OK Biden guys - chance to convert me here. Why him?

[dmallind]

I've been a Richardson guy from the start. Still am - but his debate performances have been a poor surprise, and his campaign seems to be half hearted to be honest. Edwards is sitting in second right now - I like his economic plans - but I have doubts about his fighting style in the GE, and to be honest I'm a bit too low on the progressive scale to be part of his natural constituency it seems. That obviously puts Kucinich and Gravel a bit out of my zone too - though I'd vote for either in teh miraculous case of them being nominated. Obama and Clinton are well known commodities and I'd be happy with either although not a true partisan for either. But I must ashamedly confess I know little beyond the surface about Biden (and Dodd) beyond his low poll numbers and some smattering of his Senate record, which seems, for the most part, reasonably in line with what I'd be happy with.

So what makes him the guy to go for. What is different about his approach, or personality, or politics that could tip me that way? Sincere question. I'm happy to do research but surely some of his fans can give me the signposts on where I should look for good stuff about him?

[1corona4u]

1. Wel, you could start here..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-jP4XkZ8xc

[faithfulcitizen]

22. wow, that made me cry.

thanks for sharing.

[K Gardner]

42. Join the club... made me cry too and got me started on my "Biden journey" ! n/t

[question everything]

32. Thank you for the link

while there, I also watched Jack Cafferty's file about Biden's response to Thompson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Jn8mxgamE&feature=related

[1corona4u]

36. LOL...oh yeah....that's one of my favs...n/t

[Think82]

55. And this: Could you see Richardson giving this speech?

(from last March, btw, after the "surge")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1op8vwF5UA





these are good too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OhPG7mk8yQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhCJ6h_p0GA

[Eurobabe]

60. Where was he, in PA?

I have my Biden sticker on my car. Thanks Debi in Iowa!! :loveya:

[1corona4u]

2. My personal reasons are...

He's genuine & sincere
Honest, and will tell it like it is, not what people want to hear
Has bipartisan support
Foreign Policy experience, and knows all world leaders
He's not scripted
He has viable plans for healthcare, the environment, education, Iraq, SS, the economy, immigration, and getting the respect back that we have lost, in the eyes of the rest of the world. I mean, think about it, both Musharraf, and Bhutto, called BIDEN, not Bush.


In short, he has the right priorities for this country.

[kansasblue]

31. "Foreign Policy experience, and knows all world leaders" is what has my interest.

I haven't decided but I like Biden.

[PatSeg]

3. I don't have a lot of time this morning so I'll be brief

I've listened to all the candidates and they tell us what they'll do if they are elected president, but Biden tells us what will work and why. His speeches are consistently educational for me. He warned about the political unrest in Pakistan, a country with nuclear weapons and within days Pakistan's president Musharraf declared martial law.

Biden tells people how things are, not what he thinks we want to hear, believing that the American people can handle the truth. His answers to questions are intelligent and informed. He presents specific ideas and solutions, not political slogans and generalizations.

Right now, Biden is viewed as a foreign policy expert, but he has doable solutions for domestic issues as well. Most importantly, Biden can work with congress to actually implement his solutions. He has a long history of bringing people across the aisle.

Joe Biden is a pragmatic idealist. All the great ideas in the world are worthless if one can't make them reality.

[1corona4u]

4. I'll direct you to something just posted;

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3770662

[Mist]

5. A seasoned politician who is practical, and speaks with far less of a

forked tongue than most pols. He seems capable of at least starting to tackle the incredible mess the Cheney/Bush junta has left us.

On edit: I'm too old to need to be seduced or bedazzled by showy promises. I want someone who seems capable, rather than dazzling. Biden suits me fine, and my dream ticket would be Biden/Kucinich. I think they both understand that the next few years will be devoted to preventing America's further slide into third-world status.

[Armstead]

6. Since you're low on the progressive scale, he's probably your guy

I'm higher on the progressive scale, so he's not my guy. I prefer Edwards or Obama, because I believe we need a break from business as usual. Philosophically, I'm in line with Kucinich, but I'm a realist about that.

