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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Biden highlights electability

Posted: Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:12 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under:

From NBC’s Andy Merten
Joe Biden played up his electability during remarks in Iowa today, after picking up the endorsement of Iowa House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

“I believe, at the end of the day, one of the major issues for the people of Iowa to consider me, and the other candidates is, our electability nationwide,” Biden told a crowd in Des Moines. Will we be able to go into those 30 states we’ve consistently lost the last eight years and be able to generate genuine support and have an opportunity to compete in 15 of those states? You cannot govern this country merely by winning the same 20 states plus one. That will give you enough electoral votes, but it will not give you the mandate you need.”
 
The Delaware Democrat also previewed his reaction to tonight’s address by President Bush. “It’s pretty clear what he’s going to say,” Biden said.  “But he cannot shirk this off as the decision made by his generals. This is the president’s war, the president’s decisions, and the president had a failed policy from the outset.”

He went on to say that both objectives of the surge -- standing up the Iraqi military and spurring political reconciliation -- have failed, echoing the comments of his fellow Democrats since the Petraeus-Crocker hearings earlier this week. 

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Is he kidding? Biden is only known for bad hair plugs & a lunatic left agenda.

American Voter (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:32 PM)

Bloviating Biden couldn't win a primary anywhere!

William, NYC (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:35 PM)

Biden is your daddy in 08.

Biden/Obama '08
Today, Tomorrow, Together.

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:38 PM)

I think every single person will be afraid of him if he were to become president. No way he will be elected.
As an Indian americna, I'm not fond of him anyways after his 7/11 store comment about Indian Americans. That was disparaging and simply racist.

Jt, okc (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:46 PM)

Well, since I clearly support him I guess you can't say "every single person".....

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:57 PM)

It continues to establish me the virulence with which certain commentators characterize Joe Biden.  Hair plugs?  His hair looks pretty scanty to me so I don't get the hair plug notion.  And even if he did have hair plugs, is that the way you vote, only for the man with a full head of hair?  Bloviating?  I suppose that is a reference to his vocal capacity.  Frankly, I think any Irishman is entitled to a gift of gab, especially when he mixes it with poetry as Joe Biden does.  And I'd rather listen any day to a man who not only expounds at great length but has the content to match it.  You ad hominem attackers make me sick!

Joan Gordon, Santa Barbar a, CA (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 4:58 PM)

Yes Jt - that was a very racist comment.
Plus - Biden is owned by the credit card companies and sponsored the bankruptcy bill in 2005.  Most bankruptcies are due to medical bills - not shopping at the mall.

Richard, NYC (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:10 PM)

What did he say, a lot of indians work at 7/11?  Something like that, how racist!!!  Oh wait, a lot of Indians work at 7/11's relative to other ethnicities, I don't think you can be racist for just saying something thats true.  Unless your hypersensitive.  

And why would everyone be afraid of him?  Thats just a stupid thing to say unless you explain your position.  

Bloviating Biden?  Oh yeah, he explains the situations he discusses fully and competently, he must have a problem if he can't sum up his position in 12 seconds.  As voters, is this what really matters to you? The guy is foreign releations expert, he's been in the senate almost longer than I've been alive.  

"Theres's no point for democracy if ignorance is celebrated."

Josh McDonald, Camarillo, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:10 PM)

"You cannot govern this country merely by winning the same 20 states plus one."

Biden is right but haven't Dems also learned that Northern liberal Democrats don't win in Red States?  Nor do ultra liberal Southerners which is what Edwards has become.  With his Latino heritage and Western values (including stance on 2nd Amendment issues and strong record on economic growth), Richardson offers the best opportunity for Dems to convert Rocky Mountain, Southwest and Western states Dem.  Even TX and FL would come into play with Richardson that the top of the ticket.  

Stephen Cassidy, CA (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:11 PM)

And by the way, can the "American Voter" name one issue in Joe Biden's "lunatic left wing agenda."  Or lets make it easier, does he or she know what an agenda is?    

josh McDonald, Camarillo, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:18 PM)

And by the way, can the "American Voter" name one issue in Joe Biden's "lunatic left wing agenda."  Or lets make it easier, does he or she know what an agenda is?    

josh McDonald, Camarillo, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:18 PM)

And by the way, can the "American Voter" name one issue in Joe Biden's "lunatic left wing agenda."  Or lets make it easier, does he or she know what an agenda is?    

josh McDonald, Camarillo, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:18 PM)

I still don't see what's Racist about the comment.  Go to youtube and watch the video -- he doesn't say anything hurtful.  He's highlighting the Indian population of the state and their involvement in state business.

