My preference was Mark Warner of VA. Once he turned it down, I then turned to Edwards because I thought he could reach the "Reagan democrats". But when I started hearing more about Biden and then hearing him talk about issues, even the ones non-military, I have to say that I'm really impressed. Plus, he's from my state of PA. I can't see him losing a debate. Pick a GOP opponent and tell me he would lose to them...can't do it.

Obama/Biden '08

Darkhorse = Schweitzer

I've always liked Joe, despite an occasional cringe when he's made an 'inartful' comment.

He does seem to be a solid student of foreign affairs, and teaches constitutional law, so can add some heft there in an Obama administration. A lot of work is going to have to be done to rebuild and reexamine the issues around civil liberties, individual rights, privacy and the roles of the executive and legislative branches in the era of paranoia about terrorism. He strikes me there as someone who won't get lost in the tall grass, and who also has a passion about the underlying wisdom of the original documents. I feel that he has a basic passion and loyalty to the oath to "protect and defend" the Constitution, and won't be one who's loyalties are to the Great Leader first, and the Constitution second.

He's been a legislator for too many years, in my judgement, and will have to struggle with the urge to lapse into Senate-speak. But he's getting better, and I agree with MJ that he will work incredibly hard to overcome his own limitations because the VP's job will be a tremendous opportunity. On the plus side, though, he has spent so many years on the Hill that he knows everyone, knows all the levers of power, and has relationships that, as a representative of administration policies should be very, very helpful. He's one of the club, and can be expected to be a very effective leader. Imagine him working with Al Gore to craft effective energy policies that can win the votes needed, for instance.

But it's foreign affairs where his encyclopedic knowledge will really shine. Obama knows a lot about the rest of the world already, but Sen. Biden would be invaluable for the wonkish details, the sometimes dirty little secrets about this foreign leader or another, that can provide the rich background tapestry to considerations during emergencies or just normal diplomatic discussions. Foreign affairs are going to be difficult, complex, sometimes nasty, and representing multiple simultaneous life-or-death situations for the next president, whomever that will be. It's going to not only require a president with a supple, subtle and nimble intelligence, but also a good team of experience hands who can be part of any effort.

I think I'm talking myself into backing Joe. Didn't start out there, but as I said at the beginning, I've always liked his essential decency, his straight-talking style, and his passion for fundamental American values and constitutional government.

McCain's isn't campaigning on his foreign policy credentials. He's campaigning on: military, military, military, military, military, and...military! He's campaigning on "the surge worked - Obama doesn't have the judgement."

Wesley Clark is the ONLY VP choice that can completely blunt this narrative. It doesn't matter how deep Biden's foreign policy knowledge is. That might make him a good choice for Secretary of State, but id does NOTHING to alter the narrative that McCain has so far been employing quite successfully.

For those people who support war and empire expansion having Joe Biden on the ticket could be reassuring. It could very well be the case that without their support no Democrat could win. At least Obama will make some good appointments to the Supreme Court.

In Chalmers Johnson's latest book he said something that really struck home. Namely, the war party is so deeply embedded in the American political process and the economy, that normal politics can never defeat them, what will be required is a major crises that will probably take the form of US bankruptcy or maybe a severe military defeat.

Coming back to Biden, we should follow very closely his comments in Georgia. The war party must be aware that sooner or later the American people will realize that Iraq and Iran are really not threats to the US. The Georgia conflict is perfect -- with Russian we have a worthy enemy. This could justify current military expenditures for generations (of course, if we do not bankrupt ourselves sooner).

Biden isn't afraid to lash out, whether its the opposition or a blow dried news anchor. Obama is facing the evil ones, Biden can be useful in some capacity.

Biden also has that ability to talk on a subject without stumbling, something at which Bill Clinton was great. Yeah, he talks too much at times, but its with a minimum of "UHs, ERs, EMs, EHs......"

I have two members of the Senate whom I extremely dislike: They're both named Joe.

Joe Biden sold out the mainstream American with his support of the credit-card financed Bankruptcy Reform bill. Thanks to Smokin' Joe Biden, credit card companies increased their stranglehold on American consumers by not allowing a "fresh start" -- that is, if you owed MBNA $5,000, then lost your job or became sick and couldn't pay your bills, when you declared bankruptcy you still have to pay MBNA AFTER you declare.

Biden also voted AGAINST predatory lending laws, voted AGAINST limiting the interest rates credit card companies can charge, voted FOR the Iraq war and voted to confirm Condi Rice as Secretary of State.

Yeah, a REAL change from the Bush Administration.

Smokin' Joe Biden, in my eyes, would be the absolute WORST Democratic VP pick for Obama.

