Biden responds to DeMint's letter

Posted: Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:19 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Joe Biden

From NBC's Mark Murray
Remember that letter that South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint (R) sent to Obama -- over the fact that the Foreign Relations subcommittee that Obama chairs hasn't held a hearing on the issue of Afghanistan?

VIDEO: Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., shares his view that Barack Obama's idea about national security has been right all along: Focus on Afghanistan.

Well, Foreign Relations Committee chairman Joe Biden -- a possible Obama veep pick -- responds to DeMint with his own letter. "As you are aware, under my chairmanship the Foreign Relations Committee has addressed most Afghanistan issues at the full committee level. I believe that this is the best way of ensuring the most comprehensive examination of the complex issues involved, and of ensuring the highest-level Administration participation," he writes.

"On the particular issue of NATO’s mission in Afghanistan, we have held three full committee hearings in the last 22 months... At all three of these hearings, we were fortunate enough to have the expert testimony ... of former NATO commander and Supreme Allied Commander-Europe, Gen. James R. Jones (USMC, ret.). At my request, Sen. Obama chaired the confirmation hearing for our next ambassador to NATO, which he focused on NATO’s mission in Afghanistan."

Biden concludes, "Sen. Obama has displayed great leadership on this issue: he called nearly a year ago for the deployment of at least two additional combat brigades to Afghanistan -- it has since become the accepted position of a wide range of U.S. military officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I look forward to working closely with him, and with you, on any future Afghanistan hearings that might be held in our committee."

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Comments

Bam!!!!

Lauri Smalls (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:25 AM)

Go Biden!

For the first time in my life I am actually praying for a political outcome. I pray that Omaba picks Biden for VP and I pray that they win!! We need them...both...badly...

Obama/Biden '08

Colleen, Ithaca, NY (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:26 AM)

Jim DeMint better watch his butt. People don't take kindly to silly letters that don't have anything to do with the facts. Joe Biden is correct.

Rod, Fort Mill South Carolina. (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:28 AM)

BRAVO Senator Biden!

Way to respond in kind to a letter that should never have been written in the first place - I can't believe that First Read is really covering it though - wonders never cease!

Senator Biden is going to be one of the best Vice Presidents in American history. I can't wait for the Obama-Biden era to begin!

Nashville_fan (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:29 AM)

YOU GO BIDEN ! SIMPLE,DIRECT AND A SMACK DOWN ALL IN ONE

mb,va (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:29 AM)

DeMint got Denied!!

Biden is stepping up into and assuming that VP role quite nicely...I'm thinking that I agree with Chuck Todd that Obama will announce the VP choice right before the olympics

And it's looking more and more like Biden.

GP Chicago (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:29 AM)

If the "Republicans are smart" (is that like "military intelligence"?)and they aren't, they had better not get Biden on a warpath. He will not give in to any of them, Jim DeMint (R) is just the first to get a little taste of what is lurking. The beating is just about to begin.

A/Brocco,Albuquerque,NM (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:30 AM)

Obama should pick Biden as his VP running mate. Biden can take McCain and whomever McCain picks as his running mate and rip both a new "you know what". Biden does not play, tells it like it is, and would be an awesome leading blocker for Obama against media spoiled McCain and the right-wing arm idiots of the GOP. Biden would call out and confront MSNBC, Fox and all other news organizations for their soft handling of McCain and all his foreign policy gaffes.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:31 AM)

In other words...."I now own you and any subsequent a$$inine remarks you deem fit to make in the future". Obama 08

Sherri Hussein, Charleston WV (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:31 AM)

I've also heard Biden say that the sub committees are mostly just titles with very little purpose. The meetings, if any, are arranged by the chair of the main committee (Biden, in this case). This issue of Obama not having meetings was beat to death by Clinton and McCain during the primary. It's just another example of the manufactured negative talking points that are constantly being used to mislead the voters.

