I don' think it's quite that simple, but I do look at Biden's continued candidacy as selfish in many regards, too. I think it's entirely plausible we'd be in even worse standing if we allowed him to be replaced on the ticket this late in the game. His performance was bad, but it was pretty much what I expected. I've seen the clips of his gaffes these past few years and didn't feel that this was by far and away worse. I also wouldn't be shocked if he mustered a better performance in any future debates. But only time will tell. I didn't see quite the apocalyptic nightmare in the debate that many others did, but it was certainly a cringe fest.

Regardless, great piece Colby.