Vaya con Dios, Mr. President. And thank you for 50 years of principled public service. (America's most expensive election just went sideways).

This was shaping up to be the most expensive presidential campaign in American history. The 2020 election cost $14.4 billion. Double what was spent in 2016. Who knows how high 2024 could go? Who knows how committed those billionaire donors are to making sure “the other guy” is crushed?

Even though I have profound differences with President Biden on the economy (the deficit, writing off the student loans, sky high interest rates, huge tax increases) nobody wanted to see his career end this way. He was always a champion for democracy and for our allies, a notable difference compared to Trump and Obama. Biden was quick to assert support for Ukraine and Israel after invasions and atrocities. And we have naval task forces flexing their muscles near Taiwan, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Baltic recently.

That said, the bell rang last night. For me, it was when our president - stammering and confused, his voice trailing off - bragged “I beat Medicaid.” This followed numerous other meandering, off topic responses to softball questions.

Half of the democrat elites wants him gone now. The other half are shouting “but what about Trump’s lies?” Okay, there were plenty. Now fact check “I beat Medicaid” please.

This debate didn’t change how I will vote in November. I’m already on record saying both Biden and Trump are unfit to serve, because of age and dementia and being tone deaf to the half of America that disagrees with them. They both amplify extremism and divisions, and don't attempt to bridge them.

Today, and throughout the weekend, we will continue to see white house bravado that Biden can still run. But by next week, perhaps as early as Monday or Tuesday, our President will have announced his withdrawal. The deciding factor will be campaign donor money. Democrat donors won’t continue to write checks backing Biden. Campaign pros will understand that. If the kids in the west wing DON’T get it, perhaps they're the ones who should be tested for senile dementia.

Go with god, Mr. President. You're 81. You don't need to feel that you have unfinished work to do.

I’m just sayin’ . . .