TLA (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:34 AM)

Two Points: 1) Biden is already doing what a VP candidate would do. Attack the opposition with facts, not personal comments. 2) Obama's foreign affairs speech mentioned Afhganistan 22 times. After hearing Barack's comments, McCain changed his position from we have enough troops in Afhganistan to moving 10.000 more troops to Afhganistan, to let's send NATO troops to Afhganistan. Three changes in two days. That ties the old flip-flop record for McCain.
I guess I have a third point. Obama is not one to duck a war. It has to be the right war, fighting the real bad guys. Iraq was the wrong war, Bin Laden is the right war. With diplomacy Iran may not be a war. For those who like history, George Washington in his farewell speech warned the country not to get into war preemptively. Bush never could read.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:35 AM)

BLA BLA BLA. Biden really wants to be the VP. Covering Obama's b--t. Obama used the Senate position as a stepping stone to the White House, and the Democrats helped him do it.

jp,michigan (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:35 AM)

New Wave (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:36 AM)

I always knew that with Obama winning the nomination, we will know where people REALLY stand on progressive or conservative issues/policies now what we have an individual who does not 'fit the mold' running. Over the past few weeks, I have seen Dan Rather (on MSNBC Morning Joe) and Ted Koppel (on ABC This Week) sounding like Republican operatives. Dan Rather was providing advice on how McCain can defeat Obama. On ABC, Ted Koppel gave the impression that staying in Iraq is a sign of strength. On CNN, Bill Bennet was more concillatory to Obama regarding the New Yorker cartoon than James Carville.

In addition, I have spent almost 10 years as a legal resident of USA. I'm not really surprised to see Obama's comments get far more scrutinized than McCain's, even when their statements carry the same weight. My professional experience so far in USA has taught me to know that whenever you see an individual who does not 'fit the mold' in a position, that person is twice better than a counterpart who 'fits the mold'.

It's surprising that Obama is not getting much help from Democrats in the face of coordinated attack from the GOP. To the extent that McCain can even run an ad portraying himself as more 'Green' than Obama. GOPers like Pat Buchanan and Tucker Carlson have basically stated that McCain does not have any issues to run on except to attack Obama.

Is that how a great country like USA will pick its leader who will also be the leader of the free world? One whose only platform is to attack an opponent and not offer any solutions to problems facing real people?

TOLD YOU So (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:36 AM)

Barack O Biden.....I absolutely love the sound of that!!!!!

Matthew, Bloomfield Hills MICHIGAN (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:38 AM)

Looking forward to Obama's trip over-seas.

With all the hoopla from the press including First Read and their warnings to Obama about his trip over-seas I am actually looking forward to this trip. While the press will be watching Obama with a magnifying glass for gaffes while on this trip (that they fail to do with McCain) Obama is going to have an awesome trip where he will be very well received by all those he visits, will look very Presidential, will be swarmed by the people from those places he visits, and will return to the States having conducted a very very successful overseas trip.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:39 AM)

If any of the people on Obama's vetting team (Caroline Kennedy) are reading this - please, please, please pick Biden!!

Jean, Asheville, NC (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:40 AM)

DeMint just fot the big Biden 'Smackdown'. Ouch!

donna (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:40 AM)

So much for Biden being a 'loose cannon'! He should have been President years ago but I'll settle for VP to Obama's Presidency. I agree with you, Colleen... Pleeeeease let it be Obama/BIDEN 08!

Becca, Dayton OH (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:41 AM)

New Wave - it is interesting how little the media focused on McCain's Afghan forces flip flop.

I usually don't like the whining from any side about how "the media is being unfair," but there is a real discrepency building between the coverage of the two. For instance, if Obama made as many ignorant statements as McCain has regarding foreign policy and world affairs, the media coverage would be crippling.

There is a silver lining in this for Obama supporters, though. It could be that the media is fixated on Obama because they are suspecting he's going to win. McCain does have a Bob Dole-like also-ran quality about him. If you were a reporter, which would you rather cover?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:45 AM)

jp,michigan (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:35 AM)

And I don't mean this pejoratively but ...Duh!
Every Senator in the senate wakes up, looks in the mirror and sees the President. What country have YOU been living in?

Gary Schear, bozeman Montana (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:47 AM)

Biden doesn't take any crap from anyone! I maintain that he is, by far, the best choice for VP.