Look, I'm as big on being racially sensitive as the next guy, but when we hit a point where it's now apparently Racist to talk about other cultures then we're a bit out of control.

Biden is the only Democrat who's talking sensibly on Iraq.  He's the only one with the guts to say yes we were mislead but no we can't just pull out of the region.  We've a responsibility to help make the region as safe as possible.  Unlike Hillary, Dodd and Edwards, he won't pretend he didn't vote for the war because it's inconvenient.

"He talks too much!"  Oh no!  A guy who talks about issues!  GASP!

Say what you want about his chances, we all know Kerry was dead last in the DNC primary polls in 2004, Clinton was behind in the Polls in 92 and John McCain was poised to mop the floor with Dubya.

Look how all those turned out.

Tom Brennan (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:18 PM)

And by the way, can the "American Voter" name one issue in Joe Biden's "lunatic left wing agenda."  Or lets make it easier, does he or she know what an agenda is?    

josh McDonald, Camarillo, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:18 PM)

And by the way, can the "American Voter" name one issue in Joe Biden's "lunatic left wing agenda."  Or lets make it easier, does he or she know what an agenda is?    

josh McDonald, Camarillo, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:18 PM)

And by the way, can the "American Voter" name one issue in Joe Biden's "lunatic left wing agenda."  Or lets make it easier, does he or she know what an agenda is?    

josh McDonald, Camarillo, Ca (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:18 PM)

And will someone please explain to me the lunatic left agenda?

Like...making sure people have healthcare?  Or making sure American tax dollars aren't wasted on explosions like the Republicans?  OR actually pursuing terrorists, not every one who happens to have Brown skin and live next door to them?

Tom Brennan (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:20 PM)

Richard, most studies I've seen disavow that notion. Do you have access to other studies?

Bruce, NV (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:20 PM)

I haven't been to a 7/11 in Deleware.
Was Biden's comment true or false?
If it is true then it can't really be racist.  
 

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:33 PM)

I assume Biden is talking about the strong electability of candidates like Obama and Edwards, not his own dismal thirty-something percent numbers in GE match ups.  

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:44 PM)

Richard, NYC - I didn't know that about Biden. I think America would be a good place to start a TV channel or newspaper to keep us informed on this kind of chicanery. The ones we have now don't. How did you find out? Give us a link.

JIrby, Colorado (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:50 PM)

I find it ironic that more and more Republicans are adopting Biden's plan for getting us out of Iraq -- yet we still have many American voters who think he's "lunatic left" and would rather vote for the candidate with the better looking hair.  Sad, very sad.

Kato in Des Moines (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:52 PM)

Would the American people prefer an army of advisors control the fate of our country or an experienced foreign relations expert?  This ‘advisor’ issue is paramount when considering someone for president like Clinton or Obama. As you evaluate the candidates, look for concrete experience and the skills necessary for a president to act decisively.  By relying on advisors to quickly teach a president ‘on the run’ you allow outside opinions to dictate your actions.  This puts the president and the country at a disadvantage in terms of thoroughly comprehending the situation at hand, as well as fully understanding the ramifications of our response or the actions we initiate.

If you truly believe foreign relations, and specifically the war in Iraq is the most important issue our country faces, it must be assumed that the candidate you vote for is Joe Biden, the person with the best understanding of foreign policy and international diplomacy as it relates to our national security.  

We must judge these candidates on what they’ve accomplished, not what they claim to represent or promise to do in the future.  Only the Senator from Delaware can win the battle of National Security against the GOP in 08.

