Biden's turn before the DNC

Posted: Friday, November 30, 2007 5:09 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Joe Biden

From NBC’s Samantha Mehrotra, Liberty Matias, Lindsay Garfield
VIENNA, VA -- Biden addressed the DNC today, trumpeting his foreign policy expertise and his ability to lead the country out of Iraq. Despite looming obstacles, he promised results and a definitive exit strategy. “Iraq is like a boulder in the middle of the road -- it denies us the credibility to lead the world and the flexibility to solve our problems here at home,” he said, later adding that he will end the war on the first day of his presidency.

The Democratic contender also pledged to restore moral authority in Washington. He argued that Republicans have often replaced morality with ideology, supporting policies that favor tax cuts to higher-income families and legislation that inhibits access to education.

If he becomes the Democratic nominee, Biden said, he looks forward to competing against his Republican opponents. “I cannot wait to debate Romney or Thompson, and I can hardly wait for Rudy… We will eat these guys alive -- on national security, on domestic security…”

In a sentimental closing, Biden said the election is about reconnecting with voters’ needs -- speaking to both their hearts as well as their mind.

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Comments

Biden is ssmart---he needs to be given a good job in the cabinet

HMT-MI (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 5:14 PM)

Biden hit the nail on the head - he would eat Rudy or Mitt alive in the debates. I envision such a debate with Rudy or Mitt poking a stick at Biden, trying to get him to hit back, and Biden just smiling, all full of charm, and making the GOP nominee look like a child. Sorta the way he does when Hillary, Edwards, Obama and the others get to bickering at each other during the Democratic debates.

Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 5:22 PM)

Go Joe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jack marengo (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 5:31 PM)

I like Biden. He didn't cover up for Mark Foley or Randy Craig or Duke Cunningham or Abramoff He doesn't lie about torture, domestic spying, WMD or Pat Tilman's death. He's never shot someone in the face. He didn't get five deferrments(my god, what a coward) or duck out on his Guard service. And he hasn't failed for six years to get Bin Laden, "dead or alive".

M Foley, Florida (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 5:34 PM)

Go Joe, I hope he is gaining in Iowa and is still a candidate in April.

John Alexander,Edinboro,PA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 6:09 PM)

Biden is the last slim hope America has to remain a World Power,or even a country united.GO JOE.

docrock,tx (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 6:39 PM)

We all like Biden! Oh, sure, there are a handful of people who don't like him, for rather myopic reasons, but he is right, and he is right for this country. My fear is that candidates who are only telling people what they want to hear, will get the support, and we will have the same issues we have had for the last 7 years. Only Joe is the right candidate, and people are starting to see that. Hopefully, enough will in time for the Iowa caucases.

Cindy (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 7:00 PM)

Biden is well-positioned to be the surprise high finisher in Iowa. A second or even third place in Iowa, then a similar strong showing in NH, gets him going in the right direction.

Everyone who's saying that if HRC wins Iowa it's over is skipping a key aspect: the media will WANT a horse race of some kind. Assuming HRC is still going strong after Florida, then whoever has exceeded expectations in the early states will get plenty of play as an alternative.

Since Obama (who I love) and Edwards (who I can't stand) have hovered behind, if Biden passes one of them the media will give him the free press he needs to make a run at the nomination.

At least that's what I convinced myself when I sent his campaign a check.

Sean, Bellevue WA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 7:02 PM)

Biden got Bin Laden? Is he holding him til the caucuses?

Bruce, NV (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 7:05 PM)

joe biden is RIGHT for America! He has a vision that will lead the United States to 2008 and beyond. I'm excited about the race and joe biden!

leslie (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 7:20 PM)

Go Joe, I hope he is gaining in Iowa and is still a candidate in April.

John Alexander,Edinboro,PA

He is, and I hope he is still in the race in April also.

Jennifer IC, IA (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 7:26 PM)

Biden is ssmart---he needs to be given a good job in the cabinet

HMT-MI

No he needs to be the Democratic nominee. If he is the GOP has no chance NONE!

Molly, Iowa City (Sent Friday, November 30, 2007 7:27 PM)

The response to this story confirms what I said in the story on Krugman/Obama story. When I made up my mind to support Clinton I also said my second choice was Biden. Biden has one problem sometimes his mouth slips into gear when his mind is still in neutral and he says something stupid that the republicans would repeat over and over throughout the campaign.