Obama/Biden 08

Linda. Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:48 AM)

First Read: on your last story and mention of the NY Times article this morning: you guys are smart enough to know this: MORE coverage does NOT necessarily equal more FAVORABLE coverage. Why haven't we heard more about the Keating Five, about Cindy not paying taxes on her CA homes this year, and about the NUMEROUS McCain flip-flops in the past 24 months? It's really true: many in the MSM are like kids with ADD on Christmas day: as soon as they tear the shiny wrapping off one package, they're on to the next one.

MSM = ADHD (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:49 AM)

If the sub-cmte chair isn't needed, then take the phony title away from BO. I realize he had to have something to pad his resume with, Biden. Just shows the inefficiency of DC and that BO fits right in with the rest of the scoundrels, playing games and practicing deceit.

Obama CHANGE you can believe in DAILY! (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:49 AM)

I love Senator Joseph Biden. His letter though a, 'you're out of line buddy, with a dismissive back hand', came across as though while composing it, his posture was perfect, his chin up, and his blood pressure cruising around 115/70!

Nice one. Yes, I so like Joe.

donna (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:49 AM)

As I keep saying, Obama/Biden, 08. I have felt for quite some time that Biden is Obama's very best pick for VP. Love the fund raising numbers for June, time for me to send in my July donation!!!

A Latte Lover, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:50 AM)

Oh Snap!! You gotta love Biden, he is wicked smart.

Kate, Atlanta (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:51 AM)

Chris, Dorr, MI,

Imagine a Biden stint on 'Joe'. Heaven huh?

PS: Your kind comment was most encouraging. Thank you.

donna (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:53 AM)

t's surprising that Obama is not getting much help from Democrats in the face of coordinated attack from the GOP
--------------------
told you so: If you paid attention this week, many Dems are not happy with BO. The campaign excludes others from planning and fundraising. He hasn't been helping others with their fundraising. BO doesn't coordinate with reps from states where he's going to visit. You see, it is still Washington--scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

Obama CHANGE you can believe in DAILY! (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:53 AM)

I am going to take us off topic for a second. I want to talk to about the new numbers that came out today and how MSM has become a joke.

Let’s take a minute to see how the media head works. This analysis will show you how pathetic our media has been since the beginning of the election.

Obama's spokesman:
"It appears that after 18 months, some in the press still haven't realized that anyone who is talking about numbers doesn't know what our numbers are."

NRO:
"In fact, you have to think that if [Obama's] number was say, $44 million, doubling McCain’s collection for the month, we would have heard that, too."

WSJ:
"Meanwhile, June fund-raising for Sen. Obama appears to be falling below the expectations of some supporters. The campaign hasn't released its June numbers, but people close to the fund-raising operation say the total will likely be just over $30 million."

Lynn Sweet:

"The Obama campaign has yet to release its June fund-raising numbers and that suggests they did not raise as much money as they hoped."

New York Times :
" Here’s the Journal’s take: “While this isn’t a poor showing, it is an underwhelming haul for a campaign that has ballooned in recent months, has promised a true, 50-state electioneering effort and has told its biggest fund-raisers that it wants to collect $300 million in general-election cash by mid-October."

After careful analysis of these reporting, the only thing i can say is that MSM usually don't know what they're talking about.

Bee, NH (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:54 AM)

Biden made a fool out of Dimwitmint. There will be more to come, as the Dems take back both House and Senate!

Class warrior, D.C. (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:54 AM)

Fact:
VP is nothing more than a "stand in". They attend funerals. They visit foreign countries. They are chosen by the Presidential candidate not for their popularity but for their views on issues and lack of "baggage".
They normally fade into history and people can't even remember their names. Unfortunately, some of you chose Bush who was ignorant and surrounded himself with Cheney, Rumsfield, etc... He was and is nothing but a puppet for them. You got what you paid and still are paying for. Obama is strong enough to "just say no" to bad advice and is a leader, not a follower. Neither Bush or McCain (or Hillary)) has admitted that they were dead wrong to vote for a war that was nothing more than an ego trip and assasination of Sadam. They, none of them, read the full report on WMD's before voting but took the word of a moron. Intrangiency is not a positive trait. It is childish stubborness.
Like in war, strategy changes day to day according to changes in situations. This country needs a leader who can reason and be willing to refine or rethink options. This is not "flip flopping" it is rational. Happily, Sen. Obama is not afflicted by tunnel vision and can listen as well as hear. Your President represents you to the rest of the world. Obama/Biden '08. Give peace a chance.

