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CNN Confrims: Biden is the VP Candidate

Bump and Update: CNN confirms at 12:43 am ET that it is Joe Biden. So the world didn't find out by text message after all. The mainstream media learned it from highly placed sources. Nothing new here.

It's a love-fest on CNN. Their reporters are probably all hoping for the first one-on-one interview. I'm sure the law enforcement community is also clapping. What a disappointing choice.

(B.B.King, The Thrill is Gone)

Looks like it's a done deal. CNN confirms it's not Kaine, Bayh or Clinton. The Secret Service has been dispatched to Casa Biden and a Netjets plane left Chicago Midway for Delaware.

The text message will go out tomorrow morning. As I wrote here:

For all the change that Obama promised to bring to politics in Washington, how's Obama going to explain driving up with Joe Biden in his father's Oldsmobile?

Big Tent Democrat called it correctly. Is anyone besides me extremely unhappy with Joe Biden, the ultimate crime warrior, on the ticket?

One of my favorite Joe Biden gaffes below:

You Tube:
""I've had a great relationship (with Indian Americans). In Delaware, the largest growth in population is Indian-Americans moving from India. You cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin' Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. I'm not joking,"
Article here.
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  • Display: Sort:
    Maybe we should go with this (5.00 / 2) (#1)
    by dissenter on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:49:11 PM EST
    So appropriate. nt (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by jpete on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:04:07 PM EST
    This is me right now.... (5.00 / 1) (#211)
    by cosbo on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:15:37 AM EST
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrZbbnXkfhU

    Wonder how much of us there are out there.

    Parent

    That was just... (none / 0) (#140)
    by weltec2 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:50:14 PM EST
    painful to watch.

    Parent
    Sad to think (none / 0) (#190)
    by tlkextra on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:07:15 AM EST
    most who can relate to that video and song have been treated as "no longer relevant" during this Election.

    Parent
    My wife is quite unhappy (5.00 / 4) (#2)
    by Steve M on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:51:24 PM EST
    I get the sense she would have had this reaction to any pick but Hillary, though.  That's just the way it is.

    With apologies to Jeralyn - Let the (5.00 / 0) (#3)
    by Rhouse on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:53:17 PM EST
    O-B spin begin!

    Done (none / 0) (#129)
    by Athena on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:44:14 PM EST
    CNN just reporting officially that Obama has picked Biden.

    OK, turn off your phones now.

    Parent

    And (5.00 / 3) (#152)
    by Athena on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:55:28 PM EST
    Millions were tricked into signing up for a marketing scam using this text message ruse. Spam alert.

    And CNN beats the "text message" charade - what a surprise.  The gimmickry is all too apparent.

    Parent

    Apparently wiki has been updated, lol!~ (5.00 / 1) (#195)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:08:54 AM EST
    Well, this whole drag-out (none / 0) (#182)
    by Eleanor A on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:04:19 AM EST
    has been to distract from the Convention and the dissent that's gonna go down there.

    What a crying shame, watching this happen, and knowing it's gonna take a loooong time for the Democratic Party to come back from it.

    Parent

    Kick in the gut (5.00 / 4) (#4)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:53:23 PM EST
    Oh...well, that was a dud.  Does he even have the age or traction to be Pres after the Obama win...?  

    LA AM talk radio station: (none / 0) (#218)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:20:03 AM EST
    that's the most exciting news in --5 minutes and the greatest man ever who isn't the son of a deity.

    Parent
    Yuck, how completely uninteresting. (5.00 / 5) (#5)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:53:23 PM EST
    Can anyone tell me what Biden brings to the ticket?  Democrats already have Delaware's THREE electoral votes.  

    Can we now assume that Obama has chucked the 'change'  mantra?  

    Safety (5.00 / 2) (#10)
    by standingup on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:54:55 PM EST
    in another old white guy.

    Parent
    I think he's about 66 years old (1942). (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:02:01 PM EST
    McCain is 6 years older. How can they make fun of Obama's age, when Biden is not that much younger?

    Parent
    Correction: How can they make (5.00 / 3) (#38)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:05:27 PM EST
    fun of "McCain's age, when Biden is not that much younger."

    Parent
    They can't (5.00 / 5) (#45)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:08:04 PM EST
    If Joe Biden is ready to assume the Presidency, then so is McCain.  

    Parent
    They Are (5.00 / 2) (#144)
    by Athena on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:51:48 PM EST
    But Obama is not.

    Parent
    Here! Here! (none / 0) (#149)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:53:31 PM EST
    You are SO right.  Voters will feel that way too, Everyone running for President/VP is more qualified than Obama!  

    Parent
    It didn't hurt Bush in 2000 (none / 0) (#175)
    by pmj6 on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:01:33 AM EST
    No (none / 0) (#193)
    by Upstart Crow on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:08:12 AM EST
    It's "Hear, Hear!"

    We discussed that on another thread this morning.

    Parent

    Good Point! (5.00 / 1) (#202)
    by sociallybanned on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:11:45 AM EST
    Yup, that's a great argument!  Bye, bye Democratic president in 08 but then again, McCain will be a "lame duck" President; doesn't sound to bad.  Gearing up for a Hilary in 2012.  hmmm, hmmn,  I'm ok with that if we can override (majority votes ) McCain's vetoes some democrats fear.  Another thought, I don't know, Lieberman was Gore's Veep choice and look, he endorses McCain all the time now that he is classified as an Independent.  Lieberman's voting record his almost 100% Democrat.  HMMN!  

    Parent
    Maybe they are planning on having (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:31:09 PM EST
    Biden and McCain duke it out UFC style...Biden wins, dem in the WH, McCain wins, repub in the WH...should be a short match :)

    Parent
    You said it. (5.00 / 7) (#98)
    by blcc on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:26:08 PM EST
    If there were anything inspiring about Biden, wouldn't he have made more impressive inroads in the electorate in the 20 YEARS he has aspired to the job?

    Seriously, wasn't his first campaign for the presidency in 1988?  And he still got, what, less than 1% of the vote in Iowa before dropping out?

    Oh BROTHER.

    Look, I've known all week that the only pick Obama could make that would live up to the anticipation and hype is Hillary.  And OF COURSE he didn't make it.

    Why should I trust this guy if he can't even get the easy stuff right?

    Parent

    You are oh so correct blcc!! (5.00 / 3) (#112)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:33:45 PM EST
    I think I accurately predicted that after all this huge build-up, you would all be disappointed.  obama dragged this thing out practically to oblivion, but, imo, for naught.
    Biden has quite a few negatives, so will be interesting to see how it plays out.  Of course, maybe the real VP is just holed up at Biden's place...lol

    Parent
    Well, one thing's for sure (5.00 / 3) (#198)
    by JavaCityPal on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:10:03 AM EST
    He doesn't outshine Obama.

    And, the icing on the cake is he brings, what, 103 votes to the ticket?

    Parent

    Java, exactly, (5.00 / 3) (#224)
    by cpa1 on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:30:17 AM EST
    Obama is an egomaniac who thinks he can do anything better than anyone and Biden, who can be quite lucid at times, often looks like a schmuck.

    Obama doesn't want anyone telling him what to do and a Rendell, a Clark and certainly a Hillary are too much of a threat to Obama's ego.

    Biden is a great choice.......except for all the except fors.  

    Parent

    I am extremely unhappy about the way (5.00 / 18) (#8)
    by Firewalker on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:54:40 PM EST
    the Obama campaign handled Hillary and her supporters. It should have been officially made clear weeks ago that she wouldn't be picked. To find out today that she was never even vetted was a kick in the gut. I was someone who planned on voting for Obama even if he didn't pick Hillary, depending on how he handled the situation. Well, he definitely lost my vote today (McCain won't get it either). Picking Hillary for VP was one way to ensure unity and Obama chose otherwise.

    They don't care about Clinton's supporters (4.91 / 12) (#55)
    by dianem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:11:35 PM EST
    Obama is reaching toward the middle, not toward the solid progressives who supported Clinton. Either he thinks we won't vote for him no matter what or he thinks that we're going to vote for him no matter what. No apology for slandering Clinton during the primary will be forthcoming. It's up to Bill Clinton to clear his own name - and he's not allowed to because that will mean implying that Obama manipulated anti-racist sentiment to win the primary. It will be interesting to see if Clinton can actually keep his mouth shut through the entire primary if Hillary isn't the VP pick. He hasn't been very enthusiastic about Obama so far. He is hurt, and his ego is not likely to allow him to not defend himself if somebody attacks - which they will. If Clinton isn't the VP nominee, Bill Clinton is a ticking time bomb.

    Parent
    God bless him for still ticking. (5.00 / 9) (#84)
    by Lysis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:20:48 PM EST
    I've already gone off.   President Clinton is watching the party he built up be destroyed.  

