Now what? I supported Biden, and now I've got to choose

[medicswife]

someone else. Some days Edwards is my guy, other days, I like Obama. Every once in awhile, something Hillary says resonates with me. This was the dilemma I faced before I researched Biden and decided he had all the qualities I wanted and believed the country needed in a President. With him out of the race, I'm back to square one. Actually, more like square -3. So, show me how *your* candidate measures up to Biden and tell me why you think I should throw my lot in with them. I admit that it's not the biggest lot ever, Biden got about $110 dollars total from my husband and I, but hey, whatever you can give, right?

[Adelante]

1. Follow your heart

If you remain confused, give the primaries a pass and vote for the nominee in the GE. That's what I would do.

[stray cat]

2. I think Biden would have been great and I was hoping he would pull it off.

I've got mixed feelings on the front runners at different times but I really like the populist attitude of Edwards.

[SharonRB]

8. Me. too.

[Evergreen Emerald]

3. Biden had experience, and savvy, and connections world wide

his voting record is a bit to the right of Clinton, but still, nothing like Obama or Edwards. I think that Clinton would be the next logical choice.

[jlake]

71. I agree. I am now supporting her.

She falls very short of Biden in my mind, but is the best choice now.

[jillan]

4. Hey you! It's really hard to be picking a candidate from DU, I'm

finding. Lots of hate on this board.

Us Bidenites are like lost souls without a candidate.

[medicswife]

15. lol hey, Pirhana I know...I'm like a ship adrift in a big, fat storm!

Hate? lol, after my post the other night, what the heck would I know about hate?

ha! Yeah, so, what do you think? My husband was a Union guy for a long time, but losing his Union Apprenticeship after a tough choice to leave a job because our second child was at risk due to shoddy health care and a complicated pregnancy we ended up in the military. Since he's been deployed now twice, Iraq is of course a major issue for me. Do I want this stupid, ill-advised war to end? HELL YES! Do I want him to be able to get out of the military and find a career that will support our large (by today's standards) family? Again, HELL YES.

I am so confused. I think that someone up top had it right. My vote is not going to make a difference in the primaries because it will be in either Washington State via Absentee Ballot like usual, or in Kentucky (I think I'm going this route because it would give me great satisfaction to vote for Andrew Horne over Mitch McConnell). So, yeah, maybe it's best to just watch the debates and try my best not to think, "Well, Biden would have had a better answer for that question.", and to just give them all a fair, open minded shake. I can't see myself going Clinton though. I think that she and Joe didn't really have that much in common when it comes right down to it.

[Andy823]

87. Best thing to do

Is go to their websites and check out their plans to make changes, and how they will do it, that might help.

I really don't think that anyone here will give you an "unbiased" opinion on who to chose! :think:

[bdamomma]

112. I want someone who has a plan and strategy.

I missed hearing Joe and his plans at the Debate on Saturday nite, but I am leaning towards Edwards. I miss Joe:cry:

[abburdlen]

5. Send the cash down ticket

all three are great candidates and whoever get the nomination will likely get in the White House but they'll need more seats in the Senate and House to get to working fixing the mess Bush has made.

[SharonRB]

11. Sounds like a good idea to me.

For starters, check out my sig line!

[medicswife]

27. You mean....

for example, send the cash to someone like Andrew Horne here in KY who is trying to unseat the devil spawn Mitch McConnell? I really, really, really like this idea.

[abburdlen]

103. Sounds good to me

I'm enjoying watching these candidates each make their case. They are all good choices but let's admit it 2 of the 3 top tier have more than enough cash and attention available right now.
Here in NC we've got a great progressive Jim Neil seeking to retire Libby Dole in the Senate. I may shift day to day who I think might win the Presidential nomination, but any spare money I have I'm sending to him. Sounds like Andrew Horne would be a great help in Washington as well.

[skipos]

6. I supported Biden, but I am most interested in Hillary NOT being our nominee

I like Edwards and Obama pretty equally, but I think Obama has the better shot of overcoming the Hillary machine.

[Evergreen Emerald]

9. you are "most interested." I am most interested in getting Bush and

the republicans out of office. Seems like a misguided Democrat.

[aquart]

13. Making sure a woman isn't president is certainly a fine ideal.

We must all applaud it.

[sniffa]

16. interesting

i look forward to this subthread.

