Joe Biden believes he is the 'most qualified person in the country to be president'

[DonViejo]

By Arlette Saenz, CNN

Updated 1120 GMT (1920 HKT) December 4, 2018

(CNN)During a stop for his book tour in Missoula, Montana, Monday night, former Vice President Joe Biden discussed his 2020 prospects, saying he believes that he is the "most qualified person" to be president, noting a decision is coming in the next two months, and acknowledging he's a "gaffe machine."

"I'll be as straight with you as I can. I think I'm the most qualified person in the country to be president," Biden said to applause at the University of Montana. "The issues that we face as a country today are the issues that have been in my wheelhouse, that I've worked on my whole life."

"No one should run for the job unless they believe that they would be qualified doing the job. I've been doing this my whole adult life, and the issues that are the most consequential relating to the plight of the middle class and our foreign policy are things that I have -- even my critics would acknowledge, I may not be right but I know a great deal about it," he added.

Biden said his family must now decide as a "unit" whether or not they're prepared for a run -- setting a decision time frame of the next six weeks to two months.

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https://edition.cnn.com/2018/12/04/politics/joe-biden-most-qualified-person-president-2020/index.html

[Soxfan58]

1. He may well be right

[bearsfootball516]

2. He sure sounds like someone who is going to run

[superpatriotman]

3. He is not wrong

He is splendid

[Jim__]

4. Joe Biden is 76 years old.

If he assumed the presidency in January 2021, he would be 78; 82 by the end of his first term. I do think age is a factor here. At 82, most people would not have the energy required to do the president's job.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

11. Why the ageism?! The guy could outrun Obama... give Joe a break!

[LostinRed]

52. Tell that to the notorious RBG

[woodsprite]

57. I see him as a one term or 1+ term Pres. to get us on the road to recovery,

and mentor a younger person into the position. Joe has a great rapport with the foreign countries that we need to repair relations with, he is well liked by most average Americans, (except the DE Repub jerks who insist on bringing up everything in his past that, despite the topics being beaten like a dead horse, he has survived.)

If he feels as though he could and decides to do it, I'd be willing to work for him.

I just truly wish Beau could be running

[tavernier]

5. Unless some fellow party member

tries to Franken him.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

12. Huh?! Who and what are you talking about??

[tavernier]

21. Ok, I'll spell it out.

Al Franken was a very strong and effective member of our party, and possibly on track for an even higher office. Knocking him off the mountain made the path clearer for other folks with higher aspirations.

Joe is not immune to backstabbing and treachery, but in his case I think they would “kindly” point out his age (in every sentence), and question his future cognitive abilities.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

43. That applies to every King or Queen of the Mountain...

tell me something new.

[peggysue2]

53. It's been suggested that . . .

Joey Biden will be called out for his overly affectionate gestures toward women. Some have called it 'creepy' the way he fawns and is free with the pats on the shoulder, back, whatever.

I think it's nonsense but I wouldn't be surprised if we hear the charge. If he runs, that is. There's also the Anita Hill business that he'll undoubtedly be called on.

But when it comes to experience and a working-class outreach/credentials? Joe Biden brings the goods. Yes, he's a senior but that doesn't mean he can't surround himself with talented and skilled juniors, people he can guide into leadership positions. And he has the moxie to take on Trump. Joe Biden is a fighter and he can fight without submerging himself in the gutter.

I'd like to see him take a shot at it, and if successful bring on a young, charismatic VP as balance. For the moment, I see that as a winning ticket.

[tavernier]

62. Me too!

And I think he can probably take care of himself after all these years amongst vipers, lol!

[peggysue2]

67. I agree, tavernier

Joe Biden is a scrappy Irish-American. He can take care of himself.

[Zoonart]

6. I know Uncle Joe is getting up there, but...

He IS the most qualified to follow this disaster. of a presidency. The government as we have known it will be a smoking hole, hollowed out and corrupted by 45's band of pirates and we will need someone who is familiar with every aspect of our Government and it's offices to rebuild it.

I hope he will run with the pledge to serve only one term and pick a young veep, to elevate in 2024. While I would love to see a younger candidate, i feel that we cannot afford to have a neophyte to learn on the job after this disaster.

That is my hope for 2020. Just MHO.

[BeyondGeography]

7. So did our last nominee

[handmade34]

8. she was...

and he is...

[realmirage]

36. Exactly.

Since when do American voters care about qualifications? History shows they do not.