But since you are less concerned with progressive issues, I'd say Biden is the best "other" candidate. I like Biden personally , and he is definetly the most qualified in terms of experience.

What botehrs me are his ties to the world of banking and finance. He's too cozy with the corporate status quo on that...But if that's not one of your issues, I'd say give him a look.

[dmallind]

7. Probably should explain that

I'm not necessarily low on the progressive scale per se (although that of course depends on the perspective of who I'm compared to) as I'm pretty much right in line with even the most left leaning DUer on most social issues - the usual suspects such as gay rights, choice, affirmative action, etc (although guns would be an exception) but I am far more centrist on the economics side. Strangely I agree with all of Edwards' stated economic goals, but some of his chosen battles - for example the writers' strike - are very low on my priority list. I will do more digging into Biden and see if I feel more at home there. Of course that would at this point at any rate be jumping from one single-digit poller to another, but hey, the primaries are all about picking the best one, not the most likely.

[PatSeg]

11. Welcome to the single-digit poller club!

You're in good company. :hi:

[youthere]

57. Single-digit pollers club...

LOL!

[1corona4u]

8. Personally,

I'm slightly left of center. That's probably why I like him. I don't like radicals or radical movements, at all.

[ginchinchili]

9. I assure you, a Biden presidency would be anything but business as usual.

For starters, he'll tell the American people the truth.

This is a man of action, and he can work with bi-partisan support, which is hardly business as usual. It will be necessary if we are to get out of the morass we're presently stuck in. The other candidates can make all the claims they want about what they'll do, but unless they get moderate Democrats and some Republicans on board, forget it. Biden will bring about real change while reestablishing the fundamentals that have made this country great. Brains, experience, and passion. We need him as our president.

[Froward69]

14. uh what??

"too cozy with the corporate status quo"

Then wheres the corporate money???
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/select.asp?Ind=F03
as a small business owner i feel Joe would be the ONE to stabilize our economy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jcj_O3iEogo

[Armstead]

16. That list has more to do with the perception of a winner

Biden would be raking in the same amount of dough from them if he were perceived as being in the top tier.

[Froward69]

18. Alas Biden would

BE Top tier with money. if he had the cash the media would put him in the "top tier". thus name recognition occurs and viola... {top tier} candidate.

[Armstead]

23. It's that Chicken-and-Egg thing

You can't get exposure without money -- Can't get money without exposure

It sucks. I think ALL candidates (who pass a certain basic threshold) should be given equal coverage in the early nomination process, so that all can start out on a level playing field.

[Froward69]

27. I'm with Biden

Public funding is the way to go. even if we have a field of 20 candidates it would be narrowed quickly. and their would be no favors to pay back. one of the charges at Biden as with edwards is banking. Biden is labeled the credit card candidate, whereas Edwards is labeled the hedge fund candidate. with public financing, those labels would evaporate.

[gateley]

47. I so agree - it's really unfair to US not to get the opportunity to fairly

compare and contrast all the candidates.

[TwilightGardener]

10. Biden has moved up in my rankings--

Obama number one, Biden two, Edwards three. He's a no-bullshitter, and a smart, likeable guy.

[murbley40]

12. I trust Joe and here are a couple of reasons why.

I am a long time supporter of Joe and know him: to tell it like it is, not the way we want it to be. I know him to be knowledgeable about almost anything you would like to ask him,and willing to take as much time as you need to speak with you. He is not afraid to swim against the tide ,if he believes he should,and in spite of what some say,he is his own person,speaks his mind.

His experience speaks for itself, as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, he is known by foreign leaders around the world and as has happened recently,is often contacted by them for his take on situations.

He is a people's candidate and will be a people's President.

I am from Delaware and we have been electing Joe as our Senator since 1972. Why? We trust him and respect him for the work he has done on our states behalf.

As president, he can begin to restore the respect other countries used to have for us, and lead usa back to our rightful standing in the world by first uniting our country and ending the war in a responsible way.