:popcorn:

[medicswife]

17. lol I would make a damn fine President, and I'm a woman, by God! n/t

[skipos]

24. What does my thinking Hillary shouldn't be our nominee

have anything to with her being a woman? Also, why was I rooting for Sebelius to get in the race? Please tell me, since you know more about me than I do. Thanks.

[skipos]

19. Bush isn't seeking the Democratic nomination, is he?

:shrug:
Seems like you don't know what the hell you are talking about.
Just to clarify, I am not more interested in Hillary not getting the nomination than say, breathing air or having a job. We are just talking about the primaries, right?

[Yael]

31. Well, you won't have to work very hard at that.

* leaves office next January.

[SharonRB]

7. I also had finally landed on Biden

and now that he's out I've landed on Edwards. I, too, however, like Obama and like a lot about Hillary -- I just finished watching a big speech of hers at a school in New Hampshire and I was very impressed with a lot of what she said.

Of course, here in Michigan, we're having a faux primary and I'm voting Uncommitted, since all of the candidates are not on the ballot and we don't even know if our delegates will be seated in Denver. We've been totally disenfranchised by the state party and the powers that be.

[Taverner]

10. Depends on what is important to you

If you want hope, go for Obama or Edwards
If you want competence, go for Clinton
If you want to make a statement, go for Kucinich
If you want to send an obscure statement, go for Gravel

[medicswife]

20. Dude! What about Edwards? lol n/t

[Taverner]

40. Edwards and Obama are running on hope oriented messages

Edwards is taking it one step further by not taking corporate contributions.

But Obama is a decent candidate, despite what anyone tells you. Personally, I've been split between these two for a while.

[medicswife]

see? It's tricky! Choosing between these two is really hard. n/t

[Taverner]

56. I think the next month should help us make our decision

[Auntie Bush]

102. Agreed! "If you want competence, go for Clinton"

I can get both hope and competence with Clinton. Now flame away.

I like Clinton's facts and plans...I know where she wants to take us.
I HOPE Obama will go where I want him to go. But I'm not certain of anything he wants to do as he hasn't pacified.

Now I got to watch the debates! See ya!

[aquart]

12. Toss a coin: heads whosis, tails whatsis

Analyze whether you are happy or sad at the results. Keep doing this until you have exhausted your choices or one of the results makes you feel good.

[medicswife]

22. Is that how GWB got elected? This might be my best bet right now....n/t

[liberalnurse]

14. May I suggest listening to Hillary on C-Span from today.

She was at a school in New Hampshire ..something like Peacock...It may be repeated today as my nurses just finished listening to online. Amazingly brilliant like Biden.

[annie1]

21. 2nd taking a listen to her on Cspan does anyone have a link?

[liberalnurse]

33. I listened from thE S-Span website

via their radio broadcast. I do not know when they will repeat it...they may list it but I have yet to look. I'm justt leaving the Clinic and on my PDA.

[LetsThink]

86. Hillary is Very Competent, Tested, Experienced, Like Biden......

Hillary is also quiet-spoken, rates achievement higher than talk. Like Biden she is a uniter so from day one Hillary would be able to lead this country in a good direction - health care for all Americans; she understands foreign policy, has taken a leadership role in addressing the mortgage and credit issues facing many hard-working Americans. She will bring our brilliant troops home.....again, like Biden.

[patrice]

18. Your guy did not succeed because the $y$tem is what it is.

The candidate amongst those who have the best chance at this point, who most represents change in the system, is John Edwards.

The other two candidates are The Machine covering its bets on both ends of the spectrum of the main issue, the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq, with HC on the pro-War end of that spectrum and BO on the anti-this-war end of the same spectrum.

In order to give all of our very fine candidates a fair chance, ultimately, what we really need is public campaign finance; paper ballots marked by hand and counted in public on a national voting holiday; and fair political use of public resources like broadcast mediums and the internet. The only viable candidate who takes even just one step closer toward addressing those issues is John Edwards. The other two gaurantee support for the status quo, which did not give your real candidate a fair break, for the forseeable future.

[medicswife]

25. Very, very persuasive...and one of the things that I do, really, really

like about John Edwards. He was my #1 last go round.....

*scratches head*....time for another beer (explains my responses to some of the posts) and a good think. Like Pooh Bear. Think, think, think.......

