Biden draws distinctions with leading rivals

[PatSeg]

ALLISON --- After some prodding from a supporter, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden, in a rare moment, criticized his leading rivals by name for a lack of experience.

The distinctions he drew didn't approach the vitriol flying between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, or even John Edwards' aggressive criticisms of Clinton.

In fact, he complimented all three candidates before telling a noon crowd of about 30 at the Allison Public Library he's a better candidate than any of the Iowa front-runners.

The Delaware senator has repeatedly said he doesn't feel comfortable criticizing fellow Democrats, but J.R. Ackley, sitting in the front row wearing a Biden T-shirt, all but demanded he go on the offensive.

"I've never seen anyone with your experience or abilities, and yet the big three --- all three of them --- are one-term senators," he said, although Clinton was re-elected to her second term last year. "It's like three witches sitting around arguing about who's ugliest. Why haven't you taken these guys head on."

At first, Biden wasn't quite sure how to respond. He thanked Ackley for the compliment, and said he prefers to run on his record. Then he started with Clinton and her work with the Children's Defense Fund.

More: http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2007/11/28/news/regional/cd9dd0d6f2fb71b0862573a100519268.txt

[murbley40]

1. kick

[1corona4u]

2. And so diplomatic about it.....

I'm so hoping Iowa sees it.

[KingOfLostSouls]

3. awesome

As he did this fall during a labor debate in Chicago, Biden challenged Edwards on his support on labor, noting the former North Carolina senator didn't walk picket lines while in office. Biden said he paid a heavy political price for walking picket lines in the 1970s while senator.



yup there ya go. biden keeps being head and shoulders above the rest.

[Frustratedlady]

4. With all the bickering and finger-pointing, it is refreshing to see this tactic.

You can catch more flies with honey. Biden might rise in the polls by being decent. Wouldn't that be refreshing? Also, it's something that Iowans prefer, compared to what's going on at present with the top three.

Since they are in the state for so long, we get to know them pretty well. The type of campaigning the top three have evolved into is kind of like going to a family dinner where one faction is bickering and you are trying to eat your meal and relax. It ain't gonna happen and you come away with heartburn. Iowans aren't combative, for the most part, and we get grouchy when we have heartburn.

[PatSeg]

5. Someone should have informed the front-runners

about Iowan heartburn!

I like the way Biden is campaigning. He is doing it "his way" and it works for me.

[youthere]

6. Off to the greatest page.

[creeksneakers2]

7. Congratulations Senator Biden

for showing its possible to draw distinctions between yourself and the other candidates without lying or mudslinging.

[PatSeg]

8. He said he would do it "his way"

and on "his terms" this time around, even if that meant losing.

[cuke]

11. Biden's way seems to be the Right Thing To Do

If only the candidates would learn a lesson from Joe

[PatSeg]

12. Well, he's taking a gamble

and the others just aren't prepared to do that. I can understand, but it makes Biden even more impressive.

[murbley40]

9. kick

[K Gardner]

10. Absolutely typical, diplomatic, no B/S, lovable Biden...

Even when Tweety bird took his "reluctant" comment and couched it all out of proportion, it's obvious Biden isn't going to wallow in the mud. Good for him.

[PatSeg]

13. He said he's going to do it HIS way

and that's what he's doing. I don't think voters have the stomach for wallowing the mud anymore, but the pundits love it.

[K Gardner]

14. Pundits should be outlawed. Seriously. Hour-long shows on cable news

to frame and expunge the candidate's dialogue whatever way THEY want to. God,just give us the raw data and shut the frick up already. It is seriously harming our nation and our democracy. ::shutting myself up now:::

[1corona4u]

15. LOL...

You're atarting to sound like me...

[PatSeg]

16. I wouldn't mind pundits if they didn't seem to suffer from

amnesia every four years. They get so involved, they can't see the forest for the trees and they always seem to forget previous elections.

[Inuca]

17. Some very interesting comments to that short article as well n/t