[murbley40]

13. kick

[gateley]

50. I love that murbley, being a Delawarian (?) supports Joe. I've read where some

of the current candidates' constituents back "home" don't think very highly of them. Who better to know the "real" person and how seriously that person takes his/her responsibility to serve than the people who elected him/her. That's telling, in my book.

[nyc 4 Biden]

15. Hear it from the source . . .

If you have some time watch Biden's speech at the Town Hall Meeting in Waverly, Iowa from Tuesday.

This will let you know exactly where Joe stands. Not to mention, that after examining Biden's past accomplishment's you'll discover a Presidency under him will be anything but business-as-usual.

Just click "Watch" under "Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) Town Hall Meeting in Waverly, Iowa" at the top of the page and enjoy! :)

http://www.campaignnetwork.org/default.aspx

[Steely_Dan]

17. Thanks for the Opportunity...

I will refrain from making too many comparisons to the other candidates. I believe that the Biden supporters have made an excellent effort not to trash any of the other candidates. I will follow in that effort.

I started out waiting for Wes Clark or Gore to enter the race. When it was clear that they were not going to throw their hat into the ring, I started looking at Edwards and liked a lot of what I saw. I felt the same concerning Obama.

I tried to approach this decision as pragmatically as possible. I want to be a realist...to approach this in good faith in an attempt to set aide any preconceptions. I looked at everyone's record. Some had a lot of experience, others didn't. Some were good at specific area and others were not. All of this goes without saying. I did what I hope everyone here as done...setting aside my emotions and (for the time being) my gut reactions to each candidate.

After careful consideration, I arrived at Biden. I did not know much about him. The MSM had not given him the attention that they had in their selected "top tier." The media has a vested interest in pushing certain candidates because it ultimately means more money in their pockets.

I asked myself what is the most important priority we face as a country. I am a person that believes we live in a global community and that we have not been very good neighbors. Foreign affairs (at least in my mind) seemed to need the most immediate attention. I did not find another candidate that could match Joe Biden's experience in this area. As far as I was concerned, there wasn't even a close second to him. I have often said that the damage caused by the Bush Administration is so bad that I would not live long enough to see our country return to its former glory as the moral and inspirational leader of the free world. With Biden, I feel that we have a chance. Maybe our last best chance.

Foreign leaders often contact Biden before they speak to the President. He is trusted by friend and foe alike. I think that this is because he is a straight shooter. He doesn't fear telling anyone what he honestly thinks. Some might say that this is not a good method in "diplomacy." I disagree. He has done exceptionally well speaking his mind and has earned the respect of countless world leaders. Considering what we have had to face over the past seven years, I imagine many world leaders would breath a sigh of relief to see him at the helm.

There have been criticisms of Biden concerning certain votes that have hurt the American people. I will say right off that I do not agree with every vote that Joe Biden has made. I will save the details of his mistakes to others that do or do not support Biden. However, I would encourage those critics of Biden to understand that you cannot spend 35 years in the Senate and not have a collection of votes that are regrettable. I hope that I am not rationalizing here. I just feel that I am not going to judge anyone on a handful of mistakes. I wouldn't want to be judged on mine, I know that for sure. In the grand scheme of things, he has made very few mistakes considering how long he has served our country. Aside from his mistakes, he has authored important bills that are completely in line with my philosophical and political beliefs. The Violence Against Women Act, being one.

After the 2004 election, my worst fears were realized. That fear was that the American people are far more right leaning than I had ever imagined. Because of this realization, I have concerns about some of the other candidates. As a side note, I have written against the whole "electability" thing a few times, so I must be careful not to make my decisions based on electability. Having said that, I am also a realist. This country has a long way to go when it comes to racism and sexism. I wish it were not that way. I truly do. Some would say, just by making this statement, that I am furthering both by blocking their opportunity. There is some merit to this. However, I cannot abandon my reason for the sake of risking what I believe is the most important election of our time. I simply don't trust the American people...2004 taught me that lesson. Having said all of this, I hope that I live long enough to see a woman or a person of color in the Oval Office.