[patrice]

42. The notion of the "third thing", a.k.a. triangulation, is one of BO's selling points.

And I agree with the principle that the opposition is NEVER going to just die and go away, so in order to proceed you have to learn how to deal with them, hence the so-called "Independents" and cross-over votes in BO's camp. But the problem with "the third thing" is that it obfuscates differences that ARE in Fact substantial and real between different things. This is what put us in Iraq.

So the problem is how to recognize and work with the commonalities and do BOTH things for both sides of and issue when its possible - and - when to do ONE RIGHT thing when it is necessary. It is my personal opinion that we are at a time when it is more necessary to tilt toward doing those one right things than it is to do "the third thing"s. Doesn't mean "the third thing" can't/won't happen in an Edwards administration, just that it won't be the primary goal because we need someone to stand up for those who are definitely loosing it in this country right now and in the future.

[riqster]

23. If you want Biden's ideals in the platform,

Vote for Kucinich. There's more to a primary than a nominee.

[Steely_Dan]

26. How could so many people...

like Biden and are comparing their candidates to him and here we are faced with not having him. It's just plain stupid.

-P

[medicswife]

35. Steely, yes, you are once again, as usual sooo correct. I hate it.

It's really hard and really a pain in the ass. But, that said, George Bush is the reason for so much of the hardships that my family has endured. Anyone that says that the economy in podunk Washington state or Montana was good in 2002 and that a family of four should have been able to make ends meet without my husband putting his butt on the line by joining the military is smoking something good and I want some. So, now here we are. He's on his second 15 month deployment and I want a President who not only WANTS to end the war but has a coherent plan to do so. I also want someone who believes that we normal, everyday people deserve healthcare, and our children deserve a good education without signing away their first born like I did.

[Mz Pip]

28. I liked Biden, too

and now I am gravitating towards Obama.

Obama makes it about 'us.' He starts his sentences with "You..."

Hillary makes it about her. Hillary starts hers with "I..."

Maybe it's a small thing but it resonates with me. Obama is giving us credit. He's not saying "I am the one to ready to lead." or "I am the best one for this job." He's telling us that we have the power to change the direction of the country. "You can make this happen."

I like that.


Mz Pip
:dem:

[medicswife]

36. nice point.....eom

[bdamomma]

113. true, doesn't Edwards say "We" also?

[sodakdemocrat]

29. Biden has no equal.

I am in a state neighboring Iowa, so I'm close enough to Iowa that my family campaigned for Biden as much as we could, and we attended caucuses. We sure thought we'd finish with a strong 4th and Senator Biden would be on that debate stage today. It is certainly a big let-down. I was so excited about the possibilities of this best President of my lifetime.

Now where to turn? I don't like the hatred that follows HRC. It's unjustified, but it's not going away. That leaves Edwards and Obama. If Obama can unify voters behind his vision...and definitely if Biden would be willing to be his running mate....I think I'd lean that way as of now.

[jillan]

34. Sodakdem - talk to me!

What part of South Dakota are you from?

My husband spent his summers at Big Stone lake. We have vacationed there alot.

[sodakdemocrat]

38. southeastern...we're in Hyperion's new neighborhood. ugh

that's my next battleground

[jillan]

44. What town are you from.

I'm not familiar with Hyperion.

[sodakdemocrat]

68. Hyperion is planning to build a major oil refinery in SE South Dakota.

It's big oil, big business, and it's going to be very tough to defeat. It will be just north of Elk Point. 9,000 tons of toxins will be emitted every day. Major truck, rail and barge traffic. Major impact on Missouri river. They are requesting permitting by the county right now to get "planned community" status which would allow them to be self-regulating. Need I say more? Not pretty.

[jillan]

79. Good luck with that. How are the people of the town feeling about it?

My husband's family was from Milbank. Beautiful white picket fence town. Big Stone Lake would turn turquoise from all the chemicals the farmers poured into it. It was disgusting. But nobody cared. That;s just the way life was, according to them.

I hope you get lots of support.

[sodakdemocrat]

104. Some in favor, some opposed. Some un-informed...

Hyperion has done an impressive job of promoting what a beautiful place to visit Elk Point will be after they come to town. (Gee, kids, let's visit the refinery today!) People believe them (why?). And yet there is an opposition group building. I just fear that a lot of this has been signed and sealed behind the scenes, and it's only a matter of time. Still, we'll do some door-knocking and get the word out.
Milbank is a great area...I'm from MN (northeast of St. Paul) and I do miss the lakes!

