Joe Biden

[illinoisprogressive]

i saw Biden today on Cspan 2. it was the first time in awhile I watched him talking to an audience of average people and he is very good with people.
I was struck by the fact that if he wins the nomination I could easily support the man 100%. though I do support Obama for president, i do hope if Obama wins he picks Biden for VP. If Biden wins I could say safely he would make a fantastic president.
anyone who has not sat down and just watched the guy speak with average people, let me say, you really need to.
You can see that this is a man of Washington who is not like the average washington politician but, someone who is very concerned, caring and very straightforward. I don't see him as a panderer or untrustworthy.
I do trust him to say what he means.
anyway, i wanted to give my impressions and hope people take a long and objective look at this candidate.
As far as I know, I can very easily support him if the nominee and I can easily and happily live with him as our president and feel he would do a wonderful job.

[TwilightGardener]

1. I'd prefer Obama/Biden, but could also live with Biden/Obama.

[Jennifer C]

43. I think

Biden/Obama would be perfect. Clearly it would be a guaranteed confident win :thumbsup:

They both have excellent qualities, and while they are different in certain aspects, I believe they'd be very compatible

I trust Biden and Obama the most to regain respect for America around the world.

[inthebrain]

2. Domesticly I think Biden is a nightmare

His abortion stances and the fact that he played Robber Baron Capitalist on the Bankruptcy bill are two examples. Then there is his propensity to utter some really bigoted statements from time to time. Overall, I think his judgement his shoddy and his IWR vote makes me strongly question his foreign affairs expertise.

Some issues I find agreement with him on. In the same breath there are a few issues that if I really looked I could find agreement with a few Republicans. Overall, I think the big picture matters most and this guy is just bad news.

He reminds of a moderate Republican.

[LynneSin]

9. What's his abortion stance? You have a problem with pro-choice?

and as for the bankerupcy bill - that was written by the republicans and as I've said 10million times - Banks are the #1 employer here in Delaware. He did the same thing that Mary Landrieu has done with the oil industry (#1 in Louisana) and Blanche Lincoln has done with anything that could affect Wal-Mart (#1 in Arkansas)

As for choice - Biden has always been 100% pro-choice and the local Catholic Church here in Delaware still invites him to the Italian festival every year to be a part of the parade.

[skipos]

42. I hope aren't supporting Kucinich, who 100% anti-choice before he ran for President

Biden has gotten mostly 90% and 100% ratings from Naral Pro-choice America in the last few years. His record before that was average, but waaaaay better than Kucinich.

The IWR vote is bad, but the fact that so many foreign leader like dealing with him makes up for it, imo.

[illinoisprogressive]

3. I gotta say I like this guy. He is quite appealing.

[1corona4u]

4. Thanks for taking a look at him again...

and for your objective opinion, given that you support another. That was a really responsible thing to do. I aplaud you.

[Think82]

5. Obama fans, remember: Those voting booths are private!

I won't tell. If you'd like to "come out" of the front-runner closet, we'd be happy to have you. Also, I am solidly for Joe, but if he weren't the nom, I think Obama is my #2. Maybe Dodd. Not sure. Obama is my fav "front-runner" though.

[TwilightGardener]

7. I've noticed that Obama and Biden seem to have a "cross" appeal

among their followers on DU--Obamans like Joe, Bidenites seem to like Obama. And yet, the men don't seem friendly with each other at all in the Senate, and they're not very much alike. It's odd--I can't figure it out.

[Think82]

10. "The American people are not liberal or conservative, but are essentially pragmatic"

Joe Biden said this recently. I think this is what both of these two candidates embody.

[K Gardner]

13. I've noticed that too, and it also applies to me...

strangely enough. I've settled in on Biden as "my guy", mostly thanks to this board and the excellent links, videos, articles and debates posted (and the civility of his supporters here). But I'd have to say I really like Obama, too. I hope its one of those two, if not both !

[rucky]

47. I just thought about it over a smoke...

I think both candidates know how to bring the country together - on their terms - and without selling-out. I'm probably speaking out of turn, but I think that's a common goal among their supporters, as well.

Looking ahead at the next four years, I see relatively smooth sailing with Biden, Obama or Richardson at the helm.

[TwilightGardener]

52. I think you're right. They both appeal to people who want competent, pragmatic, honest

and drama-free governing. No crusade, no purity of ideology, no us-against-them--just a healing competent presence in the WH for everyone in this country.

[question everything]

39. LOL, the voting booths are private but Iowa caucuses are not

There you have to stand up and be counted in support of your candidate.

And for Biden, it is Iowa that will determine his survival.

One more instance when one has to look at the primary calendar in dismay, realizing that neither Iowa nor New Hampshire carries any resemblance to the rest of the country, yet candidates who do not make a good showing in either than drop out.

(Bill Clinton in 1992 was the exception).

[kad7777]

6. I'd love to see a BIDEN/OBAMA ticket

LANDSLIDE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtGCaqOdIJ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUC8LeZ1hM4

BIDEN/OBAMA '08

[LynneSin]

8. Biden would never take VP for anyone

At Joe's age, the guy doesn't want to play 2nd fiddle.