    Parent
    Yep (5.00 / 6) (#126)
    by tlkextra on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:41:47 PM EST
    it killed me that the Obama Primary tactic was to destroy the legacy of the Democratic Party and all its' successful icons in the process. I have never felt so "old and useless" in my life.

    Parent
    Nah. (5.00 / 7) (#172)
    by echinopsia on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:01:12 AM EST
    You're NOT old and useless.

    You're just not young and clueless.

    Parent

    touche (5.00 / 1) (#200)
    by tlkextra on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:11:08 AM EST
    They never got it. (4.88 / 17) (#22)
    by Lysis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:00:07 PM EST
    She's not just a person. She's the representative of 18 million Democratic voters.  By treating her like she doesn't matter, all the while working her like a dog on the campaign trail...

    Well, I guess she really is our representative, as we're expected to work like dogs (or fall in line like sheep) as our progressive values are thrown under the bus.  

    I didn't think I could be surprised and disappointed again, but he managed to do it, just by allowing the false hope to build up.  

    Her not being considered at all was not the surprise I was expecting.

    Parent

    Yet another campaign flub (5.00 / 11) (#49)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:09:37 PM EST
    This has been handled horribly, just made people more and more angry.  

    I'm still in shock.  Joe Biden?  WTF?!  

    Parent

    Hillary supporters (4.75 / 8) (#119)
    by tlkextra on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:37:42 PM EST
    have been called names and bullied by being told they need to fall in line and vote for him for the good of the Party and the Country. On the other hand, shouldn't the same be said of Obama.  His best chance to unify the Party and win this Election was to make Hillary his VP. But instead, more disrespect has been shown to these life long Democrats that have seemingly been thrown under the bus with the rest of Obama's baggage. Biden is all the things that Clinton was criticized for (old politics, voted for war...) during the Primary, so this is a little hard to swallow, irregardless of my opinion of Biden.

    Parent
    Obama said (according to CNN tonight) (5.00 / 8) (#210)
    by JavaCityPal on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:15:12 AM EST
    He doesn't know what more he can do for Hillary's supporters. He believed that giving all the Clinton's speaking spots at the convention should have been enough!

    Gotta love it.

    GoWithBarack

    Parent

    He will lose (4.77 / 18) (#36)
    by justinboston2008 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:04:20 PM EST
    and he deserves it.

    Parent
    Jeralyn, I'm sorry! To me, it wouldn't (5.00 / 11) (#9)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:54:46 PM EST
    have mattered if it were Kaine or Bayh or Biden. But for all you do, for all you believe, I know the coming months will be a challenge for you. The challenge as who will get my vote ended in June.

    One more brilliant campaign move (5.00 / 20) (#15)
    by dianem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:57:16 PM EST
    Keep the suspense building until people are sick of it, then send the SS to the picks house instead of providing the promised text message to your supporter's. What was the whole point of keeping people waiting for this? It's not exactly an exciting surprise. I still have a vague hope that Obama will surprise us tomorrow, but the only thing he has done that surprised me since the primary ended was change his vote on FISA, so i'm not holding out hope of a pleasant surprise. I'll be making jam in the morning. Low Sugar peach and blueberry. Hopefully, there will be no surprises there, either.

    If Hillary's camp (5.00 / 14) (#79)
    by ding7777 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:18:04 PM EST
    reneged on the "text message" delivery date the howlers would describe it as evidence of Hillary's dysfunctional team, but when Obama does it, the BigOrange Front pages it as
    the best veep rollout EVER!


    Parent
    I guess when you play like (5.00 / 7) (#89)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:22:59 PM EST
    children, you enjoy these games and feel they are the best roll-out ever. My brother, who is voting Obama no matter what (actually voting dem no matter what) called me this morning and asked if he should blame the news media or Obama for continuing to say they'll reveal Obama's veep pick and then keep putting it off. It really ticked my brother off. I told him, imo, to look to the Obama campaign, it was their spin.

    Parent
    Tell your brother (5.00 / 5) (#122)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:39:28 PM EST
    That the Obama campaign has delayed the announcement so he can build his data base of cell phone numbers and email addresses.  

    Wasn't that brilliant?  <snark>  

    Parent

    It was to (5.00 / 2) (#197)
    by Eleanor A on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:09:43 AM EST
    dominate the news cycle and be sure the papers wouldn't be full of articles about pissed-off Hillary supporters marching at the Convention next week.

    You can count on it.

    Parent

    So... the best roll out ever (5.00 / 9) (#100)
    by dianem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:27:24 PM EST
    1. Keep people waiting until right before the convention to compress the impact of the VP pick/convention and make the candidate look indecisive.
    2. Promise all of your supporter's text messages telling them about the pick before anybody else gets them, then call all of the non-picks so that they can leak that they weren't the choice and send the Secret Service to the picks house.
    3. Don't even bother to vet the opponent who got half of the Democratic vote, thus alienating her supporter's even further
    4. Start an attack on McCain just a few days before the announcement, then talk up your VP pick, eliminating any chance that the attack will take on a momentum of it's own.

    Yes. That would be the "best rollout ever". I wonder how much of a bounce McCain will get over this?

    Parent
    Not a Cocoon- this is mummification (5.00 / 10) (#217)
    by AlSmith on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:19:05 AM EST
    from Kos:
    "Brilliant! We've got a lot of campaign a head of us, but this has been the Obama campaign's finest operation thus far."

    This cant be real.

    According to Marc Ambinder: "According to a campaign official, the plan is to send out the text message a few hours before Obama's 12pm CT event in Springfield.
    "

    So they dont plan on announcing until 12 hours after everyone else knew? That cant do that anymore... they have to limp out something.

    If your plan is blown up, then that isnt the "finest operation".


    Parent

    Stupid, stupid, stupid (5.00 / 22) (#25)
    by No Blood for Hubris on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:00:54 PM EST
    Just not man enough to have Hillary on the ticket.

    Yecccch.

    Which was a more exciting pick: (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:03:39 PM EST
    Lieberman for Gore, or Biden for Obama?

    There's no comparison (none / 0) (#37)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:05:04 PM EST
    Biden is no Lieberman.

    Parent
    Indeed. Lieberman in 2000 was a much (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:06:17 PM EST
    better pick than Biden in 2008.

    Parent
    I disagree (5.00 / 6) (#142)
    by shoephone on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:51:05 PM EST
    Lieberman was an awful pick for Gore and as soon as I heard the news that day I called Dem Party HQ and reamed them a new one.

    But I think Biden does absolutely nothing for Obama. This whole campaign leaves me cold. I'd better learn to knit -- winter will be here before we know it.

    Parent

    (Heh. Am I the only one here (none / 0) (#207)
    by Eleanor A on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:14:30 AM EST
    who actually is a knitter?  Was just working on an Aran pattern for the fall.

    In case you're serious, try knittinghelp.com...hit ravelry.com for pattern ideas...)

    Parent

    Touche! (none / 0) (#42)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:07:10 PM EST
    However, I can think of no scenario in which Biden would leave the Democratic Party and threaten to become a Republican.

    Parent
    actually, he said he'd be honored (4.00 / 1) (#154)
    by DandyTIger on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:56:18 PM EST
    to serve under McCain some years ago if McCain were president. On tape, signed, sealed, and delivered.

    Along with the tape that caused him to drop out of the presidential race in the past 88 or 92, not sure when, were he did that horrible plagiarizing speech. Really embarrassing.

    Parent

    Obama doesn't mind plagiarism. (4.25 / 4) (#177)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:03:41 AM EST
     

    Parent
    Sure... (none / 0) (#178)
    by pmj6 on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:03:45 AM EST
    ...but at the time McCain was toying with the idea of becoming a Democrat, so who knows...

    Parent
    Back then (none / 0) (#223)
    by Pianobuff on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:30:04 AM EST
    wasn't Joe B one of the inner circle of people consulting with John M about running as Kerry's VP?

    Parent
    BTD calls it again (5.00 / 4) (#33)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:04:05 PM EST


    You betcha Jeralyn, (5.00 / 7) (#40)
    by Gabriele Droz on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:05:57 PM EST
    Is anyone besides me extremely unhappy with Joe Biden, the ultimate crime warrior

    It's certainly not the hope and change we've all been hoping for.

    Severeley disappointed, once again, especially after the anti DLC/DNC advertisements directed our way at the beginning.

    Everything promised to us at the start to reel this candidate into our hearts, has been disproven as fake.

    I don't even know where to start.  But it was not what we longed for.

    I am so sad, so sad, right now.

    And all of you, just go ahead and tell me to get him into office and THEN fight for keeping him in line with our own wishes.................

    Okay, I guess I'll try that.  What else is there left for me right now?