[hopeforchange2008]

9. yeah...no

[USALiberal]

10. He is but too old. Nt

[Bucky]

38. I hate how right you are

1988 was his year. Lord knows why he didn't catch on. I thought he was perfect then.
2008 he was still a little magical and I supported him then too. I love him still, but...

Our best choice is to bring a fresh face into the fore. It's time. People want change, just like in '92 and '08. I don't want us to eke out a 3million popular vote win. I want us to stomp in with a terrifying landslide. I want to see sad little red square-shaped islands on the US map in 2020. That's what I'm asking Santa for, goddammit.

[jcgoldie]

13. Sounds like the decision has already been made.

I'm ready for a new generation of democrats but old Joe does have some enticing qualities when it comes to going toe to toe with Trump.

[Bucky]

40. (I'd take him as VP again -- he absolutely *killed* at that job)

[EffieBlack]

14. Can you imagine the response - here and elsewhere - if Hillary Clinton had said this about herself?

But then again, she's not a man, so where would she get off saying such a thing?

[jcgoldie]

15. Good point

You are right.

[StevieM]

18. Could you imagine if Biden had been the nominee in 2016 and had lost and then HRC said:

"I never thought he was the correct candidate. I thought I was the correct candidate."

[realmirage]

37. What you said. Yup

[WhiskeyGrinder]

23. .

[cwydro]

31. Excellent point. nt

[phleshdef]

60. She wouldn't have been wrong for saying it. People jumping down her throat for it would be...

...the ones in the wrong.

[musicblind]

16. If you're gonna run, you better believe that.

If not, you have no business running.

[WeekiWater]

17. I don't see myself voting for Biden in a primary.

I do think he is uniquely qualified to repair one aspect of Trumps devastation. Biden knows the federal government structure extremely well and Trump has flat out decimated agency after agency. Biden will be able to see what needs to be done and restore order in these agencies. His experience will pay off in that area big time.

[StevieM]

19. Tom Steyer has my vote. (eom)

[LongtimeAZDem]

20. With the right running mate, he would be a great choice. /nt

[PatSeg]

22. I think that is the key

as he may only be able to serve one term at his age. A really dynamic progressive running mate could make an unstoppable team.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

24. NOPE.

[BlueWI]

25. What's the platform?

Being qualified is one thing. Having legislative priorities is another.

It's starting to seem old fashioned to expect candidates to have a clear set of policy priorities. Given the scale of environmental, budgetary, and foreign policy challenges, where does Biden sit?

Is he willing to cut the Cold War sized military budget?

What about the global war on terror that his vote in favor of the Iraq War Resolution helped initiate? Will we stay on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq, and to what end?

Climate challenges - will the Green New Deal be supported?

Infrastructure - will this be a domestic priority?

Wealth concentration, consumer debt - what's the plan?

These questions should be answered by all candidates. Hopefully the real dialogue starts soon.

[saidsimplesimon]

26. Actually, Mrs. Clinton is.

If our party is ready for a redux, I would support Mrs. Clinton. If not, time for someone untainted by decades of compromise in government positions. Just my opinion

[EffieBlack]

33. Thank you!

Last edited Tue Dec 4, 2018, 01:35 PM - Edit history (1)

You are exactly right. If we’ve changed our minds and are ok with an older “Establishment” candidate who’s been around the block once or twice, Hillary Clinton has more than earned her shot at it. But since I’m sure that that is not the case - at least judging from all of the “Go away, Hillary. It’s time for new blood” dismissals of her every time she has the temerity to say anything - why is anyone even considering taking Biden seriously as a potential candidate?

Don’t get me wrong. I like Biden, think he would make a good president (if he can figure out how to keep his foot out of his mouth, since the gaffers that may be charming in a VP aren’t so much in the president) and would fight like hell for him if he were the nominee. But the double standard sickens me.

If Hillary has no business in the running, neither does Biden. If Biden is an acceptable candidate, the Hillary hate needs to stop. Folks can’t have it both ways.

[saidsimplesimon]

39. "Folks can't have it both ways."

It leads to nowhere man.

(I thank you for being a rational voice on DU. You have my attention, for what it is worth.)

Forgive me for using the opportunity to stick a sheave in the pResident's balloon.