I started a list of the most common terms used to describe Joe Biden lifted from many of the posts on the DU. Some of the terms even came from those that are not Biden supporters. Some of the terms used (and came up the most often) were: intelligence, experience, leader, creative, excellent communicator, genuine, passionate, straight shooter, self confident, uniter...the list goes on. There have been other terms used that are not so complimentary like: gaff machine, blowhard, ego maniac and arrogant. That's fair. I know many that you can attach these terms to that have changed the world for the better.

My father told me once that he would not hire anyone that had not failed or faced tragedy in life at least twice. I asked him why. He said that these are the people that have stood the test of time and like the phoenix, flew again. They have the kind of character that can only be born of facing the abyss. Joe Biden has had his share of both failure and tragedy. His character has been forged in the loss of his wife and children, his failed presidential run, etc. etc.

Finally, all one has to do is listen (and I mean listen) to Biden giving an impassioned speech on something he truly cares about to know that he is sincere. There are times when I am moved by his passion and love for this country. I have not been moved by a speaker since JFK, RFK or Mario Cuomo. This is a quick-witted, intelligent man who has learned from his mistakes and has continued to move ahead with optimism and confidence.

I am under no illusions here. It matters not who becomes the President. He/She will be facing some of the most difficult times in our history. I want to have someone who has the experience, the intelligence and the balls to fight for what is right on behalf of the American people. Someone who will tell me the truth regardless of the political outcome. In addition, I honestly believe that the Republicans are scared to death of Joe Biden. They know that he would be nearly impossible to defeat. He will not stand aside and let the right-wing machine trash him. He will call upon or better selves without folding under pressure...I could go on and on.

I hope that this has helped.

I truly believe in my heart of hearts that Joe Biden is the right man at the right time. Further, I not only believe that Biden will be a great President, he may very well be the best President we have seen in many decades.

-Paige

[butterfly77]

40. I agree...

I don't understand it, I will be voting for Biden in the primaries.

[1corona4u]

53. It's a real shame that we lose those Biden votes from

Florida & Michigan though....really pisses me off. It could have made a difference...at least I think so. Especially if he surprised in Iowa...

[CrispyQ]

19. Here's a thread where he discusses Iraq, Pakistan, immigration & the US economy.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=404x5057

I like that he is a straight shooter & he has the respect of his fellow dems as well as many republicans. We've been polarized for too long & we need someone who will pull both sides together.

[faithfulcitizen]

20. Richardson- "poor surprise", me too. Biden is my candidate b/c...

really no one else will do. I care about domestic issues, but for me Iraq and foreign policy in general are NUMBER ONE. I don't trust any of the others. They aren't really tested.

I worry about Hillary big time. Let's say she pulls off a win in the GE, does anyone really think she's going get us out of Iraq and simmer down the rhetoric with Iran? I suspect she will continue to walk this wishy washy tight rope and appease the right in order to be seen as a "centrist" in hopes of re-election in 2012. I just don't see her as someone who sticks to her principles.

I just don't want any more surprises, people who are afraid to speak the truth, and divisive personalities. I trust Joe Biden in that I know what I'm getting. He's a patriot, he's smart, charismatic, bipartisan, tough, and tested. He can be prone to sticking his foot in his mouth, but he's quick to say "I'm sorry" and mean it. To me, that's human. He's comfortable in his own skin and doesn't seem like he just took a poll to see what he should eat, and rehearsed in front of a mirror for hours. He's a natural, a good debater, and I think he'd mop the floor with the repub's in a head to head match. So, with Clark or Gore out of the picture, Biden's my guy. :)

[1corona4u]

21. Here's the interview from PBS

http://www.joebiden.com/contribution/2?id=0021

[Steely_Dan]

24. Kick

[Tejanocrat]

25. You can't deny that he's the most confortable debater in the format we've been given.

The policy differences I have with Biden do not prevent me from recognizing that he's enjoying himself in this campaign and that's a good sign for his supporters.

