I have a confession to make. I really like Joe Biden. I went to school with his son (the Attorney General of Delaware), and while I did not know him well, we did have a passing acquaintance. Back when I lived in Washington, I met the Senator on a few alumni occasions, even once having lunch with him. Unlike most politicians I have met, he is interesting, has a personality and interests outside of politics.
In fact, belying the fact that Biden has been a career politician, politics seemed very secondary to him. To me that is a mark in his favor, as I worry that too many people feel that politics (and government) is the font of all that is good and holy in this world.
I also find him to be a real adult and a serious person. His does have a reputation for shooting his mouth off, but again, I think that is because he is not a politicians that measures everything he says against a focus group.
Politically, he is something of a through back to the "old" pre-McGovern Democratic Party. You could label him a "Scoop Jackson Democrat" or maybe better as the old Catholic Democrats that dominated the party in the North East until the late 1960s. Does he bring anything to the ticket? He brings a wealth of foreign policy experience and a lot of gravitas. I do worry that we would be in the same situation as with Cheney and Bush in 2001, namely that President Obama might essentially fob off lots of national security issues to Biden.
But all in all, Barrack Obama could have done far worse.
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"I have a confession to make. I really like Joe Biden."
I really like Joe Biden too - sometimes. I really hate Joe Biden too - sometimes.
Personally... there's a lot to like about the guy and his story. Politically... it's a mixed bag.
"...I met the Senator on a few alumni occasions, even once having lunch with him."
I once spent 20 minutes with Jack Kemp. What a dumb prick. (*SHRUG*) I've met Giuliani and he comes across as "for real," as well as a real nice guy. (*SHRUG*)
(Anyway... just an aside on the same wavelength...) (*SHRUG*)
"Politically, he is something of a through back to the "old" pre-McGovern Democratic Party. You could label him a "Scoop Jackson Democrat" or maybe better as the old Catholic Democrats that dominated the party in the North East until the late 1960s."
I'm afraid that's more style than substance, Anthony. (I could be wrong... I admit that *I* haven't combed through his voting records. Still... I suspect if I did - or if you did - we'd find that he pretty much votes the Party line... and the Party line is pretty liberal.)
"He brings a wealth of foreign policy experience..."
Again... if my "experience" you mean sitting on Senate Committees that's all well and good and gives one plenty of access the ordinary citizen doesn't have to classified briefings and intelligence, but in terms of actual ACHIEVEMENTS...
(*SHRUG*)
Ya wanna fill me in - edumacate me? (*WINK*) (*GRIN*)
"...a lot of gravitas."
Yep. No doubt. He comes off - as you said - as an adult.
"...all in all, Barrack Obama could have done far worse."
I'll DEFINITELY drink to that!
Cheers!
BILL
>I'll DEFINITELY drink to that!
Admit it Bill, you will drink to anything.
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