[medicswife]

37. If Biden was Obama's running mate, I'd be there, sworn and loyal n/t

[jillan]

46. Me too. But unfortunately we won't know until -and if - he wins the nomination.

[bdamomma]

115. welcome to sodakdemocrat!!!!!

thank you and your family for supporting Joe Biden, why did he not get a following out there in Iowa?? Just asking.:hi:

[Yael]

30. None of them come close to him on Foreign Policy

It depends on what your watershed issues are. Environment? Healthcare? Iraq/n?

[Anouka]

32. No love for Richardson?

may I ask, why? (or rather, why not?)

[medicswife]

39. Glad you asked.

My husband and I had this discussion via Yahoo Messenger as well as we could today. While I admire Bill Richardson and think that he is a good man, I can not see him as my President. Honestly, I do not know what it is or isn't, but I find myself tuning out (not intentionally mind you!) when he speaks. I don't know what it is. Edwards and Obama resonate with me the most and it's between the two of them for me.

[jillan]

49. That's my thing with Richardson.

He is definitely qualified, he just doesn't grab me as Presidential.

I would love to either see him as Senator of NM or in a cabinet position...or even VP.

He is a very talented man, I have alot of respect for him and he is destined for bigger things.

[medicswife]

52. Yes, and maybe with a little more experience under the belt

we will come to see him as Presidential.

[bunkerbuster1]

107. The TeeVee doesn't like him

He's a little overweight, looks a little disheveled, and doesn't sound slick.

He's eminently qualified, gives a decent stump speech, is fine one-on-one in TV interviews and would do a fine job, but I'm just not liking how he looks when the most Americans actually get to see him, in these debates.

[patrice]

45. Richardson was my guy until about 2 months ago.

I'm still giving him a little money, because I like his international diplomatic talents.

[medicswife]

47. He definitely is a diplomat. n/t

[Zookeeper]

114. Richardson refused to allow a recount of spoiled votes....

in Native American and Latino districts of NM during the 2004 election. To add insult to injury, he then pressured the legislature to pass a law that would require anyone requesting a recount to post a $1,000,000 bond.

He also has more than enough corporate connections, including having been employed by Kissinger and Associates.

Then there's the "little" matter of suggesting that the Great Lakes could be tapped to supply water to his desert region.

Personally, I was very depressed that Biden came in after Richardson.

[trudyco]

129. Richardson was out for me, too. Obstruction of vote counting. n/t

[Think82]

41. I was a Bidenite, now I'm for Obama. Reasons:

He's a pragmatist, like Joe, who can work across party lines. I'm sure he would heed Joe's advice in the next administration. I believe he is closest to biden philosophically, just with not as much seasoning.

I also like what Obama represents, both for our country and to the rest of the world. The fact that the U.S. could elect a bi-racial man named Barack Hussein Obama would show the world the best of what America is.

[medicswife]

43. Those are good points too. n/t

[LetsThink]

89. good points...

[mrreowwr_kittty]

51. Ding ding ding!

I've heard that Obama comes up way on top of international polls when asked who they want us to elect. Not sure why that is, but it could simply be a function of his name and ethnicity. Also, unlike others on DU who are appalled by his non-partisan rhetoric and talk of "unity" I think it's extremely smart. We can't win this race with Democrats alone and all those indie and moderate R voters we need are not going to respond to a message of "Republicans suck!" You and I may know they're talking about the leadership and policies, but voters think you're talking about them personally.

[medicswife]

53. The nonpartisianship is one of the things that really had me

loving some Joe Biden. He has been able to work across the aisle unlike any other Senator that I can think of at this point in time. Bipartisanship, as much as it may be a dirty word around here really does mean something.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

60. Absolutely. Joe Biden knew what he was talking about there.

I'm still mad at him for the Anita Hill hearings :spank: but I've definitely grown to respect his political skills over the years.

[medicswife]

62. He is very skilled and I was a kid during Anita Hill even though it

was during the time that I really started 'tuning' in to politics.... so I don't really remember that whole thing, but I can't see Biden being a sexist. I just can't.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

83. Me neither. I think he just had a sexist "brain fart". It happens.

And he didn't act alone in the Clarence Thomas confirmation so I don't hold him solely responsible for it.

[sodakdemocrat]

106. I met some of his long-time advisers last week...

and on this topic, they believe Joe was the easiest on Hill, and yet he took the rap.