Some do, most DON'T.

Credit Card companies can:

1. Raise your rates to 25.99% because you were late with your gas bill ONE TIME;

2. Charge all sorts of fees and penalties which sets the American consumer further back;

3. Destroy your credit rating, making it much more difficult to get a house, car or a job.

Smokin' Joe gave them one more tool to help wreck people's lives. Way to go, Joe!

My basic complaint with Biden is that he is smart, experienced, and informed on foreign policy. Why? Because I am not and I knew the case for war in Iraq had not been proved, the dots didn't connect, there was far too little reason to invade a sovereign state and bring death and destruction upon a people.

If I knew that, he knew that and he voted for the war knowing it.

Biden for Secretary of State....

Posted August 12, 2008 at political-buzz.com:

Govenor Kaine's schedule now handled through Obama campaign. Some strong implications there, wouldn't you think..... I predict a Thursday V.P. announcement, the Drudge Report is predicting Obama's V.P. announcement tomorrow, 08/19/08. McCain will announce his on August 28, 2008 to preempt Obama's acceptance speech; if the MSM do NOT cut away for McCain V.P. announcement, more screaming whining from the McCain & company.

Finally, NO Hillary Clinton... P L E A S E......

Again, I have to say, I am worried by The Clintons; first bullying into the Convention, then demand primary speaking time, then insist on husband Bill with his own timeline the following night, then amend the Convention platform to include language to "recognize" and give "respect" to Hillary and her voters and then, the final insult - a roll call vote with the 'backdoor' attempt to nominate Hillary Clinton as the Democratic Nominee....

How does Obambi expect to take on the pressing problems of the nation should he become POTUS, which will require a lot of backbone, if Obambi is more like a jellyfish now, bowing and conceding to the sore losers.

Don't. like. Biden.

He may know the name of every foreign official in the universe and the in and outs.

So What? VP isn't a dog show where you are awarded points for hitting all the marks. Oh wait..yes it is.

What's his record of accurateness and good judgements on maximizing US interest which is world stability (not exporting capitalism) and how much did his good or bad decisions and advice cost us?

Has he met any wars he didn't like and didn't vote for? I'am asking.

Does Biden too,like 99% of congress and DC, believe his role is master of the universe and not a representive of the US and the citizens, and that the citizens role is simply to supply the money for them to prance upon the world stage?
Obviously the answer to that is yes.

Once he carves up Iraq for the Kurds and attendent interest who will he award his steak knife set to at the signing cermony? Can someone tell me how this would be in Iraq's or the US interest?

Gawd...I am so depressed over this election I am thinking it doesn't matter. How pitiful is it that these tired, been around too long, suceed by failing profession political carrerist hacks are the only VP choices we have. I have asked my best friend to please take my 38 and shoot me if I ever give money to a political "party" again.

I am going to have to agree with syvanen's quote from Chalmers Johnson...cause he is saying the same thing I have been saying for more than a decade. What goes up must come down, what can't continue won't, ad nausum. I give up. Death by neocon or by neoliberal interventionalist. What's the difference.

I can't wait till the US goes bankrupt. Maybe then we can start over with a house cleaning in DC.

Did I mention how depressing this all is?

Hey, just read that Joe Biden wants us to give $1B to Georgia!

BRILLIANT!

The US is in a recession, Georgia ignored the US and attacked Russia (?!?), Georgia is more important to the EU than it is to the United States, and Smokin' Joe wants to just give 'em ONE BILLION DOLLARS, no strings attached.

Biden, you're a d-bag.

Obama seems determined to prove that he's dead-set against any change at all, and is firmly in favor of the Democratic Party's pathetic status quo.

But hell, center-right Democratic Senators have a great track record in national elections, so I'm sure Obama knows what he's doing.

Who can forget the brilliant foreign policy leadership and economic policy judgment Biden has shown over the past seven years? Who can forget his stirring defense of the constitution against Bush Co assaults? All Americans who love the credit card industry should applaud this choice.

Look, when you're stuck on a roof surrounded by water, the fact that you have nothing to eat but canned sardines is the least of your worries...to all progressives who insist on perfection or nothing--I say--better go back and think again.

Crazy Uncle Ralph Nadar offeren a theory, back in 2000, that 8 years of a Republican administration who have the populace clamoring for a populist progressive revolution--you can see how that panned out. If you think we are going to be in a better condition after 4 years of a McCain presidency--put the rice back on the burner--you still got some grains left in the bottom of your pot that need to cook.

Well, he's managed to keep his mouth closed for 40 days. If he can do it for 4 more years, he might just work out.