A humble Biden talks about his fundraising and poll numbers

[jillan]

http://www.altoonaherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/NEWS/70713022



Biden takes some blame for lower-tier status
Says he's focused too little on how to win

ABBY SIMONS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER






Sen. Joe Biden paused in reflection before telling a crowd of potential supporters today that he is sorry for not focusing more on becoming a more high-profile candidate, though he maintained it’s not cash but ideas that win elections.

“What can I do to get myself on the top tier? I don’t know what the hell I’m gonna do,” he told a crowd of about 300 at a lunchtime forum sponsored by Iowapolitics.com at the State Historical Building.

“I’ve thought a lot more on what I would do as president than trying to get elected, and I’m trying to change that.”

Biden added that his aversion to the influence of money and campaign donors may be a reason the veteran Delaware senator has not garnered the attention of such high-profile candidates as Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama....

....“I would be very proud to live in the White House, but I would also be happy to live without ever hearing ‘Hail to the Chief’ again,” he said. “But I had to decide to put up or shut up, and the problem and mistake I made is focusing more on how to solve problems than putting together a political organization and raising money.”

That said, Biden said he will not compromise on several positions as he runs for the presidency, including nationalized health care and ending the Iraq war.

Biden and his wife, Jill were in Des Moines as part of a two-day swing through the state that includes stops tonight in Elkader and Dubuque, along with Rep. Bruce Braley's First District Democratic work shop on Saturday in Peosta.


I know he's not really popular around here, but I really like this guy.

And I just found out today that he voted against CAFTA :)



Mrs. Biden - Dr. Jill Biden - a Community College Professor

[Cameron27]

1. I like him. That's a nice statement from him.

(since I sent him a donation after the first debate, I've been getting his emails lol)

[jillan]

2. Thanks for sending him a donation -

In his case, all donations are appreciated :)

[Cameron27]

3. My pleasure, thanks.

I like his style and presentation during the debates, and I'd like to keep him in as long as possible.

[Rydz777]

4. Biden's vote against CAFTA is a plus in my book. He's a decent

man, and I think he would make a good Secretary of State. He's not going to become President.

[jillan]

5. You never know. The election is a loooong ways away. n/t

[Alexander]

6. Biden for president - because we need a credit card industry whore in office.

How quick some DUers are to forget MBNA.

[jillan]

7. Well you better hope that Hillary doesn't get in office

because she receives a hell of alot more money from Citicorp than
Biden has in his whole campaign chest.

[Like It Is]

8. What about MBNA?

What's your gripe, air it out. Don't hint. Be a man about it.