[KittyWampus]

26. Biden did very well in debates. I was ready to support Richardson myself but he really

doesn't do well. At least in debate setting.

I find Biden much more candid and forthcoming. He is not programmed to repeat canned answers like other candidates running.

He also has a sharp, quick wit. He comes across well.

His foreign policy credentials are necessary for Dems to win against GOP'ers.

His domestic policy creds are solidly liberal. He comes across as more conservative than he actually is. Good to get moderates!

There are some of his votes that I'm not happy with, but that is very true of every other Dem running.

[TwilightGardener]

28. Even Republicans endorse Biden:

Hagel in the NY Observer: "I think Biden would be a very good president.” (Of course, he also said he thought Hillary would be "certainly capable", but...he didn't say "very good".) Biden would have crossover appeal, I think, which is one of the things I like about Obama as well. I think either man would win.

[Inuca]

46. Here is what else Hagel has said about Clinton

HAGEL: Well, that's up to the voters, actually. I've always been of the opinion that we're a nation that allows people to ascend to great heights -- go as far as you can go based on your hard work, and your initiative, and your talent, your capacity. And if that means we have Bushes and Clintons as far as the eyes can see -- I mean, I can't control that, that's up to the people of the United States.

I don't think that they should necessarily be penalized either. I don't think Hillary Clinton, for example, should be necessarily penalized because her husband was president for eight years. She's in the Senate and we've had our -- we've had our belly full of Clintons, and that's it. We've tried the dynasty thing with Bush and it didn't work. So let's -- we're not going to try with Clinton.

(Laughter.)

I mean -- I think you should judge your candidates based on each of them individually. If the American people decide to elect Hillary Clinton, they elect Hillary Clinton. She's -- she's certainly capable.

Not exactly an endorsment ;).

http://www.cfr.org/publication/14895/conversation_with_chuck_hagel_rush_transcript_federal_news_service.html?breadcrumb=%2Fpublication%2Fby_type%2Ftranscript

[TwilightGardener]

76. Yep--that was damning with faint praise, if ever I heard it.

[skipos]

29. Biden has Richardson's experience

but has a speaking style that will connect with voters. I think Biden would appeal to voters who like experience as well as voters who want to have a beer with their president (stupid, imo, but those voters matter). I also think he is the candidate who can most afford to have an interesting VP, like Brian Schweitzer of MT, or Kathleen Sebilius of KS. He has things I don't like, but so does everyone else.

Richardson's presentation has been a disappointment for me as well.

[skipos]

30. Imo, certain presidents like LBJ

are able to accomplish many things, and push through a lot of legislation. Carter came in with ideas but had trouble accomplishing many of them. I think Biden would be a good "get it done" president.

[Steely_Dan]

34. Skipos...

I'll have to look up the two names you brought up. They sound interesting.

-Paige

[kad7777]

33. JOE BIDEN: the best AMERICA has

In these troubled and dire time we live in, Joe Biden, to me, encompasses all that we desperately need for our nation:

1) Intelligence
2) Experience in ALL phases of government
3) Strength
4) Respect from world leaders
5) Diplomacy
6) Command of issues
7) Solutions to problems that face our nation
8) Honesty
9) Integrity
10) Respect and trust from his peers
11) Respect and trust from the people who follow him
12) an EXPERT in foreign policy

Joe Biden certainly meets ALL of the criteria above.

I pray and hope every day that Mr. & Mrs. America, the people of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina know in their hearts, that if we lose Joe Biden, we'll have lost one of the best Presidents our nation will ever have.

Please watch a video I produced to show my support for Senator Biden. If you support him, please send the link below to family and friends, and ask them to do the same.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=OtGCaqOdIJ4

[NCarolinawoman]

35. He never used his Senate seat to get rich.

He's been a Senator since the early 70's and he is ranked 99th out of 100 Senators for net worth. I don't believe he even owns any stock. That is just very unusual for any Senator, particularly one who has held office as long as he has.

