Biden is out. Let me tell you what is going to happen next on DU.

[EarlG]

As you all know, it's been my strong opinion that forcing President Biden out of the race would be a severe political miscalculation. However, that opinion is now moot. He has made the choice to step down, and I respect that choice.

Since March, Democratic Underground has been operating on "General Election Season" rules. This policy, which we have had in place for the last 20 years, means that once a presumptive nominee has been determined, DU and its members will support the nominee.

However, now that President Biden has stepped down, we will be temporarily returning to "Primary Season" rules. This means that members are free to promote and campaign for any candidate they like as a replacement, until such time that we determine a new nominee. At that point we will once again declare "General Election Season" to be in effect.

I understand that many of you will be disappointed about this decision. I am too. However, it is imperative that DU members understand that going forward, regular DU rules are still in effect. If you announce that Biden's decision to drop out means that you are going to withhold your vote from the eventual Democratic nominee this November, you are in violation of DU rules and your post will likely be removed by a Jury. If you truly feel that way, fine -- just go somewhere else to post about it.

It is essential that Democrats come together to defeat Trump this fall. Nothing is more important than that goal. The consequences of a Trump presidency will be devastating for America and the world.

I imagine that there will be plenty of passionate discussion taking place as this all shakes out. I urge you to please do your best to remain civil in your posts and treat your fellow members with respect as we see where this road takes us.

Assuming they want it, I'm also going to provide amnesty for members who were flagged for review during the last 30 days, if they were flagged for too many hides because they were pushing Biden to step down. It's water under the bridge now. All hands on deck.