    They're b-a-a-a-c-k!!!!!!! (5.00 / 5) (#47)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:08:46 PM EST
    I certainly am not going to tell you to vote for Obama, especially if you are that unhappy. Don't do it!!!!!!

    Parent
    Serious question here: (5.00 / 0) (#44)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:08:02 PM EST
    If Biden is such a drug warrior, won't Obama's drug history become an issue?

    no (none / 0) (#124)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:41:10 PM EST
    and I don't think that's an honest question but an attempt to smear Obama. This is your second attempt at this in two days. Stop. Third time's the charm and you'll be banned again, this time for good.

    Parent
    It's an honest question, and you are (5.00 / 1) (#131)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:44:49 PM EST
    smearing me to suggest otherwise.
    I will stop however.
    Suffice to say, the things Biden already said about Obama should have disqualified him from being VP.
    Hillary, despite the bad rap she got, was much more circumspect. For example, she said that she was ready to be CIC, and left it open whether Obama was.
    Biden, on the other hand, flat out said that Obama is not experienced enough, as several people pointed out with links.


    Parent
    Exciting News - the text message goes out (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by Rhouse on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:08:43 PM EST
    Saturday morning, so no need to stay up and wait breathlessly for confirmation of the pick.

    True, (5.00 / 3) (#64)
    by Gabriele Droz on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:14:00 PM EST
    instead we get sleep with fear and/or nightmares.

    Parent
    I still don't think the VP matters (5.00 / 5) (#51)
    by waldenpond on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:10:36 PM EST
    Polls showed voters have already made up their minds.  They have defined the candidates and they are going to vote for them or not.

    As far as Clinton voters go, it was handled poorly.  I have no idea why the campaign would take one last swipe at Clinton voters by leaking Clinton was never vetted.  Odd. Tacky.

    The achieved their campaign goal.  They manipulated the media (this is better than Bush and they keep lapping it up!)  and.... they created a huge database they can hit up for money and they dumped the VP on the weekend so it is not about that person (like Biden is not going to slip and try to make it about him)  I imagine his supporters won't be in the least disappointed the media feels  the supporters got played.

    I think perhaps they wanted to (5.00 / 5) (#57)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:12:19 PM EST
    take the "breath out of the Hillary sails" at the convention. The less it is about her, the more it is about Obama. I hope they've seriously misjudged her support yet again.

    Parent
    The Obama campaign miscalculates (5.00 / 4) (#93)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:24:49 PM EST
    Every. single. Time.  

    Who the heck is running the Obama campaign?  Is he/she over 15?  

    Parent

    Palomino...you are exactly correct!! (5.00 / 7) (#135)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:47:19 PM EST
    Hillary supporters are going to be steamed X 10 now.  

    Parent
    I never thought for minute he was going to (5.00 / 4) (#143)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:51:41 PM EST
    choose her but I did think he would choose Bayh as a sort of hopeful balm.  Selecting Biden does nothing to help with the Clinton rift.  Worse still, it is likely that for many of us Biden's record on several different issues chaps before we even address the issue of the Clinton rift!  Oh Well, life goes on.

    Parent
    VP Picks (5.00 / 2) (#106)
    by mmc9431 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:29:49 PM EST
    I would agree that normally the VP is a non issue. But with the party divided as it is in this election, the VP slot became crutial. If Obama had gone the "new politic's" image that he stressed in the primaries and picked a newer politician, fine. But to pick someone from the Nixon era is too  much like what GWB did with Cheney. Unfortunately from a Dem stand point Biden is no Cheney! I doubt he will be able to run rough shod over the Congress to push Obama's agenda. On top of that Biden doesn't address the unity problem that Obama and the party is faced with.

    Parent
    Speaking of the Bush picking his VP vetter (5.00 / 1) (#141)
    by ding7777 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:50:58 PM EST
    I thought maybe Obama would opt for Caroline Kennedy

    Parent
    Obama said clearly (1.00 / 1) (#199)
    by MichaelGale on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:10:42 AM EST
    in his little talk today that he wanted someone as VP who would tell him what to do. It's more like President Biden and Acting President Obama.

    Parent
    It might matter in this case (3.50 / 2) (#65)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:14:16 PM EST
    Biden has many qualities Obama plainly lacks. And, in fact, I would disagree that VP choices don't matter. In recent administrations the VP has become a de facto prime minister, the behind the scenes doer of things. Cheney's (self)pick greatly helped Bush because he was seen as someone who could get things done.

    Parent
    This campaign just gets more depressing (5.00 / 11) (#52)
    by ap in avl on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:10:58 PM EST
    by the day.  

    I guess I will have to redouble my efforts to help put down ticket Dems into the win column this year.  I've worked on GOTV for every Democratic Presidential campaign since 1976.  I just can't do it this year.

    But in some ways I'm relieved I guess.  I won't have to spend any time trying to make a convincing argument for Obama when I can't even believe in him myself.

    If there ever was a time (5.00 / 10) (#81)
    by Gabriele Droz on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:19:33 PM EST
    I felt MORE likely NOT to vote for him, it is now.

    He really blew it.  I've kept my door open, although  I always was against him.  But to just keep her out of the vetting while saying "she'd be on anyone's short list", and the just going ahead without giving her ANY respect for what she has accomplished....l.

    I mean the whole thing of putting her on the roll call wasn't his idea, it was due to pressure...

    Arggghhh.

    All I know right now is that I will fight against him all the way till the end.

    The man is an egomaniac.

    Parent

    Ugggghhhhh (5.00 / 13) (#53)
    by TN Dem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:10:59 PM EST
    Well I was writing something much more insightful, but I erased it when I realized  md-type that really, UUUGGGGHHHH pretty much sums it up.

    Right there with you... (4.75 / 4) (#104)
    by k on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:28:48 PM EST
    I started writing something thoughtful and then just thought frackit...Obama/Biden is not the change I was waiting for.

    But for some sick reason I've been laughing. My party has turned into a bad joke.

    Parent

    Image... (5.00 / 3) (#194)
    by Stellaaa on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:08:29 AM EST
    This is what we got from the Dems...

    Parent
    It may not be of much comfort, Jeralyn, (5.00 / 18) (#54)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:11:31 PM EST
    but I think you are definitely not alone in being very unhappy about this.

    Biden may have the foreign policy cred that Obama needs, but he is also Mr. Corporate, and on so many levels his record and positions negate many lines of attack against the GOP.

    Biden can't help that he isn't Hillary, so I don't hold his selection against him.  I do think that both Hillary's and Bill's speeches before the convention are going to bring the house down, along with Obama's poll numbers, as it sinks in that this eminently qualified woman was not just passed over for the nomination, but treated with great disrespect.

    It's a slow motion train wreck that just picked up speed.

    Biden's foreign poliy cred (5.00 / 2) (#137)
    by RalphB on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:48:50 PM EST
    If you look at Biden's foreign policy stances over the years, you'll find more Les Gelb and Dick Lugar than Biden in the sensible ones.  He'd be nowhere without those old Nixonian thinkers.

    But he is a first-class corporate shill and a big drug warrior.  Not hearty recommendations :-)

    Parent

    Ultimate crime warrior (5.00 / 7) (#59)
    by Iphie on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:13:10 PM EST
    not to mention bought and paid for by the credit card industry. So, which of our other rights do you think that Obama and Biden are willing to hand over to corporate America? Let's see, the 4th Amendment's already been trashed -- I think the smart money says that in a couple of years the concept of privacy rights is going to seem so ... quaint. I can already feel the data mining synergy between government and business swelling. But, hey, what difference does it make if you don't have anything to hide, right?

    Right?

    Credit cards based in Delaware? (4.66 / 3) (#66)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:14:33 PM EST
    Isn't that where the credit card bills come from?  Isn't Delaware known for credit cards and Dupont chemical factories?  

    Parent
    There's the ticket (5.00 / 2) (#138)
    by waldenpond on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:49:41 PM EST
    I believe it was Markl who came up with 'President Exelon' and just add on 'Vice President Credit Card'. Actually, I can't see a commercial out of that one.

    Now the fact that both of them have questionable quoting histories, that will be used.

    and Biden?  Oooohhhhh Biden....   :)  

    I like to use Milbank's Homo Politicus (which made me laugh out loud several times) Biden has his own section.  It is titled Falling Status: The Blowhard   [Biden moved on to discuss legal cases, pretending he was an employer and using his colleague Dianne Feinstein as his prop. "Ms. Feinstein, I am not going to hire you because the person seeking the job has a Rhodes Scholarship and I like him better," he said. "And it turns out he wasn't a Rhodes scholar. The real reason is I just don't like your glasses, I don't like the way you look. I'm not being facetious."