[sodakdemocrat]

105. I would love to see Joe endorse someone, since he has worked with them and would be a good judge.

[bdamomma]

119. oh yea, Joe knows how to handle those repigs. Is there anyway

we could get Biden back??? Real wishful thinking.

[jillan]

54. Hi Think82!

A couple other Bidenites went to Obama too.

I'm a mess. I like Hillary, but have major issues.
I like Obama, but I don't know if it's enough to get fired up. I just wish I knew if he would pick Biden as VP.

But, I am keeping an open mind, am looking forward to tonite's debate.

[medicswife]

57. Oy! The debate! lol what time does it start? I have kids to get to

bed so that I can focus. Although, lol I've had two beers and that alone is enough to make me lose focus since I'm a total lightweight.

I've dropped about 20 pounds lately too, and so 2 beers goes way farther than it did two months ago......

(yes, I know that the weight and alcohol consumption are off topic....)

[jillan]

74. I think I've gained your 20 pounds over the last week!

I eat when I'm stressed, and I have been stressed :)

9:30 est on ABC.

[medicswife]

77. LOL the only reason I haven't is that I'm

hypothyroid and I just switched medicines. The conventional just doesn't suit me....

Hmmmmm...kind of like this race. lol

[LetsThink]

88. hmmm - hadn't thought of that....

good points.

[Mike03]

48. Great post--it sure resonates with me!

I'm in the same boat. Biden was my candidate as well. And as you so eloquently posted, all three favoured candidates have strengths and weaknesses, which you enumerated so very well.

I'm very torn between Edwards and Obama, giving the slight edge to Edwards because of the emphasis he has placed on Universal Health Care.

But the truth is I'm still undecided. The vital symbolism of Obama's run and success really resonates with me as well.

[medicswife]

50. All of us Biden supporters need to get together and just have a

big discussion to cut through all of the crap and figure out which is the best way to turn. The theme that I am noticing is that those of us who supported Biden are having a hard time choosing between Edwards and Obama....Those are the two.

[jillan]

58. Most of the Bidenites are not ready.

The other day I posted the 5 stages of grief on the JBSG.

I think I am at #5 - acceptance, but many of the others are still in the denial, anger stages.

[medicswife]

59. Pirhana...you read my post about what recently happened

in my husband's family, right? So, my stages of grief are so focused there right now that politics has become easy.....

[jillan]

You have been on my mind.

How is everybody doing?

You amaze me that you still have energy for this!

[medicswife]

67. It's Important! lol to my sanity and my family

A lot of people think that politics doesn't affect their everyday life....they are sadly mistaken. I know just how much policy shapes the world around me.

As far as to our family situation...it keeps getting uglier. The perpetrator of the murder was our Great Grandmother's own son....and he has been destroyed by alcoholism. He's the kind of drunk that would drink turpentine if there was nothing else....

But, the autopsy report has come out now...and it's just so heartbreaking and vicious....It is a good thing that my husband is in Iraq right now and not in Washington state....

I'd have to chain him to a wall to keep him from trying to avenge his Grandma in word or action.

[jillan]

72. omg - that is awful!

:hug:

If there is anything I can do, or if you ever need someone to talk to, I am here.

[medicswife]

76. Thanks my dear....it is terrible, isn't it?

Great Grandma J. would have lived to be 110 or more if he hadn't snuffed her glorious light out at 90....she was such an incredible woman. If I am half as cool as her when I am 90, I will feel that I have lived a successful and full life. I was thinking about her the night before he killed her because I watched Biden in Indianola...and he had his 90 year old Mama with him....I was thinking about how Grandma Junette was probably really looking forward to this election. I should have called to find out who she supported. She was a Democrat through and through and worked the voting booths and volunteered in Elementary schools and stuff. She still drove...even at 90 years old, lol. :) What a great woman.

Thank you so much for your kind words and for just giving me a chance to talk about how wonderful she was.

[Mike03]

69. Grief has hit me as well,

This week I read his autobiography, and it just reinforces how incredibly qualified this man is to be POTUS.

But he's a great human being and a hero to me, and nothing will ever change that. At the very least, his hard-hitting eloquence and truthfulness probably focused the terms of these debates and improved the quality of the candidates we now have to choose from.

Biden is far from finished. He could well be our VP, couldn't he?