Rufus Gibbons, DC (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 6:16 AM)

Joe Biden is presidential in more ways than looks.
He has the integrity of all his time in senate. At the debates all the leading candidates agree with him or say, "Joe's right....". He isn't getting the press he ought to be getting. I believe world leaders will listen and engage with him. He has proved himself.
He can change the system from within. He is not in anyone's pocket. He knows who is and I believe his his honesty and experience will shine more when he gets the chance to surround himself with a staff in the White House that Americans can be proud of.
I truly hope he will gain speed these next few weeks and that the press will allow him the priviledge the top runners have been allowed.

Terry, Scranton, PA (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 8:31 AM)

I'm 40 and have voted Republican since I was 18, but I'm a Reagan Republican and unfortunately, most of the party leadership, including our current failure of a president, have seriously damaged the party. I agree with nearly everything Ron Paul espouses, but I just can't vote for him or envision him as president. If Thompson wins the nomination, I will vote for him. If not, then I would certainly cross the party line and vote for Biden if he wins the Dem nomination. Biden and Liebermann are two of the most respectable and intelligent Democrats that I can think of. I would even be proud to tell my Republican friends and family members that I voted for Biden. Thompson and Biden are the best candidates that both parties have an opportunity to nominate.

Jeff Long, Miami, FL (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 9:52 AM)

no one has been so continuosly right for so long a time as Joe. we need him for the future.

r.charles,waddington, ny (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 9:54 AM)

Please Iowan's, get behind Joe. I truly believe he is the only Dem that can win in the general. If I could afford to donate more to his campaign I would. I don't know what it will take to get the press to pay attention to Joe Biden, the best candidate I believe since John Kennedy.

Kelly Jo Myers (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 11:31 AM)

Give em hell Joe!!!!!!

Gene, Memphis, TN (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 11:47 AM)

I like Biden as a candidate, but I don't think that Biden can win, but I think he would be a good VP. I would love to see an OBAMA/BIDEN ticket in the General Election.

Terry B, Newport Beach, CA (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 12:31 PM)

I have always like Biden. I think he is the one that really understands the issues that we face and has the best change to heal some of the partianship that Rove and CO have created. I hope Iowa speaks loudly in his behalf.

ll (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 1:01 PM)

Of them all, Senator Biden is the one who seems to have all the answers to all the questions asked by those of us that consider ourselves "Independents".

His foreign policy plans are right on, his domestic ideas of how the country can move forward are good, and of all the candidates, seems to be the most realistic in his approach.

Gwen Irwin, Fulton, Missouri (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 1:19 PM)

In my opinion of all the Democratic candidates for
President, Joe Biden wins the "experience and
likeability" factors; however, will this be enough
to get him elected?

Robert Stiegman (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 1:28 PM)

He's my first choice. I strongly doubt he'll get the nomination, but maybe I better change back to dem so I can vote for him instead of Ron Paul - the other good candidate who isn't going to win.

"Biden and Liebermann are two of the most respectable and intelligent Democrats that I can think of."

Liebermann isn't a Democrat.

Lee in CA (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 2:50 PM)

JOE BIDEN is the only viable candidate the democrats have to win back the White House. Why is it when the Democrats have the "perfect" candidate such as Joe Biden they fail to recognize it. I cannot fathom why anyone would support a candidate such as Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, both of whom the Republicans will slam dunk without blinking, instead of putting all their efforts into supporting the only logical choice for the Democratic nomination. It’s almost comic-like watching and hearing all the hyperinflated enthusiasm for someone like Barack Obama, who hasn't got a raindrop's chance in hell of beating the Republicans, which pretty much legitimizes the fact that Democrats do have a very bad habit of shooting themselves in the foot – because apparently they are already loaded and cocked to do it, again. Aside from the fact that Joe Biden would make a superb POTUS, he is the wisest choice and the only chance the Democrats have of defeating the Republicans and winning a victory for the Democratic Party in ’08. Auspiciously, I conserve hope that there are a lot of voters out there who realize that the big picture is the White House…and above all other candidates (and I mean "way above") Joe Biden is the surest bet the Democrats have in ’08. JOE IS RIGHT...let's just hope the voters get it right this time!!!!

independent, fl (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 3:17 PM)

Biden is the last slim hope America has to remain a World Power,or even a country united.GO JOE.