Chris Mathews had an interesting take during a question and answer session at the Miami book festival. A guy stood up and asked Mathews about all this "first tier/ second tier stuff. He wanted to know why Biden, who is so well qualified, isn't considered "top tier." Mathews said, "JOE BIDEN IS NOT CONSIDERED ONE OF WASHINGTON's ELITE".

He explained that Joe doesn't go to the fancy parties in Washington where you get to schmooze the press, and get the pres on your side. Joe doesn't own a townhouse in DC. He catches the train every evening to go home to his wife who is a schoolteacher. Mathews seemed almost apologetic and embarrassed about the criteria for "tier" rating.

Joe's son goes to Iraq in a few weeks, and Joe could pull a few strings to get him out of this, but he won't

[Steely_Dan]

37. Kick

[1corona4u]

39. Thank you, sincerely, for pointing out

what we all already think, and love about him. This is a real person, and like him, or hate him, he's the real deal.

[gateley]

49. You're correct about the stock. I heard him say that when he was elected

senator, he made a conscious decision not to invest in the stock market because he didn't want his judgment and votes to be influenced by his portfolio.

He has also never met with a lobbyist in all those years.

He's really a good man.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

38. Americans would view him as a guy who would be a good president. Simple as that.

Presidential elections are interactive TV programming.

Americans would like the Biden show. He's incredibly entertaining, and seems like the President in a movie.

So I thinks he's the most electable Dem in the GE, and that's my top priority.

[murbley40]

41. kick

[NCarolinawoman]

43. JFK was entertaining. Can't think of any others.

Yep, it would be nice to see a little witt, again. I think the Reagan lines were canned and not spontaneous.

[dmallind]

44. Not ignoring all this at all - thanks and keep it coming

I am tryting to find time to watch the interviews and speeches and read the longer articles in between work demands - but rest assure I will follow all recommendations. I do like the fairly consistent comments about his willingness to honestly address issues etc - I was a big Tsongas fan when he did the same. I fear a similar result here though. What the general public SAYS it wants - real suggested solutions to real problems - never seems to be what it rewards in candidates.

[1corona4u]

45. Boy, I totally agree with this comment;

What the general public SAYS it wants - real suggested solutions to real problems - never seems to be what it rewards in candidates.

[K Gardner]

48. That is true, and so very very sad. This trend surely cannot continue.. n/t

[gateley]

51. Boy, we sure believe in this guy, don't we! I know you've been deluged with

videos, but I'm posting this link if you have a certain interest or concern about health care and benefits for our military and veterans. His passion in this one just about takes my breath away. If I'd been in that room, I'd have been on the edge of my seat holding my breath.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vxWwZA9gk4

[K Gardner]

59. I just sent this link to Sacred Obligation to

all my redneck republican relatives who inundate me DAILY with stupid "FWD FWD FWD" emails about how to "support our troops". My message is clear... THIS is how to support our troops ! For good measure, I'll send Kad's video, too. No way I'm gettin invited for Christmas dinner this year :party:

[gateley]

61. Good job! How could they possibly disagree with what Biden says if they're

all "support the troops". If you're disowned, you can join me on DU for our own little Christmas cheer. :hi:

[Blue_In_AK]

52. I haven't fully made up my mind,

but Biden is in my top three at this point. I like that he's knowledgeable, has extensive foreign policy experience, is able to oppose the Republicans without making them go batshit crazy like Hillary does. I like his sense of humor and -- at least what appears to be -- his sincerity. I just feel like he's somebody that the whole country could rally around and finally get some things done without all this toxic divisiveness that's going on now.

[Think82]

54. Biden is superior for these reasons:

IRAQ: Though Richardson touts his exerience as an ambassador, he didn't know it wasn't feasible to pull out of iraq in 6 months. Now he's saying 12 after Biden corrected him. Biden is also the only one (or at least the first one, and the the other candidates don't wish to agree) to put forth the necessary political solution for Iraq. He came out with it two years ago, it got no support, and in October it recieved 75 Senate votes, including Hillary and Dodd, Obama missed the vote. Richardson has said Biden's plan "might" be the way to go.