Mary,Dem. AZ (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:55 AM)

As usual, Obamatots can't hear because of koolaid intoxication. If you haven't done a damn thing as a committee chair, how change you claim that being chair is some type of experience? More lies, more deceit from a fake and fraud.

Obama CHANGE you can believe in...DAILY! (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:55 AM)

Biden is the guy I first wanted for president. I've always believed Obama would pick a governor but he couldn't select anyone more qualified than Biden. If you use that who would you want to have a beer with or who would you trust in national security situations, well.....Biden. He's tough and he's got a sense of humor. Obama/Biden nice!

bill, okla (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:55 AM)

Consider yourself slapped, DeMint.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:56 AM)

Obama/Biden '08

I also have a message for Chuck Todd. I am new to the political scene...of course like so many others this year. I love the MSNBC line-up. I love to agree and disagree with many of the hosts and guests. I also loved to hear what Tim Russert had to say about the race. Next in line is...or shall I say, was Chuck Todd. I may not have always agreed with you, but I felt your information was balanced even when it wasn't supportive of my candidate of choice. I remember when you spoke about the emails you receive regarding Obama and I am hoping that no one has changed your balanced views. Lately, I feel as though your news and opinions have been more negative towards Obama. I am wondering what changed 'balanced' Chuck? I hope no one has gotten under your skin to the point that your fair and balanced opinions about Obama are different now. Just my opinion. Please don't turn into Pat B. You don't have to be an Obama lover, but don't be an Obama hater either.

Fee, Philadelphia (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:57 AM)

When are we going to hear more about McCain's major FLIP-FLOP on Afganistan?

I one day we saw Bush & McCain moving towards Obama's positions on Afganistan and Iran. So much for the so-called experienced candidate who mistakes trips/junkets to sound foreign policy judgement.

New Wave (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:36 AM)

-----------------------------------------------------

Forget that, I'm waiting to see the success of diplomacy in Iran, and Obama being right on that too.

It's all about Judgement, and Obama has had outstanding judgement with regards to the united states and our actions.

In the past years:
He did not support the war in Iraq, but supported troops not making them suffer for a bad decision by congress.

He has made people aware of the lack of support in afghanistan, not only do we have terrorist group coming back to prewar levels of support, but now they have a 7 year education of how we work.

He has brought up the darfur conflict(genocide) consistantly which has been going on for a decade.

He says we need to do more (arrage sanctions) with the strife in Zimbabwe, where 1000's are dying from a fixed election and a corrupt government.

He has made the arguement for Fair Trade, not what we have now which the republicans will label as "free trade", but is anything but.

I'm happy to be an independent voter/Obama supporter

GP Chicago (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:58 AM)

"Obama used the Senate position as a stepping stone"

GWB used a series of failed executive positions as stepping stones to the White House. How's that working out? Worst. President. Ever.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:01 AM)

But Biden voted for the war back in 2002. So did Bayh. If one of them is the VP pick, how does that square with Obama constantly saying it should never have been authorized?

Curious George (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:03 AM)

On message and POW right in the kisser
Joe is not going to play around with people trying to make absurd accusations. I am curious why Sen. Clinton has not come out to dispute any of these meaningless attacks on Sen Obama

jack, Canton, Oh (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:04 AM)

The republicans can care less about Afghanistan, they ignored it for so long. They thought they had a vistory and walked away, now they want to use it as an issue.
By the time we are in a economic depression, the repubs will be just about ready to admit that we are in a recession.
Barn doors need to be closed before the animal gets out boys.
When are these jerks going to realize that hiding from the issues for so long is the problem, If McCain gets the White House WE WILL SEE FOUR YEARS OF COVERING UP BUSH MISTAKES!

John Alexander,PA (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:06 AM)

All right Biden!!!!

Linda Montgomery AL (Sent Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:07 AM)

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