[medicswife]

70. Even though he said no when asked about being HIllary's VP

I hold out hope that he could be the VP nominee for either Edwards or Obama.....

[Mike03]

73. Me too: maybe Edwards/Biden or Obama/Biden

Then, on the other hand, I think to myself that even though this is really sad and unfair that Biden hasn't been more heartily embraced by the voters, he has remained such a good, honest human being and so consistent with his values.

In a sense it is a cliche, but maybe he--like Gore--can serve the world even better by not getting entangled in presidential politics. Being the president seems to ruin or scar everyone. Maybe it's better to run but not to win.

[jillan]

75. His book was amazing!

I have supported Biden since 2004, and my support a quadrupled over the last year.

[Mike03]

66. Yes, I would go along with that! NT

[rucky]

80. Yep.

I'm right there with you.

[karynnj]

55. One way to look at it, is who is most likely to listen to advice from Biden on foreign policy?

The real choice we have is: Obama, HRC, and Edwards. HRC will likely look to BC and people aligned twith him. Look who Obama has written legislation or op-eds with - Feingold (ethics) and Kerry (media) are two of them. Edwards and Biden appeared to get on each other's nerves. Biden really went after Edwards in the union debate - challenging what he ever did more than 3 years ago to back unions.

It is hard to tell and Biden will under any of them head the SFRC, but judging by personality and seeing who works with whom - I'd guess that Obama would be most likely to solicit advice and weigh it seriously from Biden and the various other SFRC members - a committee that Obama is currently on.

[jillan]

61. Hillary would get her advice from Clark...another great man.

I agree that Biden and Obama have alot respect for each other.

Biden was really disappointed in HRC when she voted for Kyl/Lieberman.
As was I.

[medicswife]

64. This colors my vision GREATLY

My husband is in northern iraq right now and Kyl Lieberman scared the living crap out of me. I kept waiting to get an email from him saying that they'd be moving even further north and not to freak if I didn't hear from him for 3 or 4 weeks.

[inthebrain]

65. If anyone listens to Biden on foreign policy they are up shit's creek

This guy just gets it wrong everytime.

I'm not much of a fan of Edwards and Clinton. Obama has a short stay in the senate and I'm not overly impressed with that either (I don't stick to one issue "Iraq" when selecting a candidate) so I'm stickin with Kooch. I even think Kooch has warts but the others just stand out much more to me.

I think Iowa did get it right on Biden. It simply was the Bankruptcy as too many people we paying attention to that. I doubt any other candidates were going to slip that one by either.

[youthere]

109. Bullshit.

You still don't miss an opportunity to bash him, and everyone on this board has seen that. It leaves you ZERO credibility on anything Biden-related. Everyone I talked to at my caucus liked Biden. REALLY liked him. They just liked someone else a little better-namely Clinton, Obama, or Edwards. Every caucus goer I spoke to had Biden as their second choice and said overwhelmingly that they would have realigned for him-but their first choices were viable at caucus. Bankruptcy was NEVER ONCE brought up in relation to Biden. Nor was Anita Hill. You are once again talking out your ass. Do us all a favor...take a drink, take a walk, take a pill...whatever you need to do to get over your unnatural and unhealthy obsession with Biden. You do Kucinich no favors with your negative posts about Biden and the other candidates. I certainly hope you don't consider yourself a mouthpiece for his campaign...it has enough problems as it is.

[inthebrain]

110. I don't need credibility

Biden does.

The fact that he has none is exactly the reason why he quit the race and no one voted for him.

Might also have something to do with the fact that his supporters spent more time online posting anecdotes than they did hitting the pavement.

[youthere]

111. Tell me..how's Kucinich polling these days?

Yeah..that's what I thought. perhaps your candidate would be doing better if his supporters were hitting the pavement instead of posting anecdotes on here. I'd be very careful about equating a candidates "credibility" with the number of votes they get-considering who you support.

[inthebrain]

116. I'm rubber you're glue

blah blah blah blah

I will say this. Kooch is doing much better than Biden!!!

He still HAS a campaign.

He's not a quitter either.

[youthere]

118. What are you..two?

Interesting how you claim all these people hate Joe..but you're the only one showing up posting negative shit. Yep! The world hates Biden...that's why the people of Delaware keep sending him back to the senate..year after year after year after year after year....

[inthebrain]

122. Delaware = the world!!!!

LOL

[youthere]

123. according to you Iowa= the World. ..Keep laughing ..I'm using YOUR logic.