However, I could see Joe being a viable candidate for National Security Advisor, Secretary of State or Ambassador to the UN. The guy has major foreign creditials and Delaware is pretty safe state for governor, so we know that if he takes the position, the DE seat will be replaced with another democrat

[Think82]

11. Mccain said something interesting about this Cheney phenomenon last night in the repub debate

He said when a PResident has so little fp experience, such as Bush did, he must depend on an experienced VP to guide him. This is not the normal way of things, but something that has happened with Bush.

[LynneSin]

14. Well, I think with Bush, they knew he would never be more than a puppet

and Cheney figured the only way to make sure things got done right was to be VP himself. I mean, you look at VPs in the past and most of the time it's someone young enough that they could feasibly run for president after term limits are up. This is why someone line Joe Biden, who is already in his mid-60s, would probably not take VP.

[1corona4u]

16. Yeah, Cheney pulls the strings, that's for sure...

Have you seen this;

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/cheney/view/

Really worth watching if you haven't seen it.

[sufrommich]

12. I agree,Biden is refreshing to listen to.

Silly as it sounds,he reminds me of James Stewart in Mr Smith Goes To Washington.He's very real and down to earth,intelligent and never "dumbs down" for the audience.

[1corona4u]

15. LOL...

I like your description.

[msongs]

17. both obama and biden oppose equality for glbt people as do huckabee and pat robertson nt

[1corona4u]

19. I don't understand your point...

Are you talking about civil unions as opposed to marriage?

[gateley]

40. That's not correct.

Biden has consistently supported civil and human rights throughout his career. His votes:

Voted NO on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.

Voted YES on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes.

Voted YES on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation.

Voted YES on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation.

A comment about gays in the military:

"Our allies -- the British, the French, all our major allies -- gays openly serve. I don't know the last time an American soldier said to a backup from a Brit, "Hey, by the way, let me check. Are you gay? Are you straight?" This is ridiculous."



You may be referring to his voting no on same-sex marriage. I believe that was in 1996. I've recently heard him say he feels the best way to achieve that is to first support legal civil unions, and when that's the norm, move into legalizing same-sex marriage. Here's a comment from him:

"Well, I think it probably is because social mores change. But I don't think the government can dictate the definition of marriage to religious institutions. But government does have an obligation to guarantee that every individual is free of discrimination. And there's a distinction. I think government should not be able to dictate to religions the definition of marriage, but on a civil side, government has the obligation to strip away every vestige of discrimination as to what individuals are able to do in terms of their personal conduct."


So you see, your statement about Biden 'opposing equality' for glbt people is not only inaccurate, it's disingenuous.

And your equating him to people like Huckabee and Pat Robertson is .....



http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Joe_Biden_Civil_Rights.htm

[ginchinchili]

44. Leave it to Joe.

"Our allies -- the British, the French, all our major allies -- gays openly serve. I don't know the last time an American soldier said to a backup from a Brit, "Hey, by the way, let me check. Are you gay? Are you straight?" This is ridiculous."

He certainly has a flare for amusing us while making a valid point. Besides being an effective president, wouldn't he make a fun president?

[Steely_Dan]

18. I've Lost Count...

as to the number of times I've read on this board about someone discovering Joe Biden as a result of watching his speeches or reading his words. He is truly compelling and inspirational. I agree..it's like watching Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Thank you illnoisprogressive for your post. It is typical of those that have given Biden a second look.

I'm not sure what it means to be presidential...but whatever it is, Joe Biden has it.

-Paige

[denem]

20. Biden is something special. Something we've lost.

A piece of America before the deluge.

[Steely_Dan]

22. You know...

your post struck a chord with me. He really is like reaching back to a time before this madness,

I have hesitated to say. But it seems to me that those that supported Gore, may find Biden an excellent replacement. They are both from that time when it actually meant something to be president.

-P

[K Gardner]

24. I'm hearing Jackson Browne in my head now.. good analogy ! n/t

[saltpoint]

32. lamprey. Very nice. "something we've lost" is the tripswitch in your

post for me.

I agree with you, but not just on the point. It's a feeling deeply held.

You are exactly right, IMO.

[denem]

38. (self delete)

[youthere]

21. Thank you for posting this illinoisprogressive....

Biden wasn't even on my radar until I saw his name pop up time and time again on this board. Then I started reading articles about him, and once I listened to a couple of his speeches I was sold. I'm convinced he is the real deal. What strikes me about him is his authenticity. I trust him..to me his is in the same class as Clark and Dean. I appreciate your kind words about Biden, and I would love to see Obama and Biden on the Democratic ticket together..it would be unstoppable.

