Comments on: Breaking Down The Biden Factor

By: Lynnster

Lynnster — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 06:10:39 +0000

I kinda agree with Cracker’s friend and others sorta. I have been way out of the loop this week and unaware of much, but as soon as I read it, it occurred to me that Biden was probably the best choice vs. McCain.

Between the name recognition, years in office experience, and age, I just think if that was probably the best vs. McCain move that could have been made.

By: Jeffraham Prestonian

Jeffraham Prestonian — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 06:04:48 +0000

Well, I honestly wanted to see:

1.) Brian Schweitzer, Governor of MT;
2.) Wes Clark;
3.) Hillary Clinton (I knew the issues here, but it sounded good to me for a while)

That said, I like what Rude Pundit had to say about Biden.
.

By: vibinc

vibinc — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:57:45 +0000

I gotta tell ya, I was annoyed about the Biden thing this morning. You can take all the bad stuff that’s been said about the pick and this morning I would have ditto-ed it.

Now that I’ve had the luxury of 8 hours in a plane with a toddler right next to me I’m less cranky about the pick and more intrigued as to how he will be utilized. Biden’s a gunslinger, shoot from the hip kind of guy, not always that accurate, but intimidating as hell to an opponent. Obama needs that.

As long as Obama sticks to and strengthens his message, Biden can do some of the dirty work and still help the ticket.

People may not vote for a ticket because of the Veep, but they’ll sure vote against it because of one.

By: SBates

SBates — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:19:39 +0000

I am probably more naive about this situation than others, but I see his choice as one of “electability” (sp) more than anything. As McCain’s numbers inch closer to Obama’s in nationwide polls, Obama needed to make a decision to help pull those who are undecided his direction. Biden helps balance the ticket and people know him to work well when dealing with foreign affairs. Besides, he has age and years in office working with him.
I agree with you ‘Coma on the lobbyist situation. I can’t think of any who are not manipulated by lobbyists. They really shined through with the new Bible Bill that was passed in TN.
Still recovering form the shock.

By: LeftWingCracker

LeftWingCracker — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 01:47:34 +0000

I ranked him 3rd, below Clark and Dodd and ahead of Bayh and Kaine, he gave a good speech today.

My friend after whom my blog is named said something interesting today which may give more insight into the choice of Biden: People will accept one cranky old white guy criticizing another old white guy easier than they would have accepted it from Obama.

Insightful but sad commentary, especially when you consider there’s a great deal of truth in it.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:33:31 +0000

Most people vote for a name they recognize and don’t pay attention to anything else. Besides, isn’t the VP’s job to be the jester for late night comedians? Don’t they just provide distractions? Doesn’t Biden blurt without thinking and apologize afterward?

By: Daniel

Daniel — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:49:33 +0000

Obama couldn’t have chosen a worse person. I can here the Obama bin Biden chants already.

By: Lee

Lee — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:07:34 +0000

I just left a similar comment over at Sharon’s so why not here as well. Biden is a decent pick who Does No Harm. Nothing special or breathtaking about it, but nobody who was seriously considering Obama is going to not vote for him now because of Biden. (Except maybe some of the more irrational Clinton bitter-enders.)

This is Obama’s ballgame anyway; we don’t vote for Veep.

By: BamBi ‘08 , An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings

BamBi ‘08 , An Ol’ Broad’s Ramblings — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:07:36 +0000

[...] While you’re at it, check out Ms Coma’s breakdown of Biden. [...]

By: Russ

Russ — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:18:43 +0000

I think you’re right about the branding thing: Obama wanted someone non-polarizing (which ruled out Hillary) with a recognizable name (which ruled out practically everyone else). Unfortunately, I think he stopped the inquiry right there, and didn’t think any deeper. Maybe Biden’s name recognition will help, but I kind of doubt it.

And yeah, it’s frustrating.

By: newscoma

newscoma — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:09:14 +0000

You make a very good point. The Lobbyist money has me VERY concerned but, you know, they all have that even the guys here. (Ask me when I see you about that Bible bill. Grrr.)
He wasn’t my first choice, nor even my fifth, but it is what it is. And I think the GOP will attack it as well and I also think it will stick.

I keep going back to those folks that don’t watch politics like we do. I had a conversation not to long ago with some folks who say they are going to vote but haven’t looked at one issue. They’ll vote for either who they know or who their told to vote for.
We live in frustrating times, my friend.

By: Ted

Ted — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 15:09:03 +0000

Biden — the perfect foil for Palin!