I'm tired of you. Go suck somewhere else. In the meantime join the elite group of individuals on my ignore list.

[inthebrain]

124. No you're not

Because I never said that!!!!

LOL

If the world liked Biden I would expect that would include Iowa.

[youthere]

126. You claim he has no credibility ANYWHERE and use the Iowa results as "proof" ...

I use Delaware to show you're wrong. I would think you'd be used to being wrong...you're so good at it. Whatever, I'm bored with you now. Good luck with your obsession.

[inthebrain]

127. All that says is that he can win in Delaware

Obviously he does have "credibility" with some people. That doesn't make it objective truth nor does that mean that the voters got it wrong on him either. Biden really is a Republican lite candidate and voters see it as such.

They got it right and didn't bite on this turkey. His only defense for his votes during the Bush years was that he was duped by a moron. The voters are not buying that excuse this time out.

Biden's votes and positions on a whole host of issues puts him to the right of Lieberman. Instead of pointing fingers at me perhaps you should re assess the candidates you are vouching for. Especially when they are a demagogue.

[LetsThink]

90. Always thought Biden and BC saw foreign policy in similar ways...

.....but, I'm a neophyte and just another kid watching the parade......

[bobbolink]

63. The choice is quite clear... it depends on whether you want the US to be run corporatedly,

or by We, The People.

clear choice.

[LetsThink]

91. WELL Corporate Gov is SHRUB'S specialty- I'm NOT Voting R!!

or.... Huckabroo or Rumble Romzee..... who are the others?

NONE of the Dems will allow Corp gov/ Corp Welfare or the private mil-to-shil machine, or the revolving door beween K street and government-- none of this will continue when D are in power, for sure!! Right?

[bobbolink]

128. Dream on.

sigh.....

[1corona4u]

78. I'm not voting in the primary

but if I was, I'd be writing Biden's name in. On principle. I'm in Florida, so it wouldn't matter anyway, but if I was anywhere else, and his name was on the ticket, that's who I'd choose. In the GE, it's pretty much a no brainer, but I wouldn't give any of the survivior my vote right now.

I'm probably not voting in the GE either though. I don't like any of the rest, and I will not vote for someone I don't want.

[medicswife]

82. Now see, I take to heart the words of my Civics teacher

over 15 years ago. If you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain. Also, your rights end where my nose begins. lol

Dear old Mr. Mullan. He has had so much influence in the way that I exercise my rights as a citizen of the USA. :)

But, my dear Corona...if you don't vote, I won't harp on you for it, just because you had my back more than once. :) I do hope though that something will happen over the next few months to change your mind. What would you do if Biden was nominated for VP and accepted?

Out of curiosity....

[1corona4u]

93. I don't think that will happen...

I don't think anyone running will ask him. Especially not Obama. For his own reasons. I think Obama already has his VP picked out.

But, if he did pick Biden, I'd have to think long and hard about it still. One big one for me, because if it was Obama, and he ended up being a 1 term POTUS,(like I think he would be)it would end Joe's life in politics. I doubt in 4 years Biden would be accepted for another run. No, I think Joe is better off in the senate. He can retire there.

People fucked up by not listening more to Biden now. People fucked up by not getting behind biden now. I think that evidence will play itself out over the next presidency, regardless of who wins.


You also said that if I don't vote, I don't have the right to complain. Well, to that I say, Iowa removed my right to vote for who I wanted. So, I guess it's a moot point. I'm just not voting for a president I don't want. It's like asking me to cave in, and just pick someone. I don't make symbolic statements with important issues. Never have, never will.

Of course, I'm an Independent, so I don't feel obligated to support the democratic nominee. But, if someone was holding a gun to my head today, I'd vote for Hillary.

[medicswife]

97. You would?

Wow, I'm surprised that you'd vote for Hillary if someone was holding a gun to your head. Honestly shocked.

I understand soooo well about you feeling like Iowa has made you a mute point. I am so with you on that one. I do a lot of bitching and moaning though, plus I'm not as opposed to Obama and Edwards as you are. I just had a very interesting conversation with a VERY Republican military spouse that I know. It was very enlightening and I intend to share what she told me in another post.

