been carbon neutral by now in the USA. It's horrifically and tragically ironic that the Democrat party has gotten away with suppressing the greenest energy generation tech there is just because enough people on TV ignored the scientists (while proudly proclaiming themselves to be pro-science, of course).
The way you described middle class w a 2 story house and 4 cars is too real!!
I had a friend in middle school who said the same thing in the same situation
I’d say middle class is a one story home.
@@sigurjonor4817low end high class.
In my country, almost every house is 2 story except houses built specifically for retirees
loved this video elliot!!
I really thought this was going to be a sad lofi playlist
There needs to be a maximum age to be president. 75 should be the absolute max.
Thank you.
That is one of the most well-researched video essays on a politician that I've come across. Keep up the great work!
Some of your best work to date. Equal parts analytic and compassionate. Congratulations and thank you!
I'm glad that you said that the term middle class has multiple definitions. I've met so many people on Twitter and irl who combative or mocking when I mention that the definition of middle class is someone who owns a sedan(older, but not old) and not a Benz and who has nice things but, they're nice things bought at Target.
it's cuz of the cognitive dissonance from the ones with benzes and nice clothes being constantly one crisis away from homelessness
As someone buying the "lesser evil" line voting for Biden in 2020, I feel like a jackass. Do we not have anyone in our political offices who isn't a total scumsucker?
Are you still investing energy into electoral politics?? Electoral politics is how you be part of the problem.
it really doesnt matter who wins... we always lose. Bernie 2020 tho
@@kylezo It's not solely what I do, I'm trying to make an asserted push to be more involved in local politics. Still, voting isn't hard and on a local level can actually hold a chance of voting in people who I feel represent me and my communities, and on the federal level at least can buy us time to have better odds of abolishing the two party system by voting in the easier enemy and not ceding leadership to a outspoken and proud f@scist.
@@aceous99 Yeah, lately I've been realizing that too, but this video just really hit me with it like a ton of bricks. Like technically yes Biden is better than Trump but he doesn't represent me and god isn't he also a piece of s*it.
of course there are good people in politics usually they stay at the state level where they can actually help
to my other plans: it's joever
I would love to see a deep dive on Watergate. It's great to see the perspective of the younger generation on these historical subjects.
Your conclusion is EVERYTHING, thank you. We _are_ just a moment in history, watching this empire unravel.
"Keep that in mind" - bro, my mind can't remember what I had for breakfast
As someone with adhd and a non existent attention span, I sat through this entire video on normal speed without losing my train of thought once. This was an excellent video, and it truly changed my views on the concept of lesser of two evils and electoral politics overall. Keep up the good work!
I don’t comment on a lot of stuff, but this video was incredibly written and put together. Your way of delivering information in a very straightforward, but not demeaning way is very engaging. Also the way you give room between information and let it breathe is very refreshing
Can't wait for the inevitable Biden episodes of Behind the Bastards after watching this.
Mmm a nice cup of lukewarm centrist on this nice winters night
Not even 💀 He's obviously a far leftist
I am done biding time comrade
Lol Communism is anti-gay
What an exceptional video. - S.
the empathy you show biden at the end is surprising and gratifying, our humanity is all we have and we shouldnt take it away from others. i didnt know much of these things and will probably need to rewatch a few times to fully digest it. thank you for all the hard work you put in! the ending was great.
We dehumanize one we dehumanize all.
really appreciate you for making these projects, it means a lot to see so often
This was a great thorough video essay, and even though I love Frontline documentaries, it's so interesting to see a real deep dive into Joe Biden's legacy as Elliot put together here, rather than the puff pieces Frontline worked on, the first one being "President Biden" released in January 2021 and then "Biden's Decision" released in August 2024. Frontline is usually unbiased, but when you watch Elliot's breakdown vs the Frontline docs, you'll see there is clear difference on what was included vs. what was left out. Kudos to Elliot for not sugar coating Biden's legacy.
Hey Elliot, just wanted to say this is an incredibly detailed video, well produced and thouroughly sourced. SUperb job from you as always ! Hope you're doing well
In conclusion, lets go brandon
Wow, amazing video, truly.
(Engagement comment)
The power doesn't corrupt, but rather reveals. Thank you, this was great.
I believe it can. It's easy to have good intentions stay good alongside what means you use when you have little to no power.
But when you do have power....well. It's easy to convince yourself (especially when others in power pressure you to do so as well) that a lot of those new means, even the bad ones, can be justified if the ends are "good".
Nobody is exempt from this temptation.
@@TheDJman248 You just proved his point that it reveals you were never good to begin with if you can so easily be tempted to corruption.
@Off-HandedBarrel Sorry but that's not quite what I meant. Im saying ANYONE who ends up with power will feel the temptation, regardless of moral fiber. That's the potential corruption I'm talking about. I don't believe that anyone is exempted from feeling tempted, even if you're good.
Sorry for not being clearer before.
Well done. Nothing new to me, as a devoted political observer in my 60s, but you covered it well and have good insights on a "human" level.
cringe ik but... i'm still not over just how like unironically beautiful you are i could cry
Elliot is transition goals for me and I'm also a male.
Absolutely incredible work. Thorough research and well organized - something that’s becoming rarer in the absolute glut of video essays we find ourselves in these days. Real skill on display.
Great editing. Extremely informative. Love the fairness and honesty
this is an amazing piece, i'll be rewatching this to really soak in all the info
What a brilliant work you did... Instant subscribe.
I preferred Biden.mp4
Same. Changing titles and thumbnails? Who is this, F. D. Signifier?
It's joever fan here
its joever was the second title?
@maxonmendel5757 it was and still is biden.mp4 for me at least
@@TheAugustburnsbright Yes, the name changed twice
Nothing like failing up in the good ole' USA.
Thus, System of a Down became the education I needed as a foreign youth in America
i was hoping for a Biden musical playlist
I still laugh every time I see that video of Biden introducing Zolensky as Putin. His timing between those words and the realization is like an old-school slapstick comedy. It's like he was a master comedian, so knowing that it's 100 percent real makes it even funnier. His wide eyes as he realizes... Too funny.
Biden has always deeply reminded me of my father. Complexity often means subtlety, and yet too often it means self serving. Men built to disappoint.
This is one of the best videos Ive ever seen on this site. Hope to see more like it in the future, instantly subscribed