[ginchinchili]

23. If Biden wins the nomination...

he has a lot of good strategic reasons for asking Obama to be his running mate: 1.) he's very bright and has good fresh ideas; 2.) he'd fully solidify the support of all Democrats; 3.) creates a balance of old and experienced/young and fresh; 4.) it would inspire a greater number of African American's to get out and vote; 5.) it would negate any racial misconception about Biden due to a few ill-chosen words; 6.) it would give Obama the experience he currently lacks to be president and groom him for the presidency with the potential of keeping the WH occupied by Democrats for at least 16 years (Biden couldn't have a better student and Obama couldn't have a better instructor); 6.) it would secure Illinois, w/its large number of electoral votes; 7.) it would give us our 1st African American VP; 8.) they would make such a damn impressive team that our country couldn't resist. The Republicans wouldn't have a chance.

[K Gardner]

25. Excellent and astute summary, thank you ! n/t

[ginchinchili]

27. Truly, the Repubs wouldn't have a chance.

[skipos]

41. I have said it before, Biden has the most room to an pick unconventional VP

because he doesn't have to pick someone who is perceived as having experience. Biden could pick Obama, Brian Schweitzer of Montana, Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, Richardson, etc.

I like Edwards and Obama, but I feel that they will be more restricted in their VP choices. They will want to combat the inevitable "inexperience" claims with a VP that has perceived experience. I doubt Obama would chose a minority or a woman, as I don't think he would want the challenge of a no-white-male ticket. Hillary won't pick a woman or a minority for the same reason.

All my opinion, of course.

[PatSeg]

45. Very well said!

I agree with you, but I also think that is a chance that Biden might choose a woman. Who knows? He probably already has one picked out.

[Inuca]

54. Biden/Obama would indeed be PERFECT

in so many ways. You list many good ones, though I don't think that your #6 carries much weight, IL should be pretty safe.

[Think82]

26. The more people focus, the better Biden looks, it seems.

As it should be. There is another thread somewhere on here where a Richardson supporter is now coming around t oBiden.

The fact is, the DEEPER you get on issues and character, the MORE Biden seems like the best choice. My hope is that IOWANS GET THIS!

So, even if Biden is not your #1 right now, PLEASE SEND A DONATION TO JOE. GIVE HIM A FAIR SHOT IN IOWA. The best we can hope for is a level-playing field in this process, and any contribution you can give Joe will go a long way, as opposed to sending money to Obama or Clinton to fund their 10,000-person concerts!

Thanks guys

www.joebiden.com

[K Gardner]

33. It was really gratifying to find a passion for Biden through DU and his supporters, moreso..

To send in a donation that was specifically targeted for a specific reason and receive an email promptly as to what the donations had accomplished. I've donated to other campaigns and never ever gotten anything in the way of followup. (just anonymous and repetitive pleas for MORE) I'm speaking specifically about the money he needed for one specific print ad in Iowa. The money was raised and the ad went out. I felt I'd really done something, contributed to something I could see. Like finally, *I* matter again. After 2000/2004, it's a breath of fresh air and a priviledge to hope again.


:toast:

[denem]

28. ,,,

Kick.

[AtomicKitten]

29. I call dibs on Biden for Obama's VP.

It probably should be the other way around, but it is what it is.

[saltpoint]

30. This is a class post.

Recommended.

[youthere]

31. Off to the greatest page.

[jillan]

34. Thank you IP for posting this!

:pals:

[gateley]

35. Thank you for your kind observations about Joe Biden. The very reasons you

cite are the reasons that drew me to him initially.

My fantasy ticket would be Biden/Obama. I think they BOTH could bring so much to our country and the world, and do so much good. Let Biden take the top spot and get kicked around (he's used to it) then Obama could move into the slot with a few more years under his belt.

:hi:

[MonkeyFunk]

36. I like Biden

and think he'd make a fine candidate and a fine president.

[Think82]

37. kick! great post

[nyc 4 Biden]

46. k&r

If you have some time watch Biden's speech at the Town Hall Meeting in Waverly, Iowa from Tuesday.

Just click "Watch" under "Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) Town Hall Meeting in Waverly, Iowa" and enjoy! :)

The video is located in the "Featured Politics on C-SPAN" section in the top / center of the page. You'll have to scroll down a bit.

http://www.campaignnetwork.org/default.aspx

[CrispyQ]

48. I was a Kucinich supporter.

But then I started paying attention to Biden & I liked what I saw. I like his straight shooter quality, his sense of humor, his ability to speak to an audience without a script. Damn! The man is smart, articulate, & personable! In addition, I think he has superior leadership qualities. I think Biden would be one of our best presidents ever.

Thank you for your considerate post!

[K Gardner]

49. If you're able to watch TV, turn to CSpan. Biden should be on shortly!

Its the DNC Meeting and all candidates will be speaking.

[Jennifer C]

50. Thanks for the heads up!

I'm looking forward to hearing Biden speak.

[inthebrain]

55. Maybe he'll talk about his support for the Bankruptcy bill

Maybe even talk about how he wants to ban partial birth abortions and remove federal funding for abortion.

[murbley40]

51. Kick

[murbley40]

53. Kick

[youthere]

56. kicking