Whit Sabin (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 5:58 PM)

&&&&  CALL PRESIDENT BUSH 1- 202-456-1444  OR 1- 202-456-1111  cccccccccccccccccccccc y

z (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 6:18 PM)

As much as I think Biden is a book-smart policywise kind of guy, he really seems to have the knack to say some really off-the-wall things (the same goes for Richardson). So I'm supposed to take it that a man that won Delaware, with maybe give you 500 votes (JK) is representative of the nation? That and the occasional crazy-uncle statement like the 7/11 one puts him a little behind (but with a little Pygmalion would make a good SecState).

twostepcub (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 6:22 PM)

Joe Biden is another of a very strong Democratic field.
I have to trust the good people of Iowa and the early primary states to pick a front runner that is highly electable, can win big in the general and claim a mandate to begin the massive disaster left by the Bush aberration. No nasty words for any of the candidates because one of them will be the Nominee. But please everyone, think critically, think big win, think mandate. Win the center.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 6:31 PM)

Finally some attention to Joe Biden.  Biden has been asking for a "political surg"  for months and has predicted the problems with this war from the outset.  He is the thoughtful and practical voice on the international threat.  Biden has meet with many of the world leaders we need to re-establish relations with.  This is not time for on the job training required of the so-called top tier.

S.Canning, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 6:45 PM)

Joe was right about Iraq, is still right about Iraq, and will always be right about Iraq.

Marc Kutylowski (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 6:49 PM)

The lunatic left agenda is any political agenda that isn't promoted on or endorsed by Fox News. You'd have to be crazy to listen it what biden has to say! Who doesn't want this war to go on? We are winning the war!!! Just look at how many bad guys we're killing over there!

Joe Conservative, Houston, TX (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 7:05 PM)

Joe Biden is yet another Northeastern liberal windbag from the Senate.  The Democratic field of candidates for president is filled wall-to-wall with them.  Full of ideas, but have never implemented or ran anything in their lives.  Career politicians that only know how to vote and complain.

How long has it been since the last Senator was elected President?  There is a reason for that.  See above for details.  That streak continues in '08.  Democrats never seem to learn.

Isaac Bruce, Cincinnati (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 7:16 PM)

Sen. Biden is the most electable Democrat. He would kill Rudy in a debate on national security. Not only is he the only candidate who has a complete detailed plan to get out of Iraq, and reduce the posibility of a regional war, which he publicly released in May of 2006, but he also knew the real risk our country faced prior to 9/11/01 was not from a nuke, but from a terrorist attack in  the hull of a ship, or the belly of a plane, or a vial in a back pack in a major city. He warned about this through out the summer of 01, and continued his warning on 9/10/01 at the national press club. While Rudy was ignoring the risk, failing to have police and fire on the same radio etc.

If Biden wins the nomination it won't even be close. What major legislation is Biden responsible for? To name a couple the violence against women act, that took years to get through, getting 100,000 extra cops on the street, and many more.

Also, if Biden was owned by the credit card companies he would be getting loadas of money from them, and if you look at the campaign financial disclosure records you would see that isn't happening.  

Iowa Hawks (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 7:17 PM)

CALL PRESIDENT BUSH 1- 202-456-1444  OR 1- 202-456-1111  

Just did.  Told him thank you and to keep up the good work.

Thanks for the number.

Raps Bobbett (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 7:18 PM)

I'd vote for any of the Democratic candidates and Biden would be one of the top choices.  There are so many good candidates to choose from it will be hard to make up my mind by primary day.  This may be one of the few elections where I don't have to pick the lesser of two evils.

nuanced (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:10 PM)

I'll admit I am not well versed in many of our politicians' positions on the big issues. That's why blogs like this amuse me and educate me at the same time. Personally, I like to hear Joe Biden speak because he is eloquent, entertaining and colorful-and, passionate! I don't always agree with what he says, since I do tend to lean to the right-but, he's a hell of a lot more interesting than some of the other blowhards we are subjected to simply because they threw their hats in the ring. Snoooze zzzzzz. The one thing that impresses me about Biden (ok, maybe two, counting his good looks for an old guy)is that he reminds me a lot of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. I miss living in "the city", so I tune in to what Mr.Daley has to say because, just like Joe Biden, he tells it like it is! As I tell my employees (as well as my children), so what if you don't like it? If it's factual and for the most part won't hurt anyone, just listen and learn.  

Suzanne, Burlington, WI (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:23 PM)

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA: I'm watching your posts, we're like political blog buddies.  When I see you name, it makes since.  I would really like that too (my two top picks for the Dems).  If only Biden didn't dislike Obama so much--he's jealous because he's doing so well.  Biden is a smart man, and he is great with the war.  Listen to him on hardball, and it is clear!

I'm just going to through this in here (unsure of the spelling--you blog spell-Nazis!).  Has anybody noticed how David Shuster way over pronounces everything, especially the word Hardball?  It is hilarious, and I have a feeling he just likes saying Hardball!