docrock,tx

You hit that nail right on the head, docrock! I saw him interviewed last night on Iowa Press on the IPTV channel. His knowledge on foreign affairs is amazing. He knows this stuff inside out! Most people pick their candidates by what issues are most important to them. Iraq and getting our status in the world elevated to at least where we were pre-Bush is my main concern. Until Iraq is resolved we will not be able to move forward with anything domestically. Joe is the only one that can get us out of Iraq without leaving a mess behind. I hope that everyone will go with their "gut" when caucusing or voting. Not their "gut" with who they or the media THINK will win, but their "gut" in who actually will make the BEST president. Everyone likes to be on the winning team, but if the wrong person gets elected you will ultimately be on the losing team. Just asked those who blindly voted for Bush in 2004. If people are really honest with themselves and pick the candidate that has unquestionable experience and unquestionable ability to create change - Joe Biden will be our next president!

JH, Iowa (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 3:53 PM)

Biden is the right person at the right time. He has all the qualities our country is needing at this time. Honesty, integrity, experience and courage to do the right thing. GO JOE!

J Greenwell, New Harmony, IN (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 4:57 PM)

Joe is clearly the best candidate President. Caucus goers of Iowa - please, please, please when you vote, ask yourself one question. Who is best suited to solve the issues that face us today and get them fixed. Joe will out debate all the Republicans and has a great story to tell. Please give him a chance to tell it.

If you honestly in your heart feel the best candidate is someone other than Joe - than thats fine. If not, and you're a closet Biden fan and look Joe over for other reasons than your letting other Biden supporters down.

We can win this. He needs to come out of Iowa strong.

The AMR has him 4th in Iowa gaining steam and in 4th in SC now only 5% back of Edwards.

Christian , Bayside NY (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 5:43 PM)

BruceNV -> Biden got Bin Laden? Is he holding him til the caucuses?

Biden has bin Laden in his basement. Osama and Joe watch SportsCenter late at night. bin Laden is a big Celtic's fan, you can't get Larry Birds jersey off of him.

Jerry Rivers, Boston (Sent Saturday, December 01, 2007 11:17 PM)

Maybe Biden will do for the country what he has accomplished for the sorry State of Delaware - provide lip service! Joe is all about Joe! When are you lefties gonna get it!

Delaware Republican (Sent Sunday, December 02, 2007 7:54 AM)

I'm *really* likening the
Clinton/Biden or
Biden/Clinton
ticket come next fall.

signed a NH Voter

Elizabeth Conway NH (Sent Sunday, December 02, 2007 4:21 PM)

For all of you who say "Joe would make a great president, but he'll never get the nomination" --HAVE SOME FATIH! He won't get it with thinking like that.
Please, Democrats, don't waste this opportunity. We need the strongest candidate to go against Republicans. Someone who can get the crossover votes from dissatisfied Republicans & independents. Joe is the guy.

Susan Wilson, Charlotte, NC (Sent Monday, December 03, 2007 11:04 AM)

Delaware Republican:

We will "get" it when he is President.

Elizabeth Sullivan, San Diego, CA (Sent Monday, December 03, 2007 1:14 PM)

I would love to see an Obama/Biden ticket.
Obama brings change and hope. Biden brings valuable experience in foreign affairs, plus he has snap to him which will be an asset to Obama when they take on Rudy or Mitt. When Biden bites back it will hurt. Remeber what he said about 9/11 and Rudy?

Miami,FL (Sent Saturday, December 08, 2007 12:50 PM)

If winning the presidency was TRULY about who was most qualified to lead, Joe Biden and John McCain would be running away with their respective nominations.

I'm dreaming of a Biden/Edwards ticket, but - as always - style trumps substance. And the establishment always gets its man... or in this case, girl.

Rick Bruni Jr. (Sent Tuesday, December 11, 2007 2:17 PM)

Look at what Senator Biden has done... Nothing, but sat in the do nothing Congress for most of his political life. Congress gets very little done based on performance relative to pay. This is why Congress is called the broken branch of government. If Senator Biden and Senator Dodd want to show they are "Leaders" on a national level perhaps they should pursue reform of the institution they represent on behalf of the American taxpayer. If Biden wants to do something meaningful and have a posivitive impact on the lives of people, become a Governor or reform Congress.

threeriverscrossing (Sent Thursday, December 13, 2007 9:54 AM)

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