    Feinstein looked surprised. "I like them," reassured Senator Pat Leahy. "I like the way you look, Dianne. You look okay."

    Another monologue followed, before Biden finally closed. "I want to note for maybe the first time in history Biden is forty seconds under his time," he said. Final tally: Biden, 3,673 words; Alito, 1,013.]

    Aaaah, that Biden, he's such a chuckle head... and I must repeat this portion of the book as it reflects the view I have held of Biden for a long time [This leads to the cautionary tale of Joe Biden, a Democratic senator from Delaware, who won U.S. News & World Report's "most talkative" award and was first runner-up in Washingtonian magazine's "biggest windbag" category. Biden's lungs are legendary. When it was rumored that John Kerry might tap Biden as his secretary of state, journalists joked that Foggy Bottom would no longer need to schedule daily briefings: Biden's daily briefing would merely end when the next day's briefing was ready to begin.]

    OK, I picked Bayh and I got it wrong.  I am going to predict Biden sticks his foot in his mouth during the second week of September.  Who wants to start a pool?  Any topics he might go overboard with?

    Parent

    Downticket races will be where I spend my (5.00 / 2) (#62)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:13:34 PM EST
    money and time. I will not vote for the top of the ticket as it stands right now. I can't, I just don't feel it.

    Me Either (5.00 / 3) (#70)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:16:09 PM EST
    I will not vote for Obama.  Period.  He's screwed us again and I have no doubt that Obama will continue to do so if elected.  No can do.  Can't vote for these two.

    Parent
    Kalling All Kossacks (5.00 / 18) (#63)
    by Sweet Sue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:13:51 PM EST
    Biden voted to give Bush the Lesser carte blanche to invade Iraq. Refresh my memory; why was that vote such a deal breaker for Hillary?

    I read that in 2007 Biden (5.00 / 3) (#78)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:17:29 PM EST
    acknowledged that his vote was a mistake. I guess that excuses and corrects it in Obama's book.

    Parent
    Two words (5.00 / 15) (#73)
    by janarchy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:16:37 PM EST
    Anita.
    Hill.

    Yeah, that should go over well with disgruntled Clinton supporters.

    So much for change. Just how did he do in the primaries?

    (I actually like Biden as a Senator and thought he would do well in a cabinet position because he does know his stuff when it comes to defense and foreign policy, but VP? Ha. Apparently 'new politics' means "dredging up guys who have been Washington insiders for the past 30+ years, as long as they're not named Clinton")

    He's also got a 37 percent NARAL rating... (5.00 / 8) (#115)
    by Dawn Davenport on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:36:44 PM EST
    ...according to On the Issues.

    Parent
    You took the words (5.00 / 6) (#192)
    by oldpro on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:08:01 AM EST
    right outta my mouth....Anita Hill.

    No one who watched Biden run those hearings could possibly vote for this guy...no woman, anyway.

    Anita won't be supporting this team, I bet, and neither will I.

    Parent

    Did Biden ever say that Obama was (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:16:52 PM EST
    especially qualified because he is black, as Kerry did? I know that he praised Obama's grade school derived foreign policy creds.


    He also said... (5.00 / 5) (#82)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:19:54 PM EST
    "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," Biden said. "I mean, that's a storybook, man."

    You can bet the repubs have video. Rush was pratically salivating over the prospect of Obama/Biden.

    Parent

    Sure, but... (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:22:32 PM EST
    ...how exactly are they going to use it? The very fact Obama picked Biden inoculates the latter against the charge of racism.

    Parent
    That's not the only racist thing that Biden (5.00 / 0) (#99)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:27:05 PM EST
    has said.  Remember his comments about Indians running 7/11 stores?  

    The republicans can be counted on to use Biden's comments against Obama.  

    Parent

    How about the one (5.00 / 4) (#107)
    by dissenter on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:30:32 PM EST
    where he said the presidency wasn't a place for on the job training. This was referring to Obama's lack of experience.

    That commercial writes itself.

    Parent

    They just trotted that quote out (5.00 / 2) (#118)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:37:41 PM EST
    on Fox.

    I think the McCain camp will have fun with that one . . . .

    Parent

    There's also the clip where (5.00 / 2) (#127)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:43:38 PM EST
    Biden says he isn't running for VP and wouldn't accept the job if it was offered to him.  

    Parent
    That was also shown (5.00 / 5) (#206)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:13:49 AM EST
    they don't even need to dig for this stuff.

    And you know that the McCain camp is gonna have fun with all this stuff. How deaf is the Obama team?!!!

    Parent

    they are/will be (5.00 / 8) (#77)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:17:24 PM EST
    turning themselves into knots trying to spin away the fact that they bashed Hillary for weeks because of her war vote but are slobbering all over Biden who voted the same and much more enthusiasticly.

    So what exactly is the O-B message (5.00 / 2) (#80)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:19:09 PM EST
    on Iraq? Besides the disagreement on the AUMF, wasn't Biden a proponent of the Gelb partition plan?

    How unexciting... (5.00 / 8) (#83)
    by OrangeFur on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:19:57 PM EST
    Finally we get to open the Christmas present, and it's a ... box of ball-point pens. You tried to get us excited for that?

    I confess I don't know a great deal about Joe Biden. He seems like a mainstream Democrat. He's been a senator for nearly 35 years, having held the position since he was 30. I understand Jeralyn is unhappy with his crime policies, and I defer to her far superior knowledge on that issue. I know he voted for the Iraq war resolution, and was one of the credit card companies' champions on the most recent bankruptcy bill.

    I guess he's supposed to serve as the Lloyd Bentsen/Dick Cheney figure: the senior statesman to lend gravitas to a ticket headed by an inexperienced presidential candidate. Not inspiring at all.

    And don't forget he doesn't (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:25:33 PM EST
    project "change" the centerpoint of Obama's campaign.

    Parent
    My most disappointing Xmas present (5.00 / 3) (#204)
    by Valhalla on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:12:25 AM EST
    was...sheets.  When I was 7.  Ball point pens would have been a barrel full of monkeys in comparison.

    And Biden is even less exciting than sheets.  At any age.

    Parent

    One wonders WHY Biden, unless he is (5.00 / 0) (#85)
    by Salt on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:21:20 PM EST
    being set up to be the fall guy and the thinking that he is able to attract the working class and is Catholics soooo wrong and out of touch, I really believe there is no understanding of the culture of the MW at the DNC or Team OBAMA. Poor judgment if it is Biden, but hey Matthews loved the guy and he dose have nice white teeth.


    Are you saying Biden does not poll (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:22:37 PM EST
    well with Catholics? That is a very worrisome demographic for Obama, currently.

    Parent
    BOTH of Chris Matthew's legs tingling? (5.00 / 2) (#105)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:29:07 PM EST
    How exciting.  Almost as exciting as Joe Biden.  

    Pardon the snark, but I am bummed.  

    Parent

    Biden (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by wasabi on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:24:50 PM EST
    While I don't think Biden is the best choice for VP, I am looking forward to hearing what will come out of his mouth during this campaign season.  That quip about Rudy during the debate "noun, verb, 9-11" was priceless.

    It'll be entertaining...

    He used (5.00 / 7) (#148)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:53:24 PM EST
    the same quip against Obama: He's nothing more than a noun, verb, and a speech he made in 2002.

    If I were on the McCain campaign team I would be doing high fives all over the place.

    You know how all of McCain's ads now say at the end that Obama's unqualified? Well, now they can say that even's Obama's VP candidate agrees with them.

    Parent

    Head Fake...Plot (5.00 / 4) (#101)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:28:03 PM EST
    Ok,so, Hillary would not need Secret Service, as ex first lady, she gets it all the time.  Maybe Biden is the head fake and tomorrow, the Clinton and Obama supporters get the text.  And then, the birds come down and they bunnies start singing and everyone lives happily ever after.  

    OK...I've had two drinks... (5.00 / 2) (#203)
    by oldpro on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:12:22 AM EST
    just how many have you had since this announcement?

    Parent
    One. Thanks for the reminder! (5.00 / 1) (#212)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:16:28 AM EST
    I need to ramp it down so I can sleep and enjoy tomorrow with simple pleasures. And baseball, NO politics.

    Parent
    Well, if Obama is going to be president (5.00 / 5) (#102)
    by Radiowalla on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:28:06 PM EST
    then he needs a seasoned VP who knows something about foreign policy.  In that respect, Biden is a better choice than many of the other possibilities (Kaine, Sebelius, Bayh).

    That Obama did not give Hillary Clinton the courtesy of a meeting with his vetting team is utterly repugnant to me.  It seems that he is looking for more and better opportunities to insult  her 18 million supporters.  

    So much for party unity.