Nicholas, Minneaps, MN (Sent Thursday, September 13, 2007 11:40 PM)

Impeach Bush, shutdown the govt. What could it hurt anyway? Maybe we could save a few billion dollars that our grandchildren won't have to be burdened with. These guys don't get it.  Americans didn't want this war, Bush did.  Worse yet he lied to the American public and no one has called for his impeachment. It is like we enjoy being lied to.
IMPEACH BUSH NOW!!!! Save everyone the grief of waiting another year.  

whodatkev, San Diego, CA (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 12:13 AM)

I would vote for Biden.  He at least has the courage to stand up to the president.   I am tired of watching all the replubican congressman goose-stepping behind Bush.  I just hope we elect a Democratic President.  I have had enough of watching our money go down the drain with this failed war in Iraq.  I don't know why people think we can win this war.  I supposed these same people believe in the tooth fairy.

whodatkev, San Diego, CA (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 12:20 AM)

Joe Biden's greatest hits:

From CNN.com
I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," Biden said. "I mean, that's a storybook, man.

From Msnbc.com
WASHINGTON - Facing criticism, potential 2008 presidential candidate Joe Biden has been forced to explain his recent remark that "you cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin' Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent."

On a recent edition of the C-SPAN series "Road to the White House," the Delaware senator is shown shaking hands with a man and boasting about his support among Indian-Americans.

"I've had a great relationship. In Delaware, the largest growth in population is Indian-Americans moving from India. You cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin' Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. I'm not joking," Biden said.

Joe Biden as president?
Nah, I don't think so.


jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 12:23 AM)

Biden was on MSNBC after the presidential dunce gave the speech about how well we are doing in Iraq. IMHO Biden seems to have a slightly better clue as to how we are doing. I am guessing that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is better training for foreign policy than the  Ranger's dugout.

James Smith, San Jose, CA (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 12:49 AM)

Biden is the best candidate in either party. He knows Foreign Relations and would be competative in most states. Against Giuliani he would sweep the south.

Like It Is - Hobart, IN (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 2:27 AM)

Biden is anything but left wing. Moderate would be a much more accurate description.

Like It Is - Hobart, IN (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 2:33 AM)

Do y'all really believe that ol' Joe's gonna talk them Eye-raqis into splittin' up their country three ways, with none of the parts powerful enough to defend itself, under a weak central government which  --  by definition  --  will lack the necessary strength to keep those three parts in line without active US military assistance for many, many years to come?

Really?

No. Any such partitioning will have to be imposed by American force of arms over many, many dead Iraqi bodies  --  which is why so many Republicans are beginning to see the charm in the Biden Solution: Keeps the gravy train runnin' well into the foreseeable future.

Assuming Joe himself is not just a neo-colonialist in sheep(skin) clothing  --  and I myself do not assume any such thing  --  the major flaw in his plan is its arrogant underlying premise that the West only erred after WWI in the WAY it cobbled Iraq out of all those disparate social and religious elements; the cobbling together itself is okay, if only the West can force those folks into a suitably malleable Western mold.

Well, the Iraqis won't see it as okay. And the more we try to dictate to them how they ought to be governing themselves, the more the cry will go up over there that the Great Father in Washington Speaks With Forked Tongue.

And you know what that means, in terms of further bloodshed.

Now, if that's what you want, go for it, America  --  because the only "bright" thing about the whole Biden Line is that it sort of half-assed convinces Americans that it's A Noble Thing to establish Iraq as what amounts to a permanent dependent US protectorate.

It will, unfortunately, convince very few Middle Easterners; who now have eighty-some-odd years of experience in parsing high-sounding, self-serving Western rhetoric down to its essentials, and have obviously had enough.      

Rick Lapin, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 2:45 AM)

Joe Biden may very well be the strongest and most electable Democrat in the field.

Biden is the only Democrat who is speaking realistically about Iraq.  All the other candidates are oversimplifying the issue by saying we should defund the war (Edwards), they were against the war from the very beginning (Obama), we should get out within x-number of months and leave no troops behind (Richardson), etc.  And Clinton is all over the map with Iraq, but she "takes responsibility" for her vote, whatever that means.