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[EffieBlack]

42. :-)

[Pisces]

50. Effie they are 2 different people. Nothing to do with gender. Bill is an albatross around Hillary's

Neck at this time, Jill is not. Unfortunately Hillary has an authenticity problem that Joe does not. This is not about gender for me. It may be for other people. I think Joe with the right running mate and maybe a 4 yr commitment could be the right person to help fix the mess Trump has created. He knows how to work with the Congress and he knows all of the players. I don't feel confident we have time for someone to learn on the job after all of the damage Trump has done. We will see how it plays out, but this back and forth about Hillary outrage is self defeating. She was the most qualified and should have been President, but we got Trump and now we need to go from here.

[EffieBlack]

61. I see. So now, her HUSBAND is the reason she shouldn't run...

Because every time people say she shouldn't be out talking, she should go home and knit because she's been around too long and we need new blood, they REALLY mean she should go away because her husband or something...,

Gotcha.

[Pisces]

64. I think you want to be outraged. Is sexism real, YES!!

This is reality and in the Me Too era, Bill is an albatross. Hillary’s answers about Monica don’t help either. This is being objective and practical, but we can continue to be mad about how unfair the last election was and how she was robbed. We still have Trump and we need to get rid of him!!

[EffieBlack]

66. Yes, that's it. I just want to be outraged.

[pangaia]

27. "No one should run for the job unless they believe that they would be qualified doing the job."

Doesn't EVERYONE running for the job think they are uniquely qualified?

You know, and this has nothing to do with Joe Biden.......

Anybody who actually wants to be president of the usa must be nuts.



I think they best person might just be he/she who doesn't really want or NEED the job, but who somewhat reluctantly excepts it of necessity at the strong encouraging of others who need help.

[Renew Deal]

28. Being the most qualified isn't the only qualification

[Dave in VA]

29. Primaries

This where all of this will play out. Let him run. I think he is extremely qualified, but so are many other Democrats. I just want someone who can win and can start fixing the damage that the orange hemorrhoid and his disaster of an administration has inflicted on us as a nation.

Just my $0.02...

[AlexSFCA]

30. there is no question he would be most qualified

technically, more qualified than Hillary cause he was not only a senator but also a 2 time VP which is a higher position than SoS. I support him 100%, however, my concern is that he may not generate enough enthusiasm. But the gap in qualifications will be insurmountable if he runs, there is no one anywhere close to his credentials on the radar. He is a full package: economy, healthcare, foreign policy, social issues, etc. supported by his career. The positive thing about him is that he has not been a victim of RW propaganda and it would be way too late for them to start that machine all of a sudden. This is different from Clinton who has been a subject of defamation for decades and most of it was unchallenged by her (to my knowledge she never sue for defamation).

[EffieBlack]

34. Do you notice how only men are annoited with "Elder Statesman" status?

Women are just old and in the way and need to stop talking and go away.

I’m not saying thst’s what you’re suggesting. But your reference made me think of the double standard.

And there’s plenty they coulld throw at Biden - you don’t need much time to destroy someone if you have no scruples and the truth doesn’t matter. Example: John Kerry.

[mercuryblues]

63. I have noticed the same thing

Hillary was 68 when she ran and was called too old. Biden will be 78, if he runs.
I have heard Clinton had her chance and should not run again, let the younger pols have a chance. Joe ran in several primaries and didn't win, but he should try again.

[eissa]

32. Please no "it's their turn" candidate

I love Joe, and yes, he'd probably be the most qualified candidate, by far. But no. He's our elder statesman now, and can do so much for the party and country in that capacity.

[Demsrule86]

35. He is correct in my opinion. If he runs, I will vote for him.

[BlueStater]

41. No thanks.

Maybe you just need to accept that your generation's time in the spotlight is coming to a close, Joe. Ever think about that?

Generations that came before yours knew when to pass the torch to younger people. Maybe you should consider taking a cue from them.

[WhiteTara]

44. Hahahahahaha

He's way too old. He's a 4 time democratic nominee failure, what makes him think #5 is better?

[seaglass]

45. Nope. And really? GHW Bush had more class and decency than Obama? Joe, you are a doofus

with foot in mouth disease. (never mind that I would not vote for him in a primary re: Anita Hill).

Joe Biden: "I've been there with 8 presidents as an elected official and none had more class and a greater sense of decency than President Bush." http://hill.cm/iFriRTY

[Doreen]

46. I would vote for Joe Biden without even a second thought.

I have wanted him to run all along. Yeah, he is older but if he did die I have faith that whoever he puts in place for vice president would be good and safe for this country.