    Is thee any reason to believe (none / 0) (#156)
    by Upstart Crow on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:57:00 PM EST
    most VPs have been consulted on foreign policy, or anything much?

    Are you just talking about getting elected?

    Parent

    They're driving up in the olds (5.00 / 1) (#103)
    by Redshoes on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:28:17 PM EST
    and I'm stuck in neutral.

    Unity and Change? (5.00 / 0) (#109)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:31:28 PM EST
    Not so much.  

    Biden didn't even try to unify the party and his choice is definitely NOT about change.  

    OOPS! OBAMA (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:32:54 PM EST
    Didn't even try to unify the party!  

    Sorry.  

    Parent

    The Anita Hill hearings (5.00 / 13) (#116)
    by eleanora on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:36:45 PM EST
    should have removed Senator Biden from consideration in any party that cares about women and equality. And the thought of anyone describing Senator MBNA as a fighter "for working class families" makes my irony meter explode. Just no words.

    What He Thought of Obama (5.00 / 4) (#121)
    by Athena on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:38:15 PM EST
        As reported by SunTimes, George Stephanopoulos asked Biden and said, "You were asked is he ready. You said `I think he can be ready, but right now I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training."

        Biden's response was clear when he stated, "I think that I stand by the statement."

    http://www.blogsofwar.com/2008/08/19/vp-speculation-obama-biden-ticket-the-insider-favorite/

    confirmation (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by shmerritt on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:47:36 PM EST
    So much for the Obama camp's ability to keep a secret! John King "confirming" that Obama's VP choice is Joe Biden, on "Democratic sources" he can't name due to the "agreement" re: their "firsthand knowledge" that Obama offered it and Biden has accepted it. .... Hmmmn.  In my view too, not handled well at all.  At least, the "Obama camp" could have kept it under wraps "officially" until after the so-called first-to-know "text messages."

    Larry King: "How did they let this get out before they wanted it to?" ... good question.  Sounds stinky to me.

    Major Garret (sp?!) on Fox (5.00 / 2) (#167)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:59:35 PM EST
    is in Springfield and confirming also.

    How will the Obots feel now? lol!~

    Parent

    Obama-Biden (5.00 / 2) (#145)
    by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:53:22 PM EST
    true enough.

    This is the change that we were waiting for?

    How about, just another bum looking for change.

    Very poor choice and bad judgment from Obama (5.00 / 7) (#150)
    by OxyCon on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:54:03 PM EST
    Unbelievable. There is so much to say about how wrong this choice is, and I don't even have to mention the reasons why, because we are all probably thinking of the same reasons.
    Obama has "superior judgment" abilities?
    Lol!
    Now that is a funny one.
    What is it with Obama's love affair with "Crazy Uncles", the kind you'd like to keep locked in the attic?
    He surrounds himself with them!
    Yeah, I defend Biden and I don't make a habit of picking on him, but come on, the guy isn't playing with a full deck and everyone knows it!

    Well, it's possible Obama is not (none / 0) (#155)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:56:22 PM EST
    really calling the shots. Bush certainly isn't the one who chose Cheney in 2000.


    Parent
    Oh Please, It's his campaign (5.00 / 1) (#162)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:57:57 PM EST
    If he's not in charge, he should be!  

    Parent
    Whoever did the vetting had a lot of (none / 0) (#168)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:59:36 PM EST
    power to influence the outcome.


    Parent
    LOSER is written ALL over this ticket! (5.00 / 2) (#157)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:57:02 PM EST
    How many times has Biden run for President?  Is it 5 times?  Or More?  

    L-O-S-E-R  

    This ticket is awful, no change, no hope, with lots of boring and repetitive.  

    With apologies to Mrs. Malaprop, Include Me OUT!  

    San Goldwyn, actually. (none / 0) (#213)
    by oldpro on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:17:47 AM EST
    Include me out too.

    Parent
    No bounce (5.00 / 4) (#161)
    by OxyCon on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:57:52 PM EST
    Not only will Obama not receive any bounce from his poor choice, he probably will keep dropping further in the polls.
    Meanwhile, when McCain choses Romney, his numbers will go up.

    Absolutely right (5.00 / 2) (#173)
    by SueBonnetSue on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:01:22 AM EST
    McCain and Romney will be the grown up team.  

    Obama and Biden will be the silly team.  The team makes no sense.  They will bore the voters to death, saying nothing.  

    Where's the most dangerous place to be in Washington?  

    Between Joe Biden and a television camera.  The man now has over 2 months to pontificate and say little.  Rather like Obama.   Two peas in a pod.  

    Parent

    Obama - Wifty '08 (5.00 / 3) (#188)
    by OxyCon on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:06:31 AM EST
    An overly ambitious, unexperienced lightweight and his crazy uncle!

    And to think we could have had Hillary Clinton and her excellent choice for VP at a moment in time when our country is reeling from one disaster to another, but the far left blogs and their commenters weren't going to allow that to happen.

    Parent

    I look for a drop after Tuesday night, (5.00 / 4) (#174)
    by Anne on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:01:27 AM EST
    when Hillary speaks, and again after Bill speaks and Biden is introduced.

    And the Invesco Lollapalooza will not bring those numbers up.

    Parent

    Absolutely right (4.00 / 2) (#176)
    by SueBonnetSue on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:01:58 AM EST
    McCain and Romney will be the grown up team.  

    Obama and Biden will be the silly team.  The team makes no sense.  They will bore the voters to death, saying nothing.  

    Where's the most dangerous place to be in Washington?  

    Between Joe Biden and a television camera.  The man now has over 2 months to pontificate and say little.  Rather like Obama.   Two peas in a pod.  

    Parent

    I fear you are right on about this (none / 0) (#165)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:59:31 PM EST
    I can't believe (5.00 / 6) (#171)
    by tnjen on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:01:12 AM EST
    ...it's actually gotten to the point where I don't feel there's any way for me to support the Dem ticket. The more this sinks in the more depressing and infuriating it gets. I knew he wouldn't pick her but I didn't expect him to do it this way or to pick Mr. Credit Card industry.

    Time to face (5.00 / 7) (#181)
    by Ga6thDem on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:04:14 AM EST
    the reality of the situation: Obama's campaign is nothing but a slow moving train wreck. David Gergen said he needed to do something to change the situation or McCain was going to win. Well, Joe Biden does nothing, creates no excitement whatsoever and even the people on the blogs who are pro Biden seem lukewarm and can't tell you what he brings to the table. He certainly doesn't have a following and I don't think that his foreign policy creds will really help Obama because people vote for the top of the ticket.

    Obama/Biden is Dukakis/Bentsen for the millenium. What a bunch of losers.

    The McCain campaign has to be extremely happy right now.

    change we can believe in... not so much (5.00 / 5) (#184)
    by DandyTIger on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:04:40 AM EST
    The new message: Change we can believe in. Well, not so much change. But we believe in hope. Well not really hope if you're a woman because well, ewwww, you're a girl. So, well, we're like cool or something. snark.

    So on the one hand Biden is an old guy. Oh, that's new. And on the other hand, he's got a pretty bad track record for human rights that effect women. Hmm. And he's a bit of a lose cannon. Check. And most importantly, he's not Hillary. Check. Gosh, that was brilliant. snark?

    Jeralyn, I was always against Biden (5.00 / 8) (#186)
    by Valhalla on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:06:06 AM EST
    bc of Anita Hill hearings.  But your discussion of his drug-warrior overzealousness capped it off for me.

    Although we've been talking about Biden for days, I still can't quite imagine why they picked him.  Do they really think he's going to win over Catholics?  Working class folks?  He couldn't even make a creditable showing in early primaries, not any of the million times he's run for president.

    Live long enough (5.00 / 3) (#187)
    by echinopsia on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:06:16 AM EST
    to vote for Hillary in 2012, please.

    Unhappy? Hell yeah. (5.00 / 8) (#208)
    by hlr on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:15:00 AM EST
    [1] shouldn't have picked somebody who competed in the Dem primary, which increasingly looks like a gang-up by the guys, including '2%' Biden, cad Edwards, and of course, Judas Richardson.

    [2] shouldn't have picked someone who voted for the AUMF.

    [3] Women will have to suffer thru the 'but Biden is good on domestic violence' crap.

    [4] JB did not distinguish himself during the Thomas hearings.

    Uninspirational ticket (5.00 / 6) (#215)
    by shmerritt on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:18:36 AM EST
    Am I alone in thinking that this ticket is not at all inspiring? How does one (even a lifetime Democrat like me and many others posting here) get excited about this ticket? In my view, the selection of Biden lessens Obama's inspiration factor and just highlights his lack of experience (the reason for choosing him): the "message" that he is sending is obvious.  Out of almost 10,000 votes in the instant Obama VP choice online poll on CNN, Hillary Clinton received almost 60 percent when checked a few mins. ago, and Biden was next with under 20 percent.  There is clearly a lack of enthusiasm even among Democrats for this ticket, but maybe the convention will overcome it; it has done so plenty of times before.  All of that said, I would never vote for the Republican ticket and will support Obama/Biden.

    LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL! (5.00 / 6) (#221)
    by lansing quaker on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:29:19 AM EST
    All my drinking for all these hours paid off!

    Now it's a BIDEN PARTY!

    And soon I will vomit in a drunken haze and regret this in the morning, like so many of my "hey, how're you?  You're cute!" encounters.

    Seemed fun at the time, but later is obviously totally irresponsible.

    Way to not pick Hillary!  That'll show 'em!

    Maybe Biden was the only one left (5.00 / 1) (#225)
    by miriam on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:55:10 AM EST
    How do we know Hillary didn't say NO THANKS?  I think it's entirely possible, especially since Bill clearly has no use for Obama (with good reason).  How many others might have said NO THANKS?  Frankly, I'm delighted Hillary Clinton is not going to be involved in this fiasco.  We need someone sane and smart to help clean house after Obama is defeated.  And I think he just ensured his defeat tonight. With apologies to WS for paraphrasing his timeless words:  'Hell hath no fury like women scorned.'  

    Per question above, Biden has (5.00 / 1) (#226)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 01:00:21 AM EST
    run for President 3 times.  In addition:

    [C]urrently serving his sixth term. Biden has served for the sixth-longest period among current Senators (fourth among Democrats) and is Delaware's longest-serving Senator.  
     [Wiki excerpt]

    Not exactly new blood in DC.  Also, if part of the benefit of a Pres. Obama is how much respect the U.S. will gain overseas, espec. in the Middle East, what will the addition of Biden to the ticket accomplish if he is so prone to put his foot in his mouth?

    According to Kos, (5.00 / 2) (#227)
    by denise on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 01:05:27 AM EST
    the announcement of the VP pick is an example of a perfectly executed operation!

    I think it was an example of a perfectly executed trick that got the campaign millions of cell phone numbers. But I don't suppose any supporters will mind daily text requests for cash.

    Hardball? (5.00 / 2) (#230)
    by glennmcgahee on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 07:50:44 AM EST
    I don't beleive any other politician has appeared as many times on Hardball as Biden. Anywhere there was a TeeVee camera , Biden was there to shoot off his mouth. I was sick of him long ago. Change? Biden plus the AT&T sponsorship of the convention shows the country that "change" is just pocket change. Cause thats all your gonna have after the Republicans win the White House for 4 more years. Wasn't it Biden who described Obama as "clean" and articulate? Then got smeared as racist.

    Well, I'm not like you, Jeralyn. (4.94 / 17) (#11)
    by masslib on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:55:08 PM EST
    I took about a month to decide on Hillary but then I became a strong Hillary supporter.  No Edwards for me.  I guess it helps that I grew up with Hill as FL, and always anticipated she'd be our first woman President.  I am totally disillusioned with Biden as the choice, and the entire '08 election, but then I would have thought Hillary the clear, only and obvious choice, given her 18 million voters. I pray she now stops campaigning for the guy.  Biden can do that now.  Steve says he's popular with seniors.  He didn't even call her himself.

    Biden is NOT more popular with seniors (5.00 / 7) (#16)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:57:56 PM EST
    Than McCain.  Seniors love the war hero stuff.  No one is going to vote for Obama because he has Biden on the ticket.  

    Ok, I'm exaggerating.   There may be 6 republicans in Delaware who will change their vote to Obama.  

    Parent

    oh, who cares about the seniors... (4.90 / 10) (#58)
    by mary kate on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:13:01 PM EST
    ...when Biden has the enthuasiastic support of the credit card industry?  Not to mention an op-ed endorsement by David Brooks, who seems to view Biden as some sort of working-class hero!

    (Oh my.  How deep goes the rabbit-hole? This would all be so much easier to take if only I had taken the blue pill, but the red one looked so pretty...).


    Parent

    I've been baffled (5.00 / 7) (#220)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:24:41 AM EST
    by the near-unanimous opinion of the punditry for some time now that Biden gives Obama "working-class, lunch-bucket" credibility.  WTF?  I've been watching politics carefully for a number of decades, and I've never seen him as some kind of working class hero.  He was apparently born in a working class family in gritty Scranton, but his image to me at any rate is about as aristocratic as it could be-- fine suits, elegant carriage, carefully buffed fingernails, etc.

    I really, really don't get this.

    Parent

    I feel angry tonight (4.94 / 18) (#13)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:55:44 PM EST
    Unreasonably so. Perhaps I will feel better in the morning but right now a divided government is very attractive.

    Yep, anger (5.00 / 7) (#18)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:58:28 PM EST
    I don't think I can get there (4.93 / 15) (#27)
    by americanincanada on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:01:55 PM EST
    I will probably have to not vote for the top of the ticket, or write Hillary in. I am becoming more angry by the minute. The fact that he didn't vett her and didn't call her himself is an outrage.

    God I wish she wasn't such a good democrat and would fight him tooth and nail at the convention for the nomination.

    Since that won't happen I hope she fades to the background after giving a brilliant convention specch. I'll wait for her until 2012.

    Our government was designed to be divided, I guess I'll just have to count on congress now because I do not believe an Obama/Biden ticket has a shot in hades of winning.

    Parent

    Susan Estrich (5.00 / 4) (#222)
    by gyrfalcon on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:29:24 AM EST
    Fox News's in-house nominal Democrat, was on Greta tonight.  She was Dukakis's campaign manager.  She talked about how they dealt with Jesse Jackson, who was in a somewhat similar position to Hillary in '88.  He got many fewer votes, but he won several primaries and was representing a substantial bunch of core Dem. voters.

    She said they let him know right away that he was not going to be the VP pick, but then Susan sat down with Ron Brown, Jesse's campaign manager, and asked him to spell out what precise steps the Dukakis campaign should take to make sure he got his respect-- full vetting as possible VP pick, leaks to the press, I'm sure, etc.

    She was very polite about it, but clearly pretty stunned that the Obama people have not seen fit to make the slightest attempt to give Hillary the same kind of public respect.


    Parent

    When this congress is our only hope... (4.85 / 7) (#68)
    by Lysis on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:15:50 PM EST
    ...things are looking hopeless.


    Parent
    CNN is saying that JB is "Beloved" (4.93 / 15) (#19)
    by Rhouse on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:58:58 PM EST
    in PA.  Well if they mean Jim Beam, then yes, if they mean Joe Biden then not so much.

    I KNEW IT!!!! (5.00 / 6) (#39)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:05:35 PM EST
    I said yesterday that the press would say whoever Obama chose (other than Hillary) would be perfect, wonderful, the best possible choice.  

    All their legs will be atingle at the announcement of Biden.  

    Parent

    And we all know how shaky. PA was for Obama (5.00 / 4) (#69)
    by dianem on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:15:54 PM EST
    They've only gone Dem in the last 4 elections.

    Parent
    At least David Brooks likes Biden (4.90 / 10) (#12)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:55:19 PM EST
    But then Brooks is a republican.  

    I bet there is joy in the McCain camp tonight.  No more worries about Virginia or Indiana turning blue.  

    Text message thing was a hoax (4.87 / 8) (#60)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:13:16 PM EST
    It was just used to build their data base.  

    The similarities to the Bush-Cheney ticket (4.60 / 5) (#147)
    by carmel on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:53:23 PM EST
    are just downright creepy. So Biden is "the one" that will really be in charge, a la Cheney, while the puppet leader of the free world stutters and stumbles through press conferences in the Rose Garden. Another election bought and paid for courtesy of big business and around the clock MSM propaganda.

    In the immortal words of Matt Taibbi... (4.40 / 5) (#128)
    by Dawn Davenport on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:44:06 PM EST
    ...Eat me, Joe Biden

    Biden is a typical Democrat; he'll sell himself as prowar and antiwar, depending on the circumstances, but in reality he's neither. He's just another whore crouched over the front seat of Capitol Hill. When will we stop taking clowns like this seriously? What will it take?


    UGh.. taibbi. Does he love Obama? (5.00 / 2) (#133)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:46:09 PM EST
    When will we stop taking facile clowns like Taibbie seriously?

    Parent
    Gosh, I hadn't heard that name since (5.00 / 1) (#151)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:55:10 PM EST
    Real Time With Bill Maher went on summer hiatus (returns next Friday) and I sure as hell have not missed that arrogant little twit.

    Parent
    Actually I have not read one article of his (5.00 / 0) (#160)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:57:49 PM EST
    since 2004, after reading his embarrassing (to  him) expose of the Clark campaign.
    He went on and on about Clark's beady, lifeless eyes.