I think Biden can appeal to the following types of voters:

1.  Voters who like Obama and Edwards, but won't vote for them because of their lack of experience.

2.  Voters who don't trust Obama's lofty rhetoric and view it as empty platitudes.

3.  Voters who value Clinton's experience, but fear her electability (hence the 20 states comment).

4.  Voters who like Clinton, but don't want to follow 8 years of Bush-bashing with 8 years of Clinton-bashing.

5.  Voters who like Richardson's experience, but are disappointed in him as a candidate.

6.  Moderates, independents, and pragmatists who value competence and proven leadership over rhetoric.

Iraq is a very complicated issue that cannot be reduced to simple slogans, such as "get out now" or "cut and run" or "defund the war."  Biden's plan of federalizing Iraq is the most competent one out there and I notice that lots of other politicians (including Republicans) are signing off on it.  Has anyone else noticed this?  Do you remember how many of the other Democrats were saying "I agree with Joe Biden" during the debate in Iowa?

I strongly believe that Democrats, especially those in Iowa, would be wise to give Joe Biden a second look.  He would remove a lot of weapons from the GOP's arsenal if he were nominated because he can't be tarred as polarizing (like Clinton), a pretty boy (like Edwards), inexperienced (like Obama), or soft on security.

You can read more of my analysis of Joe Biden's candidacy at http://theseventen.blogspot.com/2007/09/beware-of-biden.html

Anthony Palmer, Columbia, SC (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 8:30 AM)

Here's a US Senator who thinks he is a general.  Heck he has never even had another job except as elected polition.  An he thinks he knows what the American public want.  What a DUD.

sam frazier (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:18 AM)

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA: I'm watching your posts, we're like political blog buddies.


Aren't virtual friends fun?  Then you don't have to make real friends.

Symone Rae (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:36 AM)

<<< And will someone please explain to me the lunatic left agenda? >>>


Tax the people that produce and give it to the people that don't.

Stan Reynolds (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 9:38 AM)

Elizabeth, I live in Delaware, and yes, most of the 7/11"s in our state and the eastern shore of Maryland are now owned by Indians.  They also own many motels, and Dunkin Donuts and Subways in the area.  As for Joe Biden being racist, that is a joke.  He became involved in politics becaue of his interst in civil rights in Wilmington, De.  I work for a vitamin mfg'ng company owned by guess who?  Indians! The informed Indian American knows that Joe is not a racist and was not offended by his statement.

Virginia,Sussex County,De. (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:06 AM)

Richard:
Joe Biden is not owned by anyone!!  Don't you think if he was, his campaign would have more funds?   He is one of the least wealthy Senators if not, the least wealthy Senator serving in the Senate at this time.If you do your homework you will see who among the candidates (top tier) are bought and paid for.

Virginia, Sussex County, De. (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:16 AM)

Two Step Cub:  I am a little bit tired of hearing you uninformed "bloviators", dissing my state and my Senator!! If you were educated at all you would know that while small,our state was the first state to radify the constitution and was the home of Ceasar Rodney, ever hear of him?   Did you know that Delaware has some of the cleanest beaches in the country and that those beaches are visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world each year?  Did you also know that people from all over the world come to Delaware to retire?
Of Course you don't. Did you also know that Delaware is the home of The Dover Air Base,where all the bodies of our "Fallen Angels"are received back into our country from Iraq? I'm proud to be from Delaware and I am proud to be a Biden Supporter.  He is the best candidate for the presidency.  And if you have something intelligent to say, say it .  Otherwise enough of your BS!!

Virginia,Sussex County, De. (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 10:36 AM)

Here is my take, the folks that attack Obama on experience don't even know what criteria qualifies as experience. Experience is overated without judgement. What happen to political experience outside washington? Do we just throw that away when evaluating candidates on experience? The answer is "NO".

Can a candidate run based on spouse political experience? The answer is "No", candidate must run based on his/her own merit.

What we're looking for in a President is judgement and boldness to tackle issues.  I want a president that can rally Americans arround a common purpose not just experience.

If experience is so important, then, why do we have all these problems in Iraq? Why did politician with the so called experience voted for the war that shouldn't have been authorized in the first place.

Among all the experience politician in the Senate, there are only few (Probably 15) that have good judgement and boldness. The rest are bunch of empty head with fancy suit. After all, they will be telling us they have experience. Please give me a break!!!

Experience without judgement and boldness is nothing but a bunch of empty rhetorics.

Bee (Sent Friday, September 14, 2007 1:00 PM)



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