[Garrett78]

49. Death is less of a concern than mental and physical deterioration.

[X_Digger]

47. Too.old.Joe. n/t

[Garrett78]

48. Average age of the last 5 Democratic presidents: 48.6. # of presidents to assume office at 71+: 0.

[Caliman73]

51. That would be Hillary Clinton.

I like Joe Biden but Hillary Clinton is more qualified to be President.

[dem4decades]

55. Sorry, but No,

[zipplewrath]

59. That might need a chart

Or table or something.

I've been thinking about this recently. Looking back to FDR, there weren't alot of presidents that came in particularly "qualified".

Truman: Was the absent VP in the sense that he wasn't much involved at all. His senate career wasn't exactly filled with unique experience.

Eisenhower: Strong experience, especially diplomatically of sort, not to mention running large, complex organizations. Pretty week on electoral experience. Not sure how much that mattered once you get elected. He didn't have a whole lot of legislative background for moving legislation through.

Kennedy: Limited experience, especially executive and had a weak legislative background.

LBJ: Strong legislative background, not much executive. Weak military background cost him.

Nixon: Moderate executive experience (VP, about the same as Truman). Moderate Legislative. Nothing stellar. Ended up being strong on foreign policy, probably because of Kissinger.

Reagan: Wow, where to start. The man was a figure head his whole career. There's an old joke about 20 years of experience, or 1 year of experience 20 times. That was pretty much him. It isn't clear he ever learned any depth at all.

Bush I: Probably the one that came in with the most experience. Strong political background, moderate legislative. Very strong executive background and diplomatic background.

Clinton: Executive of a small state. National background was all political. Very little legislative background. Basically no foreign policy background.

Bush II: Executive of a major state (but strangely limited powers for a governor). Political background from the family experience. Legislative experience was basically nil. No real diplomatic background. Even military background was pretty weak.

Obama: Virtually no executive experience. Very moderate legislative experience. No military or diplomatic background to speak of. Did have that Community Organizer background which is somewhat similar to moving legislation.

Looking over that list, I don't see a strong correlation between their credentials, and their performance. Probably the most effective legislative president was LBJ, although Clinton was probably a very close second. Bush II had success politically, but that was about it. Bush I was probably the deepest and broadest experience, and he accomplished very little other than watching things unfold without screwing them up too badly (except for Gulf War I).

Most folks around here would take Obama first, and he had the weakest of any probably.

[MontanaMama]

54. So I went to see Joe speak last night here in Missoula.

Don't get me wrong. I love Joe Biden. But after this event, I was left with the feeling that he really is a man of his generation. He's older and it showed. I am NOT hacking on old folks. I'm 54 myself. He rambled quite a bit - some of it entertaining to be sure but nevertheless, it was rambling. Granted, the format was informal and lent itself to a story teller which I think fits Biden's style. If he is our nominee then of course he has my vote. But last night got me wondering about his age and that he would most likely be a one term president because of that...should we be thinking of who would be a dynamite 2 term president although I know there is no guarantee of that? Just my two cents.

[still_one]

56. He is

[RandySF]

58. He just might be

[R B Garr]

65. Yes! I will vote for a well-qualified Democrat, and Biden

meets that.

[DFW]

68. Hillary and Biden may be the most qualified, but are not the most likely to be nominated

(Much less elected)

And that's what counts. Howard Dean was right: we need our next presidential candidate to be a fifty-ish, bright, idealistic and very smart INSPIRING individual. A tireless, kind, witty, knowledgeable (economics, ecology AND foreign policy), aware, empathetic, and FRESH face, with as little baggage as possible, and as much power to excite as possible. Not an already-rock star who has been around the block too many times, but rather someone the media will willingly make into a new rock star because they can't help themselves (wup, wup Obama style).

This COULD be Beto, or Joe Kennedy III, or someone who isn't even on our radar yet, but with the guts, stamina and drive to say, hell I CAN DO this, I want to do this, and I WILL do this, because MY country (as opposed to Putin's or Adelson's) is worth it. And then after the election, have both Hillary AND Joe Biden over to the White House often for war stories and advice. A leader who says, "I can do this, but with input from people like these two, I can do this even better."

Actually, I want a 50 year old Howard Dean. Too bad he just turned 70. Judy would chain his private parts to the bathroom door if he even hinted at any interest in running for anything again.