    Parent
    I would be decidedly unhappy with Biden. (4.00 / 1) (#6)
    by TChris on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:53:45 PM EST
    But the selection would not deter me from supporting Obama.  The courts are too important, Iraq is too important, domestic spending and tax policy are too important, health care and energy policy are too important to risk another four years of Republican rule of the executive branch.

    I'm trying to get there (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:57:16 PM EST
    Jeralyn, (5.00 / 3) (#21)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:00:06 PM EST
    at least you are still trying.  

    Parent
    Be reasonable (5.00 / 5) (#134)
    by Upstart Crow on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:46:13 PM EST
    The time to stand up against sexism is not in some imaginary SCOTUS decision.

    It's right HERE, it's right NOW.

    (Someone wrote that months ago, and I won't forget it.)

    Parent

    Using Roe as a reason for (5.00 / 4) (#169)
    by ding7777 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:59:38 PM EST
    Hillary supporters to vote for Obama is almost like an abusive husband telling his wife that if she leaves him, he won't be there to protect her from the cruel cruel world.

    Parent
    So then... (none / 0) (#166)
    by shoephone on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:59:34 PM EST
    Biden is not necessarily a deal breaker for you?

    Parent
    I mean this question sincerely..... (5.00 / 9) (#32)
    by dissenter on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:03:40 PM EST
    After FISA, Obama's non-commitment to UHC, wishy washy remarks on abortion, initial supports of Roberts, siding with Cheney on energy,the bankruptcy bill, Biden's relationship with the credit card companies and an agreement to get out of Iraq about to be signed, why is Obama better?

    I don't think the facts bear that out. Now, if Biden was the top dog, maybe. But I think Obama will do whatever is expedient for Obama. If he needs to stack right wing judges on the court to get him out of a jam I totally believe he will do that.

    Parent

    Will his choices be influenced (5.00 / 7) (#56)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:11:57 PM EST
    by wanting to run for re-election. It would be a perfect pander for the right. We've been watching it work, haven't we? And with all the religion he's incorporating . . . .

    I do NOT trust this guy. Remember his smile after the FISA vote?

    Parent

    Exactly (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by dissenter on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:16:49 PM EST
    I can see your point if you compare Obama (5.00 / 2) (#97)
    by magster on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:25:41 PM EST
    to Hillary or other Dem you may prefer, but now is the time to compare Obama to McCain.  Who's more likely to veto a progressive bill coming out of what is almost guarunteed more Democratic congress?  Who's more likely to appoint a Ginsburg-like or Breyer-like Justice to replace Ginsburg or Breyer or Stevens (these three will almost for sure retire in the next 8 years).  Obama hatred or Obama-supporter hatred resulting in a McCain victory will feel good until the first veto of sensible legislation that cannot be overridden by Congress, or the first bomb drops in Iran, or the fifth vote to overturn Roe is confirmed, or drilling begins in ANWR. Obama is flawed, but he's not a Republican.

    Hillary can run against Obama in 2012 -- Kennedy almost beat Carter in 1980.  There is absolutely no good reason a Democrat should vote for McCain.  You don't need to volunteer, cheerlead or donate -- just vote Obama.

    Parent

    Honestly? the answer is "I don't know" (5.00 / 5) (#110)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:32:52 PM EST
    I have no idea what Obama stands for. His record is thin and doesn't demonstrate any conviction.


    Parent
    McCain's record is long (3.00 / 1) (#180)
    by magster on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:04:11 AM EST
    and you know how he'll vote.  

    Parent
    I don't know what his energy policy will (5.00 / 1) (#196)
    by MarkL on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:09:17 AM EST
    be. You're wrong. On taxes and the military, I think I can predict what McCain will be like.
    Beyond that? There's a reason every top Democrat ha praised McCain. He does have a record of bipartisan cooperation.
    Actually, I could see McCain cooperating BETTER with a Democratic Congress than Obama, since he knows how to work with people, whereas Obama only can tell people what to do.

    [this is all as long as we are talking hypotheticals].

    Face it, if you can't convince Democrats that Obama's got to be elected, how does he have a chance?

    Parent

    Sorry, but I am not a Stepford Democrat, (5.00 / 18) (#125)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:41:34 PM EST
    and if I fall into line with the short-term thinking that has characterized the Obama campaign, if, with my vote, I signal that I accept how the party distorted and manipulated the process in order to bestow a wholly mediocre candidate on us - I do nothing but weaken the Democratic principles I believe in, and guarantee a succession of mediocre candidates.

    For eight long years we have voted (D), and have called and faxed and written and lobbied for the Democrats we elected to draw the line - to hold the administration accountable, to refuse to go along with the reckless and unconstitutional legislation - and what do we have to show for it?  Roberts and Alito - who could have been stopped, but the Democrats caved, folded, rolled over.  

    So, you will just have to pardon me for not continuing to vote for Democrats just because they are Democrats.

    And if you think the Senator who voted for that travesty of a FISA bill, who keeps hedging on abortion, is guaranteed to nominate a SC justice who will hold the line on civil liberties and privacy, you haven't been paying attention to Obama's pattern.

    Wake the frack up, will you?

    Parent

    Thank you. Well said. (5.00 / 3) (#153)
    by nycstray on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:56:01 PM EST
    I'm too angry to be that coherent. Thought I was over it, but I'm not. How the F*** did we end up with Obama?!

    What the H*ll are they going to do with "Change you can believe in" now? Repaint the plane? Change the theme of his coronation?

    What a feakin' joke. A very sad one at that.


    Parent

    Anne (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by cal1942 on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:04:04 AM EST
    Absolutely on the money.

    I don't want the DNC to get away with this.

    My ballot at the top will be blank.  None of the above.

    Parent

    I am 95% sure that I will vote for McCain (3.50 / 2) (#216)
    by SueBonnetSue on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:18:56 AM EST
    I care too much that my children and grandchildren will have a future.  I simply do not trust Obama with national security, or much of anything else.  

    I have worked for every democrat candidate since McGovern.  Not this time.  I won't leave my sofa or open my purse for these two losers.  

    Parent

    Wake the frack up... (2.00 / 1) (#163)
    by magster on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:58:57 PM EST
    You're right.  President McCain is better.  Thanks!

     

    Parent

    That whooshing sound you hear (5.00 / 5) (#183)
    by Anne on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:04:22 AM EST
    is the point soaring over your head.

    Parent
    Obama is flawed but he is not a Republican? (5.00 / 7) (#132)
    by ap in avl on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:46:02 PM EST
    I honestly can't say what he is.  He has not shown me that I can trust his judgment as POTUS.  

    How am I supposed to trust that he would not appoint Roe-gutting jurists?  That he would not expand FISA/Patriotic Act legislation?  He recent sprint to the right, his Saddleback performance, his Joshua Generation project.....shall I go on?.....leave me thinking that this man will do whatever he needs to do to obtain and maintain any power given to him.

    Would a Democratically controlled Congress challenge him?  Override his vetoes?

    What's sad is that some of us are beginning to believe that a weak one term Republican POTUS with a strong veto-proof Democratic Congress may be preferable to electing this unknown entity running under the Democratic Party banner.

    And that part about a strong Democratic Congress......that's about all the "hope" I can muster this year.  

    Parent

    trust that he not appoint Roe-gutting jurist? (4.00 / 1) (#170)
    by magster on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:01:04 AM EST
    You can trust that McCain will appoint a Roe gutting jurist.

    Parent
    And get it past a Democratic (5.00 / 1) (#185)
    by MarkL on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:05:38 AM EST
    Senate?

    Parent
    And (4.25 / 4) (#201)
    by cal1942 on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:11:33 AM EST
    that a Judiciary committee controlled by Democrats should block any such nomination forcing McCain to back down.

    But, if a Democratic President makes a questionable nomination, will the Judiciary Committee challenge such a nomination from someone of their own party.

    magster, I don't think you've thought this through. You should look at Obama's response to the Roberts nomination for instruction.

    Parent

    We need divided government (5.00 / 7) (#214)
    by americanincanada on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:18:04 AM EST
    Not a congress full of yes men bowing to and fawning over whatever Obama desires.

    Parent
    And then... (5.00 / 6) (#146)
    by Upstart Crow on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:53:23 PM EST
    face such a disastrous Democratic presidency that no Democrat is elected again for another 16 years.

    Parent
    You lost me at... (5.00 / 2) (#209)
    by Dawn Davenport on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:15:05 AM EST
    ..."progressive bill coming out of ... [a] Democratic Congress."

    Haha, lmao.

    Parent

    Hillary won't run in 2012 if it's against Obama (5.00 / 5) (#219)
    by Valhalla on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:22:18 AM EST
    Haven't you been paying attention?  She's a team player, she'd never run against a sitting president, no matter how badly his administration was tanking.

