You knew this was coming, Arianna. You've let this nonsense languish on the front page of the Huffington Post for two days. You've been making the rounds on television, monopolizing air time that could be devoted to useful discussion with nonsense. You're way out on a limb, you know it, and now it's time for this fed up HuffPo reader to serve you up a nice big bowl of shut the fuck up.
"I have an idea for how he [Joe Biden] can capitalize on all the attention, and do what generations to come will always be grateful for: resign."
You have an idea? Is that what you think it is? And how on earth do you know that generations to come will be "grateful"? For a look into Arianna's chrystal ball, follow me over the fold...
"What he must not do is follow the same weak and worn-out pattern of "opposition" we've become all-too-accustomed to, first with Vietnam and then with Iraq. You know the drill: after the dust settles, and the country begins to look back and not-so-charitably wonder, "what were they thinking?" the mea-culpa-laden books start to come out. On page after regret-filled page, we suddenly hear how forceful this or that official was behind closed doors, arguing against the war, taking a principled stand, expressing "strong concern" and, yes, "deep reservations" to the president, and then going home each night distraught at the unnecessary loss of life.
Ever hear of projection? I'm sure you have, Arianna. So you're projecting the past misdeeds of others, mostly Republicans, onto Joe Biden, and therefore he should resign?
Do you think, for one second, that Joe Biden would be a more effective advociate from outside of the administration? Because it seems to me that we need Joe Biden right where he is: at the table with our President advocating for de-escalation.
And why should Vice President Biden be content as a one time shot? We're not even through year one of the Obama administration, and it's terribly irresponsible to suggest he resign when he may have important impact on future policy decisions. Sure, MAYBE he could effect the debate if he resigned, but what about future debates over Afghanistan? Iraq?
What you're advocating, in the end, will lead to a cabinet of yes men, cowards, and idiots. And we just got a close up look at what happens when a President picks his cabinet based on his desire to not be challenged. No thanks.
Well, how about making the mea culpa unnecessary? Instead of saving it for the book, how about future author Biden unfetter his conscience in real time -- when it can actually do some good? If Biden truly believes that what we're doing in Afghanistan is not in the best interests of our national security -- and what issue is more important than that? -- it's simply not enough to claim retroactive righteousness in his memoirs."
Jesus fuck, dragon lady, is everything a book tour to you? I, for one, personally do not want Joe Biden making policy decisions based upon future memoir sales. Call me crazy.
Obama may be no drama, but Biden loves drama. And what could more dramatic than resigning the vice presidency on principle? And what principle could be more honorable than refusing to go along with a policy of unnecessarily risking American blood and treasure -- and America's national security? Now that would be a Whisky Tango Foxtrot moment for the McChrystal crowd -- one that would be a lot more significant than some lame, after-the-fact apology delivered in a too-late-to-matter book.
OK, big huge hole in your theory: Biden is not "the decider". President Obama is. Why the fuck would Joe Biden need to apologize in the future when he advocated for what was right? He knows that. We know that. Ultimately, President Obama will make this choice. And it will be on President Obama to make that apology in the distant future, if in fact it turns out it needed to be made.
Furthermore, debate is ongoing. Why would the one guy advocating for sensible policy show himself the door? Hellooooooo!
But that's just it. Arianna is way out on a limb here, and she's gotta know it. I mean, fuck--she's rational 99% of the time, right? So what could account for this sudden lapse in judgement?
Ratings. Whatcha wanna bet readership at the Huffington Post is down? Yup. I'm betting my paycheck this is just a bullshit publicity stunt.
Arianna, I've put up with the increasingly sleazy headlines and bullshit celebrity news at the Huffington Post. But I will not put up with this. You have cheapened the Huffington Post far more than you realize with this disingenuous stunt.
So please, shut the fuck up already. Cut your losses and refocus on doing something worthwhile to affect the debate.
UPDATE: Thanks to commentor calchala for making the below point.
So let me get this straight. In early January, we were embracing "team of rivals." Now, because one of the individuals acts like a "rival" within the tent, he should resign because he disagrees with the decision? Lunacy.
Update 2: Please vote in the poll. Very curious how many of us have been banned from commenting at the Huffington Post. I always find that any comments critical of the Huffington Post never showed up, and eventually I was banned. For being critical? I have heard many similar stories, including that of T Fitzsimmons, whose diary details his being banned not once but twice.