Throughout 35 years in the Senate, Biden has been an agent of change, pushing the Crime Bill, The Bosnian intervention and Dayton Accords, and the Violence Against Women Act, and bringing people around to his point of view.

Biden has also been the chairman of two major committees in the senate, the judiciary and foreign relations (rather important, wouldn't you say?) which is no small task.

Richardson likes to tout his resume, whcih is impressive in terms of the diversity of of positions he's held, but in terms of ACCOMPLISHMENT, I think Biden has him outpaced. Plus I think Biden is just as knowldgeable on any issue, if not more knowledegable.

Also, CHARISMA COUNTS.

two cents.

[youthere]

56. Well stated Think82.

[jillan]

58. because of this -

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3773198

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

62. Because he's the only candidate other than Kucinich to mention the word "Impeachment"

[Steely_Dan]

63. Indeed!

[jillan]

64. And I am going to add

that he will do great in the GE.

There is not much they will be able to go after Biden on, and whatever they come up with - he will shut them up.

[whirlygigspin]

65. my 2 cents

why Biden?

Simply because he can get things done, more so then all the other candidates.

1-Experience
2-Uses public transportation daily
3-Doesn't live in DC, never did
4-Doesn't meet with lobbyists, never did
5-Doesn't own stock, never did

Can you imagine a President who is free from all the IOU's that get racked up? He might actually get a chance to do what is right for the people! What an awesome opportunity Americans have here--do you realize how rare this is??? How many people in DC are in such a position?

there are many other points that I could list but mostly I think he'd make a good President because he doesn't need the job to validate himself but is running simply because he thinks he has the right experience that America needs at this time.

If your really serious about election reform, restoring the constitution and giving the government back to the people, you've got a golden chance here that might not happen again in your lifetime.

Finally, when considering other candidates, ask yourself this question: Why are they running?
(If they're running to 'prove' something--run away fast!)

*was Bush running to prove to his mother that he was better than his father? hmmm.

I hope you chose well, America deserved better than another mediocre would be Napoleon.

P.S. here's a video link, since they're all the rage, to use an old xpression
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ-GskNwTU4

[1corona4u]

67. Great post...

and election reform is badly needed.

[w4rma]

66. It is not JUST that Biden voted to eliminate middle class bankruptcy protections. He voted against

the amendments proposed by Democrats to make the bill less anti-consumer.

Biden voted AGAINST Durbin's amendment to preserve bankruptcy protections for service-members and veterans, and he was one of only six Democrats who voted against this pro-military and pro-consumer protection.

Biden refused to support Kennedy's amendment to preserve bankruptcy protections for those who were bankrupted by medical costs, and he was one of only six Democrats who refused to support this pro-consumer protection.

Biden voted AGAINST Feingold's amendment to preserve the elderly's protection against foreclosure on their homes, and he was one of only three Democrats who voted against this pro-consumer protection.

This just a sample; there are numerous other pro-middle class amendments which Biden refused to support.

original thread

[whirlygigspin]

68. and that has exactly what to do with this thread?

If Edwards supporters actions are any indication of how he would act as President, then I hope to God he never wins.

Who exactly are you trying to convince here? this thread is about why one person should support Biden, or do you think your candidate is so weak that you have to throw enough poop around so that no one notices your candidate has little experience, a bad record and no accomplishments politically speaking?

What do you accomplish? you just alienate Biden supporters and make your candidate look bad.

I guess I should thank you, Edwards just dropped to dead last for me.

Is that the effect you were looking for?

[w4rma]

69. I just feel that I might be able to convince those who support screwing over the middle class to

support Biden.:sarcasm:

[1corona4u]

70. Perhaps you might want to research your own candidate...

seems he has a record of voting for BK bills as well...I can get the links if you like...

[ginchinchili]

72. Funny. You seem to be suggesting that Biden isn't worth supporting because...

he voted in favor of bankruptcy reform and yet all the Democratic candidates have been totally mum on this issue. If it was really the burning issue you make it out to be, why isn't Edwards, for example, leading the charge to save the middle class from our current bankruptcy laws? It's because it's a red herring. You know it, I know it, and hopefully the readers of this thread know it. Biden makes such a strong candidate and has so few weaknesses that you feel the need to make something out of nothing. Your own candidate isn't even addressing it. If this issue is so important, why are you supporting a man who ignores the issue (besides the fact that he had previously voted in favor of it himself)?

Here's an idea! The Democrats are currently in power in Congress. Let them write up new legislation. I'm certain President Biden will be more than happy to oblige his Party by signing it into law. Problem solved. Now try some other angle of attack.

[1corona4u]

73. Edwards? This should explain it...

http://www.totalbankruptcy.com/bankruptcy_articles_john_edwards.htm

[whirlygigspin]

75. OMFG!

I've never spent any time researching Edwards, this is just awful!!!

Edwards hates poor people! look at this story! I'm gonna post this everywhere from now on!

Thank you so much corona!


"Edwards voting actions on the Bankruptcy Overhaul bill in 2000. According to the press release, that bill would have essentially made it easier for courts to make debtors repay their debts rather than allowing them to discharge them!!!
While Dodd and 11 other Democrats rejected this bill, Edwards voted in favor of it. Dodd even noted in the press release how President Bill Clinton vetoed this bankruptcy bill because it was too tough on debtors. Edwards’ voting record on bankruptcy issues gets worse...Edwards once again lined up with the Republicans in rejecting an amendment that would have included a more consumer-friendly means test than in the original Bankruptcy Overhaul bill of 2001. That amendment would have initiated a Chapter 7 means test that would have averaged the debtor’s last two months of income and taken into account sudden job losses or disabilities. The original bill mandated a means test averaging the debtor’s last six months of income."

http://www.totalbankruptcy.com/bankruptcy_articles_john_edwards.htm

everyone must read this!!!

this is shocking!

[w4rma]

77. The 2000 bill and the 2005 bill are like comparing apples and oranges. (nt)

[1corona4u]

78. No, they're not. Nice try though.

[murbley40]

71. Me too!!

[whirlygigspin]

74. have no fear W4MA, Dodd will save you!

--if you truly care about this issue,as I know you do, please invite Edwards people to move to Dodd, for the sake of our poor middle class and their credit cards. (for all you poor people without credit cards, sorry they don't care about you)


Senate's Dodd to offer bankruptcy reform bill
Wed Nov 28, 2007 1:19pm EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior lawmaker said on Wednesday that he planned to introduce a bankruptcy reform bill that would give new relief to individuals overwhelmed by mortgage, medical and student loan debt.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, a presidential candidate and chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, said: "Most often, individuals are forced into bankruptcy by a devastating medical event or the loss of a job."

The Connecticut Democrat said his bill would allow judges to consider the individual circumstances of debtors in bankruptcy cases so that families and children are protected.

The bill would ensure that medical debts can always be discharged in bankruptcy and that mortgages can be restructured to help borrowers stay in their homes, he said.

Student loans would also be dischargeable under the bill, and child support and alimony payments would be settled first.

"Our bankruptcy laws should not punish these vulnerable members of our society, but instead should help them get back on their feet while protecting them and their families from added suffering at the hands of creditors," Dodd said.

The bill would seek to undo some aspects of bankruptcy reform passed in 2005, which Dodd said he opposed at the time.

Some of Dodd's Senate colleagues and lawmakers in the House of Representatives have sponsored their own versions of bankruptcy reform, but no single bill has won widespread support.

[murbley40]

79. kick

[youthere]

80. kicking

[K Gardner]

81. Because he mentioned the word Impeachment 11 times??

That's as good a reason as any I can think of today :-) It almost sounds elegant when Biden says it..