Joe Biden Says Egypt's Mubarak No Dictator, He Shouldn't Step Down

[tekisui]

Source: Christian Science Monitor

Vice President Joe Biden spoke to the PBS NewsHour tonight with the most direct US governent comments yet about the gathering Egypt protests against President Hosni Mubarak's 29-year reign.

Mr. Biden's comments are unlikely to be well-received by regime opponents, as they fit a narrative of steadfast US support for a government they want to bring down. About eight protesters and one policeman have died this week as Egypt has sought to bring down the heavy hand of the state against opponents. Since the US provides about $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt a year, the repressive apparatus of the state is seen by many in Egypt as hand in glove with the US.

(snip)

Ahead of a day that could prove decisive, NewsHour host Jim Lehrer asked Biden if the time has "come for President Mubarak of Egypt to go?" Biden answered: "No. I think the time has come for President Mubarak to begin to move in the direction that – to be more responsive to some... of the needs of the people out there."

Asked if he would characterize Mubarak as a dictator Biden responded: “Mubarak has been an ally of ours in a number of things. And he’s been very responsible on, relative to geopolitical interest in the region, the Middle East peace efforts; the actions Egypt has taken relative to normalizing relationship with – with Israel. … I would not refer to him as a dictator.”

He also appeared to make one of the famous Biden gaffs, in comments that could be interpreted as questioning the legitimacy of protesters' demands. Monitor Cairo correspondent Kristen Chick, other reporters in the country, and activists have generally characterized the main calls of demonstrators as focused on freedom, democracy, an end to police torture, and a more committed government effort to address the poverty that aflicts millions of Egyptians.

more: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Backchannels/2011/0127/Joe-Biden-says-Egypt-s-Mubarak-no-dictator-he-shouldn-t-step-down

[malaise]

1. Wow! He has an Egyptian passport!

I didn't know that.

[somone]

2. Too late, dude

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

3. 30 years of rule isn't a dictatorship.

;)

[cali]

4. this just disgusts me.

how fucking stupid does Biden think I am- or millions of others. We KNOW Mubarak is a dictator.

take your dog shit elsewhere, joey.

I've lost all respect for Biden.

[jonnyblitz]

5. this administration is really something else. unbelievable. nt

[Ichingcarpenter]

6. Shut up Du.... Your government knows what's best for Egypt

and for you too

They know that a state of emergency for 30 years
can do for a presidency and a democracy.

Fuck the populace...... we have McDonalds and other companies there.
Those are American...... be patriotic and get in line damn it.

[PoliticAverse]

7. It's not just Republican administrations that support dictatorships. n/t

[Odin2005]

8. You lie, Joe.

[elleng]

9. Folks, he was DIPLOMATIC, that's part of the job.

He said Mub and opponents should talk w one another. What else would we have them do? BIden explained the demonstrators are middle class/working people, wanting to be heard, much as Monitor says they are, and not extremists. Biden gave them credibility.

What would YOU have him say, all? He did what he had to do, imo.

p.s., Sure don't know where the 'gaffe' was; I actually WATCHED the interview.

[thewiseguy]

11. It is none of his fucking business to say whether Mubarak should step down or not

People want him gone and yes he is a dictator. Fuck Joe.

[elleng]

12. He was ASKED the question, wise guy, he had to respond,

and he did so in a diplomatic way.

No need to use expletives in this context.

:thumbsdown:

[thewiseguy]

13. LOL. He simply could say it is up to the people to decide whether Mubarak should stay or go

Who is Mubarak to decide whether he should relinquish his powers if people do not want him.

Fuck Joe and his diplomatic ways. The guy has no freaking clue.

[elleng]

15. dupe

[thewiseguy]

17. LOL At Free and Fair elections

If Mubarak is not a dictator then they must have had fair and free elections before.

This is just all bullshitting. I am sorry but people are literally dying on the streets of Egypt to remove this asshat and Biden should just STFU.

[elleng]

16. He in fact encouraged up-coming elections be held fairly and publicly.

Monitor didn't do a good job reporting on this, imo.

[tiny elvis]

22. i would have him say why normalized relations with usa and israel

make egypt no dictatorship

[thewiseguy]

10. Change we can believe in.

Fuck you Joe. You piece of shit. Have some fucking respect for those who are giving up their lives to end Mubarak's tyranny.

Asshat.

[jaysunb]

14. Sorry Joe

[Fuzz]

18. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

[nadinbrzezinski]

19. When have I heard that before?

oh wait... that other revolution. If biden gets a clue from history... we better get behind the new management... oh and do kindly evacuate the embassy.

[Hardrada]

21. It's not our world anymore. It never was. Biden and company will

never get the message.

[girl gone mad]

20. Just plain indefensible.

And, frankly, appalling.

[Jefferson23]

23. Spelled out clearly by Joe...sheesh. I can't even imagine what those

who have been beaten and denied their human rights on so many levels would think
of your assessment Biden.