    This is possibly the worst concern trolling I've seen, and I've seen a lot.

    The fearmongering about McCain-armageddon does not affect me.  McCain is not Bush Jr. and not Reagan.  Both of them came into office with an entire architecture for the conservative direction they wanted to run the country into.  McCain does not have such an architecture.  He'll be a very bad president who can be tolerated.

    All I hear from the Obama campaign is that I need to 'get over it'.  Well, I am over it.  The Democrats lost this race to McCain the day they pushed Obama over the finish line with their SD stampede.  I've accepted that and am moving on to the next chance we have for wrenching the country out of Republican control -- Clinton in 2012.

    Parent

    given biden's work (5.00 / 7) (#164)
    by sancho on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:59:29 PM EST
    for the credit card companies on the credit card bills (no pun), his presence on the ticket makes obama's stump speech complaints about predatory credit card companies less believable. but then obama didnt vote for a max. interest ceiling, as i recall.

    Parent
    Out of that list, I'll give you tax policy. (4.25 / 4) (#24)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:00:51 PM EST
    Courts? Maybe.
    Energy and health care policy? Definitely not---ESPECIALLY from President Exelon.
    The only way Obama helps the Democratic agenda by being elected President is by removing himself from the Senate, IMO.

    Parent
    MarkL (5.00 / 3) (#158)
    by cal1942 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:57:11 PM EST
    I second that except for the courts. Remember Obama is the guy who wanted to confirm Roberts.  He was talked out of that vote by his top aide but nevertheless voted FOR cloture. I don't believe the courts are a guarantee with Obama.

    We don't know what Mr. Bi-partisan unity would do regarding the White House staff. Would that group include Republicans?

    In the interest of bi-partisan unity would he leave some Republican appointees in place or appoint other Republicans in the various agencies?

    Obama is a product of machine politics based on loyalty to the individual(him) not the party.

    Parent

    Its's far from the worst options (4.00 / 4) (#7)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:54:13 PM EST
    I have always liked Biden. His independent, outspoken, "shooting from the lip" streak has always endeared him to me. It's a welcome departure from Obama's weigh-every-word-and-hedge-on-everything style. His foreign policy credentials are a big plus. It's a ticket I could learn to like, especially if Biden overshadows Obama.

    Well, like Geraldine Ferraro has said (5.00 / 3) (#17)
    by zfran on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:58:07 PM EST
    about when you are the vp nominee, you only do and say as you are told. The "outspoken" "shoot from the lip" Biden you knew, may not be the same guy running as Obama's veep. Oh he'll be the nasty one of the two, but perhaps without the "Biden bite!"

    Parent
    Right, that's always the possibility (5.00 / 4) (#23)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:00:50 PM EST
    A ticket with a muzzled, sidelined Biden would not be one I could learn to like. But I find it hard to believe Biden would agree to something like that. And even if he did, it's a promise he could not keep (I mean, what's Obama gonna do, fire him?), given his personality.

    Parent
    pmj6....makes perfect sense for Biden to (none / 0) (#117)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:37:03 PM EST
    sit down and shut up....he will NEVER again be this close to being president....he sure couldn't do it on his own.

    Parent
    He picked someone (4.55 / 9) (#86)
    by cal1942 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:21:55 PM EST
    far better qualified to be President than himself.  

    Then again he couldn't help but pick someone better qualified, that group included almost anyone.

    He's certainly kept his cred with the financial services industry with the Biden choice. Make it two for high finance. Sameo sameo.

    Parent

    Obama would never let that happen (none / 0) (#20)
    by SueBonnetSue on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 10:59:23 PM EST
    I'm actually in shock (none / 0) (#28)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:02:00 PM EST
    Obama would pick someone with such a reputation for independent-mindedness, and not some empty suit Obot. I would have never guessed he'd pick Biden.

    Parent
    But Biden is a great kiss-up, when the (5.00 / 7) (#30)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:02:59 PM EST
    occasion calls for it.

    Parent
    I'd be worried... (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by pmj6 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:04:15 PM EST
    ...if he were a kiss-up even when the situation did not call for it.

    Parent
    Yeah. (5.00 / 2) (#95)
    by cal1942 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:24:51 PM EST
    In 2001 he said that Bush was going to be a great President; in keeping with that bi-partisan 'spirit.'

    Parent
    I believe that is the skill which got him (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:34:04 PM EST
    the VP pick---nothing else makes sense.

    Parent
    Biden (4.00 / 2) (#92)
    by southernyankee on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:24:02 PM EST
    I said this the other day on another site - I think Biden would make a great vice-president.  However, I am not sure what kind of vp candidate he makes.  I see some major weaknesses:

    1. He can have diarhea of the mouth.
    2. He has the line of things regarding plagiarism and some things he needed to take back in the past.
    3. He comes from Delaware.
    4. Senators rarely deliver states.
    5. His biggest bonus is something Obama has disparaged during the primaries - fp experience.

    I think that his experience, his foreign policy creds, his ability to work Congress, all make him a potentially excellent VP but I gotta admit I think the Repubs are going to have a lot of stuff to throw at him.

    Not Selecting Clinton (3.00 / 1) (#229)
    by bob h on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 05:46:47 AM EST
    was a disappointment to me, but Biden will be fine.  
    Most of the disaffected Clinton voters seem to regard him reasonably well.

    I am truly surprised (none / 0) (#43)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:07:51 PM EST
    I never thought Biden had a chance, so did not take his prospects seriously. I like him well enough, but like others here I am mystified as to what electoral help Obama expects him to be.  Maybe he polled better in PA and Ohio than I ever knew. I certainly can't imagine he does that well out west.

    Odd pick, in my mind.  I do like that he does not calculate every word politically.  Not sure how that will help in winning the election though, which is kind of the point.

    He calculates every word? Wow, you (3.00 / 2) (#48)
    by MarkL on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:08:47 PM EST
    could have fooled me!

    Parent
    Hee hee hee (5.00 / 4) (#71)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:16:15 PM EST
    Remember this one?  I had to go look it up, I had to have it word for word......

    "I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," Biden said. "I mean, that's a storybook, man."

    I'm going to be teeheeing all weekend :)  What a duo, I'm glad Biden will be challenging Obama's preconceived ideas and notions :)

    Parent

    Lord help me I'm still giggling (5.00 / 0) (#91)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:23:27 PM EST
    in my darkened living room.......alone.  Sparring partner?  If Biden said something as "suggestive" about me I might be tempted to punch his lights out :)

    Parent
    Me too (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:34:57 PM EST
    Thanks for the laugh.  They are really going to be quite the pair. I can't quite get a fix on the chemistry.

    Parent
    Makes me think of Laurel and Hardy.... (5.00 / 3) (#130)
    by PssttCmere08 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:44:46 PM EST
    barack, this is another fine mess you gotten us into...:)

    Parent
    Outside of 'interesting' me either (none / 0) (#120)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:38:10 PM EST
    I don't think Biden calculates every word (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:16:16 PM EST
    politically. Am I wrong?

    I like that about him in a Senator,  president or VP. Just a little risky in a candidate.

    Parent

    Here's a song for you Jeralyn (none / 0) (#90)
    by txpolitico67 on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:23:09 PM EST
    that sums up Obama's pick as Biden's VP:

    The Cure
    "A Night Like This"

    Say good bye on a night like this
    if it's the last thing I ever do
    You never looked as lost as this
    Sometimes it doesn't even look like you

    It grows dark, it grows darker still with
    each day...

    Joe Biden. (none / 0) (#123)
    by KYJurisDoctor on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:39:34 PM EST
    It's Delaware's U. S. Senator Joe Biden. All indications point to him!

    http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/08/breaking-news-unofficially-barack.html#links

    Maybe he will prove (none / 0) (#139)
    by DemForever on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:49:58 PM EST
    to be a good attack dog

    Spell check, Jeralyn: you've transposed (none / 0) (#159)
    by Anne on Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 11:57:21 PM EST
    letters in the spelling of "Confirms" in the post title.

    she's (none / 0) (#191)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:07:56 AM EST
    either on her lap top (she explained the other day in a thread she tends to have typos when she's on it)

    or she's just pi55ed.

    Parent

    Jeralyn, re Bump and Update/Biden is VP Candidate (none / 0) (#189)
    by ding7777 on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:06:45 AM EST
    Did you get CNN's BREAKING News via email? lol!

    OMG - Keith O is just gushing over (none / 0) (#205)
    by Rhouse on Sat Aug 23, 2008 at 12:12:50 AM EST
    the choice of Biden, you know that guy who was so  statesman like in the debates.  The one who's such a party elder...