[sodakdemocrat]

108. I think Obama can bring out t he votes....

and so I'm not opposed to electing him. He can unify the people, cross the aisle, etc.
The key is that he has to appoint highly qualified cabinet and advisers and VP...so that he has a winning team. Then he can get good work done in office.
Hillary is abundantly qualified and skilled, but I fear this ability to unify is the trouble. The problem is unwarranted...but it's real.

[jillan]

85. I am still writing Biden's name in.

But I do care. I have been so wrapped up in Biden all year that I have only been focusing on the negatives of the other candidates, I really don't know much about them. Between Obama and Clinton - I don't know. And if Bloomberg gets in the race, I will look at him too.

And at the end of the day I will do all I can to prevent this -

[LetsThink]

81. Biden has experience..... knowledge... incredible knowledge.....

And... Biden truly cares about people. Think of the positive qualities and the issues that made Biden your guy, then look for the candidate that best matches those qualities, those issues.

[medicswife]

98. If anything happens to my husband...

I don't want anyone but Joe to offer me their condolences. Honestly if I try to compare the other candidates to Biden...they all fall short in my esteem.

[no name no slogan]

84. Who says you have to choose now?

Just sit back and watch the fireworks

[LVZ]

92. non-American living experience is important

One additional personal thing that tipped my preference to Obama was his experience living in a foreign nation. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia. I lived for ten years in Germany and, like Obama, I also spent many years in culturally diverse Honolulu.

You get a different, in fact, "much different", perspective on America outside of this country. While Clinton states that she has visited 80 nations, it is not the same as living there and, at least to some degree, being immersed and part of a non-American culture.

Americans have to be the most insular of western democracies. We so often ignore the successes and lessons of other nations. In fact, we are mostly ignorant of them altogether.

We have health care at twice the cost and half the coverage for our citizens. We worship guns as if they are sacred - not the enablers of crime and violence that they are. We say we are the guardians of "democracy" while we effectively limit political participation to two "money-dominated" political parties. Almost all western democracies except the USA have some sort of proportional representation where smaller parties not only keep the other parties honest but provide the freshest ideas.

Germans and other Europeans I met are often baffled by the paradox of our often-viewed-as-childish social and political insanity versus our dominant economic and political power.

What clearer signal to the world could there be that the USA is ready to rejoin the rest of the the world and reform itself than by having a dynamic mixed-race leader and spokesman personally familiar with both American and non-American diversity?

[1corona4u]

94. Sorry, that's a lame reason in my eyes.

It has no bearing on whether or not someone is qualified to be POTUS. Obama was a child when he lived outside the US. Moot point in my eyes.

[LVZ]

95. and so you prove my point - Americans are too insular

[ripple]

101. I don't think the poster was talking about 'qualifications', per se

Obama clearly meets the qualifications to be president, as established by the constitution. While his background might not be resume material, it is still a part of the fabric that shapes his character. Sure, he was a youth when he lived overseas, but he still has an ongoing and multi-generational relationship with the non-western world.

Just as important, in my opinion, is the way his presidency will restore confidence throughout the world that we aren't a nation governed by rich, white men- or by two families taking turns at holding the keys to the kingdom.

These obviously aren't the sole reasons one should support Obama, but they certainly shouldn't be discounted as irrelevant.

[medicswife]

100. I also lived for a time in Germany

and I have a sister that is married to a British man. They live in London. I do like the fact that Obama is a man of the world so to speak....it makes the choice between him and Edwards more difficult.

[alteredstate]

96. Biden's New Hampshire chair just endorsed Obama.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/primarysource/2008/01/former_dodd_nh.html

[jillan]

99. Dodd's - but some of Biden's people in NH did it as well.

I'm waiting to see what the big guy does, not that it would totally influence me, but I obviously trust his judgement.

I know his wife is not a fan of Hillary's. So we will see.

[poetsandpatriots]

117. these guys captured the hillary problem perfectly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZBPMKyyaBA

[laureloak]

120. What did you like about Biden? Go with those same

qualities to make your next choice.

Grandfatherly - Obama
Courageous Fighter - Edwards
Mischievous - Hillary
Underdog - Richardson
Practical - Kucinich

[Zookeeper]

121. I supported Biden and I'm back on the fence, also.

Each candidate has her/his strengths and weaknesses, but none of them inspired me to the point that I'd be likely to support them in the primaries.

What I'm starting to worry about is more voting machine fraud and possible war with Iran.

[ginchinchili]

125. Doesn't matter much now.

Might